TOEFL Listening Section Overview

Today we are going to take a deeper look into what kind of questions you can expect on the TOEFL listening section. I recommend this post if you want to learn more TOEFL listening tips and strategies.

Most of the questions on the TOEFL listening section will be similar to the questions you see on the TOEFL reading section. However, there are some types of questions that will be completely unique to the listening section. Before we start talking about the questions on the test, let’s take a look at what you can expect to listen to.

TOEFL Listening Types
The topics of the listening section will be different every time but they will have either an academic or non-academic theme. You will be given hints on the theme of the recording before you begin.
The speech will be slightly slower than how a native person would be speaking. Be aware of the different transitions, pauses and breaks in the speech.

TOEFL Listening Lecture
The lecture will last around five minutes and will cover different academic topics. You will face two different types of lectures, one when students interrupt to ask questions and another without interruptions or questions.
You can expect at least six questions for each lecture.

TOEFL Listening Conversations
The conversations vary between academic and other non-academic topics. They are usually a little shorter than the lectures and lasts about three to five minutes. Each conversation will include at least five questions.

A common scenario that is used is when a student speaks with a teacher or a counselor. Most of the different situations take place in a University environment. You should try to familiarize yourself to various terms used in U.S. colleges/universities. Expect topics like clarification of course materials, deadlines, housing and class registration

Types of TOEFL Listening Questions

Main theme question
These questions are about the overall purpose of the conversation or lecture. Questions like “what is the professor trying to explain?” or “why is the student upset?”

Specific Information Questions
These types of questions will require you to remember specific details from the lecture or conversations.

Detailed Purpose Questions
These types of questions involve a specific section from the lecture asking “why” the student or teacher said this.

Mood Questions
These types of questions will ask you about the speakers tone and attitude. It’s important to recognize the mood of the environment and individuals involved.

Organization
Questions about how the different passages and content is organized.

Connecting Questions
Questions on how different excerpts and content is connected with each other.

Inference Type Questions
An inference style of question asks you to make your own conclusions based on the information from the lecture or conversation.

TOEIC Reading Strategy and Tactics

Today we are going to take a look at the TOEIC reading test and share some strategies that might be useful to you when taking the TOEIC Reading & Listening test.

The TOEIC reading test includes different types of questions. You can expect to see questions about the main idea of the text and questions about specific details in the text. The specific question style is often in the form of who, what, and why. Another type of question you are likely to see are inference questions. Inference questions requires you to make certain conclusions based on information from the text.

If you are having trouble finding the right answer remember that you can look for the 3 wrong answers instead. By using the process of elimination—that is, by removing the wrong answers and choosing between the remaining options.

It’s really helpful to do some practice tests before taking the real TOEIC test. By taking practice tests you will develop your own style that works best for you naturally.

Avoid spending too much time on one question, make your best guess and you can always return to the questions at the end if you have extra time left. Finishing the TOEIC reading section in the right amount of time is a learned skill, so practice it by timing yourself when studying.

There are two ways to prepare for the TOEIC reading section. First, find practice TOEIC reading passages with questions, and simulate the reading portion of the test. You can also practice through general English reading articles, without questions, which will improve your English comprehension level in general.

A common TOEIC reading strategy is to read the question before reading the text. So you would read the first question and then begin reading the passage only to stop when you have found the answer to the question. That means reading the first question, and then read the passage but stopping when you’ve reached the answer to the question. If you feel comfortable in your reading ability this strategy will save you time in the long run. However, this is a strategy that needs to be prepared and practiced before using it on the TOEIC.

Avoid rushing when taking the TOEIC, if you are stressed you are more likely to make casual mistakes. If you face unfamiliar words do not panic, you can usually figure out the meaning of the word by reading the sentence or looking at the surrounding paragraph. Avoid getting stuck on a single word or small details. Focus on the main idea of the sentence, paragraph, and text.

6 IELTS Speaking Tips

1. Avoid unfamiliar vocabulary. A lot of test-takers try to use vocabulary that may be unfamiliar when taking the IELTS. That increases the risk of making mistakes, stick to words you are comfortable with and used before.

2.There is no right or wrong answer in the interview section. The examiner does not have to agree with your opinion. Many students think there is a right or wrong answer to the interview questions, there are not. The examiner is looking at how fluent you are and if your answers are grammatically correct.

3. Ask the examiner to repeat the question. If you are unsure on what the examiner is asking, don't be afraid to ask that he or she repeat the question. However, you don't want to ask the examiner to repeat every question.

4.Avoid giving short answers. Do not give simple yes or no answers. If you notice your answer is short, you can extend your answer by giving examples that support your opinion and examples from the opposite sides point of view.

5.Practice answering different types of questions and how to support your answers. Before taking the test you should practice speaking about the following. Giving your opinion on different topics, sharing examples to support your topics, sharing examples that contradict your opinion, evaluating someone else’s opinion, speaking about cause and effect and speaking about hypothetical situations.

6.Don't rush when speaking. Many test-takers tend to rush when speaking in a non-native tongue. If you need a moment to think about your answer during the interview section let the examiner know that you will need a few seconds t to think about the question. However, avoid doing that for every question you face during the interview section.

The most important tip for the IELTS speaking test is to practice your speaking skills before taking the test. By practicing and listening to recordings of you answers you will learn more about your speaking patterns and how you can improve your speaking skills.

TOEFL Integrated Writing Task

We recently took a look at the TOEFL independent writing section, now it’s time to take a look at the TOEFL integrated writing task.

The TOEFL integrated writing section includes a reading passage and a lecture. You will have three minutes to read the passage. The topic of the reading passages is generally about an opinion or description of a process.

The lecture continues on the same topic and provides you with more detailed information. Be aware that the lecture could provide statements that supports or contradict the opinion from the one presented in the reading passage.

TOEFL Integrated Writing Questions
The types of questions you will see on the integrated writing section are often about summarizing the points made and arguing for or against the statements made.

You will be given 20 minutes to plan and write your integrated essay. Write your essay brief and to the point, most essays are around 150 to 250 words long. Remember that you are being graded on the organization of your essay as well your language. Use a general essay structure when writing your essay.

It’s important to use sources from both the written and spoken material presented. Clearly explain if the example (source) you are using originated from the reading passage or the lecture. To remember details from the sources take good notes so it’s easy for you to implement the information to your essay.

Make sure your notes reflect important key details and not an overall summary from the material you have read or listened to. Always use your own words when writing the essay, even when you are using examples from the reading and listening materials. Learn more about taking notes for the TOEFL.

Before you start writing your essay, make a quick outline on how you want to structure your essay and where in your essay you want to insert details from your notes. This will save you time in the long run.
Practice using these strategies so that when you take the actual TOEFL test it will come to you without even thinking about it.

Best of luck on your TOEFL!

How English Proficiency Exams differ from GRE and GMAT

If you are interested in a graduate school where English is the primary language you will most likely be required to submit a GRE or GMAT score. However, you are often also required to submit an English language proficiency exam score like the TOEFL or IELTS.

All of these exams are in English; the major difference is that the GRE and GMAT include sections that test your quantitative (math) skills. The GRE and GMAT is a more challenging test when it comes to the level of English, since they have been designed for native speakers in mind.

A good English comprehension score on the GRE and GMAT can waive the need of submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score. Similar to what a good ACT and SAT score does for an undergraduate program.

Another example when submitting an English language proficiency exam score can be waived is if your Bachelor’s degree was completed in an English speaking country or program, for example if you’re originally from Brazil but studied in the U.K. for you Bachelor’s degree.

However, this may be contingent on whether you graduated from a Bachelor’s program or not. Another factor that will matter is what type of master’s degree you are pursuing.

The GMAT and GRE test your comprehension, analytical and quantitative skills. The IELTS and TOEFL only test the language skill that is required at a college level (reading, listening, speaking and writing).

If you are taking the TOEFL/IELTS and the GMAT/GRE, it’s a good idea to start with the TOEFL/IELTS exam as it may be beneficial in improving your English skills before taking the more challenging tests.