Description

Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL® iBT Test, 3rd Edition: A Comprehensive Review

The Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL® iBT Test, 3rd Edition, published by Pearson, is a well-regarded resource for students aiming to achieve a high score on the TOEFL iBT exam. Whether you’re preparing for the TOEFL as part of a university application, visa process, or professional certification, this updated edition offers all the essential tools for success. It’s designed not just as a course for TOEFL preparation, but also as a practical supplement for general English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. In this review, we’ll delve into what makes the Longman Preparation Course for TOEFL iBT so effective, its features, updates in the third edition, and why it’s one of the best TOEFL preparation resources available.

Overview of the Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL® iBT Test, 3rd Edition

The TOEFL iBT test is known for assessing four key language skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL® iBT Test, 3rd Edition, is specifically designed to help students tackle each of these areas with confidence. It provides a comprehensive, skill-focused curriculum that integrates practical strategies with extensive practice exercises to ensure a well-rounded approach to test preparation.

Key Features of the Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL® iBT Test, 3rd Edition

The third edition of the Longman Preparation Course comes with several key updates and features, making it a versatile and powerful tool for TOEFL preparation.

1. Updated Material for All Sections of the Test One of the most significant advantages of this edition is the updated material that reflects the current TOEFL iBT exam format. It includes new types of test passages and question formats, such as the filling of tables or charts and paraphrasing exercises. These updates ensure that students are preparing for the exact types of questions they will encounter on test day.
2. Comprehensive Practice for All Four Skills The TOEFL iBT exam tests four primary language skills, and this course provides targeted practice for each:

• Reading: Students will practice with exercises that involve filling in tables, charts, and paraphrasing. These exercises help hone skills in both comprehension and synthesis of information.
• Listening: The listening practice sections feature authentic academic conversations and lectures. New question types focus on understanding a speaker’s attitude or purpose, which is crucial for the listening section of the test.
• Speaking: Speaking practice includes personal and expository tasks, as well as integrated speaking tasks that require the student to combine listening, reading, and speaking skills in a coherent response.
• Writing: The writing section includes practice with both independent and integrated writing tasks. Students are tasked with writing essays based on reading and listening materials, mimicking the real test format.

1. Diagnostic Pre-Tests and Post-Tests The inclusion of pre-tests and post-tests is a standout feature of this edition. The diagnostic pre-tests allow students to assess their starting level and identify areas that need improvement. After completing the course, the post-tests provide a way to gauge progress, assess strengths, and identify any remaining weaknesses.
2. Eight Mini-Tests To further enhance test preparation, the course includes eight mini-tests that preview the TOEFL’s integrated four-skills format. These mini-tests offer students the opportunity to practice handling questions that draw on multiple skills, just like the real test.
3. Two Full-Length Practice Tests Two complete practice tests simulate the length and level of difficulty of the actual TOEFL exam. This is crucial for helping students build stamina, manage time effectively, and familiarize themselves with the test’s structure.
4. Teacher’s Materials and Lesson Plans For instructors, the course comes with downloadable teaching resources, including lesson plans and classroom activities. These materials help teachers effectively guide students through the curriculum while ensuring that all key areas of the test are covered.
5. MyEnglishLab: TOEFL Access Another invaluable feature of the Longman Preparation Course for TOEFL iBT is MyEnglishLab: TOEFL, an easy-to-use online platform. It offers students additional practice with pre- and post-tests, three full-length practice tests, and a host of supplementary activities. The platform’s interactive nature helps reinforce concepts learned in the book, offering a well-rounded learning experience.
6. Audio Program The third edition of the Longman Preparation Course also comes with a downloadable audio program that includes all the listening exercises in the course. This feature allows students to practice listening at their own pace, even while on the go.

Updates and New Features in the 3rd Edition

The third edition of the Longman Preparation Course introduces several updates that make it even more effective for students preparing for the TOEFL iBT test.

• New Guidelines and Strategies for Note-Taking: Effective note-taking is a critical skill for the TOEFL exam, especially for the listening and speaking sections. The new edition provides updated guidelines and strategies that help students capture key points during lectures and conversations. This, in turn, improves their ability to respond accurately to questions.
• New Tips and Hints: Throughout the practice sections, students will find helpful tips and hints that offer practical advice on tackling different types of questions. These insights give students the tools they need to approach each section with confidence and precision.
• Expanded Online Practice: In addition to the physical book, students gain access to MyEnglishLab: TOEFL, an online program that extends learning opportunities beyond the pages of the book. With its interactive exercises and full-length tests, students have the chance to practice and review at their own pace.

Why Choose the Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL® iBT Test?

1. Comprehensive Coverage: One of the key reasons to choose this course is its thorough coverage of all sections of the TOEFL exam. The course integrates practice and strategies for all four skills in a manner that reflects the actual test. Whether you’re focusing on reading comprehension, speaking fluency, or essay writing, the course provides everything you need to succeed.
2. Realistic Practice: The inclusion of full-length practice tests and mini-tests ensures that students get an accurate preview of what the actual test will be like. This hands-on practice is crucial for building familiarity and reducing test-day anxiety.
3. Online Learning Support: With MyEnglishLab: TOEFL, students get access to an easy-to-use online platform that allows for further practice and self-assessment. This feature ensures that the learning experience is interactive and flexible, catering to a variety of learning styles.
4. Helpful for Both Independent Study and Classroom Use: Whether you’re preparing on your own or using the course in a classroom setting, this resource is versatile enough to meet various learning needs. The downloadable teacher’s materials and lesson plans make it ideal for instructors, while students benefit from clear, structured content.
5. Proven Effectiveness: The Longman brand is well-established in the field of English language education, and this preparation course is no exception. Thousands of students have successfully used it to achieve their target TOEFL scores, and the 3rd Edition builds on that success with even more helpful features.

Conclusion

The Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL® iBT Test, 3rd Edition is a highly effective, comprehensive resource for students aiming to succeed in the TOEFL iBT exam. With its updated content, practice tests, online support, and detailed strategies for each section of the test, it equips students with all the tools they need to excel. Whether you’re preparing independently or in a classroom setting, this course is an excellent choice for anyone serious about achieving a high score on the TOEFL exam.

 

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