My Toefl Experience

Hey guys,

I did the Toefl exam two days ago. I read many others` advices, hopes and expectations about their results oin the exam. I decided to share my experience, too.
Just to know - I have studied English intensively in high school. I graduated university and I studied English for only two semesters. So... I am really not an expert...
1. Reading - it is not true that the passages are longer than you`ll expect. I did all tests in Barron`s textbook, Kaplan, Cambridge, Longman and Princeton. It took me almost two months to prepare. For example, I did Barron`s for 2 weeks. In my opinion, it is the best book to guide you and show you the format of the exam. So, the reading passages are the same length as the ones in this book.
Advice - record the time it takes you to answer all questions. I had some troubles doing that and I had to answer some questions without even reading the possible answers....
2. Listening - It is reeeeally easy. Listen for the details. Try to catch the main idea and write down the details you hear. TAKE NOTES! Again... Try to answer the questions for one listening section for 20 minutes. I have troubles with the time here again.
Advice - don`t panic - listen carefully - take notes.
3. Speaking - eeeeassyy. Write down your ideas on a list and... speak. Be confident. I was not . I was so nervous. Question 4 for me was the hardest one. Twy to connect the reading passage with the listening passage. it is not so hard.. but I was so nervous...
Advice - believe in yourself. Be confident - sound confident.
4. The easiest - writing one - the reading passage had 3 main points, the listening passage,t oo had 3 main points which were the oposite of what I read. I compared them.
The independent essay - I wrote 488 words I think. The topic was tricky for me. I could not make a good brainstorm... but still I tried to connect in a way the pharagraphs.

So... in conclusion, the test was easier than I thought... really!! But I was so nervous that I the reading and the listening are in a complete fog for me... I have no idea how I did it. I am so nervous now... waiting for results....

If I have to take the exam again, I would definitely be more confident because I know it is really easy. I am a little bit angry at myself because I know I can do better. I need at least 80 ... at home I have 22-24 points - reading, 24-27 - listening, 20-22- speaking and 25-28 - writing. Now I think that maybe speaking is 19-20, riting - 23-24.... but the reading and listening - NO IDEA!

I wish luck to all of you that are going to take it.
And remember - it is really easy - just practice a little bit and believe in yourself.