Most people take the TOEFL® iBT to gain admission into universities and colleges where instruction is in English. Additionally, many employers and government agencies use the scores to determine a person's English ability. It is not meant to test academic knowledge or computer ability, and as such, questions are always based on information found in the test (computer tutorials 'are available for those not familiar with personal computers). | Study Tips The only way to be certain of an excellent TOEFL score is to be able to read write understand j and speak English like an educated native speaker. You have no doubt been developing your ability in these areas for many years now. Unfortunately this is not something one can accomplish by studying in the traditional way. However research conducted over the years by applied linguists psychologists and educators has yielded a considerable amount of information on the best methods for refining these skills for the purposes of standardized tests. By keeping the following study tips in mind you can optimize your study habits and achieve the highest possible scores with the level of language proficiency you have obtained. Prepare a study area for yourself. This should include the following o A comfortable chair and spacious table or desk o Suitable lighting o Good ventilation and air quality an open window or a house plant are good ideas o An area free of distractions such as outside noise television or radio unless you are using the television or radio to study . o Proper space to keep all the materials you will need when studying such as books paper -pens pencils a tape recorder or other recording device and if possible a computer with . Internet access -I Study regularly over a long period of time. Do not study to the point of exhaustion as this has been 1 shown to be ineffective in retaining information. Cramming . studying intensely for a day or two before an exam is not effective as it strains your general health and well-being and does not lead to good long-term retention of information or skills. j Psychologists have discovered a principle called state-specific memory. This means you remember things better in the same conditions that you learned them. For example if you always study math at night you will do better on a math exam taken at night. Use this concept to your advantage. If you know when and under what conditions you will take the TOEFL .
