My experience and some tips for the TOEFL® writing part

[DraganNYC]

After getting 105 points last time (27 writing) I was quite satisfied with my performance but since I had payed for another test I gave it and my score is even better. This time I got 113 (29 writing). Well, once again I have to thank to all people who have helped me to improve my score (Kitos especially). In return, I want to help you with some tips concerning the writing section.
First of all, improve your vocabulary. For example if you are planing to take GRE in addition to TOEFL start first with GRE. There are several reference books for GRE and each provides with impresive word list (about 3500-4000 words). Some of them can be quite useful and you will be able to use them when taking TOEFL. This will present your knowledge and hopefully increase your score. For example, word ADROIT mean skillful, CLOUT is great influence, ADEPT is expert. All these words are quite important because you can use them in different essays. In the word list you will find number of them and if you put them in your essay you will be able to increase your score.
Secondly, use idoims. In almost every essay when you state your thesis you can start sentance with: In my view, it goes withou saying... In addition, check other idioms. For example, you can use PAVE THE WAY quite often. ON THE RIGHT TRACK is also good one.
I believe that even if you are not that good with some tricks you can SWINDLE those who are grading your essay.
GL

[Kiprida]

Dear GL,

Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us!

How many months of intensive preparation did you spend for the test? Let me compose my question in different way: How many time did you need to SWINDLE those who are grading the essasys?

~Phoebe
_________________
incomplete....

[DraganNYC]

Kiprida,

For me TOEFL in general was not that difficult because I use (speak, listen, read)english on a daily basis. For this reason I did not have to prepare a lot. I had first test on 25th June and second on 7th august. I started with my preparation for the first one somewhere in mid May (you can find my posts here from that period). I had several CDs with practice tests (around 12 practice tests) and first I focused on reading and listening. I remember that at first practice test I had around 24 points in reading and 26 in listening. With pracitice I improved that and before my first test my average in writing was 27-28 and in listening 29 points. While preparing this I started learning idioms (you can buy KAPLAN idioms flashcards). Those most important (which you can use on the test) I use to write down on a separate paper and repeat them as often as I could. Every second say I use to write one essay (I have around 15 of them) and post it here. For them it is important to find couple of nice openings like: "Since time immemorial...(people have had different approaches when confronting the tasks in front of them)." or "Never have people had...(so many oportunities in life as they have today)." and nice closing. Finally, for this first test I did not practice speaking (big mistake). So, after a month and a half my official result was 105(r:25, l:30, s:23 and w:27). After this I have started to prepare GRE (still preparing) and improved my vocabulary. On 7th august it was about 2 and a half months after my start I had 113 (r:29, l:29, s:26 and w:29).
Writing is not that difficult. Just follow what we all know. Opening with the topic, 2 more sentances, and thesis. Than body with two para (try to be coherent and give an example) and closing. Use this "exotic" words and idioms because they can show your "knowledge". Even if you do not have so good essay I think that these tricks can boost your score. For that reason prepare at least couple of them in advance. For all essays involving parents or friends you can use IVORY TOWER mean that parents are trying to protect their kids from the outside world puting them to ivory tower, or REIN kids IN (to control kids behaviour closly) or opposite TO GIVE FREE REIN. For all essays involving building of university, hospital etc. you can use ON AN EVEN KEEL (meaning that building of university will help local economy and put it on an even keel (steady growth)) etc.

Good Luck