Hi,
Just received my score report: 114/120.
(Reading-29; Listening-29; Speaking-27; Writing-29)
Very happy, as I thought I'd score below 110 (reading and listening are pretty much in line with what I expected, but speaking is a very good surprise).
One first note:
I took the test in Paris, France (@ MBA Globe)
Test conditions were just horrible (computers were out of age, keyboards were azerty with stickers to transform them into QWERTY... and a lot of stickers were missing, mics did not calibrate properly, internet connection was poor and we had to restart the test in the middle of it... plus we were packed - 5 people in a 6 sq. meter room). I just do not understand how such test centers are granted ETS certifications. Knowing the price of the test, ETS should be ashamed.
From what I read before, it is quite common for TOEFL test takers to experience such conditions... be prepared.
The GMAT (Pearson) test center was incredibly nice in comparison to the ETS center.
For the rest, DanaJ's post sums it all. Do prepare for the test.
The speaking section is demanding, and you should not expect to get through it easily without getting familiar with its format.
Preparation and actual speaking time for each question are extremely short. I consider myself a fluent English speaker but I still left the test center with the impression I had failed miserably on that part of the test.
In short: Writing, Reading & Listening sections are pretty straight forward if your level of English is ok. But do not take the test without spending a decent amount of time preparing the Speaking section.
ATB to everyone!
Vincent
Just received my score report: 114/120.
(Reading-29; Listening-29; Speaking-27; Writing-29)
Very happy, as I thought I'd score below 110 (reading and listening are pretty much in line with what I expected, but speaking is a very good surprise).
One first note:
I took the test in Paris, France (@ MBA Globe)
Test conditions were just horrible (computers were out of age, keyboards were azerty with stickers to transform them into QWERTY... and a lot of stickers were missing, mics did not calibrate properly, internet connection was poor and we had to restart the test in the middle of it... plus we were packed - 5 people in a 6 sq. meter room). I just do not understand how such test centers are granted ETS certifications. Knowing the price of the test, ETS should be ashamed.
From what I read before, it is quite common for TOEFL test takers to experience such conditions... be prepared.
The GMAT (Pearson) test center was incredibly nice in comparison to the ETS center.
For the rest, DanaJ's post sums it all. Do prepare for the test.
The speaking section is demanding, and you should not expect to get through it easily without getting familiar with its format.
Preparation and actual speaking time for each question are extremely short. I consider myself a fluent English speaker but I still left the test center with the impression I had failed miserably on that part of the test.
In short: Writing, Reading & Listening sections are pretty straight forward if your level of English is ok. But do not take the test without spending a decent amount of time preparing the Speaking section.
ATB to everyone!
Vincent
