* Students fail, because they do not understand the test requirements.
    * Students fail, because they underestimate great volume of necessary work.
    * Students fail, because they have limited lexicon.
    * Students fail, because they do not practise certain language skills.
    * Students fail, because count on "confidential secrets", instead of on real knowledge.
    * Students fail, because find time only for cramming.
    * Students fail, because they are frightened and cannot normally think.

And how to receive high points in TOEFL?


The first step in preparation is to understand test requirements. If it is the written test, whether it is necessary for you to read the text, to listen to the conversation record, what types of questions will be asked, what types of answers are required? Students should understand, how the information is given, what language skills are tested, and how answers should be given.

The second step is to understand the volume of English necessary for pass. For TOEFL the advanced level of English and a lexicon in 8000-15000 words is necessary. Four skills are necessary also: reading, writing, conversation, hearing, technical knowledge (grammar), and knowledge of a format and test requirements.

"Confidential secrets" of grammar usage for decoding of questions or especial words  can help to rise your points from 0 to 5 %. But if your lexicon is less 8000 or your skills of hearing or writing is less than the advanced level, most likely, you will fail, despite all tricks and dodges.

All know, that cramming helps to remember  facts for short time, but it is not useful in use of these facts. All tests of English is a combination of the facts and  use of language skills. Students who only cram, will ruin 60 % of the test as for them use of language skills is necessary. Crammers can get maximum of 40 % of points for actual knowledge, and only if they remember everything by heart. And still never there was a student who would cram all absolutely precisely and correctly.

Students are upset, when they read questions  which they cannot answer, questions which they do not understand, see unfamiliar words, or "confidential words", arising in two answers. Remember: the prepared students have less  chances to be upset and frightened. Students who come to examination in time, had a rest and weakened, show the best results.

If to speak about distribution of efforts, the preparation plan to TOEFL could look approximately as so:
20 % - a lexicon
15 % - grammar
15 % - reading
15 % - audition
15 % - skills of writing, short answers and an essay
15 % - informal conversation
5 % - practice of passage of tests.