Yesterday, I gave some TOEFL advice for a student. The student sent me an email with a request to help him improve his TOEFL score. However, unlike most e-mails that I get, he spent about 300 words explaining to me his situation. I was so impressed with the thoroughness of his e-mail, I decided to make a blog post about it. You can learn some valuable lessons how you can seek help from a TOEFL specialist.
TOEFL Advice for a Student: Introduction
Notice in the first part of the e-mail how the student specifically explains his overall and subtotal score results. Then, the student explains his target overall score that he needs. Once I have this information, I can provide TOEFL advice for a student so that h/she will be able to reach his desired score as quickly as possible.
Hi Sir,
TOEFL Advice for a Student: Overall experience taking the TOEFL iBT
In the next part of the e-mail, the student explains what his expectations were with the reading section. Furthermore, the student also explains some difficulties that he had with the speaking section. Providing this background information gives me insight in terms of how I will need to coach this student.
TOEFL Advice for a Student: Highlights of TOEFL score report
This part of the student’s email is the most impressive. He actually analyzes his score report. His analysis focuses on his reading, listening, speaking, and writing weak points.
TOEFL Advice for a Student: A specific request for help
Finally, in the last part of the e-mail, the student specifically asks me help in improving his score to 100 points. Since he has already given so much important background information about this situation, I am able to quickly recommend my 3-Month TOEFL Course, which will give him the practice and the time he needs to reach his target score.
TOEFL Advice for a Student: Final Comments
When you are sending an e-mail to a TOEFL mentor like me, consider the following tips:
Tell me your current TOEFL score, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing subtotals.
Let me know what target score and subtotal scores you need.
Provide any other background information that you want, including an analysis of your most recent TOEFL score report.
If you have not taken the TOEFL iBT and if you have not taken a full-length four practice test, you will need to take a practice test. Without knowing your current level, I cannot recommend a personalized TOEFL path for you. Email me if you need to take a practice test. I will send you to my partner, who offers realistic, accurate full-length four hour TOEFL practice tests so that you can find your level.
Good luck!
Michael Buckhoff, mbuckhoff@aol.com