TOEFL EXAM GUIDE FOR CAAPID APPLICANTS: PATTERNS, TIPS, and SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS

TOEFL Tips: FAQs with Top Scorer Amirtha

Question 1. How long before the test did you start preparing?
I started my preparation approximately 6 weeks before my test date.

Question 2. What was your initial step in preparation?
Right when I decided to start preparation, my first step was to take a full sample test to understand where I currently stand. After taking this sample test, I identified areas where I struggled while I was taking it and also based on my results in each section.

Question 3. Can you elaborate on the 2-2-2 method you mentioned?
The first 2 weeks of the 2-2-2 method was to focus solely on the components I found the hardest first. Personally, that was speaking and reading. For speaking, I would make sure I converse in proper sentences and avoid colloquial language/slang. I would give myself random prompts and prep in the stipulated time and record my natural response. I would then replay my recording and identify areas I went wrong and re-record my response. This method not only helped me find out my problem areas but also reinforced a sense of confidence after I listened to the second recording. For reading, I would skim through the passage first and get an idea of the topic given. I would then attempt the questions. If I was not sure of the exact answer, I would be able to identify the paragraph where the answer would be hidden from the initial skim. This technique helped me save time and gave me the chance towards the end to re-check my answers, which I was not able to do when I read the passage fully with intent before answering the questions. This was a personal preference, however, you can find the best method for you and work with that.
The second 2 weeks of the 2-2-2 method was to start practicing the other components of the test (listening and writing), while I still kept in touch with the other two components I had to work on. For speaking, listening, and writing, I found out effective note-taking did wonders. I would advise writing in short forms/phrases/symbols that you can understand while referring to the notes, as this would save time and you can focus on framing/developing and answering. I found making a comparative table helped me keep my thoughts organized, when two sides of an argument were presented. For this 2 weeks, mix up the permutation and combinations you practice each component, so you don’t end up exhausted on one particular component.

The last 2 weeks of the 2-2-2 method was to do full practice tests. By this time, you should be pretty familiar with each component and the kind of questions that can come up. The point of the practice tests is it simulates a test-like environment so you’re used to the timing and the amount of focus you need to put in. Try to avoid taking breaks during the test as the test center may not allow the same. Try to get your writing assignments evaluated preferably by a human/AI. It helped me to have a few template sentences which I could easily modify according to the task. This helped me build a structured answer especially for the academic writing task. Keep a track of your progress with each practice test. If you have a target score in your mind, set an overestimate score you would like to achieve for each component of the test. Lastly, if you know you’re good with one or two components of the test, make sure you give it your all on those components during the real test! Trust your gut!

Question 4. What are the sources you relied on to study or prepare?
I used the one-month subscription of BestMyTest for my prep. I started to use it from the 3rd week of my 6-week prep. This subscription came with a limited number of human and AI reviews which I used wisely, mainly saving them for the full practice tests.

Question 5. How did your friends/family help?
During the initial days of my prep, I would practice speaking with my parents and sister. I found this comfortable for me, especially when I just started out with preparation, as talking to a human felt easier than to a computer screen. Ask your friends/family for constructive criticism, they may point out areas you can improve that you had missed out/did not realize.

Question 6. Is it helpful to take the practice tests in a relatively busy/noisy environment if one is easily distracted?
That is definitely something you can do, especially if you get distracted easily. The test center will have candidates taking different types of tests/start their TOEFL test at a different time than you, which means you may be able to hear them speak while you are doing a whole different component. I would say try to simulate a similar environment – laptop, desk, paper pens, and headphones

Question 7. What are some tips you’d give applicants who are confident preparing but diffident to take the exam? 

• Practice helps build confidence! 
• Test centre may get you feeling intimidated with the other candidates present there, but just trust your prep and go with your gut! 

Question 8. Any additional tips for our applicants?

• Your test is evaluated by a human aided by computer software, so make sure your grammar is right.
• Having a few template introductory/transition/conclusion phases helped me build a structured response. Make sure it can be easily modified to suit the tone of your response on test day
• Carry a water bottle and a small snack with you, you’ll be able to store it in your assigned locker. You will be allowed to leave the testing hall at the loss of your time during the reading and listening components, or between those two. However you will not be allowed to exit once speaking and writing components start. So make sure you take your breaks in the stipulated time/or before you start the test.
• Finally, all the best!!