Preparation for the Computer-Based TOEFL Test: Powerprep Software [Hardcover]

Educational Testing Services (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2000

The benefits of learning by computer are highlighted in this software package for nonnative speakers of English preparing for the TOEFL exam. POWERPREP software allows users to become accustomed to the speed at which the listening materials are presented and to hear English as it is spoken in North America. It also simulates actual testing conditions so test takers become familiar with directions and strategies for all for sections of the exam. Four tutorials on how to answer questions in each section, three essay topics for writing practice, and sample essay responses are also included.

Educational Testing Service is the world's largest private educational testing and measurement organization and a leader in educational research. A nonprofit company dedicated to serving the needs of individuals, educational institutions and agencies, and governmental bodies in 181 countries. ETS develops and annually administers more than 11 million tests worldwide on behalf of clients in education, government and business. ETS is the only publisher of GRE and TOEFL test preparation materials containing authentic test questions cover to cover.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

When running POWERPREP, a small group of users may experience a problem with the sound for the TOEFL Listening items even though they can hear sound in the tutorials section and on the volume adjustment screen. This can be corrected.

If you encounter this problem, please contact our technical support hotline at [e-mail] or at 609-734-1794 for resolution. Please have information about your PC and Windows operating system available.

About the Author

Educational Testing Service (ETS) is the world's premier educational testing organization and the only publisher of GRE and TOEFL test preparation materials containing authentic test questions from start to finish.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Educational Testing Service; CD-Rom edition (May 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0886852064
• ISBN-13: 978-0886852061
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,352,753 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good start but need to be updated, June 9, 2001

By 

"ravisak" (Bangkok Thailand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preparation for the Computer-Based TOEFL Test: Powerprep Software (Hardcover)

I used this program to gauge myself for the TOEFL test 2 days before the test date. It was incredibly accurate! I would encourage anyone who wants to estimate your score to use this.

Good things about the program: First, the questions in all 3 parts are at the same level of difficulty with the real TOEFL test. Second, the voice, tone, and pace of the speeches in the listening part will help you to be accustomed with the real test. Third, the program will help you to be familiarized with the pace of time limit in each section e.g., 15 minutes for 20 questions in structure section. Fouth, again, the score from the program is very accurate. My real test and the estimate from the program differ only 5-10 points

Things to improve: First, the type of questions are not as updated as it should have been e.g., the reading part of the program do not contain questions on "inserting sentences". Second, the program should have 2 separate set of questions. While I took my second test, some of the questions have already been used in the first test

What else? First, to see more TOEFL questions, try the free sample TOEFL test CD. It has more updated questions; however, it does not estimate your score. Second, try the TOEFL Test Preparation Kit. It has a lot of questions that you would not want to miss them.

Good luck on your test!

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars not worth the price, February 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Preparation for the Computer-Based TOEFL Test: Powerprep Software (Hardcover)

This software only helps you see how you'll score on the real exam and that's it! You can get an idea of how you'll score on the essay part too. There are several essays written by people who took the exam in the past. The ones with scores of 1 or 2 are really funny. I don't understand why one would take TOEFL with such terrible English. If you can understand what Americans are saying when they are talking slowly and clearly, and if you can read and understand articles in newspapers or magazines, you certainly don't need this software to tell you what your score range will be like. Take the real exam and see for yourself! You'll pass for sure. I took TOEFL 8 years ago with no TOEFL test preparation whatsoever and scored 617. TOEFL is an easy exam...but if your English sucks (sorry), then either take a TOEFL course or buy something which can teach you something, point out your weaknesses and give you plenty of exercise. THIS SOFTWARE WON'T HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH! As you can guess, it won't improve your score either! There are no answers to the questions on the exams so you'll never know which questions you answered wrong and what the correct answers are.

... .

The only reason I bought this product was because I had never taken a computerized exam and was scared that I'd screw up in the exam. Now I feel I paid too much just to get a feel for the exam. If you can read this review, you know enough about computers and you'll have no problems at all with the exam software.

Summary:
BUY IF you have perfect English, but you feel uncomfortable taking an exam not knowing what it will be like, and you don't mind spending this much money to see a sample exam.
DO NOT BUY IF you are not the person I've described above!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars mediocre quality, February 2, 2002

By 

surchand (Washington,DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preparation for the Computer-Based TOEFL Test: Powerprep Software (Hardcover)

The listening section on Test 1 works fine only before the start of the test and voice is not coming up during the actual test questions. This doesn't reflect the company's professionalism, and i'm really upset about the way the software messed up with my preparation. I'm going to have to let BBB know about this complaint and let the rest of the aspirants know the mediocre quality of your product.
They must have real professionals devolop these kind of products. I'm a software professional too, i really didn't expect this out of your product.
Above that, the customer support is not operational 24 hrs a day, and i've been slogging these days with my preparation and could not reach your team when i really need help.