Friday, 16 September 2016

Your General TOEFL Questions-TOEFL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUIZ

Your General TOEFL Questions
 TOEFL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUIZ


In this section, you'll find answers to your commonly asked TOEFL questions. These questions are general and not related to any specific section of the test. Please take a look at the list below if you have any doubts or concerns. If you do not find the answer to your question here or think you may need a bit of clarification, let us know right away. We're here to help--no matter what!

1) Should I have my test rescored?


2) How do experimental sets work?


3) Will I meet my TOEFL requirements in time for my exam?


4) I saw a question type that's different from NoteFull's; what do I do?


5) Where do I go if I'm feeling stressed or unmotivated?


6) How can I find a study partner?

7) Can I use your systems for the TOEFL PBT?




To rescore or not to rescore is a common concern. ETS charges $80 to rescore one section and $160 for both Speaking and Writing, combined! So making the decision to rescore can seem like a gamble. Here's some advice if you're considering a rescore. 


We have seen students make anywhere from 1 to 4 point jumps when they've requested a rescore of their speaking or writing sections. However, anything beyond that might be tough.  


First, consider how confident you feel about your level. If you feel truly confident that you deserved a 24 instead of a 23, there's a good chance that you may be deserving of that extra point. Confidence on a test often indicates confident speaking and higher scores as a result.


Also consider how many points you need. If you're looking for 1-2 points more, NoteFull recommends that you give it a shot. However, if more than that, it might be the case that you'll need a bit more review, but we would still request rescoring if you thought that you deserved a much higher score than you earned.


Finally, when in doubt ask an instructor. We'll be glad to discuss this further with you if you're still not sure. Good luck!



Unfortunately, ETS isn't very transparent about the experimental reading and listening sets, nor the purpose behind them. However, what we do know is that an experimental set is basically just an additional set of unscored questions. 


For example, the average reading set includes 1 reading passage and 14 questions, right? Typically, students will receive 3 sets (3 passages and 42 questions total). However, with an experimental set, you'll have 4 total sets (4 reading passages and 56 questions). 


Because of the randomness of experimental sets, there is no way of knowing which set is "experimental" or who will encounter one. Therefore, NoteFull feels that it is in your best interest to work through all questions carefully, no matter how many you have to face. Good luck!
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Many of you out there know exactly what scores you have to reach on the TOEFL. Some of you, however, may be a bit unsure. When in doubt, ask the institutions to which you will be applying. For example, if you know what universities you'd like to attend, be sure to visit their website or call--they'll have the information you need. 


If you do know your requirements, but aren't sure how to meet them, we'd be glad to help provide a recommendation. Never hesitate to contact us: StudentHelp@NoteFull.com


Above all else, be realistic! If you earned a 60 on your last test, you will probably have difficulty shooting your score up to a 100+ in just a couple of weeks. Getting high level scores on the TOEFL can be a challenge: it involves hard work with your fundamental English abilities as well as TOEFL strategy. We know you'll get there though and we know we can help.
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A lot of our students start preparing for the TOEFL with other, more well-known test preparation sources like Delta, Barron's, Kaplan, Longman and Cambridge. These texts are good supplementary sources and are also a great way to improve your general skills. However, make sure that you understand that these texts often present their TOEFL questions a bit differently. Therefore, you may not be able to apply NoteFull strategies to the tasks you see in those resources.


So, which is better? We believe that in order to prepare for the TOEFL , you should use resources that model the exam as precisely as possible. That's why all instructors at NoteFull take the TOEFL every 3 months. With this experience, we are better able to create accurate study materials and strategies and help you crack the TOEFL for good.


Click here if you're not registered: How Do I Choose My TOEFL Program?



Preparing for and taking the TOEFL can be a stressful experience for many. If you think stress, anxiety, or a lack of motivation is preventing you from hitting your score, make sure that you visit the Motivation page.

Any time you start to feel overwhelmed click the link posted here: Get Motivated Today!



Many NoteFull student find it tough to work independently through their TOEFL studies. If you are one of these students--you're not alone. We are currently working on a new website for NoteFull and will also be creating a new forum to connect with other TOEFL test takers. For now, we do apologize, but we don't have a source to help.

We hope to have the new site up soon!




The TOEFL PBT and the TOEFL iBT are both similar in a lot of ways, yet also different. While most institutions require students take the iBT exam, some students still opt for the PBT version. Here are some details about the two tests to help you as you move forward:
TOEFL iBt
TOEFL PBT
Reading Section
 Time: 60-100 minutes
Questions: 36-56
Score Scale: 0-30
Key Differences: New Summary questions, Glossary of keywords		 Time: 30 minutes
Questions: 1 topic
Score Scale: 31-67
Listening Section
 Time: 60-90 minutes
Questions: 34-51
Score Scale: 0-30
10 minutes break
Key Differences: New Purpose and Attitude questions, Longer passages, Note-taking permitted		 Time: 30-40 minutes
Questions: 50
Score Scale: 31-68
Speaking Section
 Time: 20 minutes
Questions: 6 tasks
Score Scale: 0-4 points converted to 0-30
No Speaking section
Structure (Grammar) Section
No Structure section
 Questions: 15 exercises of completing sentences and 25 exercises of identifying errors.
Time:25 minutes
Score Scale:31-68
Writing Section
 Time: 50 minutes
Questions: 2 tasks
Score Scale: 0-5 points converted to 0-30		 Time: 30 minutes
Questions: 1 topic
Score Scale: 0-6
Total Score
Score Scale: 0-120
Score Scale: 310-677  

Please note that it is our aim to teach students to effectively pass the TOEFL iBT exam. However, that doesn't mean that we cannot help you for the TOEFL PBT, too. How can we help if you plan to take this exam instead?

Reading: Our reading systems will help you improve your overall abilities and strategies to beat the TOEFL PBT. There are some strategies here, however, that you will not find on your PBT, like the Summary question.

Listening: Our listening systems will also help you prepare for the TOEFL PBT; however, keep in mind, we place a lot of emphasis in our systems on note-taking. Also, the Attitude and Purpose questions will not be featured on your PBT, so you may only need to review these strategies for general listening skills. 

Writing: Our writing systems will be a great way to help you prepare and become a stronger writer overall. 

Structure (Grammar): ESL Power is a great system to help you improve your overall grammatical knowledge and ability to use English grammar correctly and effectively for this section of your TOEFL PBT. 

We hope this helps you make the best decisions possible for your next exam. However, if you have any further questions or concerns, never hesitate to write in; we'll be glad to point you in the right direction.


  Reading Questions


Your Common TOEFL Reading Questions 








         3) What's the benefit of reviewing the same passages again?

























Your Questions Answered 


Using strategy while reading can be difficult for students who are new to this process. However, strategies are very important, particularly when working through a timed, standardized test like the TOEFL. Whenever you do not understand how to apply or utilize a strategy type effectively, this means that we'll need to work on them consistently and over time. 


If you are already registered, this means that you're already on the right track. In Step One, we include a very detailed guide after each practice test which will walk you through the strategies. Step Two and Three also present some excellent video guides that will ensure you understand how to use the strategy to find the right answer. 


If you're not yet registered for a system with reading in it, we strongly recommend that you make this your next step. In our systems, you'll gain access to our tried and tested strategies and you'll be able to work through practice tests to master each of them, step by step. Here's a link to register now: Complete TOEFL Mastery


Regardless, when you're struggling with a specific question in your system, we'll be glad to help clarify everything. Just send us an email at StudentHelp@NoteFull.com that includes:


1) the step or reading passage you're struggling with

2) the question number

3) and the answer choice(s) you initially selected.  


We look forward to helping you get through the strategies in any way that we can.


 When you understand the reading strategies, but you're still getting a score that is low (or lower than expected and hoped), this typically means that you're 1) skipping crucial parts of the strategy, 2) going to need comprehension and/or vocabulary improvement, 3) should consider tutoring to iron out any further difficulties. 

I know this sounds simple, but it's true. We have students who bring this very same question to us in tutoring sessions. You're not alone! Because these students are already registered for tutoring, we always walk through example questions together and find that, time and time again, the problem lies with the fact that the student didn't strictly follow all steps of the strategy and/or could not understand the question, the passage, or the answer choices due to comprehension issues.

If you're struggling, we recommend the following powerful combination of systems: 


Whatever you do, keep working hard to master every detail and to improve your comprehension. There is no replacement for tutoring when you're REALLY struggling, but we're always here to answer any questions you may have. Good luck!




This is a very common question we receive from our great students. While we understand your concerns, we want you to feel absolutely confident that repetition is your key to mastery. 


Remember, your ability to answer questions in the reading section should have little to do with whether or not you are familiar with the content. If you're having trouble with comprehension or vocabulary, these are separate issues which we'd be glad to help you with--don't hesitate to let us know. It's the strategy itself, though, that will act as your road map to the correct answer every time.


So, imagine strategy mastery like learning a new dance; when you're learning a dance, you practice each step with repetition, and you do it with the same song again and again until it's mastered, right? The same is true for reading. Practice the steps again and again with the same passages until you've mastered them. If you do this, you will be able to conquer any reading passage you face on the TOEFL. Keep working at it; we know you'll succeed!



The summary question can be pretty tough. However, luckily, the order in which you place your selected answers does not matter. Don't waste any time thinking about this because ultimately, the important thing is to ensure that you select the three correct answers out of the choices they present. Good luck!




While you may find that the topics on the TOEFL are challenging and unfamiliar, remember: ETS does not create reading passages that are unmanageable. 


For example, on my last test, I encountered a reading passage about bird calls. Now, I know very little about bird calls--I never studied this subject in college and I certainly don't think about bird calls in my day-to-day life. However, because I know that: 1) the reading passage will provide all of the information I need to know, 2) it will only test my ability to find information that's already presented in or implied by the text, and 3) I must use a strict strategy to find each answer, I recognize that I should be able to select the correct answers. It may be tough; I may feel a lot of pressure because of the time constraints, but I know and believe that I can find the answers. 


Always remember, if you're struggling with the content of the passages, you should work on a combination of strategy and comprehension improvement. If you don't have a NoteFull reading system, here's a link to get started right away: Complete TOEFL Mastery



Remember, your ability to answer questions in the reading section should have little to do with whether or not you are familiar with the content. If you're having trouble understanding the passages, this may be a comprehension issue. To improve your comprehension, you'll need to work consistently each day. You may not see improvements right away, but with time you'll start to become a stronger and faster reader.


If you're already registered with a NoteFull system, you should be familiar with the "Understand More" and "Improve Vocab" sections in Step Three. We urge you to continue to work through those activities as often as possible. Please let us know if you have any trouble or questions as you move forward. 


If you're not registered, we strongly recommend that you take a look at the following program. This will be a great way to start building your vocabulary and comprehension skills today. Click here for more details:  Complete TOEFL Mastery  



Here are some additional quick tips:


1) Read daily. The reading you select should be a mix of comfortable and challenging. It shouldn't be so challenging, however, that you cannot focus or understand the general points. 

2) Keep a log of new vocabulary; review the words each week; practice using them for mastery. 

3) Also, while you're reading, try to use the general comprehension skills that good readers use: think about the text as you're reading, connect the information in the text to your personal experience or information you already have in your mind, visualize the text, predict and think about what will come next in the text, ask yourself--what is the text trying to teach me?

No matter what, keep up the hard work and always let us know if you have any further questions. You can do it!



There are plenty of sources out there that we would recommend to you if you're trying to improve your general reading abilities and comprehension. Here are some links to peruse:


1) National Geographic 

2) The Smithsonian Magazine 

3) Scientific American 

4) Audible   

5) Scribd



Please don't hesitate to write in and let us know if we missed any good, helpful sources you have found in your studies.



To develop a faster speed, you can try this exercise. Take any book or magazine (preferably an academic one like National Geographic) and read as much as you can at full comprehension and focus in one minute. Then, count the number of lines of text that you were able to read. Now give yourself one minute to read twice as many lines. You cannot read the same. You must skim and skip words. Did you succeed? If not, try again. But, of course, you're always reading new material. Then, do this one more time (one minute to read twice as many lines as you just did). Then, do it one more time. After this, try reading fast at normal and full comprehension. Count the number of lines. This time you should have read a few lines more than you did the first time. If you do this every day, it can make a strong impact on your reading speed and comprehension.

We outline this strategy in much greater detail in our reading systems. If you're struggling, we encourage you to register today. Here's a link for more details: Complete TOEFL Mastery




Believe it or not: time-management (while not easy) is a choice! You either choose to look at the clock and move forward or not. Our strong recommendation is to answer the questions in the order that you receive them and to follow strict timing limits. For example, this is how your 20 minutes should break down:

20 - 19: read the 1st sentences of each paragraph

19 - 12 min 40 sec: answer questions 1 to 5

12 min 40 sec - 6 min 20 sec: answer questions 6 to 10

6 min 20 sec - 0: answer questions 11 to 14.


As you can see, this will give you more time to answer the difficult question 14. Now, make sure that you follow these timing requirements. It's purely psychological: you must be comfortable choosing an answer when you're not certain. It just wastes immense time if you think and think and think about an answer. Your strategy mastery will improve with time, but until then--always mange your time!


Listening Questions


Your Common TOEFL Listening Questions





















Your Questions Answered 


Using strategy with the listening section can be difficult for students who are new to this process. However, strategies are very important, particularly when working through a timed, standardized test like the TOEFL. Whenever you do not understand how to apply or utilize a strategy type effectively, this means that we'll need to work on them consistently and over time. 


If you are already registered, this means that you're already on the right track. In Step One, we include a very detailed guide and "Power Review" which will walk you through the strategies. 


If you're not yet registered for a system with listening in it, we strongly recommend that you make this your next step. In our systems, you'll gain access to our tried and tested strategies and you'll be able to work through practice tests to master each of them, step by step. Here's a link to register now: Complete TOEFL Mastery


Regardless, when you're struggling with a specific question in your NoteFull system, we'll be glad to help clarify everything. Just send us an email at StudentHelp@NoteFull.com that includes:

1) the step and listening passage you're struggling with,

2) the question number,

3) and the answer choice(s) you initially selected. 
We look forward to helping you get through the strategies in any way that we can.




When you understand the listening strategies, but you're still getting a score that is low (or lower than expected and hoped), this typically means that you're 1) skipping crucial parts of the strategy, 2) going to need comprehension and/or vocabulary improvement, 3) should consider tutoring to iron out any further difficulties. 

I know this sounds simple, but it's true. We have students who bring this very same question to us in tutoring sessions. You're not alone! Because these students are already registered for tutoring, we always walk through example questions together and find that, time and time again, the problem lies with the fact that the student didn't strictly follow all steps of the strategy and/or could not understand the question, the passage, or the answer choices due to comprehension issues.

If you're stuggling, we recommend the following powerful combination of systems: 


Whatever you do, keep working hard to master every detail and to improve your comprehension. There is no replacement for tutoring when you're REALLY struggling, but we're always here to answer any questions you may have. Good luck!



This is a very common question we receive from our great students. While we understand your concerns, we want you to feel absolutely confident that repetition is your key to mastery. 


Your ability to answer questions in the listening section should have little to do with whether or not you are familiar with the content. If you're having trouble with comprehension or note-taking, these are separate issues which we'd be glad to help you with--don't hesitate to let us know. It's the strategy itself, though, that will act as your road map to the correct answer every time. 


So, imagine strategy mastery like learning a new dance; when you're learning a dance, you practice each step with repetition, and you do it with the same song again and again until it's mastered, right? The same is true for listening. Practice the steps again and again with the same passages until you've mastered them. If you do this, you will be able to conquer any listening passage you face on the TOEFL. Keep working at it; we know you'll succeed!



While you may find that the topics on the TOEFL are challenging and unfamiliar, remember: ETS does not create listening passages that are unmanageable. 


Even if I'm presented with content that is unfamiliar, I know I will find the answers because 1) the lectures and discussions will provide all of the information I need to know, 2) it will only test my ability to find information that's already presented in or implied by the passages, 3) I take strong notes, and 4) I use a strict strategy to find each answer. Reminding myself of these points tells me that I should be able to select the correct answers. It may be tough; I may feel a lot of pressure because of the length or speed of the passage, but I know and believe that I can find the answers. 

Always remember, if you're struggling with the content of the passages, you should work on a combination of strategy and comprehension improvement. If you don't have a NoteFull reading system, here's a link to get started right away: Complete TOEFL Mastery




When strategy isn't enough, this may mean that general listening comprehension and note-taking skills are the issues holding you back. To improve your comprehension, you'll need to work consistently each day. You may not see improvements right away, but with time you'll start to become a stronger and more efficient listener.


If you're already registered with a NoteFull system, you should be familiar with the many dictation activities throughout Steps One, Two, and Three. You should also have taken a look at the "Extra Edge" and "TOEFL Topics" sections in Step Three. We urge you to continue to work through those activities as often as possible. Please let us know if you have any trouble or questions as you move forward. 


If you're not registered, we strongly recommend that you take a look at the following program. This will be a great way to start building your vocabulary and comprehension skills today: Complete TOEFL Mastery 


Here are some additional quick tips:


1) Listen daily. The listening passages you select should be a mix of comfortable and challenging. It shouldn't be so challenging, however, that you cannot focus or understand the general points. 

2) Keep a log of new vocabulary you encounter in your listening; review the words each week; practice using them for mastery. 

3) Also, while you're listening, try to use the general comprehension skills that good listeners use: think about the content as you're listening, connect the information you hear to your personal experience or information you already have in your mind, visualize the content, predict and think about what will come next, ask yourself--how do these points connect to the main idea?


No matter what, keep up the hard work and always let us know if you have any further questions. You can do it!


 There are plenty of sources out there that we would recommend to you if you're trying to improve your general reading abilities and comprehension. Here are some links to peruse:


1) Yale Courses 

2) MIT Courses

3) NYU Courses

4) Audible   

5) BBC Dialogues (note: not American accents)

6) Netflix  

7) NOVA (note: for students outside of the U.S., try searching on YouTube)


Please don't hesitate to write in and let us know if we missed any good, helpful sources you have found in your studies.



Note-taking is probably one of the most difficult tasks to improve quickly because there are so many different elements involved:

With note-taking we are using our comprehension skills.

We have to learn to write fast, but also write clearly.

We must write down meaningful words and content that will help us answer the questions.

We also have to be careful with how we organize and structure our notes. 


These are probably some of the major reasons why students often write in to let us know that they prefer NOT taking notes. However, if you hope to get the highest score possible, you should learn to master effective note-taking (if you're taking the TOEFL to get into any sort of academic program--consider this as preparation for your university classroom, too!).


To improve, we strongly urge you to register for a system that includes our awesome "Great Notes" cycle of improvement. Any system that includes 3-steps of listening, speaking, or writing will come equipped with this powerful improvement tool. Here is a great system to help you get started:  Complete TOEFL Mastery


If you're registered and you're still struggling, please let us know what step of the "Great Notes" cycle has been giving you the greatest difficulty. We'd be glad to clarify it for you. You may also consider tutoring; in a session, our instructors are trained to help you find the precise reason you're struggling with note-taking.


Speaking Questions Part 1


Your Common TOEFL Speaking Questions 

Questions 1 & 2:
















  
Question 3:












  

Your Questions Answered


We get this questions a lot from our students. All of the important points you'll always need to know about questions 1 & 2 are as follows:


1) The questions will always ask about familiar topics. This means that the subjects will be every day topics like sports, transportation, education, technology, and so on. An unfamiliar topic would be something like biology or architecture. 


2) The question task never changes, but the way the task is framed may vary. For example, in 2007, they might have asked you:


If you could make one important change in a school that you attended, what change would you make? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.


However, in 2014, they may ask you:


If your university decided to use this year's donations to make one major improvement, in which of the following ways do you think your university should use its money: an updated library, an olympic-sized swimming pool, or a new technology lab? Provide reasons and specific examples to support your answer.


As you can see, the topic is still familiar; the task is still the same. However, the wording has changed. The second question also may seem more difficult at first because it's much longer, but in reality, it's the same level of difficulty as our first question. In short, the way they frame the question is a bit different. Don't let this alarm you. Continue to use the great strategies you've been mastering so far.


3) Sometimes we'll see new trends in the question format like the one mentioned above. What we're seeing now may change next year, so if you think you're seeing a new trend, don't panic! Let us know and if there's any way to help you modify your response structure, we'd be glad to point you in the right direction. Good luck!



Many people encounter NoteFull by our famous YouTube videos. In those videos, we provide a very practical and basic structure to follow for each question type. Because the tasks change slightly, you may find that the language you use can also vary slightly.


For those of you who are already registered, you will notice that we've provided a wider variety of tasks and ways to modify the structure in Step One of your speaking system. If you're registered, please visit Step One of your system for further details.


For those of you who are unregistered, we strongly recommend that you do so. You'll find more extensive help that goes beyond what you've seen on YouTube. Please click on the following link for more details: Complete TOEFL Mastery


When in doubt, the best way to learn is to try it out on your own rather than asking us to create a model answer for you. Create a response with your question by using or modifying our template on your own first. You're more than welcome to send it to us for some feedback. We'd be glad to let you know if you're on the right track.



This is a common concern for a lot of students. If you're registered, please take advantage of the content in Step One and also remember to visit the Common Mistakes page for a video on coming up with examples. 


If you are not registered, we strongly recommend that you do so to ensure you receive as much help as possible. Please click on the following link for more details: Complete TOEFL Mastery 


For some fast help, take a look at the following explanation. It's actually impossible not to have an experience to relate. Let me give you an idea. I answered this question during tutoring with a student a short time ago that really helped illustrate the idea. Let's say that you get a question that asks you this:


Would you rather live on Mars or Jupiter?


Have you ever lived on Mars or Jupiter? No, no one I know ever has and I don't know any aliens who did. But, if you get this kind of question and you follow what we teach, you will be able to answer it easily. Let me give you the idea.


In my view, living on Mars would be better than Jupiter for 2 reasons.
First, it's closer to Earth.
For example, I remember when I was in elementary school, I learned about the planets. I had to build a little diagram showing where they were and I still remember that Mars was closer than Jupiter and I would like to stay close to Earth.


Though I didn't live on Mars that didn't stop me from coming up with a real experience and referencing it. You don't have to have a perfect example for the question. You just need to refer to something from real life. Don't forget that the only reason we do this is that if we remember something, it's easier to talk about, our vocabulary is better, it's asked for in the question, and we will avoid repetition. It's critical to do this to get the highest rating possible on questions 1 and 2.


I hope that helps and if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help the best that we can. Also, stay strong and focused in your studies. It will all get easier soon.
  


For those of you who have had a tutoring session or a review with NoteFull, our master instructors will all tell you "tell the truth in your examples." Even though many of you have learned this, we still see students making up false stories in their responses. This is something you MUST stop doing today if you want to get the highest score possible. Why? It's simple. If you make up a fake story in your example a grader will notice! Here's how: 


1) When students make up a story, they often hesitate--hesitation or a lack of fluency, smoothness, and speed is a surefire way to earn a "fair" score.


2) When students create content, they often repeat themselves--repetition or not using a wide range of vocabulary will hurt your score. 


So, when we tell you to be honest, this isn't because the grader is going to consider whether you're telling the truth or not. Remember, the TOEFL is not a test of your ability to tell the truth, but a test of your ability to speak clearly, fluently, and to use a wide range of vocabulary.





We strongly urge that you use two part answers. This may mean that you provide two reasons and two examples, one reason and two examples, two characteristics plus a reason and example for each, or two pieces of advice plus a reason and example for each.


NoteFull recommends this because when you divide your answer into two parts, you will have a better chance at providing a wider range of vocabulary and you'll (ideally) limit your repetitions.


You can respond however you'd like with whatever structure you feel comfortable. Remember, NoteFull's strategies are not rules, but ways to help and guide you. Ultimately, you should use what helps you earn your score. Just remember though, these strategies have been tried and tested and they get results. So again, we hope you'll try your best to master the two-part answer strategy. Don't give up; mastering strategies can take time. We'll be there to help you through it.



This type of question is rarely seen on the TOEFL these days (if at all). However, to help you prepare, here's a quick tutorial and template to guide you:


1) Only one advantage and disadvantage is necessary with a short example for each


2) Here's a quick example of the format that we teach:


There are disadvantages and advantages to building a large factory near my community in Maryland but the disadvantages are greater.
The greatest advantage would be the addition of jobs.
For example, . . . 
The worst disadvantage would be the pollution it would add to the area.
For example, . . . 
That's why, in the end, I think it would be a terrible idea.


Good luck with your studies. Let us know if you have any other questions or concerns; we're here to help the best that we can.



Our answer to this question is short and simple: Skip it. Start by announcing your title and then move on to the student's opinion from there. It's much better for you to speak clearly and with confidence, but missing a few details, than it is to speak without clarity, with pauses, and little confidence. Don't sacrifice your speech for incomplete, misunderstood details.


To improve this ability over time, keep practicing. This is a great system to start with: Complete TOEFL Mastery
    


If you're unable to catch the change entirely, then this may mean that you need much more practice and reading comprehension improvement. It's true, it can be tough; when we're feeling stressed, it's difficult to absorb the content that the reading passage is presenting. Remember, your best bet is to use the title as a guide. This should be your first key word to help you scan the text quickly. Don't read the entire passage from start to finish; this will be a waste of time. Learning to read quickly and efficiently is crucial. We hope this helps!

  

Yes; tense matters. However, does it have to be perfect? No. Just keep in mind that with Question 3, the students will often be discussing past or on-going examples and they'll be considering future changes and results. Therefore, the best way to stay precise is to take notes that mirror the tense used by the students. 


If you're having a big problem with mastering verb tenses, NoteFull encourages that you take a look at our ESL Power system. This is a great way to break old habits and improve your grammar overall. Here's a link for further details: ESL Power



Note-taking is probably one of the most difficult tasks to improve quickly because there are so many different elements involved:


With note-taking we are using our comprehension skills.

We have to learn to write fast, but also write clearly.

We must write down meaningful words and content that will help us answer the questions.

We also have to be careful with how we organize and structure our notes. 


These are probably some of the major reasons why students often write in to let us know that they prefer NOT taking notes. However, if you hope to get the highest score possible, you should learn to master effective note-taking (if you're taking the TOEFL to get into any sort of academic program--consider this as preparation for your university classroom, too!).


To improve, we strongly urge you to register for a system that includes our awesome "Great Notes" cycle of improvement. Any system that includes 3-steps of listening, speaking, or writing will come equipped with this powerful improvement tool. Here is a great system to help you get started:  Complete TOEFL Mastery


If you're registered and you're still struggling, please let us know what step of the "Great Notes" cycle has been giving you the greatest difficulty. We'd be glad to clarify it for you. You may also consider tutoring; in a session, our instructors are trained to help you find the precise reason you're struggling with note-taking. We'll be here to help you every step of the way! Good luck!




This is a great question. Knowing what to say can be a great source of confusion for students. 


We, at NoteFull, recommend that you avoid paraphrasing your content. In an academic setting, we usually have the time and freedom to show our originality and creativity. Also, we also learn to be cautious about using someone else's words without citations; plagiarism is a big concern in academia. However, with the TOEFL, this is not something you should worry about. Here, it's important to apply strategies that will help you maintain accuracy and precision in your spoken and written English, under tight timed conditions. Therefore, you should always use the lectures and conversations you hear as a direct source when writing your notes. And you should use those notes as a direct source to build your spoken responses. This will not hurt your score, but will instead help you maintain accuracy. The TOEFL raters will not be looking for originality, and so it is our recommendation that you simply use the subjects, verbs, and objects you hear and read to create your responses.



Speaking Questions Part 2


Your Common TOEFL Speaking Questions

Question 4:
















Question 5:
















Question 6:













Your Questions Answered 


Our answer to this question is short and simple: Skip it. Start with your title and then move on to the example from there. It's much better for you to speak clearly and with confidence, but missing a few details, than it is to speak unclearly with pauses and little confidence. Don't sacrifice your speech for incomplete, misunderstood details.

To improve this ability over time, keep practicing. This is a great system to start with: Complete TOEFL Mastery

  

If you're unable to catch the definition entirely, then this may mean that you need much more practice and reading comprehension improvement. It's true; the passages can be tough and when we're feeling stressed, it can be difficult to absorb the content that the reading passage is presenting. Remember, use the title as a guide to find your definition. This should be your first key word to help you scan the text quickly. Don't read the entire passage from start to finish; this will be a waste of time. Learning to read quickly and efficiently is crucial. We hope this helps!

  

For all registered students, if you review Step One and Top Content of Step Three carefully, you'll find your answer. Please write in if you need clarification; we're always here to guide you through the process


If you're not registered, NoteFull recommends that you consider registration, because this will require more instruction and practice. Here's a link to register today:   Complete TOEFL Mastery 


As a quick tip, think about how the definition and the keywords (nouns and verbs) in the definition connect to the example you just heard. We hope this helps!

  

Again, for all registered students, if you review Step One and Top Content of Step Three carefully, you'll find your answer. Please write in if you'd like help with a specific question in your NoteFull practice tests.


This skill requires some instruction and practice. If you're not registered, this is one great reason to consider going for it. Here's a link to register today: Complete TOEFL Mastery.


The answer to this question is similar, though, to the previous one. The definition should function as your guide. Use what you read there to help you listen more intelligently. Good luck!

  

Note-taking is probably one of the most difficult tasks to improve quickly because there are so many different elements involved:


With note-taking we are using our comprehension skills.

We have to learn to write fast, but also write clearly.

We must write down meaningful words and content that will help us answer the questions.

We also have to be careful with how we organize and structure our notes. 


These are probably some of the major reasons why students often write in to let us know that they prefer NOT taking notes. However, if you hope to get the highest score possible, you should learn to master effective note-taking (if you're taking the TOEFL to get into any sort of academic program--consider this as preparation for your university classroom, too!).


To improve, we strongly urge you to register for a system that includes our awesome "Great Notes" cycle of improvement. Any system that includes 3-steps of listening, speaking, or writing will come equipped with this powerful improvement tool. Here is a great system to help you get started:  Complete TOEFL Mastery


If you're registered and you're still struggling, please let us know what step of the "Great Notes" cycle has been giving you the greatest difficulty. We'd be glad to clarify it for you. You may also consider tutoring; in a session, our instructors are trained to help you find the precise reason you're struggling with note-taking. We'll be here to help you every step of the way!
  
   


This is a great question. Knowing what to say can be a great source of confusion for students. 


We, at NoteFull, recommend that you avoid paraphrasing your content. In an academic setting, we usually have the time and freedom to show our originality and creativity. Also, we also learn to be cautious about using someone else's words without citations; plagiarism is a big concern in academia. However, with the TOEFL, this is not something you should worry about. Here, it's important to apply strategies that will help you maintain accuracy and precision in your spoken and written English, under tight timed conditions. Therefore, you should always use the lectures and conversations you hear as a direct source when writing your notes. And you should use those notes as a direct source to build your spoken responses. This will not hurt your score, but will instead help you maintain accuracy. The TOEFL raters will not be looking for originality, and so it is our recommendation that you simply use the subjects, verbs, and objects you hear and read to create your responses.  

   

You don't have to do this, but we strongly recommend it. Students who struggle with the structure tend to experiment with the format in order to develop a method that works for them. Ultimately, this is okay--you should deliver using a structure that works for you, but keep in mind that if you don't talk about both solutions, you will have to come up with a lot more content on your own. When you discuss both solution one and two, you will be much better able to fill the time. So, our goal for you is that you keep working hard to master the strategy.

With that said, you may find that you'd like to modify the amount of content you say for each solution--especially if you're struggling to manage your time. One of our key tips to follow is to skip the "even though" statement for the first solution. This should help you focus on the most important points and still manage to finish before the time is up.

Keep working hard to develop a consistent pattern that works for you. No matter what, we're here to help if you're still struggling. 

  

Pronouns can be tough to remember, especially if your native language doesn't use them in the same way we use them in English. 


To get over this difficulty, try using "the student" as your subject rather than "he/she." Also, when in doubt, just keep going. One little inaccurate pronoun won't kill you, so don't stop and try to correct yourself if you make a mistake here and there. 


Finally, if you're having a big problem with pronouns and other grammatical rules, NoteFull encourages that you take a look at our ESL Power system. This is a great way to break old habits and improve your grammar overall. Here's a link for further details:  ESL Power
  

Yes; tense matters and whenever possible, you should be as precise as you can. However, does it have to be perfect? No. Just keep in mind that with Question 5, the students will often be discussing past or on-going problems and they'll be considering the consequences of past and future experiences. Therefore, the best way to stay precise is to take notes that mirror the tense used by the students. 


If you're having a big problem mastering verb tenses and any other grammatical rules, NoteFull encourages that you take a look at our ESL Power system. This is a great way to break old habits and improve your grammar overall. Here's a link for further details:  ESL Power

  

NoteFull provides a template that will allow you to form an opinion using the points and examples from the talk. It makes the task of answering this question a bit easier and smoother. However, some students prefer to provide their own opinions. This is fine; there are many students who succeed with this method. However, keep in mind, that if you incorporate your own opinion, you may find that you lose your fluency a bit. Transitioning from reading your notes to speaking from your mind will create a natural shift in your delivery. This may, as a result, have a negative effect on your score--which is the most important point! 


In short, it's up to you to decide how you'd like to deliver your responses--whether you choose to use templates or not--choose a method that you can repeat consistently and use to speak fluently. Good luck!

  

Note-taking is probably one of the most difficult tasks to improve quickly because there are so many different elements involved:


With note-taking we are using our comprehension skills.

We have to learn to write fast, but also write clearly.

We must write down meaningful words and content that will help us answer the questions.

We also have to be careful with how we organize and structure our notes. 


These are probably some of the major reasons why students often write in to let us know that they prefer NOT taking notes. However, if you hope to get the highest score possible, you should learn to master effective note-taking (if you're taking the TOEFL to get into any sort of academic program--consider this as preparation for your university classroom, too!).


To improve, we strongly urge you to register for a system that includes our awesome "Great Notes" cycle of improvement. Any system that includes 3-steps of listening, speaking, or writing will come equipped with this powerful improvement tool. Here is a great system to help you get started: Complete TOEFL Mastery


If you're registered and you're still struggling, please let us know what step of the "Great Notes" cycle has been giving you the greatest difficulty. We'd be glad to clarify it for you. You may also consider tutoring; in a session, our instructors are trained to help you find the precise reason you're struggling with note-taking. We'll be here to help you every step of the way!
   
   


This is a great question. Knowing what to say can be a great source of confusion for students. 


We, at NoteFull, recommend that you avoid paraphrasing your content. In an academic setting, we usually have the time and freedom to show our originality and creativity. Also, we also learn to be cautious about using someone else's words without citations; plagiarism is a big concern in academia. However, with the TOEFL, this is not something you should worry about. Here, it's important to apply strategies that will help you maintain accuracy and precision in your spoken and written English, under tight timed conditions. Therefore, you should always use the lectures and conversations you hear as a direct source when writing your notes. And you should use those notes as a direct source to build your spoken responses. This will not hurt your score, but will instead help you maintain accuracy. The TOEFL raters will not be looking for originality, and so it is our recommendation that you simply use the subjects, verbs, and objects you hear and read to create your responses.  


  

Our answer to this question is short and simple: Skip it. Start with your title and then move on to the first subtopic from there. If you can't catch a few technical terms as you're taking notes, try to mention the subject in simpler terms if possible, but keep moving forward. Don't let doubt stop you. It's much better for you to speak clearly and with confidence, but missing a few details, than it is to speak without clarity, with pauses, and little confidence. Don't sacrifice your speech for incomplete, misunderstood details.

  

Again, for all registered students, if you review Step One and "Top Content" of Step Three carefully, you'll find your answer. Please write in if you need clarification.


If you're not registered, be sure to register, because this will require some instruction and practice. Here's a link to register today: Complete TOEFL Mastery


The answer to this question is similar, though, to what we mentioned about Question 4. The definition should function as your guide. Use what you heard in the beginning to help you listen more intelligently throughout. Good luck!

  

For Question 6, we recommend that you do not try to say everything. Many of you look at the TOEFL Speaking section as a listening test--in other words, a test of your ability to listen and catch all the details and then present them in your speech. However, this should not be your goal. Here are some tips to remember:

1) Above all else, this is a speaking test! Remember, that if you try to say every detail and in the process sacrifice your speaking ability, quality, or intelligibility--your grader will not be able to understand all of the detail you're trying to pack in anyway! 

2) This is a summary question. What does this mean? This means that one of the skills you're being tested on here is your ability to summarize a large amount of content and detail. So, keep in mind, if you try to hear, write down, and say every point this will not only be difficult, but it will also be foolish! Summarizing is the key to doing well on this question.

3) Use your "magic number." Those of you who are registered should know to find this strategy in Step Three, "Timing Mastery." Keep practicing and let us know if you're struggling with this skill. However, if you're not registered and you are unfamiliar with the "magic number," we urge you to register. Here's a great system to check out to improve: Complete TOEFL Mastery

  

Note-taking is probably one of the most difficult tasks to improve quickly because there are so many different elements involved:


With note-taking we are using our comprehension skills.

We have to learn to write fast, but also write clearly.

We must write down meaningful words and content that will help us answer the questions.

We also have to be careful with how we organize and structure our notes. 


These are probably some of the major reasons why students often write in to let us know that they prefer NOT taking notes. However, if you hope to get the highest score possible, you should learn to master effective note-taking (if you're taking the TOEFL to get into any sort of academic program--consider this as preparation for your university classroom, too!).


To improve, we strongly urge you to register for a system that includes our awesome "Great Notes" cycle of improvement. Any system that includes 3-steps of listening, speaking, or writing will come equipped with this powerful improvement tool. Here is a great system to help you get started:  Complete TOEFL Mastery


If you're registered and you're still struggling, please let us know what step of the "Great Notes" cycle has been giving you the greatest difficulty. We'd be glad to clarify it for you. You may also consider tutoring; in a session, our instructors are trained to help you find the precise reason you're struggling with note-taking. We'll be here to help you every step of the way!

  
   


This is a great question. Knowing what to say can be a great source of confusion for students. 


We, at NoteFull, recommend that you avoid paraphrasing your content. In an academic setting, we usually have the time and freedom to show our originality and creativity. Also, we also learn to be cautious about using someone else's words without citations; plagiarism is a big concern in academia. However, with the TOEFL, this is not something you should worry about. Here, it's important to apply strategies that will help you maintain accuracy and precision in your spoken and written English, under tight timed conditions. Therefore, you should always use the lectures and conversations you hear as a direct source when writing your notes. And you should use those notes as a direct source to build your spoken responses. This will not hurt your score, but will instead help you maintain accuracy. The TOEFL raters will not be looking for originality, and so it is our recommendation that you simply use the subjects, verbs, and objects you hear and read to create your responses. 


Writing Questions


Your Common TOEFL Writing Questions

Question 1:


  





  







Question 2:


































  
Your Questions Answered


This is a great question and one that frequently comes in. Some TOEFL preparation materials provide Writing Task 1 examples in which the lecture agrees with the reading passage. However, rest assured, we have never seen this question type on the TOEFL.



First, think about it logically: this sort of task simply would not make sense, nor would it be a very big challenge. This is because you would simply be reiterating or repeating back what the reading passage states. If the professor agreed with the passage or if he simply provided the same information in his lecture, you'd then be able to just copy and model the article entirely to create your essay; the lecture would be unnecessary in this instance. Therefore, please continue to use the strategy you've learned with NoteFull. The professor will ALWAYS present contrasting or different information.


I hope this puts your mind at ease and helps you move forward, but if you're looking for some excellent practice, here's a link to register: Complete TOEFL Mastery



Unfortunately, while some preparation materials suggest this, this is not a very good idea. In English Academic essays, we organize content into paragraphs. Each paragraph should contain one topic. So, when writing this essay, we recommend that you discuss one topic per paragraph, rather than dividing your paragraphs by the source of the content (i.e. reading and lecture).  


Also remember, ETS is measuring your ability to contrast two sets of information. Our template will help you construct an essay that does this easily and clearly. Follow our guide to the best of your ability and let us know if you have any questions. Best of luck!



With Question One, you'll have little time to include a formality like a conclusion paragraph. We recommend that you skip writing a conclusion. Adding one won't earn you more points, and essentially, using your time to improve the content, clarity, grammar, spelling, and mechanics in your body paragraphs is a much better use of your time.

  


You can, but this will, unfortunately, not help you boost your score. The goal here is to provide a complete contrast. However, the lecture is most important. Remember, the question is always centered around the lecture and how it casts doubt on the reading.


Ultimately, if you're having trouble catching details in the lecture, this can mean you need help with listening comprehension or note-taking skills. 


If you're registered and you're still struggling, keep working the "Great Notes" section in Step Three. This will be a great help if you keep working with repetition. 


If you're not registered, we encourage you to take a look at the following system: Complete TOEFL Mastery. Don't continue to struggle on your own; if you need the help, NoteFull is here for you.



Note-taking is probably one of the most difficult tasks to improve quickly because there are so many different elements involved:


With note-taking we are using our comprehension skills.

We have to learn to write fast, but also write clearly.

We must write down meaningful words and content that will help us answer the questions.

We also have to be careful with how we organize and structure our notes. 

These are probably some of the major reasons why students often write in to let us know that they prefer NOT taking notes. However, if you hope to get the highest score possible, you should learn to master effective note-taking (if you're taking the TOEFL to get into any sort of academic program--consider this as preparation for your university classroom, too!).


To improve, we strongly urge you to register for a system that includes our awesome "Great Notes" cycle of improvement. Any system that includes 3-steps of listening, speaking, or writing will come equipped with this powerful improvement tool. Here is a great system to help you get started: Complete TOEFL Mastery


If you're registered and you're still struggling, please let us know what step of the "Great Notes" cycle has been giving you the greatest difficulty. We'd be glad to clarify it for you. You may also consider tutoring; in a session, our instructors are trained to help you find the precise reason you're struggling with note-taking. We'll be here to help you every step of the way!




This is a great question. Knowing what to write or speak about can be a great source of confusion for students. 


We, at NoteFull, recommend that you avoid paraphrasing your content. In an academic setting, we usually have the time and freedom to show our originality and creativity. Also, we also learn to be cautious about using someone else's words without citations; plagiarism is a big concern in academia. However, with the TOEFL, this is not something you should worry about. Here, it's important to apply strategies that will help you maintain accuracy and precision in your spoken and written English, under tight timed conditions. Therefore, you should always use the passages you read and the lectures and conversations you hear as a direct source when writing your notes. And you should use those notes as a direct source to build your essays. This will not hurt your score, but will instead help you maintain accuracy. The TOEFL raters will not be looking for originality, and so it is our recommendation that you simply use the subjects, verbs, and objects you hear and read to create your responses. 




We get this questions a lot from our students. The important points to always know about question 2 are as follows:


1) The questions will always ask about familiar topics. This means that the subjects will be every day topics like sports, transportation, education, technology, and so on. An unfamiliar topic would be something like biology or architecture. 


2) The question task never changes, but the way the task is framed may vary. For example, in 2007, they might have asked you:

If you could make one important change in a school that you attended, what change would you make? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

However, in 2014, they may ask you:

If your university decided to use this year's donations to make one major improvement, in which of the following ways do you think your university should use its money: an updated library, an olympic-sized swimming pool, or a new technology lab? Provide reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

As you can see, the topic is still familiar; the task is still the same. However, the wording has changed. While the length has also increased in the second question, it's still essentially asking the same question. In short, the way they frame the question is a bit different at times. Don't let this alarm you if you see this on the test. Focus on the key points from the question and continue to use the great strategies you've been mastering so far.


3) Sometimes we'll see new trends in the question format like the one mentioned above. What we're seeing now may change next year, so if you think you're seeing a new trend, don't panic! Let us know and if there's any way to help you modify your response structure, we'd be glad to point you in the right direction.



You can answer the question in any way you'd like. There is no right or wrong answer for this task. However, NoteFull teaches all students to simply choose one of the provided options. In a standardized test like the TOEFL, you already have a lot to worry about. So, don't stress yourself out any further! Just select one option and move forward. Also, as a side note, don't worry about whether selecting one answer over the other will make you appear more favorably. An ETS grader will not grade you on your opinions and ideas--only the way you structure and communicate them through the written form. Good luck!
    


This is a common concern for a lot of students. If you're registered, please take advantage of the content in Step One and also remember to visit the Common Mistakes page for a video on coming up with examples. 


If you are not registered, we strongly recommend that you do so to ensure you receive as much help as possible. Please click on the following link for more details: Complete TOEFL Mastery


For some fast help, take a look at the following explanation:


It's actually impossible not to have an experience to relate. Let me give you an idea. I answered this question during tutoring with a student a short time ago that really helped illustrate the idea. Let's say that you get a question that asks you this:


Would you rather live on Mars or Jupiter?


Have you ever lived on Mars or Jupiter? No, no one I know ever has and I don't know any aliens who did. But, if you get this kind of question and you follow what we teach, you will be able to answer it easily. Let me give you the idea.


In my view, living on Mars would be better than Jupiter for 2 reasons.
First, it's closer to Earth.
For example, I remember when I was in elementary school, I learned about the planets. I had to build a little diagram showing where they were and I still remember that Mars was closer than Jupiter and I would like to stay close to Earth.


Though I didn't live on Mars that didn't stop me from coming up with a real experience and referencing it. You don't have to have a perfect example for the question. You just need to refer to something from real life. Don't forget that the only reason we do this is that if we remember something, it's easier to talk about, our vocabulary is better, it's asked for in the question, and we will avoid repetition. It's critical to do this to get the highest rating possible on questions 1 and 2.


I hope that helps and if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help the best that we can. Also, stay strong and focused in your studies. It will all get easier soon.

  

For those of you who have had a tutoring session or a review with NoteFull, our master instructors will all tell you "tell the truth in your examples." Even though many of you have learned this, we still see students making up false stories in their responses. This is something you MUST stop doing today if you want to get the highest score possible. Why? It's simple. If you make up a fake story in your example a grader will notice! Here's how: 


1) When students make up a story, they often hesitate--hesitation or a lack of fluency, smoothness, and speed is a surefire way to earn a "fair" score.


2) When students create content, they often repeat themselves--repetition or not using a wide range of vocabulary will hurt your score. 


So, when we tell you to be honest, this isn't because the grader is going to consider whether you're telling the truth or not. Remember, the TOEFL is not a test of your ability to tell the truth, but a test of your ability to speak clearly, fluently, and to use a wide range of vocabulary.



We strongly urge that you use two part answers. This may mean that you provide two reasons and two examples, one reason and two examples, two characteristics plus a reason and example for each, or two pieces of advice plus a reason and example for each.


NoteFull recommends this because when you divide your answer into two parts, you will have a better chance at providing a wider range of vocabulary and you'll (ideally) limit your repetitions.


You can respond however you'd like with whatever structure you feel comfortable. Remember, NoteFull's strategies are not rules, but ways to help and guide you. Ultimately, you should use what helps you earn your score. Just remember though, these strategies have been tried and tested and they get results. So again, we hope you'll try your best to master the two-part answer strategy. Don't give up; mastering strategies can take time. We'll be there to help you through it.



While a 5-paragraph essay is an acceptable way to structure your response (and is often taught as standard, academic structure), we would strongly urge you to build two powerful paragraphs instead of three.


When you shoot for three paragraphs, there's not as much time to develop your ideas and thoughts, which translates into weaker vocabulary and grammatical structures. When you write two paragraphs you will naturally be forced to use a variety of phrases, expressions, structures, and vocabulary. So, in short, you can of course write a 5-paragraph essay--there is no rule against it--however, for the highest score possible, we strongly recommend a 4-paragraph essay. Best of luck!

  

We urge you to conclude you Question Two essay. It provides a strong cap to your entire essay. Also, it helps you demonstrate that you understand how academic writing functions. When you don't have a conclusion, you may not lose a tremendous amount of points, but you may not necessarily earn the highest score possible. Try to learn to manage your time so that you are able to conclude. Good luck!

  

Many people encounter NoteFull by our famous YouTube videos. In those videos, we provide a very practical and basic structure to follow for each question type. Because the tasks change slightly, you may find that the language you use can also vary slightly.


For those of you who are already registered, you will notice that we've provided a wider variety of tasks and ways to modify the structure in Step One of your writing system. If you're registered, please visit Step One for further details.


For those of you who are unregistered, we strongly recommend that you do so. You'll find more extensive help that goes beyond what you've seen on YouTube. Please click on the following link for more details: Complete TOEFL Mastery


When in doubt, the best way to learn is to try it out on your own rather than asking us to create a model answer for you. Create a response with your question by using or modifying our template on your own first. You're more than welcome to send it to us for some feedback. We'd be glad to let you know if you're on the right track.

  

This type of question is rarely seen on the TOEFL these days (if at all). However, if to help you prepare, here's a quick tutorial and template to guide you:


Introduction

Step 1, 2, and 3 are the same as in the system. Step 4 is different: though both sides have their own advantages, in my view, my side is the best.

Body paragraph 1

Give an advantage of one side with an example.

Give an advantage of the other side with an example.

Body paragraph 2

Give a disadvantage of the side that you don't agree with.

Give another advantage of the side that you do agree with

Conclusion

Restate the advantages of both from your first body paragraph.

State how your side is better because it avoids the disadvantage of the other side and has an extra advantage.

Leave the reader with your final comment. 


It is a bit of a tougher question, but that's a clear and direct way to attack it. We hope that helps clear up any confusion and gives you a solid structure to follow in case you have a question like that. We are here to help if you are still having trouble adopting this structure. 

  

Again, this type of question is rarely seen on the TOEFL anymore. However, if you do encounter this question type, it will require a bit of adjusting. First, remember that earning a great score is all about the answer and not the question. So, keep the general structure of your answer that you've already learned but adjust it to be direct to the question. Here's an example:


In my view, A is better than B.

Both help you because they both . . . for example, . . .

However, A is better because . . . for example, . . .

That's why I prefer A.


As you can see, we've kept the general structure but adapted it to the question. I hope that helps. If not, let me know; we're here to help the best that we can. Good luck with your studies and great question again.
   

One of the major concerns we see with students who are trying to improve their writing scores is with word count. Word count is not the most important factor in determining your score, but it is weighed heavily. Most students agree, initially, that typing up to 400 or 500 words can be tricky. 


If you're registered, please refer to Step One and "Top Content" in Step Three. You'll find a lot of good strategies and help there. 


If you're not registered, but you're still struggling, now's a great time to consider a NoteFull system. You'll learn a varitiety of strategies to increase your word count and precisely how to do it. Here's a link to get started: Complete TOEFL Mastery


For some quick help, remember to always:


1) Relate a personal experience. If you do this, you'll be able to include so much more detail. 

2) Relate an experience through time. This means your experience should have a beginning, middle, and end.

3) Walk your reader through the experience. 

4) Spend a good deal of time explaining the connection to the answer in your example. 


If you follow these tips, you should be well on your way to boosting your word count. Best of luck!

  

Typing accurately at a strong, consistent pace can be a great help to students who make typing errors or are having trouble increasing their word count. Here are four steps you can work through to improve:


1) Measure your current speed:



2) This will teach you how to use proper hand and finger placement. It uses some great drills to help you improve.



3) Here is a link to access some games that will help you test your typing abilities (there are 6 specifically designed for typing):  


4) Improve your speed using the links below:




As a final tip, remember to work through these provided links and activities as a cycle. Continue to loop through all steps as a way to get better and better with each attempt. Good luck!
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