Study Guide Checklist
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1. Obtain, read, and study the TOEFL Information Bulletin for Computer-
Based Testing. (To order, call 609-771-7100 or visit www.toefl.org/
infobull.html.)
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2. Become familiar with the general description and structure of the TOEFL
test as described in Part I.
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3. Familiarize yourself with the “Questions Commonly Asked About the
TOEFL Test” in Part I.
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4. Review Part II, “Analysis of Exam Areas.”
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5. Review Part III, following the timeframe you determine in the “How to
Use this Book” section.
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6. Write an essay and ask a writing instructor to score it according to the
TOEFL test scoring criteria. (You can use my essay grading service if you
wish, which is explained in “How to Use This Book.”)
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7. Take Practice Test I, using the audio CD included in this book for the
Listening section.
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8. Check your answers, analyze your results, and review areas of the test you
need to improve.
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9. Write another essay and have it graded.
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10. Return to Part III and continue your study following the time sequence
you have established.

TH
E T
E T
O
O
E
E
F
F
L
L
C
C
O
O
M
M
PUTE
PUTE
R-BA
R-BA
S
S
E
E
D
D
TE
TE
ST

Thousands of colleges and universities require TOEFL test scores. However, no
school considers the TOEFL test the only criterion for admission. Schools may
also consider your grades from previous studies as well as other criteria, including
records from an intensive English program (if you have taken one).
Each school has its own criteria for the TOEFL test score that is acceptable for
admission. The TOEFL test results you receive cannot indicate whether your
score is considered passing, because a score that one school considers suitable
may not be accepted by another school. In general, you do not help yourself by
gaining admission to a school before your English is up to the necessary level.
For more material and information, please visit Tai Lieu Du Hoc at www.tailieuduhoc.org
Computer-Based versus Paper-Based Testing
Two basic types of the TOEFL test exist: a computer-based test (CBT) and a paper-
based test (PBT). Until a few years ago, everyone taking the TOEFL test used a
pencil and paper version. But now, the computer-based test is given almost every-
where in the world. This book gives you lots of information about how to take the
computer-based test, because that is the version you will probably be required to
take.
You can take a paper-based test (PBT) only in areas where the CBT is not avail-
able. The Supplemental TOEFL Administration Program provides the PBT in
areas where the CBT isn’t offered.
The questions asked on the CBT and the PBT are very similar. However, the
method of answering those questions differs. On the PBT, each answer choice is
assigned a letter: for example, A, B, C, and D. On the CBT, answer choices are
not lettered; you simply click with your mouse on the correct answer choice. In
this book, we use letters to label answer choices for clarity, even though you
won’t see those letters appear on the TOEFL test computer screen.
When you take the CBT, rather than take the test at a specific time and place with
other applicants, you make an appointment at a testing facility and take the test on
a computer. You have more control during the listening comprehension section
than you would if you took the PBT. You can determine how much time you need