Can you identify when a simple word has a complex meaning? For example, the word discipline can mean a "field of study," not just "punishment."
Your vocabulary check must include "signposts." These are the words that tell the grader how your ideas connect. Are you only using and, but, and so ?
Practice reading articles from Scientific American or The Economist . When you hit a word you don’t know, try to guess its meaning based on the sentence before looking it up. 3. Move Beyond "Good" and "Bad"
Pick 10 new words today. Can you use them in a sentence spontaneously? If not, keep practicing them in different contexts until they feel natural.
Preparing for the TOEFL isn't just about knowing grammar; it’s about mastering the specific "academic" flavor of English that ETS loves. If you can’t tell the difference between corroborate and collaborate , it’s time for a vocabulary check-up. 1. The "Academic Word List" (AWL) is Your Best Friend
Don’t use a "big" word if you aren’t 100% sure how to use it. Using a complex word incorrectly hurts your score more than using a simple word correctly.