How I (Sepideh) studied for TOEFL

Hey everyone, below we have Sepideh’s TOEFL experience, the resources she used and her tips for doing well on this exam. Hope this is helpful :).

My score: 111 total, breakdown below:

• Reading: 29
• Listening: 28 
• Writing: 28
• Speaking: 26

Starting level: Upper Intermediate

Studied for around 6 months

Vocabulary Resources:

• 504 textbook
• Ankidroid Application
• 1212 words to know for TOEFL
• Barron’s Essential words for TOEFL

Reading Tips:

• There are many approaches, my approach was to read the text fully and then move on to the questions
• Avoid getting stuck on hard vocabulary or questions
• Identify your weakness: is it speed? Is it a particular type of question? Re-review the questions you got wrong.

Reading Resources:

• TOEFL Practice Online (TPO) available on the ETS site
  • https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare/tests 
• Zhenti site
  • http://toefl.zhan.com/zhenti/
• Cambridge Reading
  • https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/

Listening/Speaking Tips:

• Practice! Listen to podcasts and watch English movies or series
• Manage your time when speaking.
• Avoid pausing or stuttering when speaking.
• Speak, record, listen, repeat…
• If possible, consult with someone with experience. 

Writing Tips:

• Read well-written essays.
• Compile a file of useful transition words or helpful sentences to use in your writing
• Use a variety of verb tenses. 
• Brainstorm before writing. 
• Practice typing!