Published Aug 16, 2018
MioseRN
9 Posts
Can someone give me an advice on how to study for the Toefl iBT? I just feel that it's a waste of time studying for Toefl when our official language is English.
I'm already stressed out for NCLEx, so I just want some advice on the following:
1. How does a score of 83 look like?
2. Has anyone passed that score without having to pay for online review?
BonnieSc
1 Article; 776 Posts
Where are you from? Unfortunately even some people who were educated in English have trouble getting passing scores for the state board on TOEFL and IELTS. It's not only knowing English; it's knowing how the test works and what they're looking for. I think paying for a review, whether online or in person, is probably worthwhile (remember, it's a drop in the bucket compared to your future RN salary). That said, there is a lot of free information available online, as well as test prep books.
Thank you so much for dropping your comment. I know what you mean and definitely agree with you. I currently enjoy studying and practicing to improve my English. But still haven't decided which online course. Any idea?
Sorry, I don't have an opinion, though the study materials from Magoosh seem really good. My husband (who is a foreign educated nurse; I'm an American nurse) chose to do in-person IELTS prep.
SpidersWeb, BSN
151 Posts
I looked up the equivalent score for the IELTS, which is what I took, and I don't think 83 (6.5 in the IELTS) is too difficult. I didn't really prepare for the exam, and in TOEFL terms, I got a score in the 110s. I've studied and used English for 20 years since I was 8 years old.
I think if you feel confident, you should just familiarize yourself with the exam format and what's required to reach a certain score. I watched some YouTube videos to figure out what kind of speaking performance correlates with a specific band score.
Also, at least the IELTS is very fast-paced and the answers aren't as obvious as in tests I took in school. Be prepared to stay alert and write with smoke coming out of your pencil, haha!
By your writing I can tell you did excellent job.
I'm nervous because it sounds like it's getting more difficult. They changed few personal questions, you know, the 1 &2 questions. You will be given 2 or 3 scenarios and choose which one you will advice to a friend.
So in 15 seconds you will think which among the 3 and prepare your answer then speak for 45 seconds.
I keep practicing now by thinking and talking because I'm not a quick decision maker and neither a quick talker.
This is a lot of pressure because I'm now already putting aside NCLex review.
I will do my best, anyhow. Thanks for the advice.