To get a high score on the TOEFL, you need to master a number of overlapping language and academic skills. We have divided them here into primary, secondary and support skills.
The unique feature of the TOEFL iBT is that the primary skills are tested through independent as well as integrated questions, to simulate the way English is used in real life.
The chart below explains where you will encounter such questions on the exam.
Free TOEFL Speaking Samples
An easy way to get a high score on the TOEFL independent speaking tasks is to think of your answer as a mini essay. Of course, you have only 45 seconds in total, so your introduction and conclusion may be only one line each. Even so, by including them, you provide a complete answer.
INTRODUCTION: The introduction should immediately answer the question asked in the task. State clearly what you are going to speak about or what you prefer. This is like the thesis statement in an essay.
BODY: The body is where you provide the reasons, details or examples to explain or support your answer.
CONCLUSION: Your last sentence allows you to conclude in a logical, powerful and convincing way.
Let’s look at some sample TOEFL speaking tasks below. You can practice for your exam by reading the answers aloud. In this way, you’ll have a better idea how to structure your own answer on exam day.
FREE TOEFL SPEAKING SAMPLE 1 - TASK 1
Describe something that you do to reduce stress. Explain why it is helpful. Include details and examples to support your answer.
Introduction
Reading books helps me to relieve stress like nothing else can.
Body
This is true for several reasons. First, when I read a book I mentally enter the world of ideas. I can forget my day-to-day worries.
Second, from an emotional angle, reading is a solitary act. It enables me to spend time alone, away from others. This helps me feel more peaceful.
Third, from a physical perspective, reading allows me to stop working and relax my body. At home, I like to read while lying in bed or on the sofa.
Conclusion
The act of reading transports me to another world. That’s why books are good friends and why reading is such an effective way of reducing my level of stress.
FREE TOEFL SPEAKING SAMPLE 1 - ANALYSIS
The response above would get a high score for several reasons:
What
It answered the question fully.
How
It was grammatically correct.
It used simple, clear vocabulary.
Why
It spoke about the actual topic, and not some other topic.
It proceeded logically, from introduction to body to conclusion.
It used transition words, such as first, second and third.
It gave three reasons: mental, emotional and physical
It gave three details /examples: to forget worries, to feel more peaceful, to lie on bed / sofa
The conclusion reinforced the fact that the speaker had understood the task clearly.
Follow the links before for more sample TOEFL independent speaking samples:
Free TOEFL Independent Speaking Samples - Task 1
Free TOEFL Independent Speaking Samples - Task 2
TOEFL iBT - Secondary Skills
Secondary skills, such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling, are not tested in separate sections of the TOEFL, but are tested indirectly throughout the exam.
Here are some examples of where and how these secondary skills may prove relevant:
TOEFL Speaking: The six tasks require you to not only understand the question and respond logically, but also to enunciate clearly (pronunciation), use correct sentence structure (grammar) and express your opinions through a rich variety of words and expressions (vocabulary).
TOEFL Writing: The mechanics of writing - grammar, spelling and punctuation – are taken into account when awarding your cumulative writing score.
TOEFL Reading & TOEFL Listening: Your command of vocabulary will assist you in responding to the reading and listening questions. Your knowledge of grammar may be critical to understanding exactly what is being stated.
TOEFL iBT - Support Skills
In addition to the primary and secondary skills, a wide variety of academic skills support your ability to ace the TOEFL. These include notetaking, summarizing, paraphrasing, outlining, mind-mapping, synthesizing, skimming, and scanning.
The chart below shows you the many times you will need to utilize these support skills throughout the exam.
Support Skills for the TOEFL iBT| Support Skills | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|
| Note-taking | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Summarizing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Paraphrasing | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Outlining | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mind-mapping | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Synthesizing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skimming | Yes | No | No | No |
| Scanning | Yes | No | No | No |
So make sure your TOEFL study plan covers each of these academic skills or you won't understand why you keep getting a low score on your practice tests. As in real academic life, all of these skills work together in an integrated way, to make you a more effective English student and communicator.
TOEFL iBT Resources
One thing is for sure – you are not alone in studying for the TOEFL iBT!
There is an entire industry built up around the subject of test preparation, and many types of resources are available to you. In the beginning, it might all seem confusing, but essentially, you can look at three different methods to help you build up your skills for the TOEFL iBT:
Independent Learning with Books & Software
In-Class or Online Training
A Combination of the Above
INDEPENDENT TOEFL iBT LEARNING
Independent learning means buying a TOEFL iBT guidebook and / or software and studying by yourself or with a partner. This is recommended for those who can study better alone and who are self-motivated. It is not recommended for those who tend to be social learners. However, all students will need to buy at least one or two good TOEFL guidebooks and work independently to build up their skills at home, in any case.
IN-CLASS TOEFL TRAINING
At some point, either in the beginning or along the way, most students choose to attend a TOEFL preparation class. This is a good decision and investment, as you can learn a lot from an experienced teacher and also from other students who may have appeared for the exam before. The classroom environment provides a support structure and sense of camaraderie, so you don’t feel that you are only one who is being punished by having to appear for the exam!
Additionally, certain skill areas, such as speaking and writing require the feedback of an experienced ESL teacher, as you cannot grade yourself or judge the quality of your answers.
ONLINE TOEFL TRAINING
Today, a variety of websites offer TOEFL preparation services online, which can be helpful if you are in a remote location, need the flexibility of studying at awkward hours and times, or are simply looking for additional practice.
COMBINED LEARNING
The preferred way to study for the TOEFL is a combination of the above – studying independently at home, attending a live TOEFL class and perhaps receiving additional support through programs and exercises online.
More than anyone else, you know yourself – your strengths and your weaknesses in English – and only you can put together the perfect mix of learning options to suit your budget, boost your confidence and develop your language and exam taking skills.
TOEFL iBT Book Review:
ETS - The Official Guide to the New TOEFL iBT
The Official Guide to the New TOEFL iBT with CD-ROM is the main guidebook published by the creators of the TOEFL test, Educational Testing Services. So presumably, it provides you with the most authentic information about the test and also, lots of good advice about how to succeed in the TOEFL.
Generally, the level of the exercises in the book is quite high, so it enables you to judge the language level you will need to attain. After looking through it, if you feel intimidated, go off and study using one of the easier guidebooks such as Longmans, Barron's, or even Delta. Then, you can return to this book again when you have raised your language level.
The most important advantage of this book is the insight it gives you into how the test is scored, particularly in the speaking and writing sections. The accompanying audio CD provides listening passages and sample speaking responses, which can be very helpful to students.
The book itself is divided into 6 sections: test information, reading, listening, speaking, writing and a writer’s handbook.
TEST INFORMATION
The introductory section tells you about the main features of the TOEFL, how the iBT is different from previous tests, registration information, some general tips and faqs.
TOEFL READING
The reading section sets out the ten types of reading questions and gives you ideas on how to best answer each one. There are several practice reading tests with answers and explanations. In general, the level of the reading passages is quite high, so again, you might want to try these exercises closer to the date of your exam, to get a realistic idea of the level of the test.
TOEFL LISTENING
The Listening section sets out the nine types of listening questions you will encounter on your test, and gives you strategies to raise your score. It provides a useful, extensive list of subjects areas covered in the listening passages, along with several practice tests.
TOEFL SPEAKING
This section explains the format of the six TOEFL iBT speaking questions, provides sample responses and rater evaluations. The many practice exercises in this section are at a level anyone can try to get a feel for what’s involved.
TOEFL WRITING
The Writing section includes the official Scoring Rubric used by raters when they check your writing tasks. There are also sample scored responses along with rater’s comments. These are extremely beneficial as they will give you an understanding of the various elements you must keep in mind to produce a high-scoring answer.
Here, you will also find over sixteen pages of writing topics, used in previous versions of the TOEFL. Since the topics on the TOEFL iBT are very similar to these, you should definitely read through this list and practice writing essays on these subjects. At the least, you should make outlines of how you would answer some of these questions.
WRITER'S HANDBOOK
The last section of the book provides you with a review of grammar, mechanics, usage, style, organization and development. Common errors in grammar, sentence structure and word choice are analyzed. Additionally, the handbook gives you examples of different types of essays and guidelines for revision, editing and proofreading.
So, overall, our advice is to use this book while preparing for your test and refer to it often to see where you stand.
TOEFL iBT Book Review:
Delta’s Key to the Next Generation TOEFL Test
Delta’s Key to the Next Generation TOEFL Test is one of the most popular TOEFL guidebooks on the market. Many ESL schools rely on this book to form the core of their test preparation curriculum, because it is so comprehensive.
One of the reasons for Delta's popularity among ESL teachers is the fact that each of the four main sections of the book is organized very systematically, with a steady build-up of the academic and language skills required to do well on the test. The book is extremely user-friendly and is also ideal for self-study.
In terms of level, though the book claims to be advanced, in reality, most students who are considering doing this exam can deal with the moderately challenging exercises, without feeling overwhelmed. The layout of the book is also easy on the eye, and students don't feel hemmed in with too much material on a single page.
The book also provides hundreds of tips and strategies to help students cope with each section of the exam. Four full-length exams are included, along with hundreds of practice units.
According to the publisher, the book provides enough material to cover about 15 weeks of study. A detailed study plan for 75 hours of learning is included, which can assist students working on their own as well as teachers. The only disadvantage is that the ten audio CDs which go with the book usually need to be bought separately.
TOEFL iBT Book Review:
Barron's TOEFL iBT
Barron’s TOEFL iBT Internet based Test is an excellent choice for TOEFL self-study and in-class learning.
The book stands out from other TOEFL guidebooks in several ways:
It devotes an entire section to the academic skills of note-taking, paraphrasing, summarizing, and synthesizing. If you feel weak in these sub-skills, you will find extensive and systematic practice here that boosts your skills.
It includes a useful glossary of campus vocabulary and expressions, which may appear on the test. Since the TOEFL is based on academic and campus vocabulary, studying or reviewing the list is beneficial to all students.
Barron's TOEFL iBT also includes ten audio CDs with the book itself, which make for overall value that can’t be beat.
TOEFL iBT Book Review:
Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL Test (Next Genration iBT)
Longman's TOEFL iBT is an intermediate level guidebook for those who are looking for overall language skill training as well as exam preparation.
The main features of the book include:
Many students find it comfortable to begin their TOEFL study with this guidebook. The reading selections in particular are not overly advanced, and enable you to develop your confidence and language skills simultaneously.
TOEFL iBT Book Review:
Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL Test (Next Genration iBT)
Longman's TOEFL iBT is an intermediate level guidebook for those who are looking for overall language skill training as well as exam preparation.
The main features of the book include:
Many students find it comfortable to begin their TOEFL study with this guidebook. The reading selections in particular are not overly advanced, and enable you to develop your confidence and language skills simultaneously.
TOEFL iBT Test Prep Centres
TOEFL classes offered by specialized Exam or Test Preparation Centres are designed with only one purpose in mind: to help you get the highest score possible on your exam. Theoretically, this would imply that they are the best places to prepare yourself for the TOEFL. In reality, this may or may not be true. As in any buying decision, you need to do some investigation and research before handing over your money.
TOEFL preparation centres vary widely. They may be international chains or local schools. They could boast thousands of successful graduates or just a few. The instructors may be exam preparation specialists or general ESL teachers. The schools may produce and sell their own books and materials or use existing test preparation books and software. They may offer a guarantee, based on your success in the exam, or not. It's best to ask the school about all these elements before signing up and again, attend a free class, whenever possible.
Sometimes, test preparation centres offer short, focused, intensive workshops and seminars, which can also be extremely helpful. These are generally held in the evenings or on weekends.
Most important, remember that as a student, you are a consumer and deserve to have high quality training, but you are also the one responsible for making wise buying decisions.
TOEFL iBT - ESL Schools
Many ESL / EFL schools and language schools offer TOEFL Preparation Classes, along with a wide range of other language training programs. The quality of these classes may be superior, equal, or inferior to that of exam prep centres. It all depends on a wide range of variables: the teacher, the materials, the school management, and the level of the students themselves.
ESL schools may have the flexibility to offer full or part-time TOEFL Preparation Programs. They may have separate classes for each of the skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking. They may also offer TOEFL classes at different levels.
The advantage of studying in a general ESL / EFL school is that there are many other programs which you can take if you need additional help in improving your English, such as pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.
The disadvantage is that the teachers may not be exam preparation specialists. While any English teacher can help you to improve your English, the general ESL / EFL teacher may not be able to give you the specialized knowledge, tips, and "TOEFL secrets" required to help you ace the exam. So, pay a visit first, ask questions in class and come to your own conclusions.
Online TOEFL iBT Training
Today, a wide variety of online TOEFL training options exist for ESL/EFL students. This is helpful to those in remote locations, those who need to study at awkward hours, those who enjoy online learning and those who are simply looking for something more.
Generally, online TOEFL training sites offer options to:
- complete practice TOEFL iBT tests
- rehearse TOEFL iBT Speaking questions
- submit practice TOEFL iBT Writing samples
- develop your vocabulary
- strengthen your grammar
In general, studying TOEFL online is an effective, additional way to bolster your English language skills.
You can also watch free lessons online. engVid provides free English lesson videos. Watch the free TOEFL videos on that site, but also go to their IELTS videos section, because a lot of the IELTS material is also useful for the TOEFL.
Studying TOEFL Abroad
For those who can afford it, preparing for the TOEFL iBT in an English-speaking country is a definite and positive option. Thousands of language schools in the USA, Canada, England, and Australia offer you the option to immerse yourself in an English speaking environment and acquire fluency in a relatively short period of time.
The benefits of such an experience cannot be underestimated. Although you may feel frustrated, lonely, and homesick at times, while abroad, your English will most definitely improve like never before. When you live in an English–speaking country 24 hours a day, and hear English night and day, you cannot help but develop your language skills. The improvement in just a short time, will be equal to learning English for several years in your own country.
The positive impact on your TOEFL iBT score is obvious. Nevertheless, you should still exercise caution in selecting an ESL school halfway across the world. As much as possible, register and pay for the shortest time possible in advance. This will give you the flexibility to evaluate your level of satisfaction and to explore TOEFL learning options in other schools once you arrive abroad.
TOEFL Attitude
To do well on the TOEFL iBT, you should try to develop an attitude of relaxed confidence.
Of course, this doesn't arise by itself. It grows within you as you take specific and positive actions to prepare yourself in all ways – academically, mentally, physically, and psychologically. You are the one in charge of your attitude! Do whatever you need to do to help yourself, just as you would advise your best friend or younger brother or sister.
If you have been a good student in the past, draw upon these positive memories to boost your self-confidence. Similarly, if you have not done well until now, remind yourself that at any moment, your life can change for the better, once you decide to make it so. Read through and implement the extensive test preparation and test anxiety reduction techniques included on this website to help you achieve your goals.
As the famous saying goes,
Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're usually right.
Make sure you prove the best about yourself, to yourself, today and always.
Test Anxiety - What is it?
Test anxiety is a feeling of fear, nervousness, and stress before a test or exam. It's normal to feel a little tension before an exam. In fact, most students experience it - and a little bit can even help you perform better. However, too much nervousness can prevent you from thinking clearly and can adversely affect your performance on the exam.
Test anxiety is actually a part of a wider phenomenon called performance anxiety. You might feel it when you participate in any event where your performance really matters and / or you are being evaluated by others - for example, when you go for an interview, audition for a school play, give a presentation, and so on.
To overcome the tension, you must first understand your anxiety, in terms of its type, causes, symptoms, and effects. Then you can choose the best coping mechanisms for your particular situation.
TOEFL Attitude - Types of Anxiety
RATIONAL OR IRRATIONAL?
To effectively handle your anxiety, it's helpful to consider if your stress is rational or irrational.
For example, if you haven't prepared adequately, haven't worked through any practice tests, and you started studying only a week before the TOEFL, your fear may be rational. There are obvious ways to reduce such tension, through smarter planning and improved time management.
However, if you prepared well, started studying months in advance, attended TOEFL iBT classes, did practice tests, etc. and still feel extremely nervous, your anxiety may be irrational. You will then need to adopt different strategies to overcome your fear.
ANTICIPATORY OR SITUATIONAL?
Some students feel agitated well before the test – in fact, they may even feel nervous when preparing for the test or thinking about the day of the test. This is known as "anticipatory anxiety".
Other students feel nervous and distressed during the test itself. This is called "situational anxiety."
COPING WITH ANXIETY
The good news is that by implementing the various strategies explained on this website, you can minimize and even overcome the uncomfortable pressure of all kinds of test anxiety.
Causes of Test Anxiety
The causes of test anxiety are numerous and can be divided into three categories:
Organizational
Psychological
Behavioural
ORGANIZATIONAL
Sometimes, students feel nervous before a test as a result of poor organizational habits, which have compromised their ability to prepare effectively and develop confidence. The problems are usually evident in terms of poor time management and disorganized study spaces.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Sometimes, students develop a lack of confidence based on past negative academic experience. The fear of failure and negative thinking cause them to worry about the future, and heighten the sense of psychological and societal pressure to perform well on the test.
BEHAVIOURAL
Sometimes, students simply get caught up with other activities and don't study enough! This is the result of a number of factors - delaying their studies, not acquiring the appropriate books and materials, hanging around with wrong friends, not getting enough sleep, eating unhealthy foods, or partying too much.
This can also include more serious problems such as drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs. The last thing you want to do is study for the TOEFL with a hangover or while you're high!
Remember, no-one can make you do anything – you are responsible for creating a good life for yourself, whatever you define that to be. If that includes passing the TOEFL, then take the right actions and you will surely reach your goal.
Symptoms of Test Anxiety:
Self-Assessment
Go through the following list and count how many of these anxiety symptoms you have experienced before or while taking a test.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
My stomach feels like it has “butterflies”.
My hands perspire or shake.
I feel breathless.
My heart pounds or races.
I feel like throwing up.
My mouth feels dry.
I feel too cold or too hot.
My muscles feel tense.
I have a headache.
I feel like I’m going to faint.
COGNITIVE
I can’t think.
I can’t concentrate or focus.
My mind “goes blank”.
I can’t remember things I know.
I feel confused.
I forget what I’m supposed to do.
I can’t organize my ideas.
I can’t remember key words.
My mind drifts to other thoughts.
I remember the words or answers after the test is over.
EMOTIONAL
I feel that everyone else is fine, except me.
I feel frustrated easily.
I think I’m going to fail the test.
I feel helpless.
I feel disappointed in myself.
I feel angry.
I feel depressed
I feel “I can’t do this.”
I feel overwhelmed
I feel like crying.
ANALYSIS OF YOUR TEST ANXIETY LEVEL
Count your score in each of the areas and then add them up to get your total score.
YOUR INDIVIDUAL SCORE
Physiological:
Cognitive:
Emotional:
If you scored more than 7 in any of the above areas, it is recommended that you speak to a counselor about how to alleviate your symptoms. You deserve to feel better!
YOUR OVERALL SCORE
25 – 30 points
You experience a very high degree of test anxiety. Please take active steps to overcome this pressure by speaking to a doctor, counselor, or psychologist and learning all you can about the subject.
19 – 24 points
Your level of test anxiety is higher than normal. You would benefit greatly by implementing the suggestions on this website as well as seeking out further advice through books, websites, counselors, friends and family.
13 – 18 points
You experience a normal amount of test anxiety and can improve further by understanding the specific type of symptoms you experience.
6 – 12 points
You are quite calm when doing a test and can improve further by applying the techniques given.
0 – 5 points
You are very, very cool and in control when doing a test. Continue to maintain your good study habits.
Reducing Test Anxiety
Luckily, there are a number of concrete ways you can reduce and minimize test anxiety before your TOEFL test. These could be divided into three areas: mental, physical and emotional.
MENTAL STRATEGIES
The mental strategies below all focus on developing effective study habits. The point here is that by preparing adequately and well in advance, you will have the greatest confidence and the least amount of fear and tension. The only way to lose your fear of the unknown is to familiarize yourself thoroughly with the test so that it no longer remains an unknown to you!
Start preparing months in advance, so you have plenty of time to make progress.
Find out and acquire the best guidebooks on the market.
Do a pre-test to determine your current level
Set up a study plan, based on the time you have available
Study in a clean, well-organized environment.
Keep your study materials in the same place so you can find them easily.
Allow adequate time to cover the primary, secondary and academic skills required
Allot more time to develop skills in your weaker areas
Join a TOEFL iBT class at a test preparation centre or language school
Form a study group and meet once a week to keep motivation high.
Find a study partner and meet regularly to test each other.
Begin a vocabulary development program
Read, listen, speak and write as much English as possible.
Study in an overseas language school, if possible.
Learn about brain-based study techniques and follow them.
PHYSICAL STRATEGIES
Clearly, your brain can perform at its best only if you have taken good care of your body. This includes many different elements, as described below:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Eat healthy foods. Your brain needs good nutrition to perform well.
Sleep adequately. Being exhausted will not help you in any way.
Take short, frequent breaks while studying., You will remember more.
- Exercise regularly to keep your body fit and healthy.
Reduce your dependence on caffeine or nicotine as you will not be able to drink coffee or smoke during your exam.
EMOTIONAL STRATEGIES
In your academic and professional life, you must be able to separate who you are from what you do. So although you should put in your best effort, you can’t use your performance to determine who you are or will be in the future. You always have more capability than might have been apparent in a particular test, exam or performance, and you can always try again. You are a multifaceted individual who has many strengths and talents. You are not your grades! The following ideas may help you to feel stronger:
Be strong, positive, and calm.
Don't think in terms of all or nothing.
Plan time for relaxation - it will boost your efficiency.
Use visualization techniques to see yourself doing well on the exam.
Never give up on yourself. Your life is made up of many elements, not just academic.
Reducing Test Anxiety
Luckily, there are a number of concrete ways you can reduce and minimize test anxiety before your TOEFL test. These could be divided into three areas: mental, physical and emotional.
MENTAL STRATEGIES
The mental strategies below all focus on developing effective study habits. The point here is that by preparing adequately and well in advance, you will have the greatest confidence and the least amount of fear and tension. The only way to lose your fear of the unknown is to familiarize yourself thoroughly with the test so that it no longer remains an unknown to you!
Start preparing months in advance, so you have plenty of time to make progress.
Find out and acquire the best guidebooks on the market.
Do a pre-test to determine your current level
Set up a study plan, based on the time you have available
Study in a clean, well-organized environment.
Keep your study materials in the same place so you can find them easily.
Allow adequate time to cover the primary, secondary and academic skills required
Allot more time to develop skills in your weaker areas
Join a TOEFL iBT class at a test preparation centre or language school
Form a study group and meet once a week to keep motivation high.
Find a study partner and meet regularly to test each other.
Begin a vocabulary development program
Read, listen, speak and write as much English as possible.
Study in an overseas language school, if possible.
Learn about brain-based study techniques and follow them.
PHYSICAL STRATEGIES
Clearly, your brain can perform at its best only if you have taken good care of your body. This includes many different elements, as described below:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Eat healthy foods. Your brain needs good nutrition to perform well.
Sleep adequately. Being exhausted will not help you in any way.
Take short, frequent breaks while studying., You will remember more.
- Exercise regularly to keep your body fit and healthy.
Reduce your dependence on caffeine or nicotine as you will not be able to drink coffee or smoke during your exam.
EMOTIONAL STRATEGIES
In your academic and professional life, you must be able to separate who you are from what you do. So although you should put in your best effort, you can’t use your performance to determine who you are or will be in the future. You always have more capability than might have been apparent in a particular test, exam or performance, and you can always try again. You are a multifaceted individual who has many strengths and talents. You are not your grades! The following ideas may help you to feel stronger:
Be strong, positive, and calm.
Don't think in terms of all or nothing.
Plan time for relaxation - it will boost your efficiency.
Use visualization techniques to see yourself doing well on the exam.
Never give up on yourself. Your life is made up of many elements, not just academic.
Day of the Test
After weeks or months of studying the day of your TOEFL test has finally arrived! Of course, you should get enough sleep the night before and make sure your clothes and all necessary identification documents are already organized.
In addition, following a few simple strategies will make your day easier, and enable you to do your best.
Have a moderate meal so you don't feel hungry.
Don't overindulge in sweets, coffee, or cigarettes or the cravings will come back to hit you during your test.
Drink enough water but not so much you need to take frequent bathroom breaks.
Avoid soft drinks which make you feel thirsty sooner.
Do something relaxing before your test. Only you can determine what that might be.
Avoid friends who tend to be jittery or agitated. You don't want to absorb their nervous energy.
Use relaxation techniques, such as progressive relaxation, or meditation.
Strive for relaxed concentration.
Arrive at the test centre early so you have plenty of time to complete administrative procedures and relax.
Do some deep breathing exercises anytime you start to feel too nervous. It will refocus your mind and ground you.
Expect some anxiety. It's normal.
Stay calm and don’t panic, even if something looks difficult. Often a "hard" reading passage is followed by easy questions!
Focus only on your own exam and don't think about what the other students are doing.
Treat yourself to a reward after the exam. You have worked hard and deserve the holiday!
