Appearing on 17th Nov.Need help.

[sheetalv]

I am appearing for Toefl on 17 November need help on the writing topics.I took my practice test 2 days back.I scored very badly in writing.I am using Kaplan IBT book.I have also completed the two CDs which I got with the book.Could you guide me for writing topics and reading topics as well.

[vaidy_t]

First of all, I am surprised to know that there is a software to evaluate your writing part of TOEFL IBT!!!!! If so, please do throw some light on it. I am interested in knowing it.

I took TOEFL IBT on 21st october and I also found the reading part a little difficult. Adding to that, I didn't know that the first passage is separately timed for 20 mins. I thought we would get three passages for 1 hour without any time limits on individual passages (This is what Thomon's "Complete guide to TOEFL IBT" says). I also found the passages in the real IBT very dry as compared to that I found in the book.

ok, This is what I would suggest. Just skim the reading passage (don't read it) and then on need basis read in depth. If you have done your GRE before, 2-3 vocab (synonym) questions will be a cake walk. Nevertheless, there are separate TOEFL wordlist available (900 - 1000 words) - you may go thro' if time permits.

I feel the most difficult question of all is usually the last question in the reading section which usually is a Matching (chart) or summarise question. This requires you to understand the entire passage. Also, it carries usually 3 points.

Independent writing - It is just about your perspective on a general topic. The essays are rated only globally and not locally. Meaning, they don't reduce marks for individual mistakes (like grammar, spelling etc) like what our primary teachers do. So, don't worry about this. Just go thro' the sample essays for different scores published by ETS. Well, it doesn't teach you anything. But it will definitely boost your confidence. Even top scoring essays look ordinary. So, it should not be a problem.

The general rule is to state your stand explicitly in the opening para. Also, conclude appropriately. Give good examples to support your views. These examples can be real, hypothetical, historical whatever. If you can't get points then try to think in these lines : Social, Cultural, Economical, Political, Religion, Scientific etc;.

For eg: if you have a topic on say "TV watching has more bad in it than good"
Cultural view - You get to know the cultures of different countries thro' TV. So it is good. At the same time local culture might be jeopardized because of exposure to foreign culture and so it is bad etc... Hope you get the point.

Just expatiate on 3 good points and write as long as possible. Longer the essays, the better.

Integrated Writing - Tests your reading + listening + writing skills. As far as this is concerned, there will be 3 points in the passage and (most probably) 3 diametrically opposite points in the lecture. So, once you note this down, it is just a matter of explaining each of the points in separate paras. Don't forget to add an introduction and a conclusion. So, your passage will have 5 paras. In the introduction try to state what both the passage and the lecture says. Also, indicate the relationship between the same (which most usually is "lecture completely refutes the passage..").

Beware:
Don't ever give your opinion in integrated essay. Try to mention this
"The passage says that..."; "The lecturer/professor says that" explicitly so that it would be clear for the readers that you are not giving your opinion.

General Notes:
1. Be sure to add words like "On the contrary", "However", "But", "Also", "Nevertheless", "Although" "In addition" etc; which will make your essays much more clearer.
2. Allocate at least 5 mins for proof reading
3. Check for punctuations and spelling mistakes only in the last 2 mins - least priority
4. Don't try to be monotonous. Use variety - like the words "The lecturer" need not be repeated - you could substitute it with "The speaker". Similarly for "passage" you could use "article" and so on.
5. Then write as many essays as possible and do self-correction. Also, use MS word’s spell check and grammar check (Caution: Use Notepad for writing the essay in the alloted time - then copy & paste in word to find out the misatakes). In addition, the wordprocessor helps you to find out fragmentation mistakes. Even though it is not fool proof, it does help. I wrote around 10-15 essays and I found out at least 40 – 50 mistakes using MS-word.

Common mistakes like “atleast”; “reccommend", “Through out”; "one of my friend" etc can be avoided if you practice

Hope it helps!!!

Regards,
Vaidy

[sheetalv]

Hi! Thank You! I will practice that way.I am sure that will improve my score in the reading an writing sections.Well about the evaluation soft ware, It is not a software.You can buy the Toefl practice test from this site .http://toeflpractice.ets.org.The best part is you have a choice either buy the complete test or sections.And yes one can come to know where he or she stand after the test.One more thing is that they also evaluate and show where one needs to improve,what mistakes were made.
Well do let me know what topics u had to speak on. Also let me know the writing topics.I have been practicing the topics listed on the site for the writing and the speaking section.Is it going to be helpful?

[vaidy_t]

Yeah thanks. So, you bought the ETS's TOEFL test . Ok, I got the point. I think writing/speaking sections will be evaluated by a human and you will get your scores in 5 business days.

Independent Writing: Do you like to spend all your money in tourism and travel rather than saving for the future.

I am not instantly able to recollect my speaking topics. Will let you know ASP.

I haven't seen those ETS's topics. I practiced fully from Thomson's "Complete guide to TOEFL". I think it will definitely help. Just try writing 10 - 15 essays and that will do.

Regards,
Vaidy

[sheetalv]

Hi!
As far as the writing and speaking are concerned the official topics are enough if one practices ? or need to check out more topics?

[vaidy_t]

I think it should be enough... donno for sure

[sony2416]

Hi Sheetal

I am also going to give the exam on 17th Noveber. I gave my exam on 4th August but I scored badly in Reading and writing. So I am giving again.
how about u? did you give before the toefl exam? For me I felt reding passages are difficult...for me..and for wiritng for me I think I didn't get sufficient time to solve the questions. They will give 10 mins for 17 questions i.e. for 1 conversation and 2 lectures.

Ok

BEST OK LUCK..........I am also using Kaplan IBT as well as official guide for toefl IBT and Barrons.....

BEST OK LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sheetalv]

Hi!Sony2410

I would like to know the topics you were asked. It would be nice of you if you could write me in details regarding the Speaking and the Writing topics.

I also would like to know the format of the actual test you appeared for.
All About GRE: Essays 101-105

Best of Luck.!!!!
Sheetal