[originaltext]If you are interested in studying at an American university, you

If you are interested in studying at an American university, you have probably heard about the Test of English as a Foreign Language. The test is widely known as TOEFL. It is the most widely used language assessment exam for American universities.
Many foreign students are frightened of the TOEFL because it is risky. Good test results on the TOEFL will open many doors. But a low TOEFL score will limit your choices for financial aid and admission to top schools. The most competitive universities generally expect an Internet-based test score of 90 or above. Others accept lower scores, and some do not require a TOEFL score at all. Most universities do not publicize an actual cutoff score, but a high score will always help.
Here are some tips for getting started with TOEFL:
1. Plan ahead---It takes a long time to improve your TOEFL score. Many students study just before the test. Raising your score will take months of intensive work. Do not expect a big lift in your test results after two weeks. There is no easy way to improve your score quickly. You will have to spend a lot of time and energy.
2. Master the basics first---Many students study for the TOEFL before they are ready. You should have at least an upper-intermediate English level before you attempt the test. If you score below 70 on the iBT, study the fundamentals for a few months and come back to the TOEFL later.
3. Get a study guide---It is easy to find study guides for the iBT. Pearson, Barron’s, ETS and Kaplan all produce quality materials. Take a practice test once or twice a month. The best study guides will have explanations in the answer key.
4. Use outside resources---Using TOEFL practice materials all the time will make you crazy. Remember, you are learning a language, not a test. You can improve your TOEFL score by making English part of your daily life. Some simple ways are listening to broadcasts, informal conversation with English speakers, watching movies and reading newspapers. Some others are reading English textbooks, sending and reading text messages in English, and writing online comments in English.
The bottom line is, the best way to do well on the TOEFL is to know English well. Do not depend on informal advice or tricks. Do not try to outwit the test maker. Think of reading, listening, speaking, writing, and grammar as a single connected concept-communication. The real goal of the test is to measure how well a student can communicate in an English-speaking classroom. Immerse yourself in English on a daily basis and improvement is sure to follow.
Questions 16 to 19 are based on the recording you have just heard.
16. What can we learn about TOEFL from the lecture?
17. What study guide can be the most useful for TOFFL examination according to the lecture?
18. What is one of the mentioned tips for getting started with TOEFL?
19. What is the best way to do well on TOEFL?