Language Tests

Understanding the Structure and Expectations of the TOEFL Reading Section Introduction to the TOEFL Reading Section The TOEFL Reading section is designed to assess how well you can understand and interpret university-level academic texts written in English. This section presents three to four reading passages, each around 700 words long, followed by a series of questions. The total number of questions ranges from 36 to 56, and you have between 60 and 80 minutes to complete this section, depending on the number of passages. The Reading section evaluates your ability…

Understanding the TOEFL Writing Section and the Importance of Preparation Introduction to the TOEFL Writing Section The TOEFL iBT Writing section is one of the four major components of the test, alongside Reading, Listening, and Speaking. Its primary purpose is to assess how well a test taker can express ideas in written English in an academic context. Since English is the language of instruction in most universities in the United States and many other countries, students are expected to write essays, research papers, and responses that are both grammatically correct…

Understanding the TOEFL Speaking Section and the Importance of Practice Overview of the TOEFL Speaking Section The TOEFL Speaking section is a crucial part of the TOEFL exam, designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in spoken English, particularly in an academic context. Many students find this section particularly challenging because it tests not just vocabulary and grammar, but also pronunciation, fluency, and the ability to formulate and express ideas clearly under time pressure. The test mimics real-life academic speaking situations, such as discussions with classmates, interactions with professors,…

Introduction to Modal Verbs What Are Modal Verbs? Modal verbs are a specific category of auxiliary (or helping) verbs used in the English language to express mood, ability, possibility, necessity, permission, or obligation. Unlike regular verbs, which often describe actions or states, modal verbs act more like tools that modify the main verb in a sentence to adjust its meaning in subtle but important ways. They do not work independently and must be paired with a base verb to function properly within a sentence. For example, in the sentence She…

Understanding the TOEFL Test and Its Purpose Overview of the TOEFL Test The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an internationally recognized standardized exam designed to assess the English language proficiency of individuals whose first language is not English. The test is particularly tailored for those who intend to pursue higher education at English-speaking institutions. Created and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the TOEFL serves as an academic benchmark for evaluating a candidate’s ability to comprehend and use English in a university-level environment. As English proficiency…

Understanding the TOEFL Test: Purpose, Format, and Who Should Take It Introduction to the TOEFL The Test of English as a Foreign Language, commonly known as the TOEFL, is one of the most recognized and widely used standardized tests to assess English language proficiency. It is designed for non-native English speakers who want to demonstrate their ability to use and understand English in an academic setting. The TOEFL test is especially important for students aiming to study in English-speaking countries, as many universities and institutions require a TOEFL score as…

Misused Verbs and Comparatives 1. I should have studied more This mistake is extremely common, especially in informal writing and speech. The problem lies in the use of “of” instead of the correct helping verb “have.” While “should of” may sound acceptable when spoken quickly, in writing, it is clearly incorrect. Why the mistake happens: In spoken English, contractions like “should’ve” often sound like “should of,” leading many to assume that’s how it’s written. But “should’ve” is actually a shortened form of “should have,” not “should of.” Grammatical breakdown: “Should”…

Understanding Modifiers and Their Role in Sentences What Is a Modifier? A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that adds descriptive detail or context to another part of a sentence. Modifiers help clarify meaning, add interest, and enrich the text by answering questions such as: Which one? What kind? How many? How? When? Where? For example: The angry cat hissed loudly. In this sentence, angry is an adjective modifying the noun cat, and loudly is an adverb modifying the verb hissed. Modifiers enhance writing by allowing the writer to…

Preparing to Read with Purpose in a Timed Exam Understanding the Test Structure Before Diving In A successful approach to a timed reading exam starts before you even begin reading. The first and most important step is to scan the entire test. You want to understand the structure, layout, and demands of the test before diving into the first passage or question. Look at how many reading passages are included, how long each passage is, and how many questions are attached to each section. Some passages may be longer but…

Understanding the Concept of Author’s Purpose What Is Author’s Purpose? Every piece of writing is crafted with a goal in mind. This goal, known as the author’s purpose, is the reason the writer chose to sit down and put thoughts into words. It is the intention behind the message—a guiding principle that shapes what is said, how it’s said, and why it’s being said in the first place. Whether a novel, news article, blog post, or scientific journal, each text is driven by a purpose. Understanding this purpose is fundamental…