The 2023 TOEFL Transformation: Enhancing Student Preparedness for Academic Success

In July 2023, the educational community welcomed a revamped version of the TOEFL. This redesigned format prepares students more effectively for the diverse challenges they will encounter in universities abroad. One of the most notable and appreciated changes is the reduced test duration. Now, at just two hours, the test significantly minimizes fatigue, a common complaint with the previous three-hour version. There is a catch, however: this shorter test means that the level of difficulty, especially in the reading section, has gone up to some degree.

For those preparing for the TOEFL, the reading and listening passages encompass subjects typical of introductory university courses such as psychology, business, and sociology. I divide the preparation for the reading, as well as the rest of the TOEFL, into two distinct phases: the "building stage" (the months and years before the students take the test), and the "exam prep stage” in the closing weeks or months just before the exam. During the building stage, students should immerse themselves in these subjects not just through reading but also through listening to lectures and enjoying other types of media. I recommend practicing the Cornell note-taking method, which encourages summary and deep understanding. In the exam prep stage, however, students should use faster note-taking strategies that work better in a timed environment.

The new "Writing for Academic Discussion" section simulates an asynchronous online class environment. Examinees read prompts from professors as well as student responses, after which the examiners need to contribute meaningfully to the discussion. Success here hinges on fast and accurate typing skills and an understanding of academic discourses. I recommend that during the building stage, students hone their typing skills and engage in academic discussion, whether online or in person. Students will be asked to share their opinions on the prompt, so students need practice stating and supporting their opinions with meaningful arguments and examples. As the exam nears, it's prudent to take advantage of ETS's free online writing tests with their automated essay grader. Rather than taking several writing tests, I think it's best for the students to take just one writing test several times until they get a satisfactory score. They can then move on to the next test topic.

The reading section consists of ten questions of 6-8 question types. One such type tasks students with inserting a sentence within a paragraph, not as a test of grammar, but of logic and writing style. This underscores the importance of grasping the hierarchy of ideas and understanding core language arts concepts. In another question type, students will be asked to select three sentences out of six that could be included in a summary. This further emphasizes the need for students to have a deep understanding of the text.

Overall, the 2023 TOEFL transformation is a positive step towards ensuring students don't just master the English language, but that they also develop critical skills and gain exposure to a wide range of academic topics. It's an acknowledgment that language proficiency isn't merely about vocabulary and grammar, but also about comprehension, expression, logic, and adaptability in academic discourses.