Would you like to study at an American college or university? If English is not your first language, then you must prove your skills by taking the toefl test. The acronym TOEFL means “Test of English as a Foreign Language” and nearly 20 million students have taken the test since it was first administered in 1964.

Through the years, the toefl examination has changed in many ways. It began as a paper-based test (toefl pbt) and later became a computer-based test ( toefl cbt). Once computers were used to administer the test, it was logical that it would eventually “go online.” In 2005, the toefl ibt (“internet-based test”) was introduced in the United States, Canada, and some countries in Europe. By 2006, it became the standard form of the test any place that had computers and internet access.

Also known as the Next Generation toefl test, the toefl ibt takes advantage of the multimedia potentials of computers to assess a student’s competence in the four major skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The new test includes pictures, diagrams, college-level academic texts, and spoken language in the form of conversations and lectures. Maybe the biggest innovation of all is the inclusion of a section devoted to speaking. Unlike earlier versions of the test which did not assess a student’s ability to speak English, the Next Generation toefl test requires that each computer be equipped with a microphone to record the spoken responses of each test taker. This new speaking section is a major improvement over previous versions of test because speaking English clearly and promptly is crucial in everyday communication (and therefore a true measure of achievement in language learning).

Many students consider the writing section to be the most challenging portion of the test. The new version requires students to compose two complete essays. To complete the first toefl essay , students must compare a written text to a spoken lecture. The second toefl essay is a response to a general question. A typical example of one of these general questions might be: “What are the characteristics of a good leader? Please provide reasons and examples in your response.” One might describe the second type of essay as personal, while the first as academic. Each type of essay question poses its own challenges to the test taker. As it is a matter of personal preference, test takers will surely disagree about which type of essay is more difficult to compose.

Very similar in form (multiple-choice questions) and content (academic texts and lectures), the listening and reading sections of the toefl ibt are probably no one’s best loved or most hated sections. Of course, the reading section challenges the eyes and the listening section the ears. However, the college-level toefl vocabulary of the printed texts and spoken lectures can be hard for many test takers. Fortunately, the listening section also includes a few conversations. These conversations, always about ups and downs of college life, are probably the lightest, easiest sections of the epic four-hour toefl ibt exam. Listen for them and improve your toefl score!

Students who attend Cambridge Schools are perfectly prepared for the toefl. Advanced students can attend our toefl preparation elective classes and take up to four hours of toefl test preparation a day. These classes culminate in the completion of a four-hour toefl practice test . Our toefl classes are divided in half so students, if they desire, can concentrate on either listening and speaking or reading and writing, and focus their toefl practice.

However, the structure of our entire English program at Cambridge Schools has been designed with the challenges of the new toefl exam in mind. Our general English program is balanced between a serious study of grammar (which is essential for success in toefl’s writing section) and our Listening & Speaking classes. New texts which cultivate the four major skills have been incorporated into the curriculum. At any level at Cambridge Schools, students will have the opportunity to develop any of the four skills tested on the Next Generation toefl ibt.

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Learn English at Cambridge Schools. We specialize in ESL for professional or academic purposes. Our business english
class will give you a competitive edge in your profession. We offer excellent TOEFL preparation classes
and are authorized to F1 Visa students.

Learn English at Cambridge Schools. We specialize in ESL for professional or academic purposes. Our business english class will give you a competitive edge in your profession. We offer excellent TOEFL preparation classes and are authorized to F1 Visa students.