Tuesday, April 28, 2015

TOEFL iBT Test

I took the toefl iBT test on 18th April (Saturday) at Guidance View Midvalley Bouvelard Offices. The test took approximately 4 hours in total, starting at 9am and ending at 1pm. If you finish early you can leave early.

IMPORTANT: Go to the loo before test starts!

The test started with reading (4 passages, 42 questions) then followed by listening. For listening there were quite many passages, I don't remember how many cos I was busy taking down notes and answering questions in order to enter the rest session ASAP to go to pee! You have no idea how desperate I was. You will be given a 5 minute computer-automated break after two sections. Then it was speaking and finally writing.

It wasn't that hard, but it is best to look through the sample tests available online to familiarize yourself with the format of the test. Speaking requires a bit of practice to make sure you clearly state the important points within 45 seconds. I would suggest the following:

1 sentence - introduction
2 sentences - main point + elaboration
2 sentences - second point + elaboration (if time permits)
1 sentence - conclusion

I didn't really do well, sometimes the time ended before I even finish speaking / make clear my points, but the examiners were kind to me - they awarded me 27/30, which I think is really high.

You will be given one hour for writing, just make sure your essay flows, and best if you have at least 2 main points in it.


This is my overall score for your reference. I got 112/120, which is quite good lah! Thank God for the good results.

Q&A:

1. My Chinese name is Lim La La, how should I fill in my first and last names when I sign up?
I don't know about other countries, but in Malaysia our test authorities are familiar with Chinese names, so you can just fill in as below:

First name / Given name: La La
Last name / Family name: Lim

In your TOEFL iBT page you will see your ID as La La Lim, but it does not affect your registration / scores.

2. What documents should I bring for the test?
Passport and/or ID, depending on the requirements. Read the rules again clearly. 

3. What time should I arrive at the test center on THE DAY?
I'm not sure about other offices, but Guidance View opens at 8.20am in the morning, so I suggest you to be there latest by 8.30am to be safe if you take it at GV. If you're afraid that you can't find it, better go there once earlier to survey the grounds - that's what I did.

For other test venues, make a phone call to the office and ask for the time students are required to be there. And again, survey the grounds beforehand if you are not sure.

4. Can I drink water during the test?
In GV, we are allowed to put the water tumblers on the table.

If you have any other questions, please leave a comment below, I will try my best to answer you!

6 comments:

Hao Jie said...

What's the test for? Sounds hard. ><

Aik said...

@Hao Jie: If you're planning to study/work in US, you'll have to take this test. Just a test to see your efficiency in English. But the test results only last for 2 years, so take it only if you're already set to go. It costs $185 USD.

Unknown said...

I am planning to take the Toefl ibt test this June. Can I know the exact location of this 'Guidance View' like from the KTM train station?

Anonymous said...

Hi. I am planning to take this test this upcoming June at Guidance View. Can I know the exact location of this Guidance View office?

Aik said...

Hi Anonymous, it's actually located at the row of offices between Midvalley and Gardens. I would suggest you to go there beforehand to familiarize yourself with the location. You may ask the information counter at the ground floor of either mall for the directions. All the best for your test!

Aik said...

Hi Aniq Danial & Anonymous, you can see this map for the location: http://www.guidanceview.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150&Itemid=593

As for the route from KTM to Midvalley, you will have to find out the way by yourself. Good luck in your test!