Just came back home from the TOEFL® test

[Flame]

Hello,

I just came back from the TOEFL iBT test. I'm from Sofia, Bulgaria. I was totally shocked when some of the computers didn't work! Thankfully my computer worked perfectly but about 3-4 people maybe 5 could not sit on the exam because their computer stations were malfunctioning.

Anyways, I was wondering when I will be able to receive my score (I know it has to 15 work days) but some people said they got their score reports earlier. I think I did well on the listening, speaking and writing but I messed up one of my reading questions (a 2 point question unfortunately). I hope I have passed the 109 points needed for most universities. I'm starting my SAT1 prep first thing tomorrow :D

TOEFL listening lectures: What is the main difference between a fad and a trend?

[Simona89]

Hi Flame!I am from Pleven,Bulagria and my test date for the TOEFL iBT is 12 September. I am a bit worried about the test because of the complaints concerning the bad organization during the test.I want to ask how the test actually goes off-how many pauses there are, how much time they last, is one allowed to start the section he/she wants and could I have a clear notion of the test from the sample test in this site.I also would like to know how many reading passages there are-3 or 4 and what questions you had to answer on the speaking section.

[Flame]

Glad to meet you.

Well, I don't mean to scare you but we were called to go the test center at 12:30. The test actually started at about 2:30 p.m. We had to fill in a paper and were called one by one to be separated into 3 rooms. In my room there were 11 computer stations each one separated from the others by thin metal bar. Everyone had to start at the same time but me and another girl skipped the directions we all know pretty well and started the Reading a lot faster than the others. The Reading had 3 passages (you could have 5 if you get the experimental version). The Listening had 9 listenings (it was the experimental version). Then there was a break(10 minutes) for me. The others were still at their Readings or Listenings. When I came back I started the Speaking. The Speaking was rather easy, I have seen much harder. Very few times did two people talk at the same time during their Speaking sections so there wasn't a problem. I believe that if you skip the directions and do your listening fast you will be able to start the Speaking early (like me) and not be distracted by the others because they are a lot behind you.

A few important things to remember: Don't forget your ID!!!! Second, before the test starts make sure you ask for extra sheets of paper because you are given only 3 before the test begins and they are NOT enough so ask for more! There is a pencil provided for you. You are not allowed to bring any bags or personal belongings with you into the test room. During your break you can go to the cafe and have something to drink but make sure not to be late for your Speaking (remember, the break is only 10 minutes).

When you go to the test just be cool! Positive attitude is vital for success!

[Simona89]

Thanks a lot for the useful information.I appreciate it.And I think I will follow your advice about the speaking section:) Now I feel more prepared because I know what to expect when i go to the test center.Thanks a lot again:)

[Flame]

Glad I could help. By the way, if you are interested in buying a TOEFL iBT prep book I'd gladly sell my Barron's TOEFL iBT 2006-2007 with CD-ROM and audio CDs (I bought it without the CDs and copied them from a friend). It helped me a lot more than the other prep books I used. We'll see how much did it exactly help me when the results come...

[Simona89]

Well, thanks for the offer but I'm going to attend a course in a couple of days and i will rely on my teacher for ensuring enough materials to me that could help me to prepare well for the exam:)

[Flame]

I got my results just now!!!! I have 113 points!!! Yeyyyyyy!!!!

Reading 30
Listening 29
Speaking 27
Writing 27

I'm so happy I'm done with the TOEFL and won't have to take it again (and give $145 some of which I'm going to spend on clothes tomorrow! Yey!!!)

[Vuralorion]

That is very good mate, congratulations, you did full on reading. I am just wondering that what scores were you getting from practice tests before you took the real TOEFL exam?

[Flame]

The Reading was a problem, I got 28 usually. On the listening I got 29 or 30. Speaking was about 28 sometimes even 29 and on the Writing I got 25 every time except for once when I got 28.

Best tests I think are the Barron's and Princeton Review. Oh and Delta was nice too. I didn't like Longman much.

[Simona89]

Great results,Flame!Congratulations!