The TOEFL tests your proficiency in all four areas of English application: reading, listening, grammar and writing. The purpose of the TOEFL test is to assess a student’s ability to succeed in an academic environment where English is the medium of instruction.

The TOEFL has two formats. In most countries it is now administered via the internet. If the internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT) is not available in your country, you will have to take the paper based TOEFL.

Why a strong vocabulary is important?

A good command over all areas of the English language is essential to score well on the TOEFL test. One of the skills that is especially useful is a strong knowledge of English vocabulary. In all the four sections of the TOEFL you are required to read and understand the meaning of many English words and phrases. The reading section, especially, focuses on a test taker’s ability to understand words using context.

Learn idioms and phrases

Your ability to interpret what you hear is the crux of the Listening section of TOEFL. You will not be able to score well on this section if you don’t have a good understanding of English phrases, idioms and homophones.

While the paper-based TOEFL doesn’t have a section on writing, it is an integral part of the internet-based TOEFL. You have to write an essay on a given topic. You won’t be able to write an effective, persuasive essay if you don’t have an adequate vocabulary. Remember that you get only around 30 minutes to write your essay, so you won’t be able to search for the right words. Instead you should be able to produce them at will. You must also be able to form those words into grammatically correct sentences.