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TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test): - For: Studying abroad, international scholarships (LPDP, Fulbright, AAS) - Format: 4 skills (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) - Score: 0-120 (each skill 0-30) - Duration: ~2 hours - Fee: USD 210 (at the going exchange rate) - Validity: 2 years - Accepted by: 13,000+ institutions worldwide

TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program): - For: Domestic purposes (civil service, state companies, domestic graduate programs) - Format: 3 skills (Listening, Structure, Reading) - Score: 310-677 - Duration: ~2 hours - Fee: set by the administering institution, far below the iBT - Validity: 2 years - Accepted by: Domestic institutions

Recommendation: - Studying abroad/international scholarships → TOEFL iBT - Civil service, state companies, domestic graduate programs → TOEFL ITP is sufficient - Unsure → Take iBT as it's more universal

Reading section tests academic text comprehension from various disciplines. Here are effective strategies:

1. Skimming & Scanning Technique - Skim first and last paragraphs for main idea - Scan keywords for specific information - Don't read word by word, it wastes time!

2. Question Type Strategies: - Main Idea: Focus on first & last sentence of each paragraph - Inference: Look for clues in text, answer isn't explicit - Vocabulary: Use context clues, not memorization - Insert Text: Pay attention to transition words and pronouns

3. Time Management: - Allocation: 18 minutes per passage (2 passages) - Don't get stuck too long on 1 question - Mark for review uncertain questions, move on

4. Practice Tips: - Read English academic articles daily - Train speed reading: target 200-250 words/minute - Build academic vocabulary

Listening section covers lectures and conversations. Audio is played ONCE only!

1. Effective Note-Taking: - Use abbreviations: b/c, gov, inc, ↑, ↓ - Note: main idea, examples, contrasting points - Don't write everything, focus on keywords - Structure notes with bullets and indentation

2. Active Listening: - Pay attention to signal words: however, in contrast, for example - Listen to intonation for emphasis - Focus on speaker's purpose and attitude

3. Question Types: - Gist: Main idea/purpose of lecture - Detail: Specific information mentioned - Function: Why speaker says something - Attitude: Speaker's opinion/feeling

4. Practice Tips: - Listen to English podcasts/lectures - TED Talks are a great source (academic content) - Practice note-taking daily

Speaking section has 4 tasks with 15-30 seconds preparation and 45-60 seconds response.

Task 1 - Independent Speaking: Template: "In my opinion, [stance]. I feel this way for two reasons. First, [reason 1 + example]. Second, [reason 2 + example]. That's why I believe [restate stance]."

Task 2-4 - Integrated Speaking: Template: "The reading passage discusses [topic]. The lecture [supports/challenges] this by explaining [main point]. The professor mentions [detail 1] and [detail 2]."

Tips for High Scores: 1. Fluency: Don't pause too long, filler words OK (well, you know) 2. Pronunciation: Clear articulation matters more than accent 3. Content: Address ALL parts of the question 4. Time: Use all the time, but don't exceed

Common Mistakes: - Too much silence/pausing - Off-topic or not answering the question - Unclear pronunciation - Grammar errors that affect meaning

Writing section has 2 tasks: Integrated Writing and Academic Discussion.

Integrated Writing (20 minutes):

Structure: 1. Introduction (2-3 sentences): Introduce topic, state relationship between reading & lecture 2. Body 1-3: Each paragraph = 1 point from lecture that challenges/supports reading 3. Conclusion: Brief summary (optional if time permits)

Template: "The reading passage argues that [point]. However, the professor challenges this by explaining [counterpoint]."

Academic Discussion (10 minutes):

Structure: 1. State your opinion clearly 2. Give 1-2 supporting reasons with examples 3. Reference points from the discussion

Scoring Criteria: - Organization: Clear structure, logical flow - Development: Adequate support for arguments - Language Use: Varied vocabulary & sentence structures - Mechanics: Grammar, spelling, punctuation

Target Word Count: - Integrated: 150-225 words - Academic Discussion: 100+ words

1 Month Preparation (Starting score 80+, target 90-100): - Week 1: Diagnostic test, identify weaknesses - Week 2-3: Intensive drilling on weak areas - Week 4: Full practice tests, review

2-3 Month Preparation (Starting score 60-80, target 90-100): - Month 1: Grammar & vocabulary strengthening, format familiarity - Month 2: Strategy development, per-section drilling - Month 3: Full tests, fine-tuning weak areas

4-6 Month Preparation (Starting score <60, target 90+): - Month 1-2: Foundation building (grammar, vocabulary) - Month 3-4: Skills development per section - Month 5-6: Intensive drilling, full tests

Influencing Factors: - Starting English level - Daily study time (minimum 2-3 hours) - Quality of guidance and materials - Practice consistency

Tips: - Better longer consistent preparation - 2 focused hours > 5 half-hearted hours - Don't skip regular practice tests