Following a step-by-step preparation program for the TOEFL iBT such as the one inThe Guide will familiarize you with the test itself and with the tactics you needto raise your scores. The practice tests that are part of this program will help youpolish your test-taking techniques.
But no matter how many test-taking tips you learn, you wont do well without asolid foundation of English-language study. The best way to increase your generalknowledge of English is to use English as much as possible.
If you have the opportunity, taking English-language classes is an invaluableway to prepare for the test. In the past, students would sometimes say, "I cant go toEnglish class today; I have to prepare for the TOEFL test！" This is no longer a goodexcuse. The TOEFL iBT tests a greater range of English-language skills, and anyEnglish class you take will help you prepare for the test. General English classes arenow a form of TOEEL test preparation, and TOEEL test preparation classes will nowteach more general English.
Conversation classes and presentation-skills classes will help you prepare forthe Speaking Section of the test. Of course, reading classes can help you prepare forthe Reading Section, listening classes for the Listening Section, and writing （compo-sition） classes for the Writing Section. Mthough there is no special grammar sectionon the TOEFL iBT, structure （grammar） classes will be useful for both Writing andSpeaking. Academic skills classes can help you with note taking, reading and writ-ing tips, and test-taking skills.
Non-language classes taught in English （business or biology, for example） arealso a useful way to improve all of your skills. The TOEEL iBT was designed, after all,to measure your ability to do well in this type of class.
You can also improve your English outside of the classroom. Reading English-language books, magazines, and newspapers can improve your reading skillsand build your vocabulary. So can visits to English-language Web sites. Going tolectures and movies, watching TV,, and listening to news on the radio are ways toimprove your listening skills. If you are living in an English-speaking country, takeadvantage of this fact and talk to the people around you as much and as often asyou can. If possible, join a "conversation partners" program. If you are living in anon-English-speaking country, try to find people——native or non-native speakers——that you can have conversations with.
One important job is to systematically build your vocabulary. An improvedvocabulary will help you on every section of the test. You should keep a personalvocabulary list in a notebook, on index cards, or on a computer. When you comeacross an unfamiliar word, look it up and record the word and its definition.
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