iBT experiences?

[Paul Brown (MA CELTA)]

Hey guys,  

 If you have taken iBT recently, please give us some feedback on it!

 Thanks,

 Paul  :wink:

[saosoraya]

hey y theren't any replies to ur subjects?
i think it's an interesting one; however, i have logged in here for so long that i didn't c it.
ibt experience? it's a good one! i have taken it since 17 november 2006 in order to apply for financial aid. i think that the new test is completely different from the pbt one. more difficult, but it's also easy to get marks too. after i took the test i think i may not able to get higher than 70; however, i get 81. it's not a good result, but not too bad, right? i found out that every thing on the new test is related to academic environment, especially in university campus. i think that if anyone want to have better scores, u should be sure that u r familiar with the english learning environment.
nice to c this subject!

[vanna_chanlyda]

Hi Paul,

I would like you to tell me more about iBT. Also, where do I take the test? And where is the best institude which provide iBT training course? I hope to get your reply.

Thanks,

DA

 

[Paul Brown (MA CELTA)]

 
 Hey Da,

 The iBT is the new version of the old PBT and CBT TOEFL test, find out more about it here, www.toefl.org. It has now been introduced in Cambodia and there are several official ETS iBT TOEFL test centres here in Phnom Penh. The test costs 140usd though, so make sure that you are prepared before you invest your money in doing the test. 

 The iBT is and internet based English language test, and the main reason that this has been introduced is for security reasons. The iBT does not require any locally based test examiners, and all the parts candidates test is send via the internet to the ETS ( iBT TOEFL ) head office in New Jersey, US, for marking. This means that the candidate has to do the test all via the computer and this has both pros and cons.

 The iBT now tests the 4 macro skills, Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking and is now similar to IELTS in format. It has both independent tasks and integrated tasks, which make it different to IELTS. The independent tasks will test one macro skill, but the integrated tasks, test more than one macro skill at the same time. This means that you may be asked to Read something, Listen to something and then Write about your opinion about what you have read and heard.

 The best way to practice, at the start, is by yourself. Buy an iBT TOEFL book and practice the test yourself, getting familiar with the format and the level of English language proficiency you will need to get a good score. After you become familiar with the test, then you would be ready to find some preparation course to suit your needs. Do make sure that the trainers are well-qualified and have a lot of iBT TOEFL experience before you commit to the course.

 5steps are in the process of developing some online materials for iBT TOEFL and we hope that these will help students who are preparing for this test. We do not recommend any school or preparation course, as this is a matter between individual students and individual schools. We do, however, advise that the student does research into the school and the teachers before parting with their hard earned money.

 We welcome any feedback from any students regarding the test or any preparation courses, as 5steps believe that by sharing our information online, students will have more knowledge to make informed choices. 

 Have fun,

 Paul