Resources for TOEFL (self preparation) - How to prepare for TOEFL

Some people go for class room courses to train themselves to crack the TOEFL examination and some prefer to do it on their own. It does not matter how you prepare for TOEFL as only the final goal is important.

Tips to help you prepare for TOEFL:

• The questions in TOEFL do not test your extensive tough vocabulary (which is often found in GRE questions). The questions are designed in such a way that they are easier to understand, comprehend and easier to answer. International students whose medium of instruction in school/college will find it very easier. Those from non-English medium of instruction may find it a bit difficult, but it will turn out to be easier if you train for it. If you are able to comprehend the contents in this post, you are good enough to crack the TOEFL exam :)
• Begin your preparation in advance to allow yourself adapt to the TOEFL test pattern and structure.
• Know the test pattern clearly

Build your basic vocabulary:

• Complete the book: "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis. It takes maximum 6 months to finish the book (depending on your grasping power and interest). This book is essential to understand simple words, use the right word at right place, pronounce and spell correctly, avoid illiterate expressions/word usage, speak grammatically without embarrassing mistakes .
• If required, go through another vocabulary builder - "How to build a better vocabulary" by Maxwell and Morris
• Read lots of texts (they can be novels,children stories,news articles, blogs etc..)
• Your reading must be diverse and may cover topics from arts,science, technology, sociology, history,geology, politics etc..,

Comprehend, ask questions and make hints:

• Don't just read, try to comprehend the gist of the article that you are reading 
• Ask the following questions:
• Who is the author and who are his audience
• What is the general idea the author is trying to convey
• Is the author bent on proving some point? if so what is it?
• What is the tone of the author ( like approving, disapproving, neutral argument etc..,)
• If the author is trying to make a point, what is your opinion on it.
• Make a hint about your understanding and try to write it in your own words (This is called paraphrasing)

Listen and grasp:

• The next level of preparation will be to hear audio books.
• Buy/download an audio book version of your favorite book and load it in your mobile phone or computer.
• Best place to buy/download audio books - 1) click here and 2) click here
• Whenever you are on travel or sitting idle, listen to the audio book
• After you have heard a complete chapter , pause your audio book and try to recapitulate the content of the chapter in English
• Get hold of your friend or your family member and tell them what you have heard in that chapter (in English)
• It would be good if you hear a story and communicate the story to your friends/family

Engage in Conversation:

• Find a friend or make friendship with one who is well versed in communication skills in English
• Engage in conversation with him and share your experience
• Do not get ashamed during initial stages of your conversation due to the lack of control on your language. Everything will be alright as time passes by.