How to prepare for TOEFL in 2 weeks

Summary

In this Lingua Marina video, the host shares her experiences and tips for acing the TOEFL exam, which she scored 117 and 115 on two attempts. She emphasizes the exam's focus on English proficiency and advises that preparation should be no longer than two months. Key points include familiarizing oneself with the test format, mastering note-taking, and using templates for structured responses. The host also recommends practicing with a variety of accents and consistently using either American or British English. She offers a free PDF of useful phrasal verbs and suggests taking a TOEFL prep test to gauge readiness.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker has taken the TOEFL twice, first in 2015 scoring 117/120 and second in the previous year from home scoring 115/120.
• ⏳ The speaker prepared for the first TOEFL exam for only 10 days, while the second time there was no preparation.
• 🗣️ TOEFL measures actual English speaking and usage abilities, and scoring above 100 requires a strong upper-intermediate to advanced English level.
• 🏫 Most universities require a TOEFL score of 80 or above for admission.
• 📈 The speaker suggests a maximum of two months for TOEFL preparation, emphasizing that more time might indicate a need for general English improvement.
• 📘 A list of phrasal verbs is provided as a free PDF, which is important for all sections of the TOEFL, especially writing.
• 📝 Familiarity with the test format is crucial, including the timing and types of questions in reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections.
• ✏️ Note-taking is a critical skill for the listening and speaking sections, and practice with different note-taking methods can be beneficial.
• 🖥️ For the home test version of TOEFL, getting used to writing with a marker on a transparent file is recommended.
• 🔗 The speaker recommends taking a free TOEFL prep test to understand the test pressure and to measure progress.
• 🌐 Exposure to various accents is advised as TOEFL includes a range of accents in its listening section.

Q & A

What is the TOEFL test?

The TOEFL test is an English language proficiency test that measures the ability of non-native speakers to use and understand English in an academic setting.

How many times has the speaker taken the TOEFL test?

The speaker has taken the TOEFL test twice.

What were the speaker's scores on the TOEFL test?

The speaker scored 117 out of 120 on the first attempt and 115 out of 120 on the second attempt.

How long did the speaker prepare for the first TOEFL test?

The speaker prepared for the first TOEFL test for 10 days.

What was the reason the speaker took the TOEFL test for the second time?

The speaker took the TOEFL test for the second time to experience the TOEFL at home test experience.

What is the recommended preparation time for the TOEFL test according to the speaker?

The speaker recommends a preparation time of two weeks for those above intermediate English level, but no more than one to two months.

What is the minimum TOEFL score required by most universities?

Most universities require a minimum TOEFL score of 80.

What is the importance of phrasal verbs in the TOEFL test?

Phrasal verbs are important in the TOEFL test because they are used in every section and test makers expect test-takers to use them in the writing section.

What is the duration of the TOEFL reading section?

The TOEFL reading section lasts from 54 to 72 minutes.

How does the speaker suggest using the 10-minute break during the TOEFL test?

The speaker suggests using the 10-minute break to listen to other test-takers' speaking sections to get an idea of the questions and prepare responses.

What is the role of templates in TOEFL preparation according to the speaker?

Templates provide structure, introductory phrases, and linking words, which are essential for a well-structured response that the TOEFL examiners look for.

Why is it recommended to expose oneself to non-American accents when preparing for the TOEFL test?

The TOEFL test uses a variety of accents, so it's important to be familiar with different accents to avoid being surprised or confused during the test.

What is the speaker's advice regarding note-taking during the TOEFL test?

The speaker advises taking detailed notes, including every single detail, as it helps with answering the questions accurately.

How does the speaker recommend practicing for the speaking section of the TOEFL test?

The speaker recommends practicing by talking to oneself, paraphrasing content from texts or videos, and using structure and templates to organize thoughts.