My Experience ~~

Me?? I didn’t study the format of TOEFL until two days before. I had a summer job at a store. So I was crazily busy earning some pocket money in July and August.

I didn’t realize until two days before the test date. So, I hurried to the library, and then checked out a book to study. That was the first time I knew TOEFL has four big sections. Most of the time, I found the practice questions boring, and most of the time, I fell asleep.

Anyways, I thought that I would take TOEFL again. Why bother studying too hard in the first place then?

On the test date, my dad took my there. I did my exam on August 9^th. Most people were on vacation, or had a summer job. So, half of the seats were empty. I went in, took out two pieces of required government ID, then started taking the test.

Listening was okay, I nearly feel asleep in the end, because of the monotone voice. I found the most difficult part was the grammar part. What the hell? How do I know which one is wrong? Reading was so easy, when I finished all the paragraphs, I still had thirty minutes left. Later, I went back and double-checked my answers like three times. I didn’t change much, because I always believed that my first instinct should be correct.

Essay was not tough, either. It was “if you were to give out a gift to a child, which one would you choose and why?” Then, of course, I chose the book, which was supposed to be the most educational answer.

In the end, the range came out, listening--27, reading--27, grammar/writing something to 27.

So, the highest mark I could get would be 270. I didn’t send out scores to universities that day. Just in case, something went wrong. Actually, the whole exam was way much easier than I had expected. I went home, then realized that there would be no way to get 270.

My mom’s friend told me when you write the TOEFL essay, there was supposed to be a format to follow. Gosh, I had no idea of that. Okay, I would have to take it again. Sigh**.

Waited for three weeks, no sign of my report. Then, I picked up the phone, what? They sent out the report three days after my test. Okay, waited for another two weeks. Finally, I got my report. TOTAL SCORE 270!!!!! With an essay score of 6.0.

I found a lot of people on the web site, who tried to use the TOEFL essay format. Seriously, there’s no need. Because when you write the essay, it must show out who you are, what do you think. For example, you don’t have to say Firstly, then…finally, in conclusion. They won’t give you high mark unless you use your own creativity. Since I had sometime this Christmas, I might as well share my experience with you all!!

Good luck to all the fellow test takers