Are you looking for a thorough, no-nonsense approach to help your students prepare for the TOEFL? If so, then Delta's Key to the TOEFL Test is for you. Unlike many familiar standardized test preparation books and materials that seem to emphasize test "tricks" and "shortcuts" to success, this book is a comprehensive, adaptable, and straightforward guide to practicing and mastering necessary TOEFL test skills and concepts.

The book is designed with both teachers' and students' needs in mind; in creating it, the author's purpose was to come up with a format for teachers that was "teacher-friendly" and an environment for students that was "brain-friendly." The text succeeds on both fronts as it is backed by current research in language acquisition and cognitive science and it uses feedback from surveys asking teachers what they wanted to see in this kind of book.

The Key is divided into four sections: listening, structure (grammar), reading, and writing. Each section begins with a focus exercise to stimulate prior knowledge and to anticipate content. There is a complete description of a particular language skill and sample TOEFL items for assessment. In addition, numerous practice questions assist students in applying what they have learned, and extension activities help students connect classroom material with real world situations. Students can further assess their progress through 32 timed quizzes. These are designed to build cumulatively and some incorporate material from the units. There are three section review tests (reading, listening, and structure) and four full-length practice tests that closely mirror the actual TOEFL exam.

The inclusion of a complete answer key is particularly helpful. Each section has information about the computer-based TOEFL and explains the differences between computer-based and paper-based tests.

The section on reading includes an introduction to different question types and strategies for reading comprehension with in-depth practice of reading skills. The section ends with a comprehensive review test. The structure section includes numerous quizzes and a review test giving plenty of opportunities to check progress and assess learning. The writing section provides insight into four types of typical TWE (Test of Written English) essay questions.

The listening section is the best, because the accompanying cassettes offer five hours worth of practice material here students can listen to spoken English in a variety of contexts. The learner can use these independently of the text which itself provides support for key words, idioms, negative expressions, and implications. Students can also experience intonation and understanding inferences.

At 731 pages, there is a lot of material in the Key. Sample course plans are provided as well as suggestions for adapting the text for use over a particular period. In this way students can make best use of this excellent preparation text for the TOEFL.