Contents
Introduction vii
Chapter 1 How to Use This Book to Get a Top Score 1
Chapter 2 Listening 23
Chapter 3 Structure 49
Chapter 4 Reading 85
Chap... [Show More] ter 5 Writing 113
Appendix A Test Details 139
Appendix B Resources 149
Introduction
T his essential guide to the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL) exam is perfect for studying on the go
and tackling the exact kinds of questions tested on your
upcoming official exam. Information is presented in an easy-tofollow,
straightforward manner so you can find what you need,
learn the information, and move on—it’s that simple.
Each chapter covers the essential facts and practice you need
to get prepared for your exam, as well as tips on where to go to for
more detailed practice and further information. Whether you need
to review all parts of the TOEFL exam or just skip ahead to the
sections where you need extra practice and review, TOEFL Exam
Essentials has just what you need for focused, targeted practice.
■ Chapter 1: About the TOEFL exam—signing up for the
test, study schedules, how to prepare with this book
■ Chapter 2: Listening skills—lesson and practice
■ Chapter 3: Structure skills—lesson and practice
■ Chapter 4: Reading comprehension skills—lesson and
practice
■ Chapter 5: Writing skills—lesson and practice
Good luck!
vii
Chapter 1
How to Use This Book
to Get a Top Score
If you are planning to take the TOEFL exam, you are not alone.
Worldwide more than 700,000 people will likely take the Test
of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) this year. Native
speakers of 145 different languages—representing more than 220
countries and regions—take the TOEFL exam annually. And, over
4,500 colleges, universities, programs, and agencies in the United
States and Canada will use the TOEFL exam to evaluate applicants
who are not native speakers of English. This important test measures
your ability to read, write, and understand English so you can
succeed in a college classroom or professional program.
To prepare for the TOEFL exam, unlike other standardized
tests, you can’t just memorize a list of vocabulary words or math
formulas and expect to do well on the exam. You need to understand
conversations and other spoken English, know grammar
rules, understand and process what you read, and be able to
1
2 TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS
express yourself effectively in writing. As you sharpen your
English-language skills to prepare for the exam, this book will
highlight what you need to know to get your best score.
If you have looked on the shelves of your local bookstore, you
know the volume of test-preparation tools and guidebooks can
be overwhelming. That’s why this guide is designed to focus on
the most important parts of studying for the TOEFL exam, without
weighing you down. TOEFL Exam Essentials pulls together
all the pieces of test preparation for you:
■ what to expect on the test
■ successful test-taking strategies
■ how to make your own study plan
■ a review of the content and skills you need to know
You can take this book with you wherever you go. Take it out
while you wait for the bus, during a work break, or while you exercise
at the gym. It fits in your pocket or purse so you can fit your
study time into a busy schedule. By using this book, you are taking
your first steps to earning a top score on the TOEFL exam.
Good luck as you prepare for the exam and pursue the education
you need for a successful future.
WHAT THE TOEFL EXAM IS ABOUT
The TOEFL exam has two formats: a computer-based test and
a paper-and-pencil version. You can take the computer-based
test (CBT) at test centers around the world throughout the year.
In some areas, the CBT is not available and the paper-based
TOEFL exam is offered instead. The paper test is offered six times
a year at specific locations. Although the test designs for the [Show Less]
