Toefl Preparation

TOEFL PREPARATION

1.      TOEFL

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English language test designed to measure their mastery of English whose first language is not English. The test was developed and organized by ETS (Educational Testing Service) a non-profit organization based in the United States and was first held in 1964. The TOEFL score is usually one of the entry requirements in 2400 a number of universities in the USA, Canada and 80 other countries world (ETS: 1999).

2.      What capabilities are tested in the TOEFL test?

There are three parts of the TOEFL test to be done by the participants of the test. The first part is the questions that measure the ability of Listening Comprehension in the amount of 50 questions, Structure and Written Expression, 40 questions, and Reading Comprehension, 50 questions. The whole matter is made ​​in the form of multiple choice (except for the Computer Based TOEFL there are essays that test writing ability of participants in English and a variety of other forms of matter such as match, clicking highlight certain words that are related to the main idea of a reading, etc.). Overall test took place in less than 150 minutes, for Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL, and approximately 240 minutes for the Computer Based TOEFL. The relatively long time for the Computer Based TOEFL is already included tutorial procedures.

3.      How many kinds of TOEFL test ?

There are two kinds of TOEFL tests, namely 1) Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL; and 2) Computer Based TOEFL. The first type of TOEFL test is the TOEFL test as we know it, where both questions and answers be done using paper and pencil. While the second type of test TOEFL test model is relatively new because it was first introduced in 1998. As stated in its name, this test uses a computer in the delivery of and participant tests because these tests will answer also through the computer.

4.      Besides these two types of tests above, whether there are still other types TOEFL test?

For the purposes of pre-selection or internal purposes of an institution, the ETS as a developer and organizer institution also conducts TOEFL test TOEFL ITP (ITP = Institutional Testing Programme). The number of questions and the difficulty level of TOEFL ITP is no different with Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL or Computer Based TOEFL, because the questions used on the TOEFL ITP TOEFL test questions that have never been used before. Differences that need to be known by those who plan on taking the TOEFL test is that the score obtained from the TOEFL ITP in its use is limited. American universities, for example, will receive a score obtained from Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL or Computer Based TOEFL.

Another difference is in terms of the cost of the test. It currently costs Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL or Computer Based TOEFL is US $ 110, while the TOEFL ITP relatively cheaper at US $ 25. There should also note that the Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL and TOEFL Computer Based Test Center was held only in certain with the test schedule that has been determined in advance, while the TOEFL ITP implementation schedule is more flexible and in Indonesia carried out by the IIEF (the Indonesian International Education Foundation), in coordination with the existing language centers at public universities.

Besides TOEFL ITP, there is also a TOEFL Prediction / Equivalent Test typically used to estimate the TOEFL score before the relevant person to take the test more TOEFL (Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL, Computer Based TOEFL, TOEFL ITP). Prediction TOEFL test this type are generally organized by institutions / language centers or places that organize training courses TOEFL.

5.      Is there a difference in the assessment system Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL, Computer Based TOEFL, TOEFL and TOEFL ITP Prediction Test?

True, or the scoring system scores are used for Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL, TOEFL ITP TOEFL Prediction Test and Computer Based TOEFL is different. This is done of course with the intention to avoid misunderstandings in the interpretation of test takers score reported. The range of scores used by Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL, TOEFL ITP, and TOEFL Prediction Test is 310 (the lowest value) up to 677 (highest score), whereas for the Computer Based TOEFL, the lowest value is 0 and the highest score of 300 (TOEFL Score User Guide , 2000-2001). The level of difficulty about the overall type of test is of course the same, so it can be said to those who earn a score of 677 on Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL is expected to earn a score of 300 on the Computer Based TOEFL, and vice versa if the person taking the test earn a score of 213 in the TOEFL test is used computer (computer Based TOEFL), then the score is concerned at the Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL is 550.

6.      How does the score obtained by the level of mastery of the English language a person?

In general we know the three levels of mastery of foreign languages, namely the Basic Level (Elementary), Intermediate (Intermediate), and Advanced (Advanced). TOEFL score, linguists usually classify this score into the following four levels (Carson, et al., 1990):

· Basic Level (Elementary): 310 till 420

· Lower Intermediate (Low Intermediate): 420 till 480

· Level SMA (High Intermediate): 480 till 520

· Advanced (Advanced): 525 till 677

From the above classification score, perhaps the question arises if the TOEFL test is given to students with, for example, whether they would have trouble working on the problems TOEFL? Studies conducted by Johnson (1977) states that the average score earned by 173 students of first and second year at the University of Tennessee, USA, is 628. This means that, for English speakers themselves, questions TOEFL can be done easily, evident from the scores they earn are at the level of Proficient or Advanced.

By knowing the classification level of mastery of the English language as seen above, we can certainly understand that it is a good reason why universities in countries that use English as its official language, requires a certain TOEFL score for prospective international students. To be accepted in the program S1, a score that generally they charge is about 475 up to 550, while for incoming S2 and S3 TOEFLnya score requirements higher, around 550 till 600.

Questions are often raised in discussion forums teachers of English in Indonesia is how should a student mastery of the English language in Indonesia to enable them to broaden their knowledge through reading written in English? Mastery at the Basic level (Elementary) would not contribute significantly to the students in Indonesia in an effort to increase knowledge through textbooks / knowledge written in English. Required minimum mastery level SMA (High Intermediate) to enable students to absorb the course materials are written in English with relative ease.

Several universities in Indonesia have established a certain TOEFL score for its students (Huda, 1999). In conjunction with efforts to improve the quality of college graduates, the regulations require that a college student has mastery of TOEFL at a certain level is expected to have a positive impact and should be supported. Good command of English is expected to improve the ability to think and work on a global level, a condition of employment in the future we need to prepare from now.

7.  When and where one can follow the TOEFL test?

Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL and Computer Based TOEFL can only be reached at certain times of scheduled long before the test is held. Points or testing center where these tests are carried out to have been determined by ETS TOEFL test as a licensee. Both kinds of tests TOEFL held in particular testing center page. also called the International TOEFL. It is intended to distinguish between them with ITP TOEFL and TOEFL Equivalent / Prediction.

Whereas to follow the TOEFL ITP, the test taker must contact the institution that has been designated by the IIEF Jakarta as a place of execution. ITP TOEFL is required for the implementation of the participants at least 10 people. Balai Bahasa Unmul since 2001 is one of the institutions the right to conduct TOEFL ITP.

Types of tests TOEFL Prediction / Equivalent is the most flexible type of test execution. At Balai Bahasa Unmul, this test is also a test of the most widely followed by those who wish to measure proficiency in English for various purposes. Each time test participants can take this test by contacting the Center for Language Unmul at least one day prior to implementation.