I took the TOEFL PBT today and got 610/677. Is that a good score?

Background:

• I took the GRE on June 23, 2022, and scored an average of 316.
• My TOEFL was scheduled exactly one month later, on July 23, 2022.
• Balancing preparation with a demanding full-time job allowed me only 2 hours of study time per day.

Preparation Tips and Resources:

1. Reading

The TOEFL Reading section can seem straightforward once you get the hang of it. The passages are long but usually lack complex vocabulary compared to the GRE. Here's how I approached it:

• Initial Approach: I began by tackling questions directly without reading the passages. This method worked well initially because questions often reference specific paragraphs. However, understanding context and terminology in the passage sometimes made this approach less effective.
• Reading and Note-Taking: I tried reading 1–2 sentences from each paragraph and making notes. This approach helped with understanding context but was time-consuming. I found myself running out of time for inference and summary questions.
• Effective Strategy: The method that worked best for me was to read the first paragraph thoroughly and then the first sentence of each subsequent paragraph. This gave me a good understanding of the passage’s context and left me with ample time (about 17 minutes) to answer questions. Taking notes was particularly useful for complex passages.

2. Listening

For the Listening section, taking thorough notes is crucial. Here’s what worked for me:

• Note-Taking: I focused on taking detailed notes during both lectures and conversations. Each lecture has 6 questions, and each conversation has 5 questions, with each question requiring a response in under 30 seconds.
• Simulate Real Conditions: Practice in an environment with background noise, as the test center might have distractions. This helped me get accustomed to focusing despite potential disruptions.

3. Speaking

Effective speaking practice involves using templates and consistent practice. Here’s how I prepared:

• Templates: I found this YouTube video with useful speaking templates. These templates helped me structure my responses efficiently within the limited time.
• Additional Resources: Watching videos from Noteful on YouTube also provided valuable insights.

4. Writing

While I won’t go into detail here, practicing writing is essential. Focus on structuring your essays well and managing your time effectively.

Resources for Practice:

• YouPractice: Offers free practice questions for speaking and writing, which are extremely useful. It includes around 50 questions for each speaking task.
• Barron's TOEFL iBT: Good for practice, but avoid using it for the Listening section as its timing may not be accurate. Use your own timer to track the correct duration for each question.
• Official TOEFL Guide (6th Edition): This book is comprehensive and includes practice tests with detailed explanations. It's a valuable resource for understanding question patterns and getting practice with graded responses.
• Free Online TOEFL Practice: Provides additional mock tests and practice materials.

Other Resources: Although I didn’t use them personally, options like TOEFL Practice Test Guide and TST Prep are available for further practice.