TOEFL Preparation Course: Improve Your English Language Skills

Welcome to the complete guide on TOEFL courses! Are you preparing for the TOEFL test? Do you want to enhance your overall English language skills? This article will help you understand the benefits of TOEFL courses, preparation stages, effective learning strategies, and tips for facing the TOEFL test.

Read also: TOEFL Preparation Lesson: Optimizing Your English Comprehension

Why is the TOEFL Course Important?

TOEFL courses are specially designed training programs to help test takers improve their English language skills. Why is the TOEFL course so important? The TOEFL test is a common requirement for admission to foreign universities, obtaining scholarships, or applying for jobs in multinational companies. The TOEFL course provides the necessary guidance, practice, and feedback to help you achieve your desired score on the TOEFL test.

Best TOEFL Preparation Course in Jakarta

TOEFL Preparation Course at Ultimate Education

This English language course has its headquarters at Sampoerna Strategic Square, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman no 45-46. Ultimate Education focuses on preparing for various tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT, and provides lessons from beginner to advanced levels in TOEFL and IELTS, including Speaking. Ultimate Education also offers various free facilities, including:

• English Immersion Learning Area
• Guidance before TOEFL/IELTS exams
• Assistance with university admission and foreign scholarships or Drilling classes
• TOEFL and IELTS simulations
• TOEFL and IELTS course consultations

The curriculum and teaching methods at Ultimate Education are designed systematically and compactly so that students can easily understand the relationships between various materials and levels. With this approach, students can complete their English language studies from elementary school to college within 3 months.

The tutors at Ultimate Education are all young, friendly, and make learning feel relaxed, like having discussions. Some of the instructors are even recipients of foreign scholarships who can share their experiences about life abroad and practice everyday conversation.

Moreover, Ultimate Education also has a scholarship-seeking community, both domestic and international, consisting of students, tutors, and alumni. Most importantly, the course fees at Ultimate Education are very affordable.

Indonesia-America Foundation (LIA)

This foundation was established in 1959 and originated from the Indonesia-America Institute, abbreviated as LIA, which focuses on teaching English. They have a presence in 16 provinces in Indonesia and offer 6 different programs, including programs for teenagers, business conversations, English conversations, academic purposes, adults, and TOEFL preparation. LIA implements a “fun learning” teaching method through engaging and enjoyable learning techniques. They also teach students interesting topics and current issues, such as technological advancements and culture. Students are also trained to have foreign language learning strategies that can be used in everyday life.

English Language Training International (ELTI)

ELTI is a course institution that is part of the Kompas-Gramedia group and has 12 branches in 10 cities in Indonesia. They offer four different programs, including courses for children, teenagers, adults, and specialized purposes such as TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, academic language, language for job search, healthcare professionals, and business. Their teaching methods include well-planned programs, programmed and communicative learning systems, as well as qualified instructors. They focus on helping students communicate effectively in English in various situations.

International Language Programs (ILP)

ILP was established in 1977 and offers various English language course programs for different age groups, from children to adults. They also offer preparation programs for TOEFL, TOEIC, and IELTS tests. Students can choose to take individual courses or participate in small groups, depending on their English proficiency levels.

English First (EF)

EF offers a variety of English language course programs for different age groups, including children as young as 3 years old, adults, and professionals. They also offer preparation programs for studying abroad, including TOEFL preparation. You can choose courses with various durations according to your needs.”

Read Also: TOEFL Test: Improving English Proficiency for Study and Career

TOEFL Preparation Stages

• Understanding the TOEFL Test Format

First and foremost, it is important to understand the TOEFL test format. The test consists of four main sections: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. Each section requires different strategies and skills.

• Setting Goals and Target Scores

Before starting the TOEFL course, determine your goals and target scores. Clear goals will help you direct your learning efforts more effectively.

• Choosing the Right TOEFL Course

Please select a TOEFL course that suits your needs and preferences. Ensure that the course offers comprehensive materials, practice questions, and adequate feedback.

Read also: The Importance of Knowing the Differences TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, and PTE

Preparing for the TOEFL Test

• Sharpening Listening Skills: Listening skills are essential in the TOEFL test. To improve them, listen to various English materials such as songs, podcasts, or news programs.
• Enhancing Reading Skills: Reading quickly and effectively is also a skill tested in the TOEFL test. Read articles, books, and other English materials regularly to expand your vocabulary and comprehension.
• Improving Speaking Skills: The TOEFL course will help you improve your English speaking skills. Practice speaking English actively with friends, family, or in study groups.
• Writing Effectively on the TOEFL Test: Writing skills are also tested in the TOEFL test. Practicing essay writing and taking writing courses will help you enhance your writing skills effectively.

Read also: The Importance of Time Management Ability in IELTS and TOEFL Tests

Effective Learning Strategies

• Maintain Consistency in Learning

Consistency is the key to learning English. Study regularly and stick to your commitments.

• Use Diversified Learning Resources

Utilize various learning resources such as textbooks, TOEFL course guides, learning apps, and online materials to gain a better understanding of various aspects of the English language.

• Benefit from TOEFL Practice Questions

Regularly practicing TOEFL sample questions will help you recognize question patterns, improve speed and accuracy in answering, and measure your learning progress.

Best TOEFL Preparation Book

Barron 17th Edition of “TOEFL iBT with 8 Online Practice Tests” to be the highest-rated TOEFL preparation book. It outperforms its competitors in several of the aforementioned categories.

Before delving into the specifics of each TOEFL section, we advise readers to take a comprehensive diagnostic exam. This diagnostic exam can be taken in book form or online (which provides a more realistic experience). After completing the diagnostic exam, your strengths and weaknesses will be quickly identified. This understanding will assist you as you progress through the book, allowing you to devote more time to improving the TOEFL sections where you are weakest.

As you progress through the text, you will encounter references to online resources that supplement the information presented in the text. These online resources contain presentation slides and video lectures that elaborate on the concepts discussed in the book. This feature is notably beneficial for visual learners.

This book is distinguished from others by its comprehensive approach. Not only does it describe the question categories found in each TOEFL section, but it also provides strategies for mastering each section.

The book contains an outstanding chapter titled “Academic Skills.” This chapter teaches essential skills such as paraphrasing, note-taking, summarizing, and vocabulary development. You will soon realize that your success on the TOEFL depends on your ability to master these skills. To achieve a high score on the listening section, for instance, requires exceptional note-taking skills.

According to our evaluation, this book’s “Academic Skills” chapter is its crowning achievement. As Dr. Pamela Sharpe states, “you won’t find this chapter in any other TOEFL preparation book,” which we can corroborate is true.

Contents:

In addition to the eight full-length practice tests that are available in both print and online formats, there are also eight shorter practice tests that can be completed within one hour. After completing each practice test, the online materials provide detailed explanations of correct answers for the reading and auditory sections. There are also online samples of responses to queries on the speaking and writing sections of the practice tests.

Your responses in the speaking section are automatically recorded and saved to your computer (assuming your microphone is functional) — a feature that we found to be particularly remarkable when taking the online practice tests. This feature, which we didn’t locate in any other preparation book, eliminates the need for external recording devices.

When we compared the TOEFL iBT practice tests in this book to an actual TOEFL iBT test, we found that the reading section passages in the book were slightly simpler to comprehend. Additionally, the format of the questions in the integrated speaking assignments sometimes differed from those in the actual test. In addition to using this book, we recommend reviewing ETS practice questions for optimal results.

Read also: Improve Reading Comprehension Skills Easily

Facing the TOEFL Test

• Manage Time Effectively: When facing the TOEFL test, it is important to manage your time well. Ensure that you have effective strategies for completing each test section within the specified time limits.
• Strategies for Dealing with Listening Questions: In the listening section, listen attentively and pay attention to important details. Do not hesitate to replay the audio if necessary.
• Techniques for Answering Reading Questions: Read the questions before reading the passage. Then, look for relevant information in the passage to answer the questions correctly.
• Practice Dealing with Speaking Questions: Practice speaking English fluently and clearly. Use voice recording techniques or speak with friends to receive constructive feedback.

Read also: Strategies for Getting a High TOEFL Score

Tips for Effective Writing in the TOEFL Test

When writing for the TOEFL test, create a clear writing plan, use a structured format, and pay attention to good grammar and spelling.

Taking a TOEFL course is a wise step to improve your English language skills and achieve your desired score on the TOEFL test. By understanding the test format, preparing well, implementing effective learning strategies, and facing the test confidently, you will enhance your chances of success.

Read also: Success in Getting a High TOEFL Score? This is the Secret

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What are the benefits of taking a TOEFL course?

Taking a TOEFL course provides the necessary guidance, practice, and feedback to improve English language skills and achieve the desired score on the TOEFL test.

2. How do I choose the right TOEFL course?

First, determine your needs and preferences. Then, choose a TOEFL course that aligns with those requirements. Ensure that the course provides comprehensive study materials, sufficient practice questions, and adequate feedback.

3. What is tested in the TOEFL test?

The TOEFL test assesses listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills in the English language.

4. How long does it take to prepare for the TOEFL test?

The preparation time for the TOEFL test varies depending on the initial skill level and the desired goals. Consistency and dedication to learning will accelerate your progress.

5. Does a TOEFL course guarantee good results on the test?

A TOEFL course can provide guidance and necessary learning resources, but the final results depend on personal effort and dedication in preparation and facing the test.