How can I pass the TOEFL exam with a high grade?

First of all, what is a high grade? For some universities 85/120 is enough, yet other universities are more likely to accept your application if you achieve over 100/120. I’m going to assume that you need a minimum of 100 as a grade. To be honest, there is a huge amount of resources available to help you prepare for a good TOEFL result. It also depends on your current level of expertize in TOEFL. Here, I’m going to assume that right now you are around the 70/120 level. So essentially, we will look at how to increase your TOEFL grade from 70 to 100+... I am basing the following 6 tips on many years of teaching TOEFL to Asian, African and South American high school and adult students.

First Tip: Plan Ahead

The earlier you prepare, the better the chances of getting a great grade. Why leave it until a few days or weeks before the test? Failing to plan ahead can be both stressful and risky. However, if you suddenly or unexpectedly have to prepare, then maybe you are better off by asking for external assistance. Many students email me at [email protected] to make up for lost time and gain the necessary skills to achieve at least a 100/120 grade. Ideally, I would suggest at least 12-18 weeks of study as a good enough period of time to study for a high TOEFL grade.

Second Tip: Prepare for Test Conditions

Prepare in an environment which is noisy or busy. Many of my peers may disagree with this but studying for a TOEFL test needs to match real test conditions. When you are in a testing centre, there will be lots of students speaking and writing just like you; such can be very distracting. Moreover, even when you are reading or writing, keep your headphones on... it helps you to focus on the task at hand. I am not saying that all your preparations need to be in a chaotic environment, but at least... especially just prior to the test, go to a cafe, or some other venue where people hang out, grab a coffee and try to do some TOEFL practice tests while people are communicating around you. 

Third Tip: Practice Sample Tests for 4 Hours

My students avoid this strategy, but in all honesty, it’s really important to mirror what actually happens on test day. I can help you with this and coach you in how to pace your focus and energy. There is an enormous number of freely available resources online in which you can practice TOEFL practice tests. Start with doing the reading tests for an hour, and then increase your focus on completing an entire online TOEFL practice test over a hour period.

Fourth Tip: Write First, Edit Later

In terms of the two writing tasks, many students edit and correct their work as they are writing. This is wrong because every time you stop to edit you are disrupting your thought processes, and you are disturbing the natural flow of your answers to the question prompt. Rather, make sure you you have at least 5 minutes in hand before the allotted time period, and then do your editing. It’s a far more efficient allocation of the available time... it means that your thinking processes is focussed both what and how you write. 

Fifth Tip: Content First, Time Management Later

As you develop your writing and speaking skills in the early part of your TOEFL preparation, don’t focus on time, focus on accuracy and what you want to write and say. Once, your skills have improved up to a 100/120 level, then start to time yourself and aim to complete your tasks within the allocated time. Remember, accuracy and content comes first, so that when you feel you are at the required skill levels, then work on time management. Contact [email protected] to improve your performance so that you can be confident that the test will be a positive experience.

Sixth Tip: Listen and Watch Native Speakers

There are numerous resources in terms of online books, journals, newspapers, etc., which you can use to practice your reading and listening skills. Moreover, TV programs and YouTube videos can be great sources for you to access fun and interesting topics to practice your skills. As you are watching and listening, write down new idioms, phrasal verbs and new vocabulary... the act of writing and taking notes is a far more efficient way to absorb English than merely observing. Try and repeat what you hear and see, and understand that body language and emotions are important communication tools and if you practice using them, it will help you in your goal to become a fluent communicator in English.

Should you need any assistance to achieve a high TOEFL grade, simply email me at [email protected]. Remember, it’s as much about attitude as it’s about ability so don’t view your study weaknesses as problems but rather as unique opportunities to pass your TOEFL exam with a higher grade than you may have believed possible. It’s really up to you... take control and make it happen. Good luck to all of you.