Devina Arvind scored 114 on her TOEFL test, with a preparation time of only 4 days. Surprising, isn’t it? We asked her how she did it, and here’s her story.
While sharing her experience, Devina, a proud Yocketeer, told us that many people have asked her about the TOEFL score, and preparation (most important!). She said, “My TOEFL score was 114, and although I had a week to prepare, only 4 days out of them were productive.”
Now if you have a question, “How?” that is fair. When discussing the TOEFL exam, most sources will tell you that 3-6 months is an ideal time to prepare to get high marks. Though this is entirely subjective, effective planning and consistency is the key to success in TOEFL.
So, how did Devina secure a 114 out of 120 in the TOEFL exam in such a short time? If you want to know more about it and are planning to take the TOEFL soon, connect with a Yocket counselor today. The experts will guide you through the best resources, including the top TOEFL coaching centers, both online and offline, where to find free sample test papers, and others.
Read on as we discuss more about Devina’s success, and break down the structure of TOEFL. If she can do it, so can you!
TOEFL Overview
Before we move on to Devina’s testimonial, let us take some time to understand the exam better. TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers. This exam is usually taken by students who wish to pursue education in an English-speaking country, such as the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and many others.
TOEFL is accepted by more than 11,000 universities and other institutions in over 190 countries. There are two formats of the TOEFL exam: the Internet-Based Test (iBT) and the Paper-Based Test (PBT). In recent years, the iBT format has become more widely accepted and is the most commonly administered version of the test.
The TOEFL iBT assesses four essential language skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each of these sections evaluates a test taker's ability to understand and use English in an academic setting. The Reading section involves reading passages and answering questions to assess comprehension, while the Listening section tests the ability to understand spoken English in academic and everyday contexts.
An English proficiency test, such as TOEFL, assesses your English speaking ability to prove your language skills for the university and is also a crucial part of your visa application. A high score on the exam can prove to be an additional advantage and strengthen your visa application by demonstrating your ability to understand and use English at a level suitable for academic study.
Is 114 a Good TOEFL Score?
A score of 114 out of 120 is generally considered excellent in the TOEFL exam. It suggests a high level of proficiency in English, and most universities or institutions across the world would likely consider this score as meeting or exceeding their English proficiency requirements.
When we spoke to Devina about the resources she had used to prepare for the exam, she said, Before anything else, I would strongly recommend you download the 4 TOEFL QuickPrep PDFs from the ETS website. These not only helped me get a better understanding of the paper, structure, and content in a short time but also showed me how to write the answers.”
Devika’s scores were perfect. She says, “Each section had a total of 30 marks. My reading and writing scores were 28 and 29, speaking was 28, and finally, in the writing part, I got a 29.” This shows that despite an external coaching or training center, it is possible to achieve high marks in the TOEFL exam. That is exactly why have prepared a list of all the resources you need to ace your TOEFL exam.
Before discussing a 1-week study plan for TOEFL, you must understand the pattern and structure of the question paper.
TOEFL Exam Pattern: Section Wise Preparation Breakdown
The breakdown of the paper pattern and Devika’s suggestions on them are as follows:
Reading Section
For Devika, the QuickPrep PDFs proved to be invaluable, serving as a comprehensive resource that covered the reading section syllabus. "I exclusively relied on the QuickPrep PDFs," she shared. Given her prior experience with the GRE, where she had already mastered Reading Comprehension, she found the QuickPrep materials to be more than sufficient for her TOEFL preparation.
In comparing the TOEFL Reading Comprehension to its GRE counterpart, Devika highlighted the ease of TOEFL RCs and the alignment of questions with the displayed paragraph order. She said, "The TOEFL RCs are much easier than the GRE, and the questions are in the order in which the paragraphs are displayed." This not only draws attention to the contrasting difficulty levels but also provides valuable insight into the TOEFL format.
Writing Section
We asked Devika how she aced the writing section of TOEFL, and this is what she had to say - “For the Writing section too I watched Notefull videos. They provide a template for the integrated Writing part which I found very good.
For the Independent Writing section, I watched a video of TOEFL Resources. They provided a good template for writing. I liked it.” She further added, “If you have a basic command of English, you should be able to sail through easily. Keep your cool.”
Speaking Section
Coming to the speaking section is where most Indian students become anxious and need extra help. The same happened with Devika, and she recounted, “I needed help only in the Speaking section because I found it difficult initially. I took help from Notefull videos. You'll find all Notefull videos for Speaking on YouTube. Question wise. They provide a template for speaking which was extremely helpful.”
The speaking section often appears to be challenging, majorly because of the allotted mere 60-second time period. At this time, the test-taker is required to speak fluently on the given topic. According to Devika, “The only key here is practice. Practice a lot.” When looking for topics to practice speaking, make sure to turn to Google just like Devika did, and have a timer and a recorder handy. This will help you evaluate your progress much better.
Check out our video on how to Master Your TOEFL Speaking
Listening Section
As per Devika's guidance, the QuickPrep material once again proved invaluable for the writing section. She specifically recommended focusing on the third and fourth PDFs, which include audio files for the listening section. According to Devika, “the Listening section is the easiest section on TOEFL. Just pay attention to the lecture/conversation and make notes. It'll be easy to score there.”
Devika’s experience shows that it is possible to get a 114/120 in the TOEFL with a 4-day preparation. If you find yourself with limited time, and the exam right ahead, do not panic. At Yocket, we believe in the unsurmountable power of a community and conversation. That is why we’ve created a platform where you can speak with Devika and hundreds of other Yocketeers, to understand more about their preparation, strategies, and success stories.
Don’t believe us? Check out Yocket Connect!
TOEFL 1 Week Study Plan
Now that you have an idea about the structure of the exam, you can start with the preparation. It is possible to prepare for the TOEFL in 2 weeks, 1 week, and even 4 days! The following will give you a structured plan about utilizing the short time available to prepare for the exam.
Day 1: Familiarize Yourself with the TOEFL Exam Pattern
On the first day, focus on understanding the TOEFL exam pattern. Delve into the marking scheme and intricacies of question patterns to gain a comprehensive overview. In Devika’s words, “the actual TOEFL was very much similar to the QuickPrep pdfs,” showing the importance of practice tests.
Day 2: TOEFL Speaking Section Preparation
“Please strictly adhere to the time limit for the Speaking section while practicing. Stick to the time limit for all the sections,” and this is possible only when you familiarize yourself with the types of questions and practice responding within the allotted time.
Day 3: TOEFL Reading Section Practice
Progress to the Reading section on day 3. Engage in focused practice using TOEFL Reading practice papers to enhance comprehension skills and effectively navigate this section.
Day 4: TOEFL Writing Section Practice
Day 4 is dedicated to the Writing section. Practice crafting essays, paying close attention to clarity, and maintaining grammatical consistency in your responses.
Day 5: TOEFL Listening Section Practice
Shift your focus to the Listening section on the fifth day. Engage in rigorous practice sessions to hone your ability to comprehend spoken English in various contexts.
Day 6: Revise and Rest
Conclude your week with a day of revision and relaxation. Allow yourself time to recharge, minimizing stress and ensuring you enter the exam with a refreshed mindset.
This one-week study plan is designed to systematically cover each section of the TOEFL exam, providing a balanced approach to enhance your readiness within a limited timeframe.
If you are preparing for your TOEFL exam, chances are you already know about the GRE. Isn’t it? Sharing Devika’s story, she not only secured 114 in TOEFL but also scored an excellent score of 317 on the GRE. So, gear up for your GRE with Yocket GRE Prep, a platform you need to stay ahead.
Not only do you get access to live online classes and practice tests, but you can also access in-demand lectures. That’s right? Whether you’re a student finishing semester exams or a working professional, we have a GRE plan for you. Explore Yocket Prep to know more.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare For TOEFL
The time required to prepare for the TOEFL varies based on individual circumstances. For those with a solid foundation in English and familiarity with the test format, a focused preparation of a few weeks may be sufficient. However, for certain individuals, a more extended preparation period may be necessary.
It is crucial to allocate time for regular practice, familiarization with test strategies, and targeted improvement in weaker areas. While a week of intensive study can provide some benefits, achieving a high level of proficiency and confidence in all sections of the TOEFL is a gradual process.
Last Minute TOEFL Tips
In the final stages of TOEFL preparation, strategic actions can significantly impact performance. Taking a mock test, refining typing skills, reviewing exam policies, and revising academic English are pivotal steps. Adhering to a personalized study plan, candidates can position themselves for success and achieve a commendable TOEFL score.
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Take a Mock Test
Prioritize a mock test as part of your TOEFL preparation. ETS TOEFL offers several free practice papers online, allowing candidates to assess their readiness for the exam. In the words of Devika, “Take one or two mock tests to get a feel of the test. After all, other than judging your English skills, TOEFL also tests your tenacity to sit and answer questions for almost 4 hours.”
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Identify Strengths and Weaknesses
Use the mock test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on the most challenging sections to optimize your preparation.
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Review TOEFL Exam Policies
Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL exam policies and requirements to facilitate a smooth test day experience.
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Allocate Preparation Time Wisely
Acknowledge that the time required for TOEFL preparation varies among candidates. Tailor your study plan to your skills, utilizing proper TOEFL study materials and engaging in regular practice to enhance your chances of securing a good TOEFL score.
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Be Prepared for Test Day
Finally, ensure you are well-prepared for the TOEFL test day by having all the necessary materials in order.
Devika shared some experiences from the day, where she said, “Be prepared to be disturbed during your test. This is because while you are still in your Reading or Listening section, there might be some other candidate in the test center who has begun his Speaking section and despite the headphones, you tend to get distracted. For example in my test, during the end of my Listening section, many had already started with their Speaking and I found it a little difficult to concentrate.”
During the discussion, Devika also shared how she utilized the 10-minute break in the exam after the reading and listening sections. She advised that as a test taker, you must “Take a break, go out, drink water, eat something, clear your head but come back to your seat when you still have your break time left i.e. you need to do some work during your break time too and trust me, it will help a lot.”
Concluding our discussion with Devina, she mentioned, “My basic command of English has always been decent and hence I was able to prepare in 4 days. However, if you feel that you need more practice or need more time, then go for it. Google is always your best friend. It's a judgment call. Assess yourself.”
From the Desk of Yocket
As an International applicant to universities abroad, just like Devika, you will have to take an English proficiency test. It not only constitutes a crucial part of your application but also plays a major role in getting a visa. There are a few proficiency tests you can consider, such as the IELTS, and PTE, but TOEFL is the most popular when you’re considering applying to a university in the USA. But the good news is that - over 11000 universities accept it, and taking the exam is the first step towards making your study-abroad dreams a reality.
But if you find yourself in a time constraint, and are almost on the verge of giving up - don’t. Pursuing an MS in Computer Science at a top university in the US, Devika is a testament to what patience commitment, and some assistance from Yocket can accomplish. Explore Yocket Premium to know more, and get set ready to apply for the 2024 or 2025 intakes - the choice is yours.
