TOEFL prep as a university application requirement

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is probably the most popular English test around the world. And not only popular but also most accepted test for college entrance. For decades, TOEFL has been used by institutions, businesses, governments, but especially for school admissions offices to determine the right English proficiency level required to take undergraduate courses in higher ed institutions.

According to the Educational Testing Service (ETS) that manages TOEFL, they administer more than 50 million tests annually in more than 180 countries at more than 9,000 locations! TOEFL is not the only test provided by ETS; so test-takers can choose between the TOEFL ITP, GRE, SAT, and more to evaluate their knowledge in fields besides English proficiency.

The first step is deciding which TOEFL test is right for you.

Which TOEFL test should I take?

The most popular TOEFL test, which is the ETS flagship, is the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based). That can be taken within and outside the U.S. and it's accepted by many higher ed institutions in Australia, the U.K, New Zealand, Canada, and, of course, in the United States. If you want to apply for a bachelor's or master's degree and English is not your native language, you will definitely be asked to show the official TOEFL iBT score to be accepted. You can go to an authorized test center in your home country or within the United States. Colleges and universities usually ask for a C1 level, which is an advanced level in many ESL language centers. Have in mind that some universities may ask for a B2 level, which is an upper intermediate level. For example, some colleges from the City University of New York (CUNY) may ask for a B2 TOEFL score. Have in mind that this has an approximate cost of US$ 220 depending on each location/country.

TOEFL ITP

The Institutional TOEFL is the ITP. It is used for several purposes inside a college or university and other institutions. It's also used to apply for a bachelor's or master's degree in some institutions. 

For example, the College of Staten Island in New York City, accepts this test if you apply to any CUNY degree. The test is not open for anybody who just walks in, but it is administered by the English Language Institute (ELI) and for students who take its intensive English program before. ELIs usually do not charge a fee for this test since it is usually included in the intensive English tuition fee. You can see more information here.

The TOEFL ITP evaluates listening (50 questions), structure/written expression (40 questions), which usually tests grammar and vocabulary, and reading (50 questions). 

Which English level should I have to take the TOEFL test?

There is no pre-evaluation or requirement to pay and take a TOEFL test. However, we suggest you have at least an upper intermediate level.

Which language skills does TOEFL evaluate?

TOEFL iBT evaluates passive and active skills. Passive skills are listening and reading. Active skills are writing and speaking. Be ready for several short conversations, dense readings, and technical vocabulary.

What is a good TOEFL score?

If it is for applying to college, that would depend on the school requirement. As we mentioned above, some universities will ask for a B2 or C1 level, which would mean 65-95 points in TOEFL iBT or 513-587 in TOEFL ITP. Some schools give you an equivalence if you take the IELTS test, which is TOEFL's competitor. If you have an advanced level, expect to have more than 79 points in TOEFL iBT or more than 550 in TOEFL ITP.

Listening question strategies

The ELI at the College of Staten Island uses the Longman Prep Course for the TOEFL Test book, and this suggests a long list of good strategies that may help you understand the conversations during the test. Let's review some of them:

• Be familiar with directions. Practice with mock tests and make sure you understand the directions before the questions start. Some students may get confused and think the directions are part of the conversation.
• Conversation after conversation. For the digital TOEFL ITP tests, you will have 12 seconds for every listening question before your screen goes to the next question. Don't waste time making notes.
• Don't take notes. Some institutions do not allow to take notes so you may not even have that option. Do not expect to take notes unless permitted. Practice listening questions without taking notes.
• No penalties. Even if you answer incorrectly, there are no points against your score. That could mean that you could have more chances to have the right answer. Try your luck if you didn't get the conversation at all.
• Focus on the second line of the conversation. The answer is generally found in the second line. Pay attention to the second person in the conversation. The answer is usually there.
• Usual structures or expressions asked. Even though it's a listening part, some questions or answers use the following grammar points: passive verbs, negative adjectives, wishes, conditionals with -if, present and past modals (should, would, have to, might, ought to, etc.), phrasal verbs, and idioms.

Some other strategies for the listening section when you 'don't understand the conversation at all.'

• Answer is where there is a restatement of the words or ideas from the main conversation.
• Answer sounds the most different from what you heard. There is usually an antonym or the question may ask for the opposite idea.
• Never choose an answer because it sounds like  what you heard in the conversation.
• Repeat the second line in your mind as you listen and read the answers in the text.

Structure & Written Expression question strategies

The Structure and Written Expression section is what is referred as the 'grammar' part. It actually evaluates syntax, main ideas, inferences, synonyms, antonyms, and grammar, among other things. The main strategies suggested by the Longman TOEFL prep book are as follows:

• Make sure the sentence has a subject and a verb. The subject/verb agreement is a usual question in TOEFL tests.
• Be careful of appositives. If you have never studied that, ask your teachers!

•  Usual grammar topics in the test are: present (-ing) & past participles, connectors (and, but, that, what, which, whether, if, etc.), reduced clauses, inverted subject and verb with negatives (hardly, hardly ever, rarely, scarcely, seldom, barely, etc.)., parallel structure, comparatives, superlatives, inverted conditionals, passive verbs, possessives, etc.

Reading Comprehension question strategies

The reading topics are usually complex. These are some common topics: dinosaurs, biology, chemistry, physics, history, medicine, environment, engineering, architecture, among others. Make sure to be familiar with technical vocabulary to be ready for vocabulary questions in this section. Some reading comprehension strategies are the following:

• Skim the passage. Don't waste time reading the whole reading word by word. Try skimming nouns, adjectives, phrases, main clauses. Avoid reading prepositions, adverbs, subject pronouns, subordinating clauses.
• Look ahead at the questions. Reading the questions first will help you understand what they want to get from you as a reader, more than what you understood from the whole reading.
• Main idea in first paragraph. The answers are usually in the introduction or the first ideas in the second paragraph. It is highly possible the main idea may be restated in the conclusion as well.
• Detailed questions. Find key words in the body of the text. You can also scan some words while you skim the passage.
• Vocabulary: focus on the question. Some questions may be about 'line 13' or 'what does "triggering" mean in line 9?' Sometimes you don't have to know the meaning but getting the meaning from context.
• Other strategies involve recognizing supporting examples, effect/cause relationship, opposite ideas.

How to get prepared for TOEFL?

if you want to get ready for a TOEFL test, you don't have to register in a prep course. However, a course may help you get a better score, answer strategically considering timing, and feel confident with the sections explained above.

We could suggest the following:

• Find a course that prepares you with practice tests. These courses will make you practice with previous tests.
• Find a course that refreshes grammar and vocabulary related to dense topics, usually technical vocabulary or advanced grammar topics.
• Find a course that devotes a lot of time to listening exercises with timing and strategy-like questions.
• Find a course that provides enough instruction hours per week for a TOEFL course. Intensive English programs usually provide 18 hours per week including a TOEFL prep course.

All in all, a test does not determine your full command of English, but it definitely helps you achieve the university admissions requirement. A TOEFL test also helps you understand how the language works in formal settings, especially for college students who will need to make college essays, university assignments, or book readings.

Again, have a great test!!!

English Language Institute

College of Staten Island/CUNY

https://www.csi.cuny.edu/campus-life/student-services/center-global-engagement/english-language-institute

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Interested in getting ready for TOEFL with us?

Contact us: elistudy@csi.cuny.edu

The English Language Institute (ELI) offers an exciting and innovative academic program for students learning English as a second language. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and the ethnicity of New York City.

ELI offers semester and summer terms of 18 and 22 hours of class per week. Students can also join the groups that have already started the semester or summer term and study as many weeks as possible. Students have courses such as reading and writing, grammar, conversation, and TOEFL test preparation workshops with a final TOEFL ITP test, which lets students apply for any CUNY school degree.

Students in our program are entitled to use all the facilities available on campus such as the pool, tennis, basketball, racquetball courts, and fitness center. Students can also attend any lectures or workshops they feel would enhance their own learning experience. We invite you to come and see our beautiful campus. Learn English while enjoying the rich culture New York City has to offer.

Staten Island
Staten Island is about four times the size of Manhattan and has a population of approximately 473,000. It is noted for its parks and recreational areas, in addition to several notable cultural sites. Manhattan and other "boroughs" of New York City are easily accessible by public transportation.

The campus
The College is set on a large campus with woodlands and open spaces in Staten Island. Its attractive facilities include technologically advanced laboratories, a Sports and Recreation Center and a Center for the Performing and Creative Arts.

Campus location
The College is twenty-five minutes by ferry from Manhattan. Our students have easy access to the rich cultural life of the City by way of a ferry shuttle ride located on the CSI campus. The ferry shuttle travels directly to the Staten Island ferry.

ELI academic program

The ELI offers intensive, comprehensive English language instruction and cultural orientation throughout the year. The program covers all aspects of spoken and written English, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Classes are given at three levels of proficiency, from beginner to advanced. Course content includes the proper use of English structures, fluency and accuracy of expression with acceptable pronunciation, listening and reading comprehension, and writing for personal, academic, and professional purposes. Students communicate in English from the first lesson at the beginner level. At all levels they work on integrated skills, focusing on the active, knowledgeable use of the language, rather than mere passive comprehension.

ELI courses:

• Reading & Writing
• Grammar
• Communications (Conversation)
• TOEFL Workshop