1. Always go to the test centre as early as possible. Don’t follow reporting time as you are allowed to start test half an hour before reporting time. So going early helps. It’s basically first come first serve basis..
2. After you reach test centre you are asked to show the passport and then fill the confidentiality form of ETS. So carry your passport with you without fail. Sometimes they can ask for secondary proof so do carry driving license. U r given a secured space to keep your belongings and mobile phones and other such things are not allowed inside the exam centre. Some toefl centre’s even do not allow watch to be taken inside so don’t bring any valuables.
3. Once you have filled that form they let you in. For ex- for my test scheduled at 10.00am, I was allowed entry at 9.00 am inside examination centre. Once you are inside they again check your passport and take your snap. Then you are taken to the allotted computer.
4. Now u can begin adjusting your microphone volume and record a sample response so that the software adjusts your volume accordingly. Next it takes u to the reading section instructions.
5. Before u proceed it is advisable to read all the instructions. One of the two sections ie reading or listening will have an added experimental section, but you’re not told which section. First of all u will solve a passage consisting of 13 questions in 20 minutes. Then it will be followed by two passages to be solved in 40 minutes. If your reading has added experimental section u will have to solve 2 more passages in 40 mins otherwise u will proceed to the listening section. For reading section time is sufficient on an avg-20mins/passage is allotted but keep in mind that last question is worth two points so do keep at least 3-4 mins for last question apart from the time for review if u want to do. Just mark questions which u guessed in the passage and review them at last.
6. Next is listening section. It will have 3 parts. 1st part-consisting of 17 questions comprised of 2 lectures and 1 conversation. Next part will also be exactly same and if ur listening section has experimental section u will have third part consisting of more 17 questions. As such listening section is quite easy and u just need to listen carefully and take notes of important points. Sometimes if u have started test late then while ur solving listening section other guys can be on speaking section. So there can be disturbance. So going early helps here. U r given rough sheets and pencil but if u require more sheets ask the administrator. Don’t be hesitant after paying $165.
After listening section there is 10 mins break and u can leave ur place. It is advisable to leave the room because first 2 sections are quite exhaustive (requiring 160 mins) and a little break helps. U r required to deposit ur passport with administrator and then leave. While coming back u should collect ur passport and go to your computer.
7. Next is speaking section. If u are ahead of others it is great as u alone will be speaking otherwise be prepared for the worst as some guys do speak loudly. The guy next to me was speaking so loudly as if he was giving a speech. I thanked god that I started my test early as I was on writing section when he was speaking. Let’s go to the speaking section directly.
It consists of 6 tasks-
1st task consists of speaking on topic familiar to you. Just don’t speak on many points but stick to 2-3 pts and explain them clearly with examples. If u are having some difficulty in this task try speaking from ur own experiences as it will require less thinking. Preparation time-15 secs and response time-45 secs
2nd task requires u to take a stand on the topic given and explain the reasons for the same. It is somewhat easier as u have to just explain ur stand. Preparation time-15 secs and response time-45 secs
3rd task comprises of a reading a short notice in 45 secs and then listening a conversation and then summarize the points. Preparation time-30 secs and response time-60 secs
4th task is little bit longer as it involves understanding a passage listening to a lecture and then giving ur opinion. I will say that the content to be spoken in this task is more so I would suggest speaking faster for this task. Preparation time-30 secs and response time-60 secs
5th task consists of listening to a conversation and then summarizing the same. Preparation time-20 secs and response time-60 secs
6th task requires us to listen to a lecture and then summarize it. In this task the lecture is quite long so listen carefully. Preparation time-20 secs and response time-60 secs
As long as u know what to speak, this section is easy. Go through the 7 tests given in Barron’s toefl and u would be fine with this section.
8. Final section is writing having 2 tasks. 1st task is integrated consisting of reading a passage and then listen to a lecture and compare the two. Minimum word count should be 200 and time allotted is 20 mins. Ur not asked ur opinion in this task so don’t give the same.
2nd task is an independent task, writing an essay of 300 words in 30 mins.
That’s the end of a mammoth test (250 mins approx). U don’t get any scores on test day so u can leave after u report your scores after the exam……
