Is anybody familiar with the TOEFL exams?

AFAIK, there are 3 types of TOEFL test.

• PBT: Paper Based Test
• CBT: Computer Based Test
• IBT: Internet Based Test

I've taken the IBT test twice. Didn't go well for me though :T

pretty sure you can try the test at some site, not THE test but an example of what it's like. it was pretty easy for me though i skipped the writing and speaking tasks

I took the IBT test about two years ago. There are a lot of materials on the interwebz if you wish to prepare yourself. The test is comprised of 4 parts (at least the one I took, but pretty sure that it's the same no matter the country you take the test): reading, speaking, listening and writing. The IBT means you will be doing this in front of a computer, in a room where there are also other applicants, meaning that someone may take his/her speaking test when you take your writing one. This could be distracting, so concentrating is a must.

The reading part was the hardest to me. I had trouble perfectly understanding the text, but ironically, that's where I scored the most point. I don't remember exactly if you had to answer questions based on the text or if it was something else that you had to do.

Speaking is pretty forward: you get a subject, and you have to develop it.

Listening means you listen to someone talk, and then you answer some questions based on what you heard.

And finally writing: you get one or two subjects that you have to develop.

As I previously said, I took the test about two years ago, so they may have changed it by now. Everybody in the room get different versions of the test, so talking to someone doesn't mean that you get answers for your version of the test. Also, there may be variations of the things you have to do, which I don't remember right now. Also, every stage is timed, so providing quick answers when you can will help you. If the timer stops and you have 2 questions left to answer on you reading part for example, you don't get to.

I took the test after a seven hour bus ride (I can't take the test in my hometown), not much sleep, and absolutely no preparation beforehand and I managed to get 96 out of 120 points. Fairly decent, but not ideal.

That would be the gist of it, or at least my experience. Sorry for the long post and good luck, but don't worry to much about it, 'cause I'm sure you're going to do good:)

I took this several years ago since it was a requirement. It was very easy since I didn't know I need to take it therefore I didn't prepare for it. I was at the college campus in person trying to register for the college and was asked to take the test immediately after talking to the advisor few minutes later. It was mainly comprehension from reading and your knowledge of using English word in writing like grammar and sentence structure. Based on the other thread you wrote, you seem to be pretty good with your English usage. It is really a easy test to check ones English level, if you use it daily then you will be fine.

ezzzzz. Don't worry about it.
Just your normal english class but easier.

Btw: Just listen veeeeeerrry carefully on the listening, I dumped my score in the listening, I blame the voice on the test w/ a strong french accent

heyo MrC,

I've taken the IBT last December, Let me know what questions you have. Would be more than glad to help you out.

On a side note: The exam is very easy to score .. the questions were below the level of English I had in my high school.

The reading and listening sections are pretty easy if you usually read books and watch movies to familiarize with the accent.

I read your posts in here on SG and I can surely say that your writing skills are top-notch.

The only thing left is speaking which can cause a little bit of trouble because of the non-English accent we have. But that can be overcome too.

So yeah let me know if you have any doubts :)

Cheers

I took it 4 years ago, aced it (the worst part was the writing, the topic was just too random and total BS)

just try to do your best in the reading and listening parts, those are the easiest parts in my opinion.

only took an IELTS a year ago, so I guess I can't help, sorry :)

I took the IELTS, because it was cheaper. Really easy. When I did my spoken test, the tester past me after a minute and asked me why I'd be wasting money on this certification.

My uni in the uk required me to take the test because I'd lived abroad the last three years. I'm a native speaker and British. I even went to the school to explain and everyone said my English was perfect, but no exceptions. Fucking hundred quid wasted.

Was looking to pass that test myself in the near future. I believe you simply register, and you go to the TOEFL center to pass it on the expected date. Doesn't look too difficult, at least from the practice questions I've seen on the net.

The most confusing part is the difference between the regular and the web-based test. I believe you have to go to the TOEFL center for both, but one uses computers and the other doesn't...

I just took the first online practice TOEFL I saw.
I am 84% proficient at using English as a foreign language. Yay me!

(English is my first language.)

TOEFL? Is that some sort of rubbery meat substitute?

Seriously it doesn't matter, got both TOEFL and TOIC, as long as you know your stuff there is no problem.