TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS Test Of English as a Foreign Language

TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS Test Of English as a Foreign Language Contents Introduction vii Chapter 1 How to Use This Book to Get a Top Score 1 Chapter 2 Listening 23 Chapter 3 Structure 49 Chapter 4 Reading 85 Chapter 5 ...

TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS Test Of English as a Foreign Language Contents Introduction vii Chapter 1 How to Use This Book to Get a Top Score 1 Chapter 2 Listening 23 Chapter 3 Structure 49 Chapter 4 Reading 85 Chapter 5 Writing 113 Appendix A Test Details 139 Appendix B Resources 149 Introduction T his essential guide to the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is perfect for studying on the go and tackling the exact kinds of questions tested on your upcoming official exam. Information is presented in an easy-tofollow, straightforward manner so you can find what you need, learn the information, and move on—it’s that simple. Each chapter covers the essential facts and practice you need to get prepared for your exam, as well as tips on where to go to for more detailed practice and further information. Whether you need to review all parts of the TOEFL exam or just skip ahead to the sections where you need extra practice and review, TOEFL Exam Essentials has just what you need for focused, targeted practice. ■ Chapter 1: About the TOEFL exam—signing up for the test, study schedules, how to prepare with this book ■ Chapter 2: Listening skills—lesson and practice ■ Chapter 3: Structure skills—lesson and practice ■ Chapter 4: Reading comprehension skills—lesson and practice ■ Chapter 5: Writing skills—lesson and practice Good luck! vii Chapter 1 How to Use This Book to Get a Top Score If you are planning to take the TOEFL exam, you are not alone. Worldwide more than 700,000 people will likely take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) this year. Native speakers of 145 different languages—representing more than 220 countries and regions—take the TOEFL exam annually. And, over 4,500 colleges, universities, programs, and agencies in the United States and Canada will use the TOEFL exam to evaluate applicants who are not native speakers of English. This important test measures your ability to read, write, and understand English so you can succeed in a college classroom or professional program. To prepare for the TOEFL exam, unlike other standardized tests, you can’t just memorize a list of vocabulary words or math formulas and expect to do well on the exam. You need to understand conversations and other spoken English, know grammar rules, understand and process what you read, and be able to 1 2 TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS express yourself effectively in writing. As you sharpen your English-language skills to prepare for the exam, this book will highlight what you need to know to get your best score. If you have looked on the shelves of your local bookstore, you know the volume of test-preparation tools and guidebooks can be overwhelming. That’s why this guide is designed to focus on the most important parts of studying for the TOEFL exam, without weighing you down. TOEFL Exam Essentials pulls together all the pieces of test preparation for you: ■ what to expect on the test ■ successful test-taking strategies ■ how to make your own study plan ■ a review of the content and skills you need to know You can take this book with you wherever you go. Take it out while you wait for the bus, during a work break, or while you exercise at the gym. It fits in your pocket or purse so you can fit your study time into a busy schedule. By using this book, you are taking your first steps to earning a top score on the TOEFL exam. Good luck as you prepare for the exam and pursue the education you need for a successful future. WHAT THE TOEFL EXAM IS ABOUT The TOEFL exam has two formats: a computer-based test and a paper-and-pencil version. You can take the computer-based test (CBT) at test centers around the world throughout the year. In some areas, the CBT is not available and the paper-based TOEFL exam is offered instead. The paper test is offered six times a year at specific locations. Although the test designs for the