Preparing for the TOEFL: What to Expect and Study Tips

The TOEFL (“Test of English as a Foreign Language”) is a standardized test that measures English language proficiency, focusing on academic settings. It assesses abilities in four key areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

TOEFL scores are primarily used by universities as part of their admissions process for English-language degrees. Typically, those who take the TOEFL aim to attend university or graduate school abroad. Therefore, understanding the TOEFL and preparing effectively is a crucial step in the journey for international students.

The TOEFL exam comes in two formats: TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) and TOEFL PBT (paper-based test). While both tests follow similar patterns, they differ in length.

In this blog, we’ll focus on the structure and timing of the TOEFL iBT. We’ll share tips to boost your score, provide helpful study resources, and highlight common mistakes to avoid. Let’s dive in and get you one step closer to acing the TOEFL!

Understanding the TOEFL Structure 

The TOEFL iBT is divided into four sections that assess students’ comprehension and self-expression in English. The test lasts 2.5 hours, with each section worth 30 points. Test-takers receive an overall score between 0 and 120, as well as individual section scores between 0 and 30.

• The Reading Section: includes two passages, usually from university textbooks, each approximately 700 words long. There are 20 questions total, and the section lasts 35 minutes. 
• The Listening Section: contains recordings of three academic lectures and two conversations about campus life and daily interactions, lasting 36 minutes for 28 questions.
• The Writing Section: lasts 29 minutes and consists of two tasks. The “integrated writing” task requires test-takers to read a passage and listen to a lecture before drafting a summary. The “academic discussion” task involves writing a response to a classroom debate, supporting a particular opinion. 
• The Speaking Section: lasts 16 minutes and includes four tasks: one “independent” task where test-takers share their perspective on a topic, and three “integrated” tasks where they listen to or read passages and record responses.

A key aspect of preparing for each section is practicing time management. For instance, the speaking section allows only 10-15 seconds to prepare answers before recording responses of 45-60 seconds. Completing questions efficiently requires practice, so studying in real test conditions is crucial. Overall, becoming familiar with the question types in each section will help you perform better on test day.

Preparing for the TOEFL Reading Section

Passages in the reading section of the TOEFL are academic in nature, typically taken from university textbooks and scientific articles. They cover a wide range of topics, such as history, biology, and social sciences. However, students do not need prior knowledge of these topics to answer the questions; everything needed is contained within the passages themselves.

To master this section, start by honing your skimming and scanning skills. Instead of closely reading the text from the beginning, quickly skim through the passage to grasp its main idea. Then, move on to the questions and scan the relevant paragraphs to find specific details that answer them. Perform a close and focused reading only once you are sure you are looking at the relevant part of the passage. This approach ensures you answer each question correctly and efficiently. 

There are 10 main question types in the TOEFL iBT reading section, which can be broadly categorized into factual (looking for information or details directly in the text), inferential (based on implied information about the author’s purpose or meaning), or vocabulary-related questions. Knowing these questions types and what to expect on test day will help you approach the test with confidence and avoid any surprises. 

In addition, improving your English vocabulary will help you not only master the vocabulary questions but also support your comprehension of the passages and answer choices. Practice contextual learning to understand words within passages instead of relying solely on dictionary definitions. Use flashcards to create personalized lists and review new words regularly.

Utilize practice resources such as official TOEFL reading passages and timed practice sessions to prepare for test day. Additionally, spend time reading English sources of varying difficulty, focusing on non-fiction materials like informational and academic papers and news articles to boost your comprehension skills..

Acing the TOEFL Listening Section

The TOEFL iBT listening section tests your ability to comprehend spoken English in academic settings. You’ll encounter various types of listening materials, predominantly lectures and conversations that mimic scenarios you’d find in university environments. Lectures typically cover academic topics such as history, science, or social science, while conversations involve interactions between students and professors or between students discussing campus life. Mastering these formats is crucial for success, as each requires distinct listening skills.

Effective note-taking is essential during the TOEFL iBT listening section. Practice abbreviating words, using symbols, and summarizing key points to capture essential information efficiently. This not only supports your comprehension during the listening phase but also helps you organize your thoughts for subsequent questions.

Active listening is another crucial skill you’ll need. Focus on identifying main ideas, supporting details, and speaker attitudes. To improve your active listening, try predicting answers, recognizing transitions in speech, and maintaining concentration throughout the recording.

To excel in the TOEFL iBT listening section, make sure you practice with authentic materials. Official TOEFL practice tests provide realistic simulations of the exam’s audio components, helping you familiarize yourself with the format and timing constraints. Additionally, immerse yourself in English by listening to podcasts, TED Talks, and academic lectures. This will improve your oral comprehension and expose you to diverse intonations and accents.

Getting Ready for the TOEFL Speaking Section

The speaking section of the TOEFL iBT consists of four tasks designed to assess different aspects of spoken English proficiency. 

• Task 1 asks you to express an opinion on a familiar topic. 

• Task 2 involves reading a passage and listening to a related lecture, after which you summarize and compare the information. 

• Task 3 requires listening to a conversation on an academic topic and expressing an opinion on the issue discussed. 

• Task 4 involves listening to a lecture on an academic topic and summarizing the main points.

To succeed in the speaking section, organizing your responses effectively is crucial. Structure your answers with a concise introduction or statement of opinion, provide main points supported by examples, and end with a short conclusion. Practicing coherent delivery helps convey your ideas logically within the test’s time limits.

Pronunciation and fluency are integral components of the TOEFL speaking section. Clear pronunciation ensures that your ideas are communicated effectively, while fluency demonstrates your ability to speak smoothly and at a natural pace. Focus on practicing intonation and rhythm to enhance your message delivery.

To prepare adequately, use resources such as official TOEFL practice tests and sample questions. These resources familiarize you with the format and timing of the speaking tasks, helping build confidence and reduce test anxiety. Additionally, create opportunities for language practice to improve how naturally you express your ideas in English. Consider finding an English language practice partner or seeking a tutor for real-time feedback on pronunciation, fluency, and overall speaking proficiency.

Excelling in the TOEFL Writing Section

Preparing for the TOEFL iBT writing section involves mastering two distinct tasks: the integrated essay and the academic discussion. Each task requires specific strategies for effective planning, organization, and clarity.

The integrated writing task, which is allotted 20 minutes, involves reading a passage and listening to a lecture on a related topic. You then summarize the key points and compare the information presented. This task assesses your ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and articulate a coherent response within a 150-225 word limit.

The academic discussion is a short 10-minute task, prompting you to express an opinion on an academic topic as part of a class discussion. You must respond to the perspectives of “classmates” while sharing your own unique viewpoint with examples and reasons. This task evaluates your critical thinking skills, coherence of arguments, and ability to convey ideas clearly in at least 100 words.

To succeed in the writing section, practice structuring your essays with clear introductions, well-developed body paragraphs, and concise conclusions. Focus on synthesizing information accurately for the integrated task and articulating your opinion effectively for the academic discussion. Using official TOEFL practice materials and writing prompts can help you become familiar with the format and timing, build confidence, and improve your writing proficiency.

Strategies for planning and structuring essays are essential for both tasks. For integrated essays, effective note-taking during the reading and listening phases aids in organizing ideas and identifying key points for comparison. Structuring these essays with clear introductions, body paragraphs discussing main ideas, and concise conclusions enhances coherence and readability. For the academic discussion, formulating a point of view, outlining arguments, and organizing thoughts logically is crucial to providing a well-structured response.

Clear and concise writing is paramount in the TOEFL iBT writing section. Using appropriate academic vocabulary, sentence structures, and transitions between ideas helps convey thoughts effectively. Avoiding repetitive language and unnecessary details ensures essays remain focused and coherent.

Practice resources such as official TOEFL writing prompts, sample essays, and timed practice sessions are invaluable in honing writing skills. Feedback from teachers, tutors, or online platforms can provide insights into improving grammar, vocabulary usage, and overall essay structure.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Over-Reliance on Native Language Structures

A common mistake on the TOEFL iBT is relying too heavily on native language structures, leading to inaccurate English usage. Direct translation from your native language can result in grammatically incorrect or unnatural sentences in English. To avoid this, immerse yourself in English as much as possible and practice thinking in English rather than translating from your native language.

Misunderstanding Task Requirements

Another frequent error is misunderstanding what the task requires. Practicing with official mocks and past papers is essential to familiarize yourself with common question types and their requirements. Assuming you know what the question is asking without paying close attention can lead to incomplete or inaccurate responses, negatively impacting your overall score. Always read the instructions carefully and ensure you fully understand the task before starting your response.

Inadequate Time Management:

Many students struggle with time management during the test. Not allocating sufficient time to each section can prevent you from completing all tasks or answering questions thoroughly. Practicing with timed mock tests can help you develop a better sense of how to pace yourself, ensuring you can perform optimally on test day. Make sure to practice under real test conditions to build your ability to manage time effectively.

Additional Strategies and Reliable Resources for TOEFL Preparation

Regular Practice

Effective TOEFL preparation starts with consistent practice. Regular exposure to TOEFL-style questions and tasks helps you become familiar with the format, timing, and expectations of the exam. Use official practice tests from ETS and Cambridge, as well as resources like the “Official Guide to the TOEFL Test” and “Barron’s TOEFL iBT.” Websites like BestMyTest, Khan Academy, and Magoosh TOEFL offer both free and paid practice opportunities. Regular practice enhances proficiency in all sections, allowing you to identify and address weaknesses.

TOEFL Preparation Courses and Materials

Utilizing TOEFL preparation courses and materials provides structured guidance and comprehensive coverage of each test section. High-quality courses often include practice tests, study guides, and instructional videos tailored to improve specific skills. Consider Tokyo Academics’ TOEFL preparation group classes, or inquire about booking one-on-one lessons with an expert tutor. These options offer valuable insights into test-taking strategies and help build your confidence.

Study Schedule

Building a study schedule is crucial for effective time management and goal-setting. A well-organized schedule allocates dedicated time for each TOEFL section, ensuring balanced preparation across all skills. It also allows for review and reinforcement of weaker areas. A structured approach helps you stay on track and maintain consistent progress.

Engage with the English Language

Beyond practicing for the test itself, engage with the English language in various ways. Read non-fiction, listen to lectures, and participate in English-language conversations. These activities improve your comprehension and speaking skills. Using flashcard apps like Quizlet can help you track and reinforce newly acquired vocabulary.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, mastering the TOEFL iBT is not just about understanding the test format—it’s about embracing the journey of language proficiency. Each section presents an opportunity to refine your English skills and showcase your ability to thrive in academic settings abroad. Stay committed to your study plan, celebrate your progress, and approach the exam with confidence. With perseverance and dedication, you can succeed in each section of the TOEFL iBT and open doors to a future filled with academic success and global opportunities.