Q.
Do “computer-based” and “computer-adaptive” mean the same thing?
A.
No. The entire TOEFL exam is called “computer-based” because it’s given on
the computer. Only two sections are computer-adaptive: Listening and
Structure. Computer-adaptive means that every test taker is given a question
of medium difficulty to begin each section. If you answer the first question
correctly, you’re given a slightly harder second question, and if you answer
the first question incorrectly, you’re given a slightly easier second question.
This process continues throughout the exam. The level of question difficulty
varies during the test according to whether you answer each question cor-
rectly. Therefore, your score is based upon not only the number of correct
answers, but also the level of difficulty.
Q.
Do I need computer skills to do well on the exam?
A.
No. Studies have shown that knowledge of computers has virtually no effect
on how well a test taker performs. But you should completely familiarize
yourself with the computer instructions before you take the test.
Q.
How can I prepare for the TOEFL test?
A.
Practice with as much information as possible. If at all possible, take the tutor-
ial provided through the TOEFL tests’s Web site www.toefl.org/cbtutprq.html.
Or, if you have time, purchase the PowerPrep software or TOEFL Sampler.
Both of these packages include the tutorial, as well as practice tests and an-
swers. These materials are superb for practice, although they don’t provide
explanation, analysis, and hints on passing the exam like this book. Call
800-446-3319 or visit www.ets.org/store.html to order these materials.
Q.
Is the essay required on the computer-based test?

use various computer keys to perform tasks in other programs, the program used
on the TOEFL test is simplified. You perform most tasks on the TOEFL computer
screen by clicking the left button on your mouse.
Scrolling means moving upward or downward in a document. Whereas you might
use the “page up” and “page down” keys on other word processing programs, you
use the mouse to scroll the information on the TOEFL test screen.
The items and icons that appear on the TOEFL computer screen are unique. For
example, at the top left of each screen is a box that shows how many minutes you
have left in a specific section of the test. If you don’t wish to see it, you can click
the clock (which says Time) at the bottom left of your screen and hide it. But in
order to pace yourself, it’s a good idea to have a general idea of how much time is
left in a section. You probably won’t feel rushed if you work through the materials
deliberately and methodically.
At the top right of the TOEFL screen, you’ll see the number of the question
you’re viewing and the total number of questions in the section. At the bottom
right of the screen, you’ll see the icons to click when you’re finished with a sec-
tion or area and ready to move on to a new section.
In all the Listening and Structure sections, there’s an icon called Next, which you
click when you’re finished with a question. There’s another icon to the left of
Next called Confirm Answer, which you must also click before you can move to
another question. The TOEFL test uses these icons because the Listening and
Structure sections are computer-adaptive, meaning that your answer to one ques-
tion leads you to a harder or easier question. In these two sections, you can’t
return to questions you’ve already answered, and you can’t skip questions. In the
Reading section, which is not computer-adaptive, you can skip questions and
return to prior questions; thus, the Previous icon replaces the Confirm Answer
icon in the Reading section.
For more material and information, please visit Tai Lieu Du Hoc at www.tailieuduhoc.org
To answer a question, you click the correct answer with the left mouse button.
Sometimes you click an oval bubble, sometimes a square, and sometimes a word

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12
Part I: Introduction to the TOEFL Computer-Based Test
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13
TAKING THE TOEFL TEST:
A SUCCESSFUL OVERALL
APPROACH
To score well on the TOEFL test, you must know English well and be able to apply
what you know. You must also use your time wisely during the exam. Although
your test results are important, don’t let your nerves overwhelm you. If you don’t
achieve the score that you want or need the first time you take the test, you can
always take it again. Try to relax as much as possible when you take the test.
Preparing for the Test
Absorb English by surrounding yourself with it as much as possible. Listen, read,
write, and do everything that you can to learn English. Read magazines, news-
papers, books, and anything else you can find. Pay attention to idiomatic expres-
sions (sometimes called idioms) that you aren’t familiar with and grammatical
structures that you haven’t seen before. (An idiomatic expression is a combination
of two or more words that has a different meaning than the individual words
would indicate. For example, look up can mean to “research,” whereas look and
up separately do not have meanings relating to research.)
Make the most of your preparation time. Complete the tables in the “How to Use
This Book” section and plan your studies accordingly. Follow through in the order
that this book suggests.
Become familiar with the test directions, techniques, and tutorials. To do so, use
this book and review the TOEFL Bulletin, which you can order by calling
609-771-7100 or visiting www.toefl.org/infobull.html.
The Day of the Test

the techniques that I include in this book.
The most important thing to do is remember that you have prepared adequately
and that you know English quite well. Relax and do the best you can.
14
Part I: Introduction to the TOEFL Computer-Based Test
For more material and information, please visit Tai Lieu Du Hoc at www.tailieuduhoc.org