Saturday, June 4

Should I use my personal experience on the TOEFL iBT?

Yes. Four constructive tasks on the TOEFL iBT measure your ability to use your personal experience ("personal knowledge") when developing an argument.

1. Independent speaking task #1
2. Independent speaking task #2.
3. Integrated speaking task #5.
4. The independent essay.

For the reading and listening sections (selective tasks), of course you must use your personal experience (personal knowledge of English). If you don't, how will you answer the questions?

Remember: The constructive tasks (speaking and writing) are designed to measure your ability to speak and write (develop arguments) both subjectively (first person) and objectively (third person) This is one way the TOEFL iBT measures grammar proficiency. The reading and listening tasks are designed to test both your active vocabulary and your passive vocabulary, as well as grammar. This is another way the TOEFL iBT measures language use proficiency.

WARNING! If a TOEFL instructor (or a TOEFL online pay site) tells you not to use your personal experience ("knowledge") on the TOEFL iBT, it is time to find another instructor (and ask for a refund from the pay site!).

Want to learn more writing and speaking strategies? It's all in Speaking and Writing Strategies for the TOEFL iBT.
                                               
My new text - Scoring Strategies for the TOEFL iBT A Complete Guide - will be published this summer.

The Pro