TOEFL at IH Mataró

Candidates can opt for 12-week group classes (minimum 3 students) or for private tutoring.

What is the TOEFL?

TOEFL = Test Of English as a Foreign Language

Most North American colleges and universities require international students whose native language is not English to take this test for admission. There is no 'Pass' mark: each institution sets the score you need to attain (see a list of institutions [pdf]).

What does the TOEFL Test Include?

The test consists of four sections:

• Section I: Listening Comprehension
• Section II: Structure and Written Expression
• Section III: Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary
• In Section IV: Essay Writing

Each section carries a maximum of 30 points, making a possible total of 120 points.

Where and when can I do the TOEFL test?

The nearest TOEFL test centre to IH Mataró is in Barcelona. You need to apply to do the test at least two weeks before you intend to do it, and six weeks before you need the official results.

The test takes four hours (9.00-13.00h) on any weekday and is usually taken on a computer.

TOEFL Scores

Scores are valid for two years from the test date. Currently there are three forms of the test:

• Internet Based Test (IBT) maximum score 120
• Computer Based Test (CBT) maximum score 300
• Paper Based Test (PBT) maximum score 677

The Barcelona Test Centre administers the IBT.

Note: Check carefully which form of test score applies to the Target Score required for admission to the institution where you propose to study.

How can I know my actual TOEFL score?

You can do a Diagnostic Test here at International House or online at different websites.

How can I improve my TOEFL score?

To improve your score, the makers of the TOEFL test have calculated that you need to study 100 hours for every point you need to increase in the IBT (or every 10 points In the CBT)

• Study TOEFL is a test of your knowledge of English. It is important to read widely and not just do practice tests. If you know the tests but do not know English, the results will be unsatisfactory; but if you know English well but are unfamiliar with the test, you would have a better chance
  
• Familiarise yourself with the test structure Each component requires special skills:
  
  Section I: Listening Comprehension
  You need to be able to infer meanings not explicitly stated.
  You need to be familiar with colloquial expressions.
  You need to be able to listen to lecture for some minutes BEFORE you know what questions you will be asked.

Section II: Structure and Written Expression
You need to be able to analyze Grammatical structures in order to correct mistakes

Section III: Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary
The texts reflect the range of subjects taught at North American universities, though previous knowledge of subjects is not required. Subjects include biography, history, archaeology, evolution, climate, etc...

Section IV: Essay Writing
This is where most students need a lot of help and practice, in order to be able to write well-structured coherent arguments on a given theme. In there exam, there is no choice of question, and only 30 minutes available to prepare and write the essay.

IH is here to help you study in America

At IH Mataró we are well equipped to help you to make the progress you need to be able to study in the university you have chosen.