TOEFL

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

Familiarize Yourself with the TOEFL Test Format

Preparing for the TOEFL starts with understanding its structure. Familiarity with the test format is crucial to success, as it reduces test-day anxiety and ensures that your focus remains on demonstrating your English proficiency rather than navigating unexpected challenges.
1. Overview of the TOEFL Format
The TOEFL iBT comprises four sections:
  1. Reading: Tests your ability to comprehend academic texts.
  2. Listening: Measures your understanding of spoken English in academic settings.
  3. Speaking: Assesses your ability to express yourself verbally.
  4. Writing: Evaluates your ability to present ideas effectively in written English.
2. Each section is timed, with tasks designed to test specific skills. For example:
  • The Reading section may include 3-4 passages, with around 12-14 questions per passage.
  • The Listening section includes 4-6 lectures and 2-3 conversations, each followed by questions.
  • The Speaking section consists of independent and integrated tasks.
  • The Writing section has an integrated task (based on reading and listening) and an independent task (an essay).
3. Why Familiarity Matters
  1. ​Understanding the format ensures:
  • Efficient time management during the test.
  • Reduced likelihood of surprises.
  • Confidence in navigating question types.
4. Strategies to Get Familiar
  1. Study Official Resources: The ETS website provides free materials, including practice questions and sample tests.
  2. Watch Tutorials: Videos demonstrating the test interface and timing are excellent for visual learners.
  3. Practice Each Section: Work on sample questions and review explanations to understand the logic behind correct answers.
  4. Simulate Test Conditions: Practice in a quiet environment to mirror test-day conditions.
5. Benefits of Familiarization
  • You’ll know what to expect in each section, saving precious minutes.
  • You can focus your preparation on improving weak areas.
  • Confidence builds as you reduce the uncertainty of test day.
6. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the TOEFL format is a simple yet powerful way to set yourself up for success.
Contact: Talking-English.de
2. Practice Under Timed ConditionsOne of the most challenging aspects of the TOEFL is the time limit for each section. Practicing under timed conditions is essential to ensure you can complete tasks efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.
  • The Importance of TimingTOEFL tasks require not only accuracy but also speed. Time pressure can cause panic, leading to mistakes or incomplete sections. By practicing under timed conditions, you:
  1. Learn to allocate time wisely.
  2. Build stamina for the actual test.
  3. Identify and address time-management issues.
Practical Tips for Timed Practice
  1. Set a Timer: Use a timer for individual tasks (e.g., 60 minutes for the Reading section) to simulate test conditions.
  2. Track Your Progress: Note how long it takes to complete each task and aim to improve your speed gradually.
  3. Prioritize Accuracy: Initially, focus on getting answers right, then work on speeding up without losing precision.
Using Mock Tests for TimingMock tests provide a full simulation of the TOEFL, allowing you to practice pacing across all sections. These tests help:
  • Identify which sections or question types slow you down.
  • Build your ability to handle the mental demands of a 3-hour exam.
Overcoming Timing ChallengesIf you struggle to complete sections on time:
  • For Reading, focus on skimming techniques to locate answers quickly.
  • For Listening, develop active listening skills and take clear, concise notes.
  • For Speaking, practice organizing your thoughts quickly for a coherent response.
  • For Writing, use outlines to structure essays efficiently.

3. Improve Typing Speed (for the Writing Section)The TOEFL Writing section requires typing essays on a computer. Slow typing can limit your ability to articulate ideas fully, so improving your typing speed is essential.
Why Typing Speed MattersTyping speed affects:
  1. Time Management: Slower typing reduces the time available for brainstorming and revising.
  2. Content Quality: Faster typing allows you to focus on ideas and arguments rather than mechanics.
How to Improve Typing Speed
  1. Use Typing Tools: Websites like TypingClub or Keybr offer free typing exercises.
  2. Practice TOEFL Writing Prompts: Type essays based on actual TOEFL prompts to simulate the test experience.
  3. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarity with basic shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C for copy, Ctrl+V for paste) can save time.
  4. Focus on Accuracy: Speed improves naturally as you develop muscle memory, so prioritize correct typing first.
Benefits of Faster Typing
  • More time for brainstorming and proofreading.
  • Enhanced ability to present well-developed arguments.
  • Reduced stress during the test.

4. Develop Strategies for Skimming and Scanning TextsSkimming and scanning are vital skills for the TOEFL Reading section. These techniques allow you to navigate passages quickly while identifying relevant information.
What Are Skimming and Scanning?
  1. Skimming: Reading quickly to get the gist of a text.
  2. Scanning: Searching for specific information, such as dates or keywords.
Strategies for Effective Skimming
  1. Focus on titles, headings, and subheadings.
  2. Read the first and last sentences of paragraphs for main ideas.
  3. Look for repeated words or phrases that indicate important themes.
Strategies for Scanning
  1. Identify keywords in the question.
  2. Use these keywords to locate relevant sections in the passage.
  3. Read surrounding sentences to find the answer.

5. Actively Engage in English ConversationsThe Speaking section evaluates your ability to communicate fluently and coherently. Engaging in regular English conversations is one of the best ways to prepare.
Benefits of Speaking Practice
  1. Builds fluency and confidence.
  2. Improves pronunciation and intonation.
  3. Develops the ability to think and respond quickly in English.
Practical Ways to Practice Speaking
  1. Join English-speaking groups or online forums.
  2. Practice with a friend or tutor.
  3. Record yourself and evaluate your responses.

6. Take Full-Length Mock TestsMock tests are invaluable for TOEFL preparation. They provide a realistic simulation of the test, helping you assess your readiness and identify areas for improvement.
Benefits of Mock Tests
  1. Familiarize you with the test format and timing.
  2. Highlight strengths and weaknesses.
  3. Build stamina for the 3-hour test.
How to Use Mock Tests Effectively
  1. Take them under exam-like conditions.
  2. Review your performance to identify areas for improvement.
  3. Repeat tests to track progress over time.
Mock tests are your best tool for measuring progress and building confidence for test day.
Wer ein Sprachzertifikat erlangen möchte, sollte sich erst ernsthaft überlegen, was er/sie mit diesem Zertifikat machen möchte. Verschiedene Länder, Universitäten, Behörden und auch Arbeitgeber erkennen verschiedene Zertifikate. Daher sollten Sie sich weit im Voraus, genau erkundigen, welches Zertifikat Sie brauchen werden!

Sie sollten sich genau überlegen wofür Sie später sich Ihr Englisch-Zertifikat gebrauchen möchten. Sie sollten weit im Voraus nachschauen, wo Sie sich für die Prüfung vorbereiten können, und wo Sie die Prüfung ablegen möchten.
​Wenn dies klar ist dann sollten Sie sich so schnell wie möglich das vom Kursleiter / Prüfungsort empfohlene Arbeitsmaterial anschafen

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF or CEFR) Standardisierte Sprachkompetenzen durch die „Council of Europe“ zusammen gestellt. Es sind 6 Niveaus: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2

Free IELTS course Online

International English Language Testing Service (IELTS)
Prüfungen für akademische und allgemeines Englisch

Occupational English Test (OET)

University of Cambridge Examinations
Allgemeines Englisch

Stufe 1: Key English Test (KET)
Stufe 2: Preliminary English Test (PET)
Stufe 3: First Certificate in English (FCE)
Stufe 4: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Stufe 5: Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Business English Certificates (BEC)

Business Language Testing Service (BULATS)

Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) – CEFR Level B1
Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) – CEFR Level B2
Business Higher (BEC Higher) – CEFR Level C1

Weitere Cambridge Qualifikationen

Englisch für Kinder - Young Learners English Tests (YLE)
Englisch für Juristen - International Legal English Certificate (ILEC)

Englisch für den Finanzbereich
International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE)

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI  )

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TOEFL

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language