Recommended textbooks and practice tests for TORFL
Russian Mastery: Your Essential Guide to Certification Exam Success: Recommended textbooks and practice tests for TORFL
Recommended textbooks for TORFL preparation include:
- “Russian language: First steps” - a popular beginner-level textbook used worldwide.
- “We live and study in Russia” (Zhivem i uchimsya v Rossii) by Tatiana Kapitonova, good for listening, reading comprehension, and speaking skills, adaptable to TORFL exam format.
- “Russian language: Five elements” (Russkij yazyk: 5 elementov) by Tatiana Esmantova, suitable for European language speakers, combines communicative method with rigorous grammar study.
- “Let’s Improve Our Russian” by Natalia Volkova and Del Philips, designed for English speakers with explanations and examples, covers B1 level (TORFL-I) preparation well.
- “In the world of news” (V mire novostei) by Larisa Moskvitina.
Regarding practice tests and materials:
- Free online TORFL grammar and vocabulary practice tests are available, such as the SRAS-developed 130-question test that mimics the full exam format.
- Official TORFL practice tests cover five parts: writing, vocabulary/grammar, reading, listening, and speaking.
- Some publishers and platforms offer test books with audio, especially for levels A1 to B1.
- Language Testing Centers and official TORFL sites provide sample tests and preparation guides.
- TORFL exams can be taken in person or online, and preparation materials often include complete practice tests to simulate the exam experience.
The TORFL exam structure includes reading, writing, listening, oral competence, and structural competence, with timings varying by level. Aim to practice all these skills for the best results.
Sources include the Language Testing Centre, SRAS, and recognized TORFL prep experts and authors. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7