Analyzing TOEFL iBT Reading

Patterns: Classification and Organization

The TOEFL iBT test is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. IBT stands for Internet- based Test. English language learners, who want to study at the college level in the United States, must take the TOEFL iBT test, as an entrance requirement. This test is designed to assess a student's ability to use the English language as opposed to assessing the student's knowledge of the language. This test was designed to see how well students can read and understand materials used in introductory college courses.

The TOEL iBT test is not an easy exam, but it can be mastered with proper preparation. This article will discuss the benefits of understanding the classification and organization patterns on the reading section of the TOEFL iBT test.

Foremost, dissecting and understanding the test patterns ensure success on the test because these skills let students know what they must look for on the test. With respect to the TOEFL iBT reading section, the passages are classified into three author's purpose categories. They are:

· Exposition- descriptive explanation

· Argumentation- the process of debating or arguing

· Historical- having to do with the past, something having chronological, sequential order, a beginning, middle, and end

This means that the TOEFL iBT reading passages will be classified into one of the above categories. TOEFL iBT students should familiarize themselves with these types of academic readings. They should read a variety of materials that are written in an academic style. Reading beginning level university text books on a variety of subjects is a great start.

The second key to success on the TOEFL iBT reading test is understanding passage organization. The TOEFL iBT reading passages are organized into four basic areas. They are:

· Classification- the process of putting people or things into groups according to their age, type, etc, cataloging and arranging. Example: job classification.

· Compare/contrast- show similarities and differences.

· Cause/effect- the reason and result relationship. Example: reason: study hard, result: high score on TOEFL.

· Problem/solution- trouble, dilemma, issue and answer/key, resolution relationship

This means students must be able to recognize what type of reading passage is presented. They must be able to identify if a reading passage is cause and effect, problem solution, compare/contrast or classification. Furthermore, if a passage categorizes information, students must be able to recognize a chart with possible answer choices, and fill in the chart with correct answer choices. The TOEFL iBT reading test can be conquered by serious preparation.

Finally, reviewing and understanding the TOEFL iBT reading section classification and organization patterns, coupled with frequent reading to increase rate and fluency, is a sure initiating formula for success on the test. Best wishes!

TOEFL iBT Reading Test Tips:

http://esltoeflreview.blogspot.com/2010/08/toefl-ibt-reading-review.html

TOEFL TEST TIPS: CONTEXT CLUES

http://esltoeflreview.blogspot.com/2010/08/srchttpsdocs.html

TOEFL TIPS:

http://www.TEFLeBooks.com/TOEFL_Tips.pdf

Study Hard!