Tips & Strategies You Need to Know for the TOEFL Test

The TOEFL -Test of English as a foreign language is a standardized English proficiency test that assesses English Language skills in the areas of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The total test is graded out of 120 and each module is scored out of 30. The TOEFL test is administered in more than 180 countries, making it the most accepted test in the world. This score is valid for a period of 2 years. Students can use this test to study in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, in addition to the United States and Canada.

If your first or native language is not English, it is likely that the College or University you are applying to will require you to take the test.

Brief on each section

Reading

The Reading section tests candidates' ability to read and comprehend the passages, while answering questions based on the same. It consists of 3 – 4 passages, each passage consisting of 13 – 15 questions. This section lasts for approximately 60 – 80 minutes.

Listening

The Listening section tests candidates' ability to understand spoken English that deals with interactions in an academic environment. It comprises of talks and lectures of American speakers. Listening has two formats i.e. Short Listening (SL) and Long Listening (LL), one of which appears in the test. SL comprises of 6 talks of which three are conversations and three are lectures. LL has 9 talks of which three are conversations and 6 are lectures. SL will last for approximately 45 – 55 minutes, whereas LL will last for approximately 70 – 80 minutes.

Writing

Writing tests a candidates' ability to be expressive through written text. It comprises of 2 tasks. In Task 1 i.e. Integrated Writing, candidates are required to read a passage, listen to a lecture and compose a technical essay based on the passage and the lecture. The time allotted is 20 minutes. In Task 2 i.e. Independent Essay, students are given a general topic to write an essay on, students have 30 minutes for this task.

Speaking

Speaking tests a candidates' ability to converse in English. Speaking has 6 question prompts which include independent speaking questions, as well as integrated speaking questions. Candidates are given a few seconds to think and the time allotted to speak differs in accordance to the question format. The time limit per question in speaking is approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute. Overall the test lasts for 20 minutes.

Tips and Strategies for the TOEFL Test

Reading

• For inference questions, do not choose an answer just because it seems important or true. The correct answer is usually inferred from the passage

• Scan the passages to find and highlight key facts (dates, numbers, terms) and information

• You should be able to clearly point to the stated information in the passage that leads to the inference you have selected

• For reference type of questions, if the question is about a pronoun, make sure your answer is in the same number as the highlighted pronoun

• Substitute your choice for the highlighted word/words in the sentence. Be sure that it does not violate any grammar rules

• For insert text questions, try the sentence in each of the places indicated by the squares. You can replace the sentence as many times as you want

• Look at the structure of the sentence you are inserting and the logic. Logical connecting words can provide important information about where the sentence should be placed

• The inserted sentence should connect logically to the sentence before and after it

Listening

• Stay active

• Take down notes while you listen, do not try to write down every detail

• While listening to a lecture, pay careful attention to new words/concepts introduced by the professor

• Listening questions MUST be answered in order. You cannot go back to the question and change your answer

• Focus on the content and flow of material

Speaking

• Do not begin speaking  until you are told to do so

• Be loud and clear when you begin speaking, you need to be audible when you begin to  give your response

• Do NOT be in a hurry to speak, maintain a constant pace

• Answer each question thoroughly within the time allotted

  

Writing

Integrated Writing Task

• Look for the main idea of the reading passage, do not worry about forgetting the reading passage you will be able to access it while writing the essay

• As you listen to the audio, be sure to take down notes. Listen for information, examples or explanations that make points in the reading passage seem less convincing or even untrue

• Remember that you are not being asked for your opinion. You are being asked to list the points of opposition between the reading and the lecture

Independent Writing Task

• There is no maximum word limit, be sure to respond to the topic at hand

• Your essay will be graded on how efficiently you pen down your ideas

• Keep track of your time; try to finish writing your essay 4 to 5 minutes prior. Use the remaining time to check your work and make any final changes

Student Testimonials

“I clearly remember the day I started my TOEFL coaching, after seeing the different sections of TOEFL I was sure I won't pass the test. But my faculty's support and personalized attention helped me. TOEFL being an internet based test, practice was very important. Edwise provided me with number of mock tests which boosted my confidence. I thank the entire Edwise team for the same.” ShabbirKhambati - TOEFL Coaching

“My TOEFL class here at Edwise has been started great. I have experienced good changes in my performance. Good attention is given on individual students and the students weakest points are worked upon really well. Totally satisfied! My faculty is awesome teacher and a guide. Learned a lot of things and would surely look forward to my bright future. Thank you Edwise.” ReshmiBhaduri – TOEFL Coaching

Education Consultant

We at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of the destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you with individual attention and exceptional guidance throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related to course selections, admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host University delegates for direct student interaction and all these services are provided free of cost. We have established since 1991 and have been maintaining strong networks with over 575 universities in 16 countries, hence giving us a unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide.

Do visit your nearest Edwise branch & choose your university carefully under our expert guidance and ensure that you have all your paperwork in order. Once you apply, and the wait is over, you can really begin to look forward to not only studying in a beautiful and vibrant country, but will also be introduced to a life experience quite like no other. 

For more details on TOEFL, Contact Edwise on 1-800-200-3678 (Toll Free) / 08600911333.

Know Before You Go: Points for Students and Parents

Colleges in the US will start within next month and students are already starting their educational journeys beyond India’s borders. If you or someone in your family is headed off to college abroad this month, here are some helpful tips for a smooth transition.

Students

1. Be realistic. You may be so excited about your admission to college abroad that your expectations could overshadow the reality once you arrive. No matter how much you have basked in the glory of achieving admission, hitting the ground is a different story and the reality of making new friends and finding your way around new surroundings may not be what you imagined you’d be dealing with in your initial days. The experience can feel a bit lonely and isolating so prepare yourself for this possibility.
2. Make a plan to organize communication, money and other logistics before you arrive. Will you open a bank account? What’s your plan for a cell phone. And don’t forget to figure out how to change your What’sApp number!
3. Check on medical clearances and inoculations before you leave. You do not want any surprises once you arrive at the student health center to submit medical paperwork. Taking care of this in India will be far less expensive and familiar for you.

Parents

1. Don’t’ hang around. Usually students, especially undergraduates are quickly swept up in orientation activities when they arrive on campus, so as parents you should not expect your child to spend free time or meals with you. If you anticipate a difficult separation from your child, then try to arrive in the city a bit early so that you can spend time together before the orientation begins. Once it starts, your relevance will be limited so make sure you have something else to do and don’t book your return tickets too late. Also realize that it may be stressful for your child to have to worry about spending time with you while he/she is surrounded by continuous new experiences.
2. Take care of legal matters. Especially in the US, privacy laws are such that it can be difficult for you to find out information about your child in case of emergency or hospitalization. Also, you may not be able to access bank accounts if they are in your child’s name only. Make sure that you have signed consent forms for medical record release and financial arrangements.

Both

1. Visit the career and counseling services department during orientation. This is the place where you can find out about internships for the summer, get help preparing a resume and even find jobs to pursue a few hours a week during the school year (visa allowing). Getting familiar with this office early is your best plan for making the most of your college experience.
2. My colleague tells a funny story of when she arrived at college the first thing her parents did was pick up the telephone directory and randomly dialed a “Shah” to make sure they could establish a local contact for her in case of emergency. Another friend told me her parents went straight to the nearest Gurudwara to spread the word that a girl from the community was settling in the college. Similarly, make sure you take care of things that are important to your family’s comfort and safety in a new area.

It is wonderful to approach this new phase in life with lots of excitement and a positive attitude. Just keep in mind that leaving home for a foreign country is a huge life event and is likely to be peppered with mixed emotions. Be realistic about the stress and sadness that might occur so that your whole family is well prepared to manage the change.

Contact Edwise on 1-800-200-3678 (Toll Free) / 08600911333. 

10 Things International Students Need to Know Before Studying in UK

1. Research

Firstly, if you know anyone already in UK or have studied abroad before, then speak to them. The next step is to tap into resources and information on the internet.

Visit your nearest Edwise branch for free counseling on studying in UK. Don’t be afraid to ask about the course or other arrangements.

In terms of funding your studies, it’s important to plan and manage a budget for the UK. There’s a useful international student calculator by UNAID. This is a good tool to help you figure out a reasonable budget for studying and living abroad.

 

2. Visas and paperwork

Ensure that you have all the relevant documentation and visas to allow you to study in UK. Ask your counselor on what paperwork is necessary for your study abroad. They will be happy to help you!

If you’re from Europe, you should obtain a European Health Insurance Card. This will entitle you to free or reduced health care under the National Health Service while you are here. 

3. Prepare for Britain

Before you move to Britain it is important to keep a few things in mind.

Culturally, the UK is very diverse and welcoming of people from around the world. You should be able to find many like-minded students that share a similar background and beliefs.

In terms of clothing, the UK is well-known for its cold and wet weather! Pack lots of warm and waterproof outfits for the winter months, and don’t expect summer to be very hot!

Most student budgets won’t be able to afford having the heating on all the time, so warm clothes are essential.

4. Student accommodation

A good idea is to live in university accommodation for the first year then make some friends to live within your final years of university. University accommodation is a great place to meet new people and although coming from another country may be daunting everyone will be welcoming. Just remember that everyone is in the same boat.

5. Bank accounts

If you are staying in UK for a period longer than a few months, it’s recommended to get a bank account. This will allow you to pay bills and keep your money safe.

The UK banks are relatively strict about the requirements for opening an account. This is because credit products are usually attached and thus they need to verify your details thoroughly. You will need the following:

Identification – a passport is usually required

Proof of address – both from back home and within this country, documents such as statements are acceptable

Proof of income – this may mean a credit check and interview to establish that you will be able to maintain the account

Additionally, to obtain a student account you will need proof of your student status which is usually the confirmation letter from your University. Student accounts are highly advised, as they offer numerous benefits including an interest fee overdraft of up to £2,000. See the best student bank accounts this year.

This should be a starting point for opening an account. Remember to always check with the bank on what specific requirements they have so you can be prepared with the relevant documents.

6. Cheap international calls

One of the first questions you may ask is if your current phone will work in the UK. The answer is most likely yes! The UK operates on the GSM band, which is the standard for most of the world.

However, the worst thing you can do is keep your current SIM card in your phone while studying in the UK. You will pay extremely high call charges for calling back home as well as on local numbers. Here are our top tips for cheap ways of being connected.

For calling local numbers:

• If you already have a phone then you will need a new SIM card. Pay As You Go (PAYG) means that you top up the phone when your credit runs out and this is good for keeping an eye on your spending. Monthly contracts are usually better value as you will get free minutes and texts but you will have to pay out every month, coming with added long-term responsibility. If you’re likely to make international calls, see below.
• If you would like a new phone, check out our comparison tool to get a great deal that will have minutes, text and data bundled together for a low monthly price. You can even keep the phone when then contract finishes.

For calling back home:

• Recently there have been a host of low-cost international call providers, such as Lebara, LycaMobile and RebTel. However in our experience newcomer RebTel offer the best value, with some calls under 1p a minute and your first call is free.
• Alternatively, use Skype on your computer to call another Skype computer back home for free – this includes video chat!

7. Travel

Going around in UK can be daunting at first as there are many options. We are here to help you by simplifying your choices. If you are traveling locally then look into getting a student bus pass or consider biking.

Stage coach is a bus company within UK that offer a year pass called a UniRider. This is a cheap and easy way to travel around the city and can save you a lot of money throughout the year.

If you are within London then the tube is often the fastest way to get around. Also, for travel in London, take a look at the Oyster card. It is by far the cheapest option.

The two main options for national travel across UK are by coach or train.

Trains are often the quickest and most comfortable way to get around the UK. Tickets should be booked as early as possible to save money (as much as 80% off) on advance fares. The cheapest train fares are available at First Transpennine Express as there are no booking fees.

Coaches are a cheaper alternative to trains, but they can take double the travel time to arrive. Our top pick for saving money is  Megabus, with journeys starting at £1 between the major cities. If you cannot find a suitable arrival and departure point, then try National Express as they offer the largest coach network in the UK.

If you are travelling home to somewhere outside of the UK then you will need to look at the best and cheapest options for travel. In most cases flying will be the transport of choice. Air travel can be quite expensive but if you take a look at price comparison sites such as Momondo you can cut the cost of travelling home.

8. Shipping and storage

Often students will need to move their stuff from abroad to UK and back.

Additionally, your accommodation may not provide storage in between term times. However, there are options available to safely store your goods until you need them. The main considerations for a storage unit should be location of the unit and the price.

9. Working in the UK

If you want some extra cash or valuable experience then you may be wondering what your rights and options are. The short answer is you will be able to work while studying and possibly after the completion of your studies. Also, as a rule, the EU is more flexible for allowing working than outside of it. For more information see the official guidelines at UK Council for International Student Affairs.

10. Bursaries for international students

Make sure you speak to your respective counselor regarding any finances which may be made available to support your studies. There are also some external charities that offer bursaries for international students studying in UK.

For complete details on Study in UK Contact Edwise on 1-800-200-3678 / 08600911333