Toefl exam Essentials

TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS
LEARNING HOW TO LISTEN
How can you become a more active listener? Practicing the fol-
lowing listening techniques will improve your ability to under-
stand spoken English:
■
Focus on the speaker. Do not be distracted by your
surroundings or by daydreaming.
■
Use non-verbal responses, like nodding your head or
leaning toward the speaker as you listen. Even if you are
listening to a pre-recorded audiotape for the TOEFL
exam, your physical responses will engage you in the act
of listening and help you concentrate on the
information.
■
Concentrate on the message. If you plan to take the
computer TOEFL exam, you will see pictures of people
on your computer screen before each recording. These
visuals will orient you to the setting and participants of
the conversation, but they may also distract you. Focus
on the conversation, not the picture. If you are taking
the paper-based TOEFL, find a place in the room—a
blank chalkboard or wall—to direct your attention. Do
not be distracted by the reader’s appearance as you listen
to him or her. You may also try closing your eyes as you
listen to the reading of each passage.