TOEFL Tip #49: Strictly English will Launch TOEFL Videos July 15th!

by Strictly English TOEFL Tutors on July 8, 2009

Strictly English has been working on a series of HOW TO videos about the TOEFL test. For example:
How to sign up at ETS.
How to register for the TOEFL.
How to View your TOEFL results online.

We will also be making videos that will help you improve your TOEFL English!

TOEFL Tip #36: Scrap Paper on Test Day

by Strictly English TOEFL Tutors on June 4, 2009

TOEFL Test Centers give you as much paper as you need for taking notes, but they only give you 3 or 4 pieces of paper at a time. Therefore, it is crucial to use your paper carefully. Here are some helpful tips:

1. You do not need to take notes on the reading.
2. Try to use only HALF a sheet of paper for each Listening Passage
3. ASK FOR NEW SHEETS OF PAPER DURING YOUR 10 MINUTE BREAK
(You have to give back the paper you’ve already used before they will give you more)
4. Use only HALF a sheet of paper for each Speaking Task
5. Use the front of your last sheet of paper to take notes for the 20-Minute essay
6. Use the back of your last sheet of paper to take notes for the 30-Minute essay.

TOEFL Tip #35: Timing Your Bathroom Visits

by Strictly English TOEFL Tutors on May 16, 2009

Strictly English has had many students say that they missed valuable time on the test because they had to use the bathroom during the TOEFL exam.  THe test DOES NOT stop if you have to use the bathroom.  Therefore, you should be sure to use the bathroom BEFORE the test begins and then again on your 10-minute break.

Strictly English is not the only company that has noticed this as a problem. Watch the following video:

TOEFL Tip #25: Plan Ahead

by Strictly English TOEFL Tutors on March 12, 2009

Test dates fill up fast, especially in big cities.  Often tests dates are not available for three weeks.  In addition, score results are not available for another three weeks after you take the test.  Therefore, if you know you need your score by, for example, May 1, 2009, you need to take your test on or before April 11th, which means you should sign up for your test no later than March 13th, because the test centers book up about 1 month before the test date.

TOEFL Tip #9: English Only on Test Day

by Strictly English TOEFL Tutors on January 7, 2009

Switching between languages is hard on the brain, so on test day, wake up and only use English all day until your TOEFL test. If you live with people who speak your language: get out of the house as soon as you wake up. Go to a library and read, or go shopping alone. Just don’t speak any other language besides English.  If you speak another language before your TOEFL test, your brain will be thinking in that language, and it will be hard to switch out of it. Students often pause, can’t think of vocabulary, and say “ummm” a lot when they have spoken another language before their TOEFL test.

TOEFL Tip #7: Early Arrival

by Strictly English TOEFL Tutors on

If you arrive for your TOEFL test early, then you will most likely be the first to start the test. This is very helpful because if you start later than other people, they will begin the speaking section while you are still on the listening section. In this situation, students usually complain that the voices answering the speaking section make it harder to listen to the lectures and conversations on the listening section. 

If you know you will have this problem, then here’s a tip:  When practicing listening at home, turn a radio on in the background. This will train you to listen to the lecture while there is other distracting noise (the radio) around you.

TOEFL Tip #5: What to Eat on Your 10-Minute Break

by Strictly English TOEFL Tutors on January 6, 2009

TOEFL gives you only a 10-minute break between the listening and speaking sections. Be sure to bring a banana and a powerbar or some other source of protein and carbohydrate.  You’ll need the energy for the second part of the test!
GOOD LUCK!
Remember: When you need TOEFL, You need Strictly English!
Located in Boston, MA, Strictly English is America’s first TOEFL-only tutoring company.

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