If you are an ESL learner hoping to attend an English-speaking university in the United States or Canada, you probably already know what the TOEFL iBT is. For those not in the know, it is a test that measures a student’s ability to speak, read, write, and understand English at a university level. But how do you study for such an important test? Due to both its importance and its popularity, it is not difficult to find a TOEFL iBT practice test, online or in written form.
What Is the TOEFL iBT?
The world is more globalized than ever. It is becoming increasingly common for students to attend universities outside of their home country. This comes with its own challenges, however. A student who is attending a university in a second language may have trouble adjusting to university life in a foreign language, not just a foreign country. Even if they speak the language well, academic environments can often use field-specific vocabulary that second language learners may have not had the chance to learn. Fortunately, there are tests available to help such students.
The TOEFL iBT test is designed to measure a person’s ability to use English, specifically at the university level. It has listening, speaking, reading, and writing sections. These elements all combine together to help give an idea of how well a non-native English speaker would do at an English-speaking university. Universities in the U.S.A. and Canada, as well as English programs at universities in Germany and France, prefer this test over other, similar ones. This is because it is a trusted name that has been in use for years and universities know that the results are fair and unbiased.
The vast majority of TOEFL iBT exam takers get into their first or second choice university program. This isn’t the only reason to take the test, however. Just the act of studying for the test helps to prepare a non-native English speaker for an English-speaking academic environment. Even the most fluent of ESL learners may not have had a chance to study in an English-speaking country and they may not know some of the specific vocabulary involved in going to an English-speaking university. The tools available to study for the exam are great for preparing to go to an American or Canadian university. The test just proves to universities that you are ready to take on the challenge of their programs.
TOEFL iBT Practice Test: Where to Study
As mentioned, the TOEFL iBT is one of the most popular tests to show English proficiency, especially if you are hoping to study in the U.S. or Canada. There are test centers, as well as test preparation schools all over the world. If you aren’t close to a school or can’t afford to take a class, there are also many different books available to help you study.
If neither of those routes is an option for whatever reason, consider studying online. Do a quick search and you’ll find a plethora of practice tests. Just taking the tests sometimes isn’t the best way to study, though. You may have questions about why you got certain questions wrong or need a little extra help reviewing different sections. If that is the case, then signing up for an online preparation program may be a good idea.
Magoosh is one available website. Above all else, the team behind Magoosh is excited about spreading knowledge and helping students to achieve their dreams. They know that test preparation isn’t always easily accessible to all students and they want to change that by offering materials that can be accessed anywhere at any time. Sometimes the only thing keeping a student from going to their first choice university is their lack of ability to prepare for the TOEFL iBT test. Magoosh helps tip the balance from favoring those who can afford expensive classes and tutors.
Magoosh’s core values are what makes it such a great learning environment. They value accessibility over exclusivity so there are no prerequisites to signing up for their test preparation programs. You can always trust that when you speak with a member of the team, they will speak to you with respect and compassion, not in an overly formal manner. They also want to challenge everyone, not just their students but themselves as well. Doing something you’ve never done before can be hard but they encourage it and provide the support needed to be successful. They know that their program can be a life changer for many students and they take that responsibility seriously. Students never have to deal with questions going unanswered or members of the Magoosh team passing them off to team member after team member because dealing with you is “not their job.” You can trust that you’ll not only learn enough to be properly prepared for your exam, but you’ll also have an enjoyable experience along the way.
What You’ll Learn
Magoosh offers study programs for a variety of different academic exams. The way it works is simple: you choose the test you want to take and sign up for a program plan related to that test. You don’t have to continuously sign up for individual classes as you move along through the different subjects, the program you sign up for contains everything you need to learn and study. Whether you’re getting in some last minute studying or preparing for an exam many months down the road, there is an option for you. You can sign up for one-week, one-month, and six-month plans.
The great thing about Magoosh is that each plan offers all of the same materials. You don’t have to sign up for a plan you don’t really need in order to access the full range of learning aids available. Whatever your plan, the TOEFL iBT test preparation program comes with over 150 video lessons that cover every section of the exam and go in-depth about key elements you’ll need to know in order to be successful. Each plan also comes with over 475 practice questions as well as videos explaining the answer to each of the questions. You won’t have to wonder why you got a question wrong or be confused by why exactly the correct answer was the best one, the videos will explain everything to you. This is far better than just taking a simple TOEFL iBT practice test.
Do you have trouble making and keeping a study schedule? Maybe you just like the routine of a typical classroom environment, where everything you go over is scheduled around a syllabus. Magoosh can offer that to you as well. Each plan comes with different study schedules and checklists to help you track your progress and stay on top of your studying. The schedules help with both a rigorous, last minute week of studying and a more relaxed, methodical six months of studying.
If you still have trouble understanding something or just want a little extra help that you aren’t getting from the study videos and practice questions, Magoosh offers email support. You can email them at any time with your question and a team member will provide you with the additional assistance you need. Don’t worry about asking a “stupid question” or asking something not specifically covered in the program materials. Magoosh team members will do their best to answer your question to your satisfaction and help you to better understand the material. They want you to be successful so they offer as much support as they can.
Make Your Dreams Come True
Taking the TOEFL iBT is a key component for non-native English speakers who are applying to English-speaking universities. You most likely already have the knowledge and skills necessary to get into a program at an American or Canadian university, you just need to show them that you do. Taking a trust test like the TOEFL is the best way to prove that you can read, write, speak, and understand English at a university level and that you’ll be successful if you attend an English-speaking university. According to the official TOEFL website, 90% of students who take their exam get into one of their top two university choices. That should show you how important the exam is! Preparing for and taking this exam could make the difference between an acceptance and a rejection letter from your dream university.
Don’t get stuck thinking that you can’t get into your dream university just because you can’t afford a private English tutor or go to a test preparation academy. There are affordable, accessible options available so that every student has a chance to go to the English-speaking university they want to. Learning should be available to everybody and Magoosh is trying to make that happen. Reviewing material related to the TOEFL exam and taking a TOEFL iBT practice test or two is the best way to boost your confidence and make sure you’re prepared for when exam day comes. Give Magoosh a try and see just how well you do on your TOEFL iBT exam.