The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic setting. It sometimes is an admission requirement for non-native English speakers at many English-speaking colleges and universities. Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, licensing bodies, businesses, or scholarship programs may require this test. A TOEFL score is valid for two years and then will no longer be officially reported[1] since a candidate's language proficiency could have significantly changed since the date of the test.[citation needed] Colleges and universities usually consider only the most recent TOEFL score.
The TOEFL test is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is administered worldwide. The test was first administered in 1964 and has since been taken by more than 23 million students. The test was originally developed at the Center for Applied Linguistics under the direction of Stanford University applied linguistics professor Dr. Charles A. Ferguson.[2]
Policies governing the TOEFL program are formulated with advice from a 16-member board. Board members are affiliated with undergraduate and graduate schools, 2-year institutions and public or private agencies with an interest in international education. Other members are specialists in the field of English as a foreign or second language.
The TOEFL Committee of Examiners is composed of 12 specialists in linguistics, language testing, teaching or research. Its main responsibility is to advise on TOEFL test content. The committee helps ensure the test is a valid measure of English language proficiency reflecting current trends and methodologies.
How to increase your TOEFL score...
1) Root word, prefixes, suffixes
Every time you memorize a word, you merely capture the image and order your mind “hey, whenever you see this word, it means this and this”. Of course, your mind would say “Sir yessir”, but soon will forget after some time. Now, is it much better if you tell your mind “hey this word means this and this because of this and this” And it’s where the root word comes in.
In English, words are composed of 3 basic components: root words, prefixes and suffixes. Root word is the basic part which define the meaning of the word. For example, bio- life, aut- or auto- self, dic- or dict- say, are root words that you commonly see. Prefix is part that is connected at the beginning of the word which would change its meaning. And in the contrary, suffix is part that is connected at the end of the word which would also change its meaning.
2) Listen to the radio
If you have trouble with the listening section, here is an easy and effortless way to improve your skill. Turn on your radio, or any channel on TV that speaks English only 24/7. Even though you don’t understand what it is saying, just keep it on.
The key here is that you eventually will “absorb” the language. Your brain will adjust to the new sound and improve your listening skill, or sharpen it if you’ve already been familiar with the language. We all know that those who live in a foreign country eventually will be able to listen and understand its native language, if they stay there long enough. The same idea applies here, what you’re doing is basically manipulating an environment where you constantly have to face with the unfamiliar language.
3) Read
Probably some of you will not like it, but i apologize, until now, there is no shorter way to increase your vocabulary as rapidly as reading.
There are tons of opportunities for you to read everyday. The most common ( and obvious) way is reading books. Just pick one that you like, and read them. Remember, you do not want to bore yourself to death. Another alteration of books would be news and magazines, or online articles. If you’re reading my article, great job! Keep this up and you’ll be better at no time.
4) Word of the day
Other than the words that you collected from reading, a word of the day can be a great way to expand your vocabulary even further. Pick one word that you heard everyday and write it down. If you are too busy to do so, subscribe to Dictionary.com, they will send a new word everyday straight to your inbox, with its meaning, origin, root word, etc.. Also, as you learn by studying root word, your vocabulary will exponentially increase. And I assure you, 100 points on the TOEFL IBT should be a cake.
Many force themselves to learn 5 to 10 new words per day. And worse, they do not learn, they memorize, which in my opinion is the biggest mistake of all time. I say this to everyone i know, and can’t stress this enough, Memorize As Least As Possible. Once in a while, you will have to, but minimize the chance. How long can you possibly remember the things you memorize? 1 month, or say 3 months. After a period of time, you will forget. But if you learn the word, then you would greatly extend the time, possibly 1 year or so.
5) Music
When do you listen to music? During work, on the way to school, on the bus, before bed, in the morning, in the afternoon, during break,…? You listen to songs all day long. So why don’t we turn it into a way to improve our listening ( and a bit reading) skill at the same time? Shall we?
First, pick some English songs that you like, and google for its lyrics. Read the lyrics and look up for any new word that you find. As you listen to the song, these words eventually will stick in your head =] You even can sing-a-long to practice your pronunciation.
Please excuse for my English. Feel free to comment if you find any mistakes or any parts that is confusing. I’d greatly appreciate it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TOEFL
