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Shiva Sutherland and Helen Nam

This course prepares non-native speakers of English to take the TOEFL iBT exam by providing helpful tips and proven techniques for successfully completing the reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections of the iBT. In this course, you will learn a variety of strategies such as note-taking, using templates, and analyzing speech patterns, and you will review many sample questions and responses.

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This course prepares non-native speakers of English to take the TOEFL iBT exam by providing helpful tips and proven techniques for successfully completing the reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections of the iBT. In this course, you will learn a variety of strategies such as note-taking, using templates, and analyzing speech patterns, and you will review many sample questions and responses.

This course also teaches how to best practice and prepare for test day as well as how to manage your time and perform optimally during the exam. With plenty of practice, you will know exactly what to expect when you take the actual test, reducing anxiety and boosting your confidence. Join this course and give yourself the best chance to reach your target scores on the TOEFL iBT.

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What's inside

Syllabus

TOEFL iBT Reading Strategies & Tips
In this first week, you will become familiar with some effective reading strategies that can help you answer the questions that you will encounter on a real iBT reading section. You will be able to apply the right strategies for the right question types and be more prepared for the test by improving your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches strategies for each section of TOEFL iBT
Provides tips and proven techniques for completing all sections of TOEFL iBT
Enhances vocabulary and improves reading and listening comprehension skills
Provides strategies for approaching tasks in speaking and writing sections
Implements a variety of learning materials, including sample questions, responses, and practice exercises
Taught by experienced instructors, Helen Nam and Shiva Sutherland

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Reviews summary

Effective toefl ibt test-taking strategies

According to learners, this course is a highly effective guide for preparing for the TOEFL iBT, focusing on practical test-taking strategies. Students particularly praise the clear and actionable tips for each section, including note-taking techniques, speaking templates, and advice on time and stress management during the exam. While a majority find the course sufficiently comprehensive for strategy development and a significant confidence booster, some learners note a desire for more extensive practice questions or more advanced techniques for those already familiar with basic concepts. Overall, it's considered a strong foundation for achieving target scores.
Best as a strategic guide, not a standalone prep course.
"It complements other study materials well, but I don't think it's enough on its own."
"This course alone significantly improved my score."
"While a good start, I still needed to supplement with dedicated practice books and mock tests."
The instructor's explanations are clear and effective.
"A fantastic guide to the TOEFL iBT. The instructor's explanations are very clear and the way they break down each section is superb."
"I found the content very well-explained and the strategies easy to grasp thanks to the instructor."
"The instructor's voice is very clear and easy to follow, making the complex concepts understandable."
Helps reduce anxiety and boosts confidence for test day.
"It gave me the confidence I needed. Highly recommend for anyone aiming for a high score."
"I found the mock tests very realistic, which helped a lot with test day anxiety."
"With plenty of practice, I knew exactly what to expect, reducing my anxiety and boosting my confidence for the actual test."
Provides actionable strategies for all iBT sections.
"This course was incredibly helpful for my TOEFL prep! The strategies for each section were clear and easy to understand."
"The structured approach to each section is incredibly beneficial. I particularly valued the advice on managing stress and time during the exam."
"I learned specific approaches for each question type. The listening strategies were a game-changer for me."
Course might be too basic for intermediate learners.
"It's okay. Some parts were helpful... But I felt it was too basic for intermediate learners. I already knew many of the general strategies."
"The course content is largely theoretical, and I would have preferred more hands-on application or real-world examples."
"If you're starting from scratch, it's great, but for experienced English speakers, it might lack advanced challenge."
Learners desire more extensive practice questions.
"My only feedback is that it could use more practice questions, especially for the speaking section."
"Not enough depth. I needed more than just 'tips.' Felt like an overview. I had to get another course for actual practice."
"I found the practice exercises were limited and not always challenging enough."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies with these activities:
Practice reading comprehension exercises
Engage in exercises that enhance your reading comprehension skills, preparing you for the TOEFL iBT Reading section.
Browse courses on Reading Comprehension
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Review sample TOEFL iBT test questions
Familiarize yourself with the format and content of the TOEFL iBT test by reviewing sample questions, reducing anxiety and building confidence.
Browse courses on TOEFL iBT
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Complete practice TOEFL iBT Listening exercises
Engage in practice exercises designed specifically for the TOEFL iBT Listening section, improving your ability to comprehend spoken English.
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  • Identify keywords and main ideas
  • Practice note-taking techniques
  • Review different types of listening questions
  • Analyze speech patterns
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Follow video tutorials on TOEFL iBT Speaking strategies
Seek out and watch video tutorials that provide effective strategies for approaching the TOEFL iBT Speaking section.
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  • Identify best practices for each task type
  • Practice using templates and phrases
  • Record and evaluate your own responses
Participate in TOEFL iBT mock tests
Simulate the actual TOEFL iBT test environment by taking mock tests, allowing you to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Find reputable organizations offering mock tests
  • Take the mock test under timed conditions
  • Review your results and identify areas for improvement
Write timed practice essays on TOEFL iBT Writing topics
Engage in writing practice under timed conditions, simulating the actual TOEFL iBT Writing section and improving your ability to effectively convey your ideas.
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  • Analyze different types of writing tasks
  • Develop strategies for planning and organizing your writing
  • Practice using appropriate vocabulary and grammar
Engage in English conversation practice with native speakers
Immerse yourself in real-world English conversations by volunteering with organizations that connect you with native speakers, enhancing your listening and speaking skills.
Show steps
  • Identify local organizations or language exchange groups
  • Attend events or meetups to interact with native speakers
  • Practice listening and speaking in a relaxed and informal setting

Career center

Learners who complete TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Interpreter
Become a top-notch Interpreter by mastering English reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can strengthen your language proficiency and cultural understanding, preparing you to facilitate communication between individuals speaking different languages.
Translator
Become a highly skilled Translator by enhancing your English reading, listening, speaking, and writing abilities. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can help you refine your attention to detail and accuracy, preparing you for a career translating written or spoken content from one language to another.
ESL Teacher
Become a highly skilled ESL Teacher by mastering English reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can help you develop engaging and effective lesson plans, preparing you to teach English to non-native speakers.
English Language Tutor
Become an exceptional English Language Tutor by sharpening your English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can help you develop effective teaching methods and enhance your ability to guide students in improving their English proficiency.
Foreign Language Teacher
Become an outstanding Foreign Language Teacher by strengthening your English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can help you improve your communication abilities and cultural understanding, preparing you to teach other languages effectively.
Journalist
Become an exceptional Journalist by sharpening your English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can help you develop strong research and communication abilities, preparing you to gather, analyze, and report on news and information effectively.
Public relations manager
Become a highly effective Public Relations Manager by honing your English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can strengthen your communication and media relations abilities, preparing you for a role managing the public image of organizations.
International Business Consultant
Become a successful International Business Consultant by enhancing your English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can refine your communication and intercultural abilities, preparing you for a career advising businesses on global operations and market expansion.
Bilingual Teacher
Become a highly effective Bilingual Teacher by excelling in English reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can assist you in developing strong communication skills in both languages, which are essential for working with students in various educational settings.
Admissions Counselor
Become an exceptional Admissions Counselor by enhancing your English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can help you refine your communication and interpersonal abilities, preparing you for a career advising and guiding students throughout the admissions process.
Marketing Assistant
Become a successful Marketing Assistant by honing your English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can strengthen your communication and marketing abilities, preparing you for a career creating and executing marketing campaigns.
Sales Associate
Become an exceptional Sales Associate with outstanding English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can help you develop strong communication and interpersonal abilities, preparing you to build relationships with customers and drive sales.
Administrative Assistant
Become an indispensable Administrative Assistant with outstanding English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can sharpen your communication abilities, preparing you for a role where you will often communicate with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders.
Teacher's Aide
Become the best Teacher's Aide by sharpening your English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can help you improve your communication abilities, preparing you for a job where you will frequently communicate with students, teachers, parents, and other school staff.
Data Entry Clerk
Become an efficient Data Entry Clerk by refining your English reading and writing skills. The TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies course can help you improve your accuracy and attention to detail, essential qualities for managing and processing large amounts of data.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in TOEFL Test-Taking Strategies.
Is the official guide to the TOEFL iBT test, and it provides the most up-to-date information on the test format, content, and scoring. It also includes practice questions and answer keys, as well as tips and strategies for answering each type of question.
Provides a comprehensive review of all four sections of the TOEFL iBT test, with practice questions and answer explanations for each section. It also includes tips and strategies for answering each type of question, as well as sample essays and writing prompts.
Provides a comprehensive review of all four sections of the TOEFL iBT test, with practice questions and answer explanations for each section. It also includes a CD-ROM with interactive practice tests and tutorials.
Provides practice tests for all four sections of the TOEFL iBT test. The tests are modeled after the actual TOEFL iBT test, and they include all of the same question types. The book also includes answer keys and explanations for each question.
Provides a list of the most important vocabulary words for the TOEFL iBT test. The words are organized by topic, and they come with definitions and example sentences.
Provides tips and strategies for answering each type of question on the TOEFL iBT test. The book also includes practice questions and answer keys.

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