Prepare for the exam by taking a TOEFL preparation class or by buying a variety of up-to-date TOEFL test preparation books that include practice tests, listening CDs and exercises with explanation guides. To further supplement your study, look for free, practice TOEFL tests and exercises on the Internet. Focus your studying on the sections that you find the most challenging.
Build your stamina for the test-taking day. According to EnglishClub.com, the paper-based test (PBT) takes approximately 3 hours to complete while the Internet-based test (iBT) version can take up to 4 hours. In order to avoid brain fatigue when taking the exam, gradually increase your study time from shorter to longer study sessions in order to get used to working for prolonged periods of time. To further enhance mental clarity and focus, ensure that you are well rested before the day of the exam as being tired can prevent you from working at your optimal potential.
Wear a wrist watch on the day of the exam, as some testing centers may not have clocks. When taking your exam, closely monitor your time to ensure that you are not spending too much time on the more difficult questions. Poor time management can lead to incomplete or hasty answer choices. Leave plenty of time to go back to check your answers. Managing your time will help you avoid wrong answers.
Re-read test questions and answers twice before selecting an answer. The TOEFL exam often includes answers that are misleading at first glance. There may also be answer choices that appear similar to one another yet differ in meaning.
Pay attention to the trick words used in some questions such as "except," "always" and "never." Many students who answer questions quickly can easily miss those words, leading to incorrect answer selection. For questions that include words such as "except," cover the word and choose an answer that does not belong with the other choices.