My copies of the new Official iBT Tests books have not arrived yet, but I’ve heard from a guy who got his copies that they contain the same tests as before but with some content cut out to match the current version of the TOEFL.

That’s too bad.  I was really hoping they would have totally new content.

No one I know has gotten a copy of the new Official Guide, but I assume it will be the same.

Anyways, when the books arrive I will let you know exactly which question types were stripped out.  I’ll pore over the new OG to look for any little changes in its descriptions of the test questions.

 

Today, I want to draw your attention to an annual scholarship provided by Dr. Pamela Sharpe, author of Barron’s TOEFL iBT. You might recall that my review of the latest edition called it the best TOEFL book of 2020.

Each year, Dr. Sharpe provides scholarships of $200 to students to cover the cost of taking the TOEFL.  Last year, seven such scholarships were awarded.

You can read about the details on her site (scroll down to the second scholarship), but the process is as follows:

  1.  The scholarship is open to students from all countries.
  2.  Students should have taken the test at least once before and be preparing to take it again to earn a higher score.
  3.  To apply, students must write an essay on the following topic – “What is the best way to prepare for the TOEFL?” and include at least three suggestions.
  4. The essays (along with contact information) should be e-mailed to sharpe@teflprep.com before the end of September. 

The scholarships will be awarded in October, so students should be planning to take the test sometime after that date.

Personally, I recommend that you take some time to consider your essay.  Ensure that your suggestions are well-reasoned, and try to accurately demonstrate your writing abilities.  Don’t rush!

Question:  What is the maximum size for the whiteboard in the TOEFL Home Edition?

Answer:  According to ETS (unofficially), you can use any size.  But it must be able to fit flat on your desk, without any part hanging over the side of the desk.

 

Question:  Can I use more than one whiteboard?

Answer:  No.  You can use only one.

 

Question:  Can I use both sides of the whiteboard?

Answer:  According to ETS (unofficially) you can use both sides.  Ask the Proctor when you take the test, though.

 

Question:  Can I write on the whiteboard during the break?

Answer:  You must totally clear your whiteboard after the break.

 

Question:  Can I use a high-tech “accordion” whiteboard, or a “notebook” whiteboard?

Answer:  No.

 

Tip:  Even if the proctor doesn’t ask directly, you should show yourself clearing the whiteboard after the break and at the end of the test.

 

Here’s a frequent question:

“I just scheduled a date for TOEFL special home edition with Proctor U, but my account at ETS still says my test date is “to be scheduled.”  Is that normal?”

And another:

“I have finished the TOEFL home edition, but my ETS account still says “to be scheduled.”  Is that normal?

Yes, that is normal.  The system kind of sucks. It happens to everyone. Your account at ETS will say “to be scheduled” even after you schedule a test with Proctor U.  It will continue to say that until a few days after you take the test.  Just pay attention to your account at Proctor U for confirmation that you have scheduled a test.

Eventually, your account at ETS will switch to “scores not available.”  A few days after that you’ll get your scores.  Hopefully.

 

 

 

 

Hey, I finally uploaded the 2020 version of my guide to the independent TOEFL essay.  This is the fifth annual installment of this video!  In the next few days, I will update the website version to match the content here.

The new video has a slightly different template, a new sample essay and a few different ideas about grammar.  I also (finally) added an “FAQ” section to the end in order to avoid answering the same questions in the comments again and again!

I’ll create and film a video about the integrated writing task before the end of the month (I hope).

Okay, so here is a selection of countries, and both the old and new price to register for the TOEFL.  Increases range from $5 to $25. Countries where prices have changed are indicated in bold.  As you will see, in some countries prices have not changed. 

I am sure that prices have changed in additional countries, but I didn’t track them.  

Update: I finally got info for Sweden (+$10) and China (+$20, aprox).

Note that you can look up your own country on the ETS website.

I’ll update the chart next week in case any changes are delayed.

Country

Old Price

New Price (August 1)

Afghanistan 

$200

$220 

Argentina

$195

$195

Australia

$300

$300

Bangladesh

$190

$200

Benin

$185

$185

Brazil

$215

$215

Canada

$245

$245

Colombia

$240

$240

Egypt

$180

$185

France

$255

$265

French Polynesia

$180

$185

Germany

$255

$260

Ghana

$200

$220

Guadalupe

$180

$185

Hong Kong, China

$225

$245

Indonesia

$205

$205

Iceland

$230

$220

India

$180

$185

Iran

$225

$245

Iraq

$195

$215

Italy

$255

$270

Japan

$235

$235

Kenya

$200

$220

Korea

$200

$210

Mexico

$180

$185

Mongolia

$195

$210

Netherlands

$255

$265

New Zealand

$270

$270

Nigeria

$195

$195

Norway

$290

$315 (!)

Pakistan

$195

$195

Peru

$210

$220

Philippines

$200

$215

Russia

$260

$260

South Africa

$230

$230

Spain

$245

$250

Sweden

$270

$280

Switzerland

$295

$320 (!)

Thailand

$195

$210

Turkey

$185

$185

Uganda

$195

$215

United Arab Emirates

$240

$255

United Kingdom

$210

$220

United States

$205

$225

Vietnam

$190

$220