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TOEFL or IELTS Which is Easier and Better Test?

Raghuram Sukumar —  May 19, 2013 — Leave a comment

Lets put an end to this debate -  TOEFL or IELTS – Which is Easier and Better Test?

I want do MS in USA, but I’m bit confused about taking TOEFL or IELTS. Please suggest me which exam I had to take, Which is easier and better. Are there any universities in USA that give admission based on only TOEFL or IELTS scores?

Language Proficiency Test

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to take TOEFL Test or IELTS. These tests measure the ability of non-native speakers of English to understand American English.

TOELF and IELTS are offered throughout the world.

Following section is written by HSB Reader Pallavi for TOEFL or IELTS Which is Easier.

Choice of exam depends upon the place where you want to study. If you want to study in USA then TOEFL is the best choice & if rest of the world then go for IELTS. But in my opinion If you haven’t decided about the exam then go for IELTS just because of following reasons-

  1. Length of IELTS – 2 hours 45 minutes. TOEFL- 4 hours.
  2. TOEFL speaking section : Student responses are recorded for later grading.
  3. IELTS speaking section : Face-to-face interview with an examiner.
  4. In TOEFL You may have 1 experimental reading and/or experimental listening set.
  5. In IELTS – No experimental sections.
  6. There is a good website ielts4u which could help you in clearing the exam. But they basically offer audio files. For online course they are charging minimum $25 per month & $45 for three months.
  7. There is a good website notefull.com is an excellent & tested online coaching medium which could help you in clearing the exam. Their complete course is very beneficial (personal experience) which costs $137 + endless use of material.

But only good thing about TOEFL is it is internet based whereas IETLS is paper based.

No, there is no such good university which will give you admission only on the basis of TOEFL in USA and in case if you will find any then you will be asked to provide GRE/GMAT to support your application. But in UK /NZ/Australia there are universities which give admission on the basis of IELTS. I think that might help you to decide.

TOEFL or IELTS – Which is Easier and Better

Pallavi provided good set of answers comparing TOEFL with IELTS.  Sri Harsha wrote IELTS or TOEFL for USA. He decided to take IELTS because  he applied for universities in Canada. If your question is TOEFL or IELTS for Canada, I would have said IELTS, even though Canada accepts TOEFL scores.

Also, this article TOEFL or IELTS for USA. Some folks prefer IELTS, due to TOEFL score cancellations.

IELTS is widely accepted by Universities in USA. There is no reason to take TOEFL, because you want to study in USA. You should decide between TOEFL or IELTS based on your preference towards TOEFL or IELTS Test.

  • Read about TOEFL Test Format, Fees, Registration
  • Read about IELTS Test format, Fees, Registration
  • Take a Practice TOEFL Test
  • Take a practice IELTS Test
  • Do self-analysis to determine which test is better

You are going to take the test. What others write is their opinion.  Your test, your score is that counts, not others views.

Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable with one test. There is nothing that can stop you from taking both IELTS and TOEFL. If you can afford to pay for the test and have time, why not take both TOEFL and IELTS tests?

So, to answer you question TOEFL or IELTS which is easier? Both are easy, if you are well prepared and confident of getting good scores.

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Average GRE Scores Computer Science and Engineering

Raghuram Sukumar —  May 3, 2013 — 5 Comments

average gre scores computer science engineeringAverage GRE Scores Computer Science for various universities in USA are listed below.

  • Link to Master Database Average GRE Scores
  • If you see any data errors, post a comment with correct Average GRE Scores
  • Averages GRE Scores data is collected by Crows Sourcing ( user submission)
  • this table will be updated frequently to fix any errors.

Average GRE Scores Computer Science and Engineering

Name of the University State Department Verbal Quantitative Score Analytical Writing V+Q (if available)
university of new mexico Alabama Computer Science 145 163 3 308
University of Arizona Arizona Computer Science 152 161 3.5 313
University of Arizona Arizona Computer Science 600 770 3.5 1370
Arizona state University Arizona Computer Science 155 160 3 315
international technological university California Computer Science 130 138
San Diego State University California Computer Science 150 150 3.5 307
california state university at san jose California Computer Science 155 165 3.5
north carolina state university California Computer Science 470 800 2.5
East bay California Computer Science 140 142 2.5 282
calfornia state university California Computer Science 142 152 3
University of Florida Florida Computer Science 650 750 4 1400
university of florida Florida Computer Science 163 143 3 306
University of Georgia, Athens Georgia Computer Science 162 161 3 323
Georgia state University Georgia Computer Science 400 720 3.5
Georgia Institute of Techonology Georgia Computer Science 165 163 3.5 328
Illinois Institute of Technology Illinois Computer Science 3.5 292
Illnois Institue of Technology Illinois Computer Science 4 1140
University Of Illinois, Springfield Illinois Computer Science 141 148 2.5 289
Northern Illinois University Illinois Computer Science 140 157 2.5 297
UIC Illinois Computer Science 150 164 3.5 314
Northern Illinois university Illinois Computer Science 149 154 3
Northern illinois university Illinois Computer Science 144 150 3 294
Indiana University Bloomington Indiana Computer Science 151 162 4.5 313
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Indiana Computer Science 144 157 3 301
Indiana university Indiana Computer Science 149 158 3.5 307
University of Iowa Iowa Computer Science 520 800 3 1320
wichita state university Kansas Computer Science 140 151 2.5
University of Kansas Kansas Computer Science 144 157 3 301
University of Kansas Kansas Computer Science 134 148 2 282
Western Kentucky University Kentucky Computer Science 148 150 2.5 298
University of New orleans Louisiana Computer Science 136 144 3 280
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Louisiana Computer Science 153 150 3.5 303
Lousiana State University Louisiana Computer Science 149 154 3
university of louisiana lafayette Louisiana Computer Science 144 158 2.5 302
Northeastern University Massachusetts Computer Science 530 740 3 1270
Northeastern university Massachusetts Computer Science 149 158 3.5 307
Boston University Massachusetts Computer Science 142 144 2.5 286
Northeastern University Massachusetts Computer Science 142 161 4.5 303
Central Michigan University Michigan Computer Science 133 156 2 289
university of central missouri Missouri Computer Science 143 155 2.5 297
University of Missouri, St. Louis Missouri Computer Science 149 154 3
Montana State University Montana Computer Science 1100 400 720
New Jersey Institute of Technology New Jersey Computer Science 165 144 309
NYU POly New York Computer Science 162 165 4 327
SUNY Buffalo New York Computer Science 162 165 4 327
Suny Albany New York Computer Science 150 155 3 305
SUNY Buffalo New York Computer Science 152 161 3.5 313
SUNY stony brook New York Computer Science 149 158 3.5 307
SUNY Buffalo New York Computer Science 570 750 4 1320
University at Buffalo New York Computer Science 157 167 3 324
stony brook New York Computer Science 146 157 3 303
NYU New York Computer Science 153 163 3 316
Steven New York Computer Science 140 160 2.5 300
Duke University North Carolina Computer Science 157 164 3.5
university of north carolina charlotte North Carolina Computer Science 159 145 3 304
North Carolina State University North Carolina Computer Science 162 165 4 327
North Carolina State Univeristy at Raleigh North Carolina Computer Science 1210
University of North Carolina Charlotte North Carolina Computer Science 320 700 3 1020
Akron University Ohio Computer Science 144 157 3 301
cleveland styate universit Ohio Computer Science 141 158 3 299
University of Cincinnati Ohio Computer Science 155 159 4 314
university of Akron Ohio Computer Science 141 152 2.5 293
Wright state university Ohio Computer Science 144 150 3 294
Villanova University Pennsylvania Computer Science 144 157 3 301
Vanderbilt Tennessee Computer Science 162 165 4 327
UT Tyler Texas Computer Science 153 163 3
University of texas, dallas Texas Computer Science 149 158 3.5 307
University of Houston Main Campus Texas Computer Science 530 760 4 1290
University of Houston Main Campus Texas Computer Science 150 156 4 306
Tamuk Texas Computer Science 140 148 2.5
University of Texas at Dalla Texas Computer Science 145 160 3 305
texas A&M university corpus christi Texas Computer Science 139 149 3 288
university of houston Texas Computer Science 180 180 2 360
University of Texas at Arlington Texas Computer Science 145 155
University of Texas at Tylerr Texas Computer Science 149 166 3 315
University of Texas at Dallas Texas Computer Science 148 163 3.5 311
UTD Texas Computer Science 145 166 3 311
southern methodist university Texas Computer Science 141 152 2.5 293
University of Texas at Tyler Texas Computer Science 143 161 2.5 304
texax arlington Texas Computer Science 140 130 3
Texas A&M kingsville Texas Computer Science 139 157 3 296
University of Utah Utah Computer Science 162 165 4 327
virgania international university Virginia Computer Science 130 138
Old dominion university Virginia Computer Science 144 150 3 294

Do you see any data to be incorrect?

Post a comment with correct Average GRE Scores Computer Science for Universities in USA.

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How to Improve GRE Score Second Time by 20 Points in 15 Days (290 to 310)

Raghuram Sukumar —  May 3, 2013 — 21 Comments

An American girl offered to help Abhinav Kumar Sharma with his GRE Test Prep. He scored 15 points higher with just 15 days of GRE Prep.

This article is the second article written by Abhinav. In his first article – Mentality of Indians : Demotivating and Awful and he talks about an American Girl who volunteered to teach him GRE.

Sorry to hear about your dad.

Enter Abhinav… How to Improve GRE Score Second Time

Hello friends,

My name is Abhinav Sharma and I hope only few people might remember me in this blog.

Sorry, I was busy with my family and my application process. Sorry for not posting my experience of GRE and how to improve GRE Score second time by 20 points in 15 days

I actually lost my Dad earlier this year so this is the main reason I was busy with stuff.

How to Improve GRE Score Second Time

Well not beating around the bush coming to the point, let me tell you what everyone were asking me about that girl and what did she tell me during those 15 days of GRE Test Prep.

Learning from my faults

improve gre score second timeShe talked with me about my failures and my old scores.

My first GRE was 290.

  • Quantitative score  : 150
  • Verbal Score : 140
  • Analytic writing : 2.5

On the first day she told me write what an organisation think for its employees.

I mean she saw my basic level is really good but I didn’t had proper vocabulary list. So I learnt some specific words and formats for my essays.

I worked on writing 1 essay on issue and 1 on analytic writing every day. She just checked it that’s all which your college’s English professor can do for you.

Working Hard

Worked hard not because I want to go US or Canada.

  • Worked hard because I want to get out of this worse government rules in India.
  • Worked hard because she was helping me a lot.
  • Worked hard because when people get involve with you, you always get some motivation.

Honestly motivation only comes when you loose something big.

I never failed in any of my exam of life. This time when I lost it I felt like sh*t.  I studied for just 4 – 5 hours a day.

Enjoyment with refreshment

Believe it or not, we Indian people cram a lot.

Yeah, that’s true, just to pass exam. I did too in past when didn’t get any derivation or formula in my head.

But after a short fun refreshing breaks like going outdoor for long walks, playing some games, etc. I was able to boost my score from 290 to 300+

Other Things Learned

  • Motivation from your surroundings like be with those people who are not showing off personality.
  • Less use of social networking sites like, Facebook, twitter, etc.
  • Positive thinking which is hard when you already had low score, but trust me what made me more  patient is proper meditation. I did it and it helped me reducing my stress levels.
  • Carefully develop the picture where you want to go and what if you won’t get it?
  • Analyse daily life problems and try to solve them in your mind. Like if I get 2kg milk weekdays and  2.5Kg on weekends and it cost me Rs.24/Kg. Then how much it will cost me in July month.
  • During weekends try to work on your mistakes and schedule timing. Forget if you are running out of timing. If any section remained there then leave it, just go to net department of exam.

Last but not the least, remain honest with your results. Believe me no matter ‘Practice makes man perfect” and this is 100% truth.

This is all what she told me and it helped me a lot.

Honestly saying I was really depressed from all those people who said those wrong words. Rather than motivating they were just blah.

I am not going to say anything wrong about them, but other truth is this; everyone wants to have comfort life.

In India, we all dream so big, some try harder but not effectively.

Some always get busy in collecting books and other data from teachers and some always waste time in reading articles.

Quantity is nothing if you don’t have quality.

I got admit in UTA, Virginia tech and Georgia tech.

I applied to 6 Universities and got reply from three and one rejection.

Two application results are awaiting but I am not going to wait more than my limits.

Yesterday I gave confirmation to my University where I am going and I am happy.

I know I will get rejection in Visa process because I don’t have much support and even having 60-80% scholarship from Virginia Tech and Georgia universities.

But oh well, I believe in God so I am sure there will be something more to come.

In the end I just want to request everyone, never let anyone down, always give them a hope. Expectations are worthless. Do good in life and get good in life.

//

What do you think about this stranger offering help to motivate Abhinav to boost his score by 20 points?

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ganesh-kohli-thumb

How to Score Above 330 in GRE – with Ganesh Kohli [Video]

Raghuram Sukumar —  April 29, 2013 — 15 Comments

You must remember How to Score 340 in GRE – Ashwini Nene

I sat down with Ganesh Kohli – Founder and Chief Mentor at KIC Education, who coached Ashiwini Nene to get perfect score of 340 in Revised GRE.

We had wonderful discussion where he reveals some Amazing GRE Preparation Strategies on How to Score Above 330 in GRE.

Quick Overview of the GRE Strategies

  • Balanced Approach towards GRE Prep
  • Spend equal time with Answer Analysis
  • Practice to fight fatigue in GRE Test
  • Practice for longer hours
  • Refer to several books ( atleast 4 authors)

Question For you

  • Did you guys learn something new from this video?
  • Does the GRE Tips discussed going to help you?
  • Do you want do see a follow-up video?

Based on your Likes, Shares and questions, I can do a follow-up video with more GRE Test prep strategies.

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Database of Average GRE Scores – Crowd Sourcing

Raghuram Sukumar —  April 28, 2013 — 2 Comments

average gre databaseI’m collecting biggest possible database of Average GRE Scores for U.S. Universities.

Few minutes of your time can lead to one of the biggest collections of Average GRE Scores collection.

Submit the data using the form below. I will create a new page with complete list based on departments as the data become available.

Thanks for your help.

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9 Top GRE Books to Crack the Revised GRE Test

Raghuram Sukumar —  April 24, 2013

In this article you will find Top GRE Books, reviews and recommendations for GRE Test Takers.

Revised GRE Exam preparation takes time and effort, but with top GRE books, you can certainly enjoy the GRE Preparation and Ace the New GRE.

There are several GRE books published related to Revised GRE test prep, here is a list of  Top GRE Test prep books that will help you improve your GRE Test Score.

ETS have started offering Revised GRE and with slight change in GRE Preparation approach and right set of Top GRE Books, you can crack the Revised GRE and aim for perfect 340 in GRE.

One of the frequently asked question – How many GRE books to buy?

  • 2 Books for General Strategies
  • 1 Book for each section
  • 1 or more books for GRE practice tests
  • Few Test Prep practice software

Top GRE Books 2013

Set 1 – Following books listed based on the order of preference.

  1. Manhattan GRE Prep Books – Set of 8 books.
  2. Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test  (Must Have)
  3. 5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problems (Must Have for Practice Tests)
  4. Cracking the New GRE with DVD
  5. Kaplan GRE Premier with Online Test
  6. Nova GRE Math Prep Course
  7. Grubers New GRE Guide

5lb Manhattan  Book of GRE Practice Problems (Video)

Top GRE Quantitative Books

  1. Nova GRE Math Prep Course
  2. Kaplan GRE Exam Math Workbook

GRE Books – Verbal

  1. Barrons Essential Words for the GRE
  2. Kaplan GRE Exam Vocabulary Flashcards

Best GRE Test Prep Books

So, which books to buy? You can buy

  1. Manhattan GRE Prep Books – Set of 8 books. (Must Have)
  2. Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test – ETS (Must Have)
  3. 5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problems (Must Have for Practice Tests)

That would cover in-depth coverage materials for New GRE Prep.  For Practice, you may have to buy Kaplan and other test prep books.  Of the 9 books listed above, try to buy atleast the Must Have books. If you are serious about improving your GRE Score, you should have atleast the 4 Must Have books (GRE Best Books)

Most students will just have Barron’s How to Prepare for GRE or Kaplan GRE Exam book and ignore other books.  If you have good Verbal and Math skills, then you could get away with just one book, but if you are scoring between 800 to 1200 in practice tests, then try to buy above listed GRE Test Prep books.

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How to Score 340 in GRE – Ashwini Nene

Raghuram Sukumar —  April 10, 2013 — 19 Comments

Ashwini Nene is probably the first person in India to score 340 out of 340 in GRE. I sent list of questions to Ganesh Kohli, founder of KIC Education for email based Q&A with Ashwini Nene.

She shares her GRE Experience on how to score 340 in GRE with HSB Readers.

ashiwini nene

Ashwini Nene and Ganesh Kohli

 

How do you feel about scoring perfect score in Revised GRE?

I am really excited. I expected to get 335+ but I never thought I would get 100% marks, so I am thrilled.

 

How long did you study for GRE?

I joined the KIC Education classes in August 2012 and continued until March 2013. So I studied for around 7-8 months.

 

Can you give an overview about your GRE Study Plan?

I worked with KIC Education, whose counselors helped me create a personalized study plan.

The math section tests basic math concepts. So for this section, I went through all the concepts and did a lot of practice from the KIC materials and also from popular reference books.

For the verbal section, vocabulary and critical reading skills are important. So I worked on my vocabulary and practiced solving different question types. In the last two months, I used to give mock-tests.

 

When you started preparing for GRE, what was your average practice test score?

My score fluctuated from 325 to 337. Initially my score was around 328 and later it increased to about 335.

 

What test prep materials (books, software, courses) did you use use for GRE Prep?

The classes formed the basis of my study, and videos of these were available for review at KIC.

I used various study materials provided to me as part of my program. In addition, I used Barron’s, Kaplan, Princeton Review and the official ETS guide.

How did you improve your weak areas in GRE?

The verbal section was the hardest part of the exam. So I consistently worked on improving my vocabulary by using GRE word-lists provided by KIC. I read articles from NYT, WSJ, etc. to enhance my critical reading skills. I also practiced doing the section under timed conditions to simulate the actual test environment.

What is your Dream and Target schools?

I wish to do an MS in computer science in the US, but have not decided my specialisation. So depending on my specialisation, I will have to choose my university. As of now, I have no particular university in mind.

Next – Another GRE Test taker who came close to scoring perfect score in GRE – How to Score 1580 in GRE.

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5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems Review (Video)

Raghuram Sukumar —  March 29, 2013 — Leave a comment

[schema type="book" url="http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/5lb-GRE-Book" name="5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems" description="Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems is an essential resource for students of any level who are preparing for the Revised GRE General Exam. With 33 chapters and over 1,800 practice problems, students can build fundamental skills in math and verbal through targeted practice. Plus, with easy-to-follow explanations and step-by-step applications, each question will help students cement their understanding of those concepts tested on the GRE. " author="Manhattan Prep " publisher="Manhattan Prep " edition="1st" isbn="1937707296 " paperback="yes" ]

Just before I left my home to the Airport to board the flight to India, UPS delivered this 5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problems book.

Watch the following video for 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems Review. I had literally 2 minutes to record this video, edit and publish it to youtube.

I will provide a detailed 5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problems Review after I get return back to USA.

5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problems is really is heavy and had several thousand GRE practice problems.

My guess is that you would need just this book for GRE practice problems.

About : 5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problems

Developed for students taking the Revised GRE General Test, the 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems provides over 1,800 practice questions (more than any other book!) that include everything from beginner-level problems to over 200 of the toughest problems available anywhere.

Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems is an essential resource for students of any level who are preparing for the Revised GRE General Exam. With 33 chapters and over 1,800 practice problems, students can build fundamental skills in math and verbal through targeted practice. Plus, with easy-to-follow explanations and step-by-step applications, each question will help students cement their understanding of those concepts tested on the GRE.

Purchase of this book includes access to an online video introduction and to the Manhattan Prep Challenge Problem Archive.

Contents : 5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problems

  1. Verbal Diagnostic Test
  2. Math Diagnostic Test
  3. Text Completions
  4. Sentence Equivalence
  5. Reading Comprehension
  6. Logic-Based Reading Comprehension
  7. Arithmetic
  8. Algebra
  9. Inequalities and Absolute Values
  10. Functions, Formulas, and Sequences
  11. Fractions and Decimals
  12. Percents
  13. Divisibility and Primes
  14. Exponents and Roots
  15. Number Properties
  16. Word Problems
  17. Two-Variable Word Problems
  18. Rates and Work
  19. Variables-in-the-Choices Problems
  20. Ratios
  21. Averages, Weighted Averages, Median, and Mode
  22. Standard Deviation and Normal Distribution
  23. Probability, Combinatorics, and Overlapping Sets
  24. Data Interpretation
  25. Polygons and Rectangular Solids
  26. Circles and Cylinders
  27. Triangles
  28. Coordinate Geometry
  29. Mixed Geometry
  30. Advanced Quant
  31. Essays
  32. Verbal Practice Sections
  33. Math Practice Sections
  34. Appendix A: Vocabulary List

Check out – 5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problems  in Amazon.

 

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GRE Computer Science Test To Be Discontinued After April 2013

Raghuram Sukumar —  March 18, 2013 — 7 Comments

Thanks to Vanan for forwarding this news tip

Following message was posted in ETS GRE Computer Science Subject Test Page

gre computer science subject test

GRE Computer Science – Discontinued

 

Important: The last administration of the GRE® Computer Science Test will be in April 2013. The test will be discontinued after the April 2013 administration. Scores will be reportable for five years.

I have reached out to ETS to find the reason for discontinuation GRE Computer Science Subject Test.

I got the following data from year 1999 when ETS Discontinued GRE History Subject Test

Because of drastically falling registrations, Educational Testing Service, which administers the GRE tests, has decided that the April 2000 test will be the last history subject test it will conduct.

According to Kathy O’ Neill, director for the GRE subject tests, many of the GRE subject test volumes have been declining in the last few years, but the decreases for history and sociology have been larger than for the other tests.

The decline in registration for the history test last fall was so large that it triggered the decision to discontinue because there were too few examinees to be able to perform the necessary statistical analyses. More than 1,800 students took the test in the l995–96 academic year, but last year’s volume was only 560 (for all test dates combined). O’ Neill stated that when fall 1998 registrations showed that the volume for this year would be even lower, it was clear to the ETS decisionmakers that the statistical equating calculations that were necessary to sustain the history test could no longer be performed accurately.

//

My guess it that low volume of students taking Computer Science Subject test compared to the cost involved in administering the test could be the reason for GRE Computer Science subject test discontinuation.

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Get Notefull Free TOEFL Course Today

Raghuram Sukumar —  March 16, 2013 — Leave a comment

I have seen several HSB readers mention Noteful TOEFL course recently.  This is what Vanan had to say about Notefull

I practiced for it seriously by speaking on about 5 familiar topics everyday – recording my responses – hearing them again.  I even posted my responses in FB groups to get reviews. Moreover, NoteFull tips came in handy to organize my speech in an effective manner. Also, please speak clearly in a manner that is intelligible.

Looks like Notefull is offering Free TOEFL Course.

Go to Noteful’ls TOEFL Page and submit your name and email to get access to Free TOEFL Course from Notefull.

Here is link to one of Joseph’s Free TOEFL Test Prep Tips

You can improve your TOEFL test skills with this free TOEFL course from Notefull.

> Go Here to Sign-up for Free Notefull TOEFL Course

If you are looking for specific targeted TOEFL class, then you can sing-up for one of their TOEFL courses.

I know few students who have taken TOEFL multiple times and failed to score 78. There is no point in taking TOEFL repeatedly improving your TOEFL skill level.

notefull free toefl course

Complete TOEFL Mastery Course Details

Think of Complete TOEFL Mastery as a “toolkit” giving you everything you need to get your score on the TOEFL. The program includes:

  • 3-step systems for reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
  • 3 complete readings.
  • 6 complete listenings.
  • 18 speaking practice tests.
  • 12 writing practice tests.

In addition, you get unlimited e-mail support from our team of top-scoring TOEFL instructors who serve as your personal tutors online. We work with you step-by-step to take you from where you are to where you want to be.

First Sign-up for Free Notefull TOEFL Course.

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Best TOEFL Test Prep Books 2013

Raghuram Sukumar —  March 15, 2013 — 7 Comments

Are you looking for list of Best TOEFL Books in 2013?

I have complied some of the best TOEFL test book that are available in the market in this page.  All you have to do is pick couple of books and start your TOEFL test prep.

Best TOEFL Books 2013

best toefl book

Now, I have listed 5 TOEFL Test Prep Books. Which is the best TOEFL books 2013?

For TOEFL book, I recommend test takers to buy 2 books.

Official Guide for TOEFL Test Prep

[schema type="review" url="http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/OfficialTOEFLGuide" name="Official Guide to the TOEFL Test" description="This Official Guide to the TOEFL Test is the best, most reliable guide to the test that is used around the world to assess foreign applicants to U.S. and Canadian universities for English proficiency. It includes real TOEFL questions for practice, as well as explanations of every section of the test and information on what is expected for every speaking and writing task." rev_name="Official Guide to the TOEFL Test " rev_body="Must Read for TOEFL Test Takers. Start preparing for TOEFL from this book." author="Author: ETS" pubdate="2012-08-08" user_review="5" min_review="1" max_review="5" ]

TOEFL – ETS Official Guide is Must Buy. Always start your test preparation from Official Test Prep Guide.

Official TOEFL Test prep book will help you to get used to TOEFL test structure, questions types with example.

But, with any official guide, you don’t get strategies. To improve your TOEFL test score in short period of time, you need to learn TOEFL test strategies.

Any of the above 4 TOEFL test prep books will teach you test prep strategies.

This is a Vanan had to say about TOEFL Books

Let me tell you - Kaplan TOEFL iBT book reflects the real toughness of TOEFL test as such.

So give a Kaplan test periodically to know your progress throughout your preparation. Strategies don’t work as such. At the end, it is how well you are acquainted with English!

Kaplan’s might not be the best fit based on their approach. Then you can read about other 3 TOEFL test prep books and buy one.

So, essentially there is one best book for TOEFL which is TOEFL – ETS Official Guide

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TOEFL Experience : Preparation, Books, Study Tips to Score 108

Raghuram Sukumar —  March 15, 2013 — 11 Comments

toefl experienceHey Guys..! First of all, I would like to thank HSB for having helped me so much in the TOEFL Preparation process.

When I first thought of taking TOEFL, all I did was to plunge into TOEFL experience posts @ HSB and each piece of information posted was very much useful.

Thanks a lot HSB..! So I thought, it would not be fair on my part if I don’t contribute to HSB in return: And here is my TOEFL Experience in India post!

The TOEFL is such an easy exam – but it does require some amount of preparation to get acquainted with the Exam Conditions as such.

Do give a Practice Test and learn where you stand for yourself.

I first gave a practice test and came to know that my range is around 100. I practiced for TOEFL by giving tests for around a month.

TOEFL Test Prep Books

I referred

Let me tell you - Kaplan TOEFL iBT book reflects the real toughness of TOEFL test as such.

So give a Kaplan test periodically to know your progress throughout your preparation. Strategies don’t work as such. At the end, it is how well you are acquainted with English!

Here are my TOEFL test prep tips based on my TOEFL experience for each specific section

Reading

The passages given in TOEFL are easy but the sentence structures can sometimes trick you. So pay careful attention while reading a passage.

Also, the answer choices can seem so easy at first glance.

On scrutiny, you will discover the traps placed in them. So approach this section with utmost caution.

Read as much as possible. No strategies work because you can get a passage on any topic out there in the world.

Get involved yourself with the passage and enjoy it. You will be good to go!

Also, don’t take the summary questions lightly – they cost you anywhere between 2-3 points. So double check them before answering the options.

Listening

Well.. This section tests your note-taking skills.

The lectures are easy to follow, but if there seem to be lots of details in them, you need to be skillful in noting down the relevant points.

I missed some points and at the end, they costed me a lot.

The options also can be a bit tricky. So take as much notes as possible(only the relevant ones) [OR] develop a skill of retaining whatever you have heard and note down just the keywords.

All recordings which you get in this section count for your scoring process. Watching English movies helps only to an extent.

Listen to recordings like those from NPR and some American Lectures online. Write a transcript of what you hear and compare with the original transcript. These can push up your score.

Speaking

This is my favorite section which I initially dreaded a lot.

I practiced for it seriously by speaking on about 5 familiar topics everyday – recording my responses – hearing them again.

I even posted my responses in FB groups to get reviews. :) Moreover, NoteFull tips came in handy to organize my speech in an effective manner. Also, please speak clearly in a manner that is intelligible.

I’ve experienced from the feedback and score that – the clarity matters a lot compared with content. After all, only if someone is able to understand what you speak, will they get your points! So please be clear.. Also it doesn’t matter if you speak slowly – but be clear first. Then you can gradually develop your speed.

Writing

If you are done with the GRE, TOEFL Writing section is going to be a cakewalk for you! Write as much relevant details as possible.

Include relevant transition words and organize your writing beautifully!

For the integrated writing task, the trick lies in connecting your lecture with writing.

Be sure to include points from both with more emphasis on the lecture. And for the independent writing, allow your thoughts to flow freely. But organize them in a structure and give a proper shape. Its great if you follow your own ‘unique’ Writing templates! You will rock the Writing section for sure!

You have to be ready to face any condition at the Test Center. For example, while I was in the initial sections, the noise of assembly which was going on outside was heard. Nevertheless, you must be prepared for the worst case and ‘just’ concentrate on your test!

The wait for TOEFL scores was really killing…! I could not resist the suspense.

Nearly, I kept checking for once in every hour during the date which they said my TOEFL score would be out. And my score is 108 with the following split-up

  • Reading – 26
  • Listening – 24
  • Speaking – 29
  • Writing – 29

Note from Raghu

This experience is shared by Vanan.

Wonderful experience and congrats on scoring 108 in TOEFL.

Looks like you didn’t get a chance to meet a lovely girl at TOEFL Test center

Update 1 from Vanan:

As you know, this is NOT a TOEFL season. So there was ONLY ONE GIRL who wrote TOEFL along with me. In such a center with 40 systems, I was really very comfortable with just 2 of them taking the test. I chose the Testing Center after reading your post Good TOEFL Test Centers.  The Test Center you mentioned in that post was EXCELLENT. I owe a lot to HSB. You ROCK!

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