Tips Lulus iBT TOEFL

Di sini, aku mau coba sharing pengalamanku ikut iBT TOEFL test, semoga saja berguna untuk para pembaca sekalian. Aku sudah coba test TOEFL iBT 3 kali, the first test my score was still below the score 79 (or below the score 550 in PBT), in the second attempt I could manage score more than 79 (di atas score 550 in PBT), and currently I just took the third attempt. Hopefully, I will get higher score than the previous tests.

Untuk lulus iBT TOEFL, berikut ini tipsnya. I hope these tips will be useful for you.

1. First of all, your health and your psychological condition should be good on the test date. I put this tip as the most important thing among others. Why? Based on my personal experience, the bad condition of our health or our mood makes our concentration poor. Also, do not forget to have an enough breakfast.

2. Stop studying iBT TOEFL materials one day before the test day. Take refreshing before the test day. It is also better for you to take a massage or reflexology.
Studying iBT materials one day or at the night before the test day will make you tired and headache. Remember!!!, TOEFL iBT needs your high endurance (it is 4 hours non-stop test, the break is only 10 minutes between listening and speaking sections).

3. When doing the test:

- Tips for Reading Section
Do not be panic!. According to my experience, the question number 1 or 2 in Reading Section seemed so difficult and I needed more time to look for the appropriate answer. I took more than 3 minutes to do this question and felt shock. If you also get the same case as mine, do not be panic and do not take too long time, guess first (of course academic guess) if you still do not find the answer, do not be stuck and move to the next question soon, or otherwise you will lose your time.

Also, do not be panic if you get the additional reading test materials. Normally, the reading section is split into two parts, the first one contains 1 passage - 14 questions - 20 minutes and the other one contains 2 passages - 28 questions - 40 minutes. The additional reading usually contains two passages - 28/27 questions - 40 minutes. If you get this, keep calm and always do the best!

In some cases, there are some test takers who get additional test questions, but they usually get these only in reading section or only in the listening section and I have not heard test takers who get the additional materials in both of two sections. (Please, correct me if I am wrong!)

- Tips for Listening Section
Do not take note too much, especially for conversation part. Taking note is very helpful in doing the listening section. But, if it is too much, it will distract you to catch the whole idea of the listening. Take note only the important things. For the lecture part, you should notice and take note more when the professor explains the materials about the reasons/process in order.
When you do not find the answer in your note, just guest the answer based on academic guess.
Remember also, do not be shocked if you get the additional listening test materials!

- Tips for Speaking Section
Practice and practice because it will increase your confidence to speak. In the test , speak confidently and do not pause too long or do not end speak 10 second before time is up. If you feel difficult in developing idea, especially Speaking Question Number 1 and 2, just speak everything you have in mind!

For me, the most killing part in this section is question number 4 (Integrated Speaking). So, practice more in this kind of question! Take brief note the reading passage, only the definition of the concept/theory/phenomenon. In the lecture, take note orderly. The professor usually gives examples or elaborates the theory stated in the reading passage. It is also helpful if your notes are neat because it will be easier to read when you speak!

- Tips for Writing Section
For integrated writing, I think this part is the hardest writing for me because sometimes I could not catch the whole explanation in the lecture. The question type is usually like this: the reading passage will explain theory/phenomenon with three supporting reasons and the lecture casts doubt the theory/phenomenon by giving three reasons. You will be asked to integrate those two materials. My tips, take notes in good order.

For independent writing, the question style is usually ”agree or disagree question”. My tips are that you should decide your position soon and do not think too long. Therefore, make an outline soon (two reasons / two body paragraphs are enough to support your position) and give examples each reason. Do not forget to make a conclusion to close and to strengthen your position.

4. Do not forget the God help and always keep the positive attitude. It is even if you feel not doing better in the TOFEL iBT test, just pray to the God to your success after all our efforts.

5. Do not give up! Be persistent! If you still can not pass at the first attempt, get ready and prepare soon for the second attempt. Keep the spirit! I believe that in the second attempt or the third attempt, you will feel better and you will succeed.

Success for you!

NB: When doing the reading passage section, it is suggested that you not to feel that you do not like certain topics. So, if (for example) you do not like astronomy, starting from now you should get rid of this feeling. Assume that the topic is easy because if you have presumption that the topic is hard, it will be really hard for you. To be familiar with the iBT reading topics, it is better for you to read some resources such as astronomy, marine life, ancient culture, civilization, music, biology, literature, history, evolution, and other topics. You can get these materials freely by searching in --> Google.