Tips of Studying TOEFL

TOEFL Test DOs

• DO study passages like you would find in an undergraduate textbook.
• DO take as many Practice TOEFL tests as you can in the time leading up to test day, and try to recreate the exact environment in which you will be taking the exam, at least as much as you can.
• DO speak in English as much as you possibly can when talking to friends and family members who are fluent themselves.
• DO try to immerse yourself in as much English culture as you can.
• DO work on improving your note-taking skills regardless of the specific language you use.
• DO take 4Tests' TOEFL Practice Test. (It's free!)

TOEFL DON'Ts

• DON'T get all of your English understanding from movies and television.
• DON'T take one or two Practice TOEFL tests and assume you are ready for primetime.
• DON'T overestimate your ability just because you're pretty good at speaking English. The written parts can torch you.
• DON'T speak English with anyone who is way below your skill level. You get nothing out of it, and you'll probably just end up annoying them.
• DON'T assume immersion is the only answer. Much of what you will encounter on this test is academic in nature, so study formal English as much as you do the pop culture stuff.
• DON'T use your native language as a crutch. English requires practice to get right.
• DON'T stop with our Practice TOEFL. Enroll in a class and get your hands on as many practice exams as you can in the buildup to test day. Repetition will simply make you more comfortable with the test itself.
• DON'T get frustrated if you're not as good at English on test day as you want to be. You can still pass the TOEFL whether you're an expert or not. The important thing to remember: the TOEFL test is just the beginning. Your language skills will improve once you enroll in an English-speaking course or school. 

Basic Study Tips to Remember

The TOEFL Test may be unlike anything you have ever seen on the testing front, but try to remember that it is just another exam, and as such, is responsive to some of the same rules for effective studying. That said, make sure that in addition to the test-specific actions, you are also locking down these study basics:

1. Memorize the test date in advance and leave plenty of room to brush up on problem areas.
2. Purchase study materials and take as many practice exams as you can, especially in the last few weeks before test day.
3. Do a test run before the big day so you can be familiar with the testing environment as well as the required documentation that ETS makes you bring along for the date.
4. When studying, do so in a quiet and secluded place. Avoid the temptation to listen to music -- particularly music with lyrics -- since you will need to switch back and forth from reading to listening sections.
5. If possible, attend study groups with other TOEFL Test takers. There is safety in numbers, and you can learn just as much -- if not more -- from a peer as you can an instructor.

Keep these tips in mind, and the TOEFL Test will be your first step in mastering the English language and improving your marketability. Good luck!