The Complete Guide To The TOEFL Test

xxiv Getting Started

/-_._---......._-,

Key #10: Use the process of/~ii~to make the best guess.

Unlike some standardized exams, TOEFL has no penalty for guessing. In other words, incorrect answers aren't subtracted from your total score. Even if you are not sure which answer is correct, you should always, always, always guess. But you want to make an educated guess, not a blind guess. To do so, use the process of elimination,

To understand the process of elimination, it may be helpful to look at the basic structure of a multiple-choice item. On TOEFL, multiple choice items consist of a stem and four answer choices, (The stem in the Listening section is spoken; in the other two sections, it is written.) One answer choice, called the key, is correct. The three incorrect choices are called distractors because their function is to distract (take away) your attention from the right answer.

STEM .............. .

(A)distractor

(B)distractor

(C)key

(D)distractor

The three distractors, however, are usually not equally attractive. One is usually "almost correct." This choice is called the main distractor. Most people who answer an item incorrectly will chose this answer.

STEM ......... .

(A)distractor

(B)key

(C)distractor

(D)main distractor

To see how this works in practice, look at this simple Structure item:

Winter wheat ____ planted in the fall.

(A)because

(B)is

(C)which

(D)has

If you are sure of the answer, you should mark your choice immediately and go on. If not, you should use the process of elimination. In this item, choices (A) and (C) are fairly easy to eliminate. Because this sentence consists of a single clause, connecting words such as because and which are not needed. It may be a little more difficult to choose between choices (B) and (D) because both form correct verb phrases. Even if you are unable to decide between these two choices, you have a 50% chance of guessing correctly. That's twice as good as the 25% chance you would have if you had guessed blindly. (Choice (B) is the key, of course; a passive verb, not a present perfect verb, is required to complete the sentence correctly.) Choice (D) is the main distractor.

What if you eliminate one or two answers but can't decide which of the remaining choices is correct? If you have a "hunch" (an intuitive feeling) that one choice is better that the others, choose it. If not, just pick any remaining answer and go on.

If you have no idea which of the four answers is correct, it's better to use a standard "guess letter," such as (C), than to guess at random.

You should NEVER leave any items unanswered. Even if you don't have time to read an item, you have a 25% chance of guessing the key. If you are unable to finish a section, fill in all the unanswered ovals on your answer sheet with your guess letter in the last few seconds before time is called.

Remember: Use the same guess letter all the time so that you can fill in the ovals quickly.

Getting Started xxv

Key #11: Learn to control test anxiety.

A little nervousness before an important test is normal. After all, these tests can have an important effect on your plans for your education and career. If you were going to participate in a big athletic contest or give an important business presentation, you would feel the same way. There is an expression in English that describes this feeling quite well: "butterflies in the stomach." These "butterflies" will mostly disappear once the test starts. And a little nervousness can actually help by making you more alert and focused. However, too much nervousness can slow you down and cause you to make mistakes.

You may become anxious during the test because it seems very hard and it seems that you are making many mistakes. Try not to panic. The test seems hard because it is hard. You can miss quite a few items and still get a high score.

One way to avoid stress on the day of the test is to give yourself plenty to time to get to the test center. If you have to rush, you'll be even more nervous during the exam. If you begin to feel

extremely anxious during the test, try taking a short break-a "ten-second vacation." Close your eyes and put down your pencil. Take a few deep breaths, shake out your hands, roll your head on your neck, relax-then go back to work.

Of course, you can't take a break during the Listening Comprehension section when the items are being read. However, if you're familiar with the directions, you can relax during the times when directions are being read.

A positive, confident attitude toward the exam can help you overcome anxiety. Think of TOEFL not as a test of your knowledge or of you as a person but as an intellectual challenge, a series of puzzles to be solved.

Key #12: Learn from taking practice test and official TOEFL exams.

One of the most important steps in preparing for TOEFL is taking realistic, complete practice tests. There are now three tests in this book.

In addition, you may take the official TOEFL test several times. Each time you take a test, either a practice test or a real one, you should learn from it. Immediately after the exam, write down your reactions: Which section seemed difficult? Did you have problems finishing any sections? When you look at your results, is the score for one section Significantly lower of higher than the scores for the other two sections? You can use this information to focus your studies for the next time you take the test.

Hint: Whenever you take a practice test, pretend that you are taking an actual TOEFL exam. Whenever you take an actual exam, pretend you are taking a practice test.

Guide to Listening Comprehension

[!J Sample Listening Comprehension Test

This section tests your ability to comprehend spoken English. It is divided into three parts, each with its own directions. You are not permitted to turn the page during the reading of the directions or to take notes at any time.

Part A

Directions: Each item in this part consists of a brief conversation involving two speakers. Following each conversation, a third voice will ask a question. You will hear the conversations and questions only once, and they will not be written out.

When you have heard each conversation and question, read the four answer choices and select the one-(A), (B), (C), or (D)-that best answers the question based on what is directly stated or on what can be inferred. Then fill in the space on your answer sheet that matches the letter of the answer that you have selected.

Here is an example.

You will hear:

Sample Answer

You will read: (A) Open the window.

(B)Move the chair.

(C)Leave the room.

(D)Take a seat.

From the conversation you fmd out that the woman thinks the man should put the chair over by the window. The best answer to the question "What does the woman think the man should do?" is (B), "Move the chair." You should fill in (B) on your answer sheet.

8

Section 1 • Guide to Listening Comprehension 7

[I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I] [I]

Part B

Directions: This part of the test consists of extended conversations between two speakers. After each of these conversations, there are a number of questions. You will hear each conversation and question only once, and the questions are not written out.

When you have heard the questions, read the four answer choices and select the one-(A), (B), (C), or (D)-that best answers the question based on what is directly stated or on what can be inferred. Then fill in the space on your answer sheet that matches the letter of the answer that you have selected.

Don't forget: during actual exams, taking notes or writing in your test book is not permitted.

8