Achieving a great TOEFL score can open doors to new academic and professional opportunities around the world, but preparing for it can feel overwhelming. The TOEFL iBT test is a gateway to universities and job opportunities in English-speaking environments, making effective TOEFL preparation very important for anyone aiming to study or work abroad.
This guide is designed to help you prepare for TOEFL with confidence. I’ll walk you through a clear, step-by-step strategy that covers every aspect of TOEFL preparation, from understanding the test format to mastering each skill area. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to boost your score, you’ll find practical tips and proven methods here.
The TOEFL iBT test consists of four sections—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—and takes about three hours to complete. In the sections that follow, I’ll share actionable strategies that have helped previous test-takers achieve their target scores and unlock new opportunities.
All four sections are delivered on a computer. For integrated tasks, you may need to read a passage, listen to audio, and then respond by speaking or writing. The interface allows you to navigate questions, take notes, and review your answers within the allotted time for each section.
The TOEFL iBT test uses a scoring system that ranges from 0 to 120 points. Each of the four sections—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—is scored on a scale of 0 to 30, and your total score is the sum of these section scores.
Universities set their own minimum TOEFL requirements, which can vary widely. A score above 100 is considered strong for top programs, while many universities accept scores in the 80–100 range. Your raw scores (the number of correct answers) are converted to scaled scores to account for differences in test difficulty, and this conversion is handled by ETS’s scoring algorithms.
For Speaking and Writing, a combination of human raters and automated scoring systems is used. In Speaking, one human rater evaluates content and language, while the SpeechRater AI system analyzes pronunciation and delivery. For Writing, automated scoring helps assess grammar and structure, alongside human evaluation for content and coherence. This dual approach ensures a fair and comprehensive assessment of your English skills.
A well-structured study plan is the foundation of effective TOEFL preparation. By tailoring your approach to your unique needs and goals, you can prepare for TOEFL efficiently and confidently.
Start your TOEFL preparation by taking a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses across the four test sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Practice tests are invaluable for this step, as they simulate real exam conditions and provide a clear picture of where you stand.
Evaluate your performance in each section by analyzing your scores and reviewing the types of questions you find most challenging. For example, you might notice consistent struggles with academic vocabulary in Reading or organizing ideas in Writing. Use this insight to set realistic improvement goals based on your starting point.
If your Listening score is lower than the others, focus more time on that area. Address specific skill gaps with targeted strategies, such as vocabulary drills for Reading or pronunciation practice for Speaking.
To make steady progress, create a study schedule that outlines your daily, weekly, and monthly activities. Balance your preparation across all four sections, giving extra attention to your weaker skills without neglecting your strengths. For example, if you have three months to prepare, you might dedicate the first month to building foundational skills, the second to intensive practice, and the third to full-length practice tests and review.
Time allocation should reflect your unique needs. If your diagnostic test reveals that Writing is your weakest section, schedule more writing practice each week. Sample study schedules might include:
Regularly update your study plan as you improve, and stay flexible—your schedule should evolve based on your progress and changing needs. With a personalized approach, you’ll prepare for TOEFL in a way that maximizes your strengths and addresses your unique challenges.
The reading section of the TOEFL tests your ability to quickly understand and analyze academic texts. To succeed, you need a toolkit of strategies for tackling different reading passage types and question formats.
The TOEFL reading section features a variety of question formats, each designed to assess specific reading comprehension skills:
To approach these questions effectively:
Improving your academic reading skills is essential for TOEFL success:
By combining these strategies, you’ll approach the TOEFL reading section with greater confidence and efficiency.
The listening section measures your ability to understand spoken English in academic settings. Effective listening practice and note-taking are key to mastering this part of the test.
Taking good notes during the listening section helps you remember key points and answer questions accurately:
To boost your listening comprehension:
With regular practice and the right strategies, you’ll build the listening skills and confidence needed to excel in the TOEFL listening section.
The speaking section of the TOEFL measures your ability to communicate ideas clearly and naturally in academic settings. With the right strategies and daily practice, you can boost your confidence and deliver well-structured responses.
The TOEFL speaking section consists of four tasks: one independent and three integrated. Here’s how each works and how to approach them:
Task 2: Read a short passage, listen to a conversation, and summarize the speaker’s opinion.
Task 3: Read about an academic concept, listen to a related lecture, and explain how the lecture illustrates the concept.
Task 4: Listen to an academic lecture and summarize key points.
Consistent, focused practice is the fastest way to improve your performance in the TOEFL speaking section. Set aside time each day to respond to sample speaking prompts—ideally using a timer to match the test’s strict time limits. Recording your answers is a powerful tool; when you listen back, you’ll notice patterns in your pronunciation, grammar, and organization that you might miss in the moment. This self-review helps you pinpoint areas for improvement and track your progress over time.
It’s also helpful to use speech recognition apps or practice with a language partner who can give you honest feedback. Focus on mastering the language functions that appear frequently in TOEFL, such as comparing two ideas, summarizing information, explaining a process, or giving and supporting your opinion. To sharpen your pronunciation, try shadowing native speakers from podcasts or videos—imitating their rhythm, stress, and intonation. Over time, these habits will help you sound more fluent, confident, and clear in your responses.
The writing section tests your ability to organize and express ideas clearly in academic English. With focused writing practice and proven templates, you can develop the skills needed for both writing tasks.
The TOEFL writing section has two tasks:
Improving your TOEFL writing skills requires more than just practice—it’s about targeted, mindful development. Start by working on your grammar and vocabulary with exercises tailored to academic English, paying special attention to the sentence structures and word choices commonly used in TOEFL essays. As you write, focus on building paragraphs that start with clear topic sentences and flow logically from one idea to the next, using transitions to guide your reader.
It’s important to regularly review your writing for common errors, such as run-on sentences, subject-verb agreement mistakes, and unclear pronoun references. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback by sharing your practice essays with teachers, tutors, or through online writing platforms. Their insights can help you identify recurring issues and refine your writing style. By consistently applying this feedback and revisiting your work with a critical eye, you’ll gradually develop the clarity, coherence, and accuracy that high-scoring TOEFL essays require.
When preparing for the TOEFL, combining official practice material with other high-quality resources can make a huge difference in your results. While official ETS resources are always the gold standard, there are many free and paid unofficial materials that can help you get extra practice, build your confidence, and target your weak areas.
Unofficial resources like Magoosh, BestMyTest, Union Test Prep, and Exam English offer free practice tests, video lessons, flashcards, and study guides. These platforms provide a wide range of practice material, from full-length practice tests to targeted exercises for each TOEFL section. While the quality and accuracy of unofficial tests may vary, they’re excellent for building familiarity with the test format, practicing under timed conditions, and reviewing common question types.
However, as your test date approaches, it’s important to shift your focus to official ETS materials to ensure you’re practicing with the most accurate and up-to-date content.
This comprehensive book from ETS includes hundreds of real TOEFL questions, four full-length practice tests, and detailed explanations of all question types. It’s an essential resource for understanding the test format, building your skills, and learning how answers are scored.
TPO tests are retired real TOEFL iBT exams, delivered in the same format as the actual test. They provide the most authentic practice experience, including instant scores and feedback on all four sections. TPO tests are especially valuable in the final weeks of preparation, as they closely simulate test-day conditions and help you gauge your readiness.
Each volume contains five full-length, authentic TOEFL tests with answer keys, sample speaking and writing responses, and audio scripts. These books are ideal for students who want additional real practice material and a deeper understanding of the test’s structure and expectations.
ETS offers a range of free study tools on its website, including sample questions, planning calendars, videos, and the TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner. The new TOEFL TestReady hub also provides a free full-length test with AI scoring for speaking and writing, plus daily practice activities. These free resources are perfect for getting started and familiarizing yourself with the test format.
If you’re just starting your TOEFL preparation, begin with the free resources from ETS and supplement with reputable unofficial practice tests to build your foundational skills. As your test date approaches, shift your focus to the Official Guide, TPO tests, and official test volumes to ensure you’re practicing with the most accurate material. This approach will help you walk into test day with confidence.
Effective TOEFL preparation is all about balance—developing your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in tandem, while using proven strategies and high-quality practice tests. By understanding the test format, creating a personalized study plan, and targeting your weak areas, you’ll set yourself up for steady improvement. Remember, the most successful test-takers are those who combine consistent daily practice with strategic planning and a willingness to adapt their approach as they progress.
Now is the perfect time to take charge of your TOEFL journey. Start by assessing your current skills, build a realistic study schedule, and make use of the resources and techniques outlined in this guide. With dedication and smart preparation, you can improve your TOEFL score and open the door to exciting academic and professional opportunities. Let’s get started—your future is waiting!
