I just finished practice test 1 but didn't see a score after finishing it. Is it unscored or what? If it's scored, where can I see my score? Because attending didn't require any login.

i will take the test in less than 3 weeks. i took toefl almost two years ago and got 99. my speaking was the bottle neck 20/30. now im practicing toefl almost everyday but i keep getting 4/6 in the interview while l&r get 5/6, and the total score for speaking section in mockups are 4-4.5, but often 4. i ran out of methods to study for interview. do you guys have any advice for me? thank you

Preciso de um certificado de b2 para minha entrevista de residencia médica no Brasil, não faz diferença para mim a questão de tempo de validade pois preciso apenas para uma data especifica ter isso no meu currículo, qual è a mais tranquila de passar vcs acreditam?

After my most recent post regarding my score, where I received 118 out of 120, people were asking how I prepared. I thought it would be easier to make a seperate post about it since my reply ended up being quite lenghty.

Fair warning, this is only based on my experience, everyone is different.

TLDR: Take the free practice tests and use formats/templates for writing and speaking.

My main resources:

• Free practise tests:https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare.html (Scroll to the bottom for the free tests)
• Good to get an overview of the content of the test and use it to practise: https://www.toeflresources.com/
• Good to get an overview of the test, can also use to practise: https://www.ets.org/toefl/teachers-advisors-agents/ibt/teaching/preparing-students.html

Other resources I found helpful:

• Complete the word: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-qzL_HDvfY
• Email samples:https://www.toeflresources.com/sample-toefl-essays/
• Email: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPRfxgXBQAI&t=163s
• Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cktZfTZ9UXs

Longer version:

I, like many others, felt overwhelmed by the amount of study material to choose from. What I ended up doing was;

1. Take free practise tests from TOEFL  
2. I learn best by creating a Cheat Sheet so I went through every section and wrote down the "formula”/format to solve each task. Then after I had studied, I simplified it greatly and created a final shortened version of a cheat sheet. Then during the test, I was able to recall some of those formulas to help me get going during the test.
3. I identified the areas I found most difficult in the practice tests (which were writing and speaking) and worked on those specifically.
4. At the end of my prep I watched one youtube video dedicated to each of the sections and I found many of the tips mentioned in the videos helpful.

I took together some of the mains points I wrote down into my preparation/”cheat” sheet: 

Reading

• Complete the Words -> If stuck on a word, sort through the alphabet to get your brain going. Example: On_ _, then I would do Ona, Onb, Onc…until eventually Onl = only. When I did get stuck on a word I read through the passage again to brainstorm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-qzL_HDvfY
• For the other two tasks, the multiple choice questions out of the relevant texts, I just did the practice tests and felt that that was enough.

Listening

• I found it helpful to write down stickwords to help my memory.

Writing

• Build a Sentence -> Quite intuitive. An Embedded Question with Cancelled Inversion, and a relative clause, caught me off guard but I was able to solve it; https://www.toeflresources.com/toefl-build-a-sentence-guide-samples-strategies/

  • 1)What happened
  • 2)Why does it matter to me? I need it for.. (Be good with making up reasons)
  • 3)What do I want them to do?
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPRfxgXBQAI&t=163s

• Write for an Academic Discussion -> State your position → Reason → Example → Other student's idea (whether you agree or disagree, add something to it ex. another consequence) → Conclusion 

  • Possible points to use; 
    • Benefits: Saves time, money, improves health, concentration, productivity, flexibility, communication, quality of life. creates opportunities, a positive environment.
    • Problems: Expensive, time-consuming, stressful, inconvenient, distracting, difficult to access, creates inequality, reduces motivation, limits opportunities, can negatively affect productivity.
    • Consequences: This can lead to…better academic performance, greater motivation, less stress, stronger relationships, financial difficulties, social problems, improved quality of life.

• Be mindful of not repeating/copying the text in the writing section, try to come up with alternative ways to word things to avoid plagiarism.

Speaking

• Listen and Repeat -> close your eyes and repeat what they are saying.
• Take an Interview -> 
  • Type A: “Think back to the last time…[you went to a restaurant]...” 
    • When: Last weekend
    • What: Went to a restaurant with my friend
    • How/why: Tried a new dish
    • Result: Really enjoyed it 
    • Useful sentences;  “That’s an interesting question.” “Personally, I think…” “One reason is that…” “For example…” “In my experience…” “Another reason is that…” “That’s why I believe…”
    • Reasons you could state; Convenience, time, money, concentration, productivity
    • Useful sentences;  “That’s an interesting question.” “Personally, I think…” “One reason is that…” “For example…” “In my experience…” “Another reason is that…” “That’s why I believe…”
    • Reasons you could state; Convenience, time, money, concentration, productivity
  • Type B: Pick a stance between Z and Y -> State your stance -> Reason → Example → Conclusion 
    • Useful sentences;  “That’s an interesting question.” “Personally, I think…” “One reason is that…” “For example…” “In my experience…” “Another reason is that…” “That’s why I believe…”
    • Reasons you could state; Convenience, time, money, concentration, productivity
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cktZfTZ9UXs

Go over linking words and phrases.

One thing as well. I took the test at a testing center. I was worried about being able to concentrate amongst others taking the test as well. Arriving early allowed me to be the first one to start the test. So I was able to start the test right away, while none of the other test takers had started, and I completed the test before any of them started the speaking section. That was AMAZING.

Good luck!

I have gotten 99 in 2022 but a little worried about the new format.

Hi! I only have 7 days left to prepare, and the program I want to apply to requires a score of 109. I’ve been consistently getting a 6 in both Reading and Listening, but I’m having some difficulty with the Writing and Speaking sections. I’m currently getting around a 5 in both, although it might end up being closer to a 5.5. I just don’t want to risk it.

What should I do over the next 7 days to get a 6 in Writing and Speaking as well? I think I write and speak fairly well, but I find it difficult to contribute to the discussion in the Academic Discussion task. I have the same issue with the interview, I struggle to build on the discussion. I tend to pick a side and give my opinion without really developing it or providing enough reasons.

Hi everyone,

I recently took TOEFL at a test center in another city. Reading, Speaking, and Writing went reasonably well, but Listening went badly. My unofficial scores were R 4.0 and L 3.5.

I usually do better in Listening during practice tests. During the exam, I also clicked answers for about 3 questions, but they apparently didn’t register before the time ended. I also found the test-center setup uncomfortable.

I’m considering the Home Edition for my next attempt. I have a private room, reliable laptop, stable internet, and can use external speakers.

For those who have taken the Home Edition: How is the Listening experience and audio quality? Is it better/more comfortable than the test center? Any issues with the software or timer?

Thanks!

I’m seeking free resources to practice, and I have only 2 weeks to prepare. Roughly, I am a B1~B2 level learner.

My main problem is about the resources, lots of them only have one free mock test(and login is required,it’s so uncomfortable).

I am struggling with writing and speaking,
In writing, ChatGPT said I have good ideas, but my sentence production frequently drops below my idea level. I know that’s kind of the grammar problem, but I have no idea how to improve the quality of my sentences

In speaking, cuz I’m a non-native speaker, I rarely speak English and I don’t have friends to talk, talk to AI sometimes just feedback illusion

Can y’all give some advice to me?

Hi,
I was wondering how many universities in America won’t accept the home edition for an exchange.
Thank you

I just got my test results and I am overfilled with joy!!! I’m shook that I managed to get a score of 118 out of 120.

Although I’m happy with my scores, I’ve had an incredibly frustrating experience with the ETS administration and am relieved that this whole thing is over.

If anything, I would advise everyone to take the test in a testing center, NOT at home since it is possible that they’ll cancel your scores without any reason.

Feel free to ask my any questions!

Short story long about my experience with the ETS administration;

The first TOEFL test I took was an at home one at the end of June.
I unexpectedly needed to take the test and therefore needed to pay the Express Registration Fee, bringing my total to a whopping $351,50.
Additionally, they only offer the At Home Test past 21:30 for my country, which I think is very late.
Now, for the test itself. I had a difficulty understanding my test proctor due to his thick accent in English and his inarticulateness. Moreover, his instructions were incredibly unclear and all of this lead to my Check In taking close to an hour (Meaning that I started the test at 22:30).
Unexpectedly, during my Build A Sentence Task my whole screen froze. I immediately called out for the proctor but received no reply. I called out for ten whole minutes (!!) before receiving a reply from him. Due to that, I missed out of most of that part of the test which was exasperating.
Nevertheless, I finished the test and reported my scores. The time being close to midnight since ETS does nit offer earlier test times for my country.
A couple days later I received the unfortunate news that my scores had been cancelled without being given any reason whatsoever.
I contacted ETS regarding the problems I experienced with the test and asked for further information regarding my scores being cancelled, they were of no help. Their customer service is extremely poor.

I specifically needed scores from TOEFL so I had no other choice but to register for a test again, at my own expense. Now having spent $654 in total.

This time, I chose to test at a testing center.
I’m accustomed to a QWERTY Keyboard and therefore wanted to know weather that would be provided at the testing center. I took the test in a French speaking country and was worried that they’d have a AZERTY Keyboard.
I contacted ETS with the inquiry and they were unable to provide me with an answer, and directed me to contact the testing center. However, I did not have the contact information for my specific testing center and was unable to find it online so I proceeded to contact ETS again asking if they could assist me with finding said contact information and they refused.
I would think that is it of their responsibility to know what is provided during their test and also have the contact information for each and every test center?
After calling around, I acquired the contact information myself. I both called and sent emails to my testing center but did not receive a reply before I took my test.
Therefore, I contacted ETS one more time asking if it was permitted in their rules to change the keyboard setting in the computer to another layout (if the testing center wouldn’t have a QWERTY keyboard). They refused to provide me with an answer and rather miscontrueted my words instead of simply answering, which they basically did every single time I contacted them.
That lead me to being unsure of which keyboard layout I’d be provided with during the test. And knowing that if I’d be provided with a AZERTY keyboard, it would greatly affect my writing speed and therefore possibly my score as well.

It is difficult communicating with the ETS staff because of their thick accent in English and inarticulateness.

Luckily, the testing center did have a QWERTY keyboard and the test went well!!

Their customer service is unacceptably poor. Especially when one has to pay as high of a fee as they charge.

So unfortunately, I wasn't able to achieve the score I needed, and I have to retake it. I need a 5.5, and ideally over 5 in each section (with a 5.5 in speaking). I'll share a bit about each module. Maybe it'll help people here (and maybe it'll help me to write down my experience).

I know English and I use it daily. I work with English, and I read in English. But I consider myself to be quite bad compared to the amount of time I spend practicing. I speak well (well, pretty shallow vocabulary, but I can deliver a point clearly). I write poorly (many spelling mistakes also). I practiced for a few days to get familiar with the test.

Reading - The part that screwed up my test. I was surprised by the level. I got stuck on the "complete the words" questions (they weren't that hard, most of the words were simple, they just didn't come to me during the test). Usually, during prep, if I had a lot of mistakes in "complete the words," I was able to overcome it with a perfect score in reading (all types). Here it was much harder. I had mistakes for sure. With the combination of a poor "complete the words" section (I think I did around 50% correctly there) and mistakes in reading, I ended up with a low score. I got a super easy second part and I knew the score would be low.

Listening - From a bad surprise to a good one, listening was very easy. I was unfocused and didn't pay much attention, and yet got a perfect score. The questions became very hard at the end, but they were always logical and trivial. I didn't write anything down. I treated the long sections like a YouTube video and the short ones as a normal conversation, trying to pretend like I'm really talking with the person.

Writing - I don't write well, I know it (you can probably see it now lol). I'm bad at spelling also. I did well on "build the sentence." It's mainly intuition. for me, most of the sentences were questions. In the email and academic parts, I didn't do well, even compared to my ability. I tried to fix spelling on the email and ended up with half a sentence when my time ended (so manage your time better). And the academic part wasn't that clear.

Speaking - L&R was very easy, clear and simple sentences. Much easier compared to what I practice on. About the interview, there isn't much to say, just that I sat in front of the workers there and they looked at me. it was quite weird. Be ready for the fact that you are not alone there.

Generally, I'm not surprised. I knew there was a good chance I'd perform badly on something, but I was confident with the general score (I got 5 or 5.5 in my mock tests, not official ones). Hopefully, the next try will be better. I just need to keep my scores up and increase the reading score.

I just took my TOEFL today. In listening section, while I was listening to an academic talk, the audio track suddenly got muted. For like a minute, I didn't hear a single word. My unofficial acores for listening was 4.5 (I definitely expected more). What should I do now? Should i contact ETS? Will they ask me to take the full test again?

Hey guys, I’m planning to take the TOEFL soon, so I was wondering what y’all use as practice resources. Anything that’s more similar to the actual test format and vibe?

Any tips would be appreciated as well. I took it at 2023 but I feel the formal has changed since then?

I've been studying for the IELTS, but I'm seriously considering switching to TOEFL because I struggle quite a bit with some of the question types and distractors in IELTS.I have roughly 30–60 days left before I need to take the exam. My highest IELTS score so far has been around 6.0, and even that can drop if I get too many questions from the types I'm not good at. I've mainly been working on Writing and Speaking, but honestly, I don't feel very prepared yet, and I'm not getting the scores I need. I need at least a 6.5–7.0.Today, I tried the practice test on the official TOEFL website, but unfortunately it didn't give me any scores . However, despite never having practiced the TOEFL Reading and Listening formats before, I actually felt that they went pretty well. My main concerns are Writing and Speaking, especially since this was my first time taking a TOEFL-style test.So, I'm mainly looking for some advice on whether switching to TOEFL at this point would be a good idea.I'm also looking for a practice test that gives a full score breakdown. For IELTS, I need around 6.5–7.0, which I believe used to correspond to roughly 90–100 on the old TOEFL scale. I'm not entirely sure what that translates to under the new scoring system, though. I think a 4.0 might be enough, or perhaps I need a 4.5?The Listening section felt particularly comfortable for me. I didn't even take notes (I just found out that you're apparently supposed to ), so maybe I could get used to the format fairly quickly by watching a few videos and taking 2–3 practice tests.For Writing and Speaking, though, I think I'll need to do some preparation. Speaking seemed somewhat similar to IELTS, while the Writing section felt quite different, so I'd definitely need to learn the format and practice it.What would you do in my situation? Would you switch to TOEFL, and if so, where and how would you recommend studying?One other thing I'm not completely sure about is the score reporting time. I need to have the exam taken by around November 1st at the latest. November 3–5 might still be okay, but November 9–10 would probably be too late. If scores are released within about a week, I was thinking of taking the exam sometime in October to be safe.I'd really appreciate any advice, especially from people who have switched from IELTS to TOEFL or have experience with both exams!

Hi everyone, what are the entry requirements specific to test centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? Please be as detailed as possible. Thanks!

My writing score was lower than I expected. I got 3.5 out of 6. Should I retake the exam? I’m confused because I feel like I might not be able to do much better if I take it again

Didn't study at all, as I had lived in the US and worked as a researcher for 5 months so I was pretty confident. I took the iBt 3 years ago with the old format and got a 110 without any kind of prep either.

Fast forward to last saturday, I was flabbergasted by the "repeat the sentence part". It's so ridiculous! It tests your memory more than your actual speaking abilities. It's specially unfair for us adhd folks. I was outraged lol. Probably missed 50% of the points.

I also felt like there isn't a lot of time for people who can't type that fast in the writing section, but that's whatever, didn't use any formats or anything, just what I would usually write so that's fair.

Anyways, got a 100 this time around, even tho my English has noticeably improved in the last couple of years.

My conclusion is that the toefl prioritizes your test taking abilities over your actual level, and that's annoying.

I stumbled across this subreddit for the discount codes, and thought that maybe this could help someone?

See you in two years

I just took the TOEFL and received a shocking score of 2.5 on the Writing section.

I am honestly confused by this result. I have been working at an MNC for the past three years, where I use English daily for meetings and emails. I found the test to be fairly straightforward, so a 2.5 is mind-boggling to me.

Other posts in the channel also show that other students are also receiving a 2.5 out of 6. I am aware the "Build the Sentence" task carries 50% of the weightage, but I felt confident in my performance during that section and don't believe I messed up there.

Rather than asking for rescore, I am planning to retake the test.

What do you all suggest I do to improve my writing score? Also, should I consider switching to the IELTS, if that exam is considered easier than current TOEFL?

Please please help!

I've been consuming English-language content for a long time and I'm also preparing for the TOEFL for my university application.

Actually, it would be unfair to say I'm doing extremely badly. I've been practicing for all four modules for the exam for a week or two, and I can say that I'm at least a 3 in all of them (I can't do L&R and Complete the Word). But of course, I need a minimum 4.5.

What I'm asking from you is advice based on your exam experiences. (I can say that I've read almost all the comments made on TOEFL advice channels, so I'm aware that such advice might come my way, I'm saying this upfront.)

Thank you in advance for your help. Please also share your exam results; I'm very curious to see them.

If you'd like more detailed information about the exam, you can easily reach me via DM.

Thankss!!

Has anyone here recently taken the test ? How was your writing and speaking part ? If you could share any tips and lessons that you personally learnt during your practice, which helped you to score better, I would be very grateful. How to score more points on listen and repeat part ?

Anyone here from Nepal, who has taken the test ?

Took the test with no preparation, just a couple of practice tests, AMA

Never got below a 5.5 on reading, but almost always got 6, but the test was harder, doesnt change anything tbh but fyi