TOEFL STUDY GUIDE

PART 1

ORIENTATION

1. Test-Taking Strategies for Computer-Based TOEFL
How Computer-adaptive testing is different from traditional paper
testing
You see one question at a time.
You cannot skip questions in the adaptive portions of the test
(Listening and Structure)
You cannot change answers to previously answered questions in the
adaptive portions of the test (Listening and Structure)
Can't skip/can't change. An examinee cannot go back to a previous question
because his or her answer to the question helps determine the difficulty level
of the next question given. A simpler way of explaining this is to say that the
test scores are being built as you go through the test, so going back would
destroy what has already been built. (However, the Reading section is linear,
and you can skip/change answers in that portion of the test.)
Some test takers are uncomfortable with this; however, they receive an
assessment that is tailored to their ability level and do not spend time
answering questions that are too easy or too difficult for them;
Can respond incorrectly to several questions and still receive
a high score;
Receive fewer questions than on paper test.
The total testing time is approximately 4 - 4.5 hours, but this depends on
how quickly each test taker works through the test. The time limit for each
section is very generous so it is not a speeded exam for most test takers.
You should be aware of the implications for exiting a section. (They will not
be able to return to that section.)

There is the Writing Section which takes 30 minutes and has 1 essay
question.
3. Tutorials Tip 3

There are seven (7) tutorial lessons.
Basic computer skill tutorial:
1. Using a mouse
2. Scrolling (moving text up and down)
3. Using testing tools (icons for displaying the time clock, for
getting help, etc.)
Section Tutorials
4. How to answer Listening
5. How to answer Structure
6. How to answer Reading
7. How to answer Writing

4. Scores Tip 4

The new computer-based test offers you a quicker response to
getting your scores. You will see PART of your score at the end of
the test and can select up to 3 institutions for your scores to be sent
for free at that time. Your final score will be calculated and sent to
you in up to 3 weeks if you submit your essay by computer;
however, if you handwrite the essay, it will take a bit longer to get
your scores.
The new score scales are different than the paper-based test:
Listening: 0-30
Structure/Writing: 0-30
Reading: 0-30
Total: 0-300