Talk:TOEFL
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[edit] Grades?!
I know a score of 500 on a paper based TOEFL test is equivalent to a score of 173 on a computer based test, but what is their equivalent on the internet based test?
[edit] Common usage vs. acronym
Which name do you want (TOEFL or spelled out)? Angela and I have differing opinoins on this. One is that we should use the abbreviated version, as that is what most people remember and call the test in common usage. The other opinion is that it acronyms should be spelled out. We'll keep it with the common usage for now, as that's how it started, but feedback's appreciated.
--zandperl 04:37, 23 Oct 2003 (UTC)
- I think the abreviation should be used as it is what people are familiar with. Chocolateluvr88 00:18, 10 January 2006 (UTC)
[edit] TOEIC
Somebody, please discuss TOEIC and edit the page.--Jondel 02:11, 27 May 2004 (UTC)
TOEIC is in WIKIPEDIA now. So is TSE...needs more info though. I teach an ESL spoken english course. I have watched a couple hundred kids take the TOEFL. It seemed pretty difficult to me. Huge room, trying to listen to two speakers and comprehend. It was difficult to hear and the audio was spoken quickly. I think its a pretty difficult test on the listening side. The reading comprehension is fairly technical, very small print, 10 pt maybe smaller in the booklet. And the text is fairly long and dry. These kids took the test late in the afternoon after a long day of work....they were nodding off in the heat. Very difficult to cheat--its a multiple choice with bubble answer sheet. I think they must have done alot of guessing though. I hope the grades are scaled...that may be the only way young ESLers can pass! Yaddy 02:39, 17 August 2005 (UTC)
[edit] TOEFL iBT
I'm concerned about the portion taken to mention about the iBT in this article. Most of you should have realized that the CBT and PBT would be completely replaced by TOEFL iBT in foreseeable future. I wonder if it would be a good idea to include additional information about the iBT... (or at least make some changes to the page) well it seemed to me that the CBT has taken up the entire page shown in IE on a 1024 x 768 pixels screen. In contrast, the iBT merely takes up 3 lines. Kylehung 04:21, 6 February 2006 (UTC)
- I agree; the section about iBT needs to be expanded.
I'll work on it this week, or you can help if you want to. — ElTchanggo 05:26, 6 February 2006 (UTC)- It's been a very long week. —ElTchanggo 00:30, 14 June 2006 (UTC)
- Well, what information would you like about the ibt TOEFL? I'm the test center manager for the biggest test center in Germany, I could add some info. Most of the info is accessible over the toefl.org website and the bulletin "ibt TOEFL at a Glance" though. --Grendelshitsuren 10:01, 25 July 2006 (UTC)
- I finally did some work, essentially summarizing and paraphrasing info from the official website. --ElTchanggo 07:15, 28 July 2006 (UTC)
- Well, what information would you like about the ibt TOEFL? I'm the test center manager for the biggest test center in Germany, I could add some info. Most of the info is accessible over the toefl.org website and the bulletin "ibt TOEFL at a Glance" though. --Grendelshitsuren 10:01, 25 July 2006 (UTC)
- It's been a very long week. —ElTchanggo 00:30, 14 June 2006 (UTC)
Thanks E1Tchanggo I believe this will be a good kick-off. I'll see what I can do to help. Kylehung 05:18, 7 February 2006 (UTC)
[edit] What is TOEFL?
Ability Tested
The writing test analyzes your ability to respond to an essay question under time constraints. A topic will be presented, and the student must use proper organization, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling and must provide sufficient examples.
Basic Skills Necessary
You must be able to organize and write an effective essay, using correct grammar and spelling.
General Information
The TOEFL Bulletin indicates that during the writing test, students will have the opportunity to write an essay of 200 to 300 words in 30 minutes. Examinees will not need specific or detailed knowledge of the topic presented. A lined page will be attached to the answer sheet for writing the essay. Additional paper will be provided for making notes before writing the actual essay. In order to score well on the writing test, you should keep the following points in mind:
1. Address the assigned topic completely, being sure to answer all parts of the question asked.
2. Write a good introductory paragraph and conclusion.
3. Organize your thoughts before beginning writing and organize your paragraphs well.
4. Use correct grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Use vocabulary and grammatical constructions that you are sure of. It is better to write simply and correctly than to try to write eloquently but make errors.
PLANNING YOUR ESSAY
If you have learned in composition classes a good way to organize your thoughts quickly, use the method that you already know. You should use a standard outline, a cluster outline, or some other method to organize your thoughts before you begin to write. An essay that is not properly planned will not be organized sufficiently to receive a good score. You should spend no more than 10 minutes organizing so that you have at least 20 minutes to write the essay. You will not be required to turn in your outline or other planning format, so you may use whatever is useful for you. There are various methods of planning, and you should use the method that works best for you. The most common method is the standard outline. Each major category will be a paragraph in the essay. Study the following sample question and outline:
Some people purchase a home and others rent. Describe one or two benefits of owning a home and one or two benefits of renting. Compare the two options and explain which you think might be better for someone your age and in your situation.
Questions that must be addressed:
1. What are the benefits of owning?
2. What are the benefits of renting?
3. Which is the best for someone your age and in your situation?
STANDARD OUTLINE
1 Benefits of owning
A. It is yours and you can do what you want
1. Do not have to worry too much about noise
2. Can redecorate without worrying about losing the deposit
B. Financial reasons
1. Interest is tax deductible
2. Home appreciates in value
2 . Benefits of renting
A. Not tied down—if need to move, just have to worry about lease
B. Financial reasons
1. Do not have to come up with down payment
2. Do not have to qualify for credit
3 . Renting better for foreign student in early 20s
A. Not tied down
1. May transfer to another school
2. Will return to own country after school
B. Financial reasons
1. Cannot afford to buy
2. No credit
Topic Examples
It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.
What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are important.
Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation (buses, trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.
In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important.
Do von agree or disagree with the following statement? Sometimes it is better not to tell the truth. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.
A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
It has recently been announced that a large shopping center may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
It has recently been announced that a new movie theater may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should sometimes do things that they do not enjoy doing. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television, newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. Use specific reasons and details to explain your opinion.
Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your community. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details in your answer.
