TOEFL Preparation Tips 2024: Check Section-wise TOEFL Preparation Plan & Study Material

TOEFL Study Materials: Are you preparing for the TOEFL exam? If yes, you should practice regularly to sharpen your skills with free practice tests and other best online TOEFL preparation resources. You can also refer to official guides and books through your ETS account or study for the exam on TOEFL Go! App.

A good TOEFL preparation book will help you understand the TOEFL exam and how to prove your English skills best. You frequently feel more at ease in some areas while less confident. If you are planning to take the TOEFL exam, we have compiled the TOEFL best preparations.

ETS (Educational Testing Service) conducts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL exam), which is widely recognised among universities and colleges overseas. When you seek a good band score, preparing for the TOEFL exam is crucial. For your help in the preparation journey, we have compiled a comprehensive guide encompassing the TOEFL best preparations strategies, preparation books, and valuable tips for each section of the TOEFL exam.

The TOEFL exam consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, all contributing to the overall score. The exam is strategically designed to evaluate your proficiency in reading, listening, writing, and speaking within a university context.

For a more unique and tailored preparation experience, we have provided section-wise TOEFL preparation tips, ensuring a targeted approach for each aspect of the exam. Additionally, last-minute TOEFL preparation tips are offered to assist you in maximising your efforts as the exam date approaches.

Recognising that individual preferences may lead some students to deviate from self-study plans, we recommend the option of seeking professional guidance. If you desire structured coaching, explore our recommendations for the top TOEFL coaching centres across India.

The foundation of successful TOEFL preparation lies in access to suitable study materials. With this valuable resource, you can confidently embark on your TOEFL preparation journey and effectively showcase your language proficiency in a university setting.

TOEFL preparation material: If you are preparing for the TOEFL exam, you must follow the TOEFL preparation tips mentioned below:

• Plan ahead: Effective TOEFL exam preparation demands careful planning and a proactive approach. Recognising that success is not an overnight achievement, you have to commence your TOEFL preparation well in advance, tailoring the timeline to your individual English language proficiency.

• Know what you're getting into: Understanding the intricacies of the exam is crucial. You must familiarise yourself with the TOEFL syllabus, exam pattern, scoring methodology, and university-specific cut-off scores. This comprehensive awareness ensures a strategic and informed approach on exam day.

• Take lots of practice tests: Regular practice is indispensable, and you should solve TOEFL mock tests available on official platforms. These practice sessions serve as valuable self-assessment tools, enabling you to identify areas for improvement and adequately prepare for the actual TOEFL test.

• Start studying vocabulary: Building a robust vocabulary is a key component of TOEFL preparation. A diverse range of complex and basic words, coupled with understanding their usage, empowers you to express yourself accurately and efficiently during the exam.

• TOEFL study material: To access reliable study materials, you must rely on resources from the official ETS website, the TOEFL exam organisation. ETS offers various free and paid study materials to support test-takers in their preparation.

• TOEFL cut-off: The TOEFL cut-off is the minimum TOEFL score required by each university. While meeting this threshold is needed for application consideration, you should aim for a higher score to increase the competitiveness of your application.

• Keep an error log: Maintaining an error log is vital to the study plan. It requires dedication and commitment to systematically identify and address weak areas, transforming them into strengths. By keeping a log of areas that need improvement, you can track your progress and optimise your overall performance in the TOEFL exam.

As previously stated, the TOEFL exam comprises several sections that work together to form the TOEFL test. Continue reading for section-by-section preparation tips for the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL study materials: The TOEFL iBT reading section requires you to read 3 to 4 passages and answer 10 questions on each passage. The number of correct reading comprehension responses is used to score the section.

However, you must answer 40 questions in 54-72 minutes. Continue reading as we explain tips for acing the TOEFL reading section. The Reading section of the TOEFL test evaluates your ability to comprehend university-level academic texts and passages.

• You have to read as much as possible in English. Well, the basic idea behind it is to keep your mind continuously engaged in the language. 
• It’s a proper, tried and tested method of reading, encompassing reading short passages and converting them into question-answer format to understand the idea behind the passage. 
• Sources like newspapers, periodicals, and articles are an incredible way to learn new words and understand written English. 
• You can also build your vocabulary to excel in the TOEFL reading section through continuous exercise engagement. 
• Go through university textbooks or other texts written in an academic manner that cover a wide range of topic areas (e.g., sciences, social sciences, arts, business, etc.). There is an abundance of scholarly texts available on the Internet, as well as in periodicals and journals.
• Instead of attentively reading each word and sentence, practise skimming the entire section to gain an abstract sense of the fundamental idea. After scanning a passage, reread it carefully and jot down your main idea, major thoughts, and specifics.

The TOEFL iBT's Listening Section demands you to engage with 3 to 4 lectures and 2 to 3 conversations, responding to 6 questions per recording. This section is scored based on correct answers, with you tackling around 40 questions in a time span of 41 to 57 minutes.

To excel in TOEFL Listening, you should focus on effective listening strategies. A concise understanding of TOEFL listening section tips is crucial for success in this exam component, ensuring you can navigate the diverse audio materials and respond accurately within the allotted time frame.

• Good Note-taking Skills: You must learn note-taking skills accurately when someone is talking to you, a crucial aspect to excel in the TOEFL Listening exam. 

• Enhance Listening Abilities: You must enhance your listening ability through long talks and make sure you can pick out helpful information to answer questions.

• Know the Conversation Type: You need first to understand the genre or topic of the conversation, as a myriad of questions revolve around the savour of your conversation. Recognising the contact can improve your ability to respond accurately. 

• Identify Connections Between Ideas: You should focus on the words indicating connections and relationships between ideas like cause/effect, compare/contrast, and steps in the process. 

• Guess What Comes Next: You should stay committed to predicting the thoughts or ideas that will be expressed next in recordings. This keeps you paying attention and helps you understand the concept better.

• Notice Topic Changes: Watch out for when the subject changes during the conversation. This helps you follow along and understand the whole discussion better.

In the TOEFL exam's Writing Section, you must craft a well-organised essay that thoroughly explores a given topic. A top-notch response entails adequate description supported by relevant explanations and detailed examples, showcasing unity, progression, and coherence.

To secure a high writing score, exhibit syntactic variety, employ precise word choices, and minimise grammatical errors. Understanding these elements is highly essential for success in the TOEFL Writing Section, ensuring a comprehensive and articulate presentation of ideas.

• You must start listening to short passages or readings and write a summary to understand the recordings thoroughly. You can easily express your thoughts and opinions on the recordings. 

• You should also pick a book to comprehend diverse types of connecting words essential for expressing the connections between sentences and paragraphs. 

• You can also catch the writer’s opinion and interpret it while writing about it in detail while listening to the recordings. 

• You may find conflicting opinions in a paragraph, so you must notice that the writer addresses possible objections to the views when you write the same in your own words.

• You should regularly learn new sets of words and knowledge of idiomatic speech to utilise it properly.

• Look for a textbook with questions on the content after each chapter, then rehearse answering them.

• Read the article, 300 to 400 words long and create an outline covering the main ideas along with essential details. Write a synopsis of the data and concepts using the outline. Only the main ideas and crucial details should be communicated in brief and unambiguous summaries. Be sure to paraphrase using different words and grammatical structures.

TOEFL best preparations: The TOEFL Speaking section assesses your ability to communicate effectively academically.

TOEFL Speaking section tips emphasise the importance of expressing thoughts coherently, refining pronunciation, and showcasing a robust grasp of language fundamentals. By prioritising these aspects, you can excel in the Speaking Section, presenting your ability to articulate ideas effectively within the academic framework of the TOEFL Exam.

• You can commence with a list of familiar topics and practise speaking about them. It should include both academic and non-academic topics. 

• You can collect pictures from magazines and newspapers, describe the same in 1 minute, and simultaneously increase your difficulty by explaining the same thing multiple times, using different adjectives, and adding details.

• You could also read opinion pieces, express your preference or opinion for or against the subject, and provide thorough justifications for your decisions. In this exercise, use linking words or phrases to clarify your viewpoint.

• You can also self-evaluate your TOEFL iBT Speaking Skills by considering your student's life and writing reasons to explain their preferences for the same and speaking on this for one minute.

• Work on your pronunciation, paying attention to pauses, intonation patterns, and word stress.

• Before you speak, give yourself some time to prepare. Note down a few ideas and keywords, but avoid trying to jot down the exact words you intend to say. 

• Use signal words and expressions to connect ideas, introduce new information, and highlight key phrases or concepts. This will make it easier for the listener to follow along with you. (For instance, “on the one hand…,” “but on the other hand…,” “what that means is…,” “The first reason is…,” “another difference is…”)

Best Online TOEFL Preparation: You must utilise the abundance of online study materials, emphasising the importance of relying on trusted sources and the official TOEFL website for accurate information.

Awareness of recent updates, including introducing a shorter TOEFL test last year, is crucial for adequate preparation. You can find valuable insights on our platform if you seek last-minute tips for the TOEFL exam.

Staying updated and using reputable resources contribute to a well-rounded and informed approach, enhancing the chances of success in the TOEFL examination.

TOEFL Preparation Material: Successful TOEFL preparation is a personalised journey with no one-size-fits-all template. Here, we offer various techniques to recognise the diversity of learning styles.

You must select methods tailored to your needs to improve your TOEFL scores. Recognising that what works for one person may not work for another, our comprehensive guide empowers you to choose the best learning strategy for your strengths and preferences, increasing your chances of success on the TOEFL exam.

Preparing for the TOEFL at home or a test centre should not be confusing because the tests are identical, with the only difference being the testing environment. You are likely to feel overwhelmed.

Notably, ETS, the TOEFL conducting body, now allows TOEFL tests to be taken at home for those prioritising safety. You can opt for a test centre if you do not have a suitable home environment or the necessary system requirements.

Understanding this adaptability enables you to make informed decisions based on your preferences and circumstances, resulting in a more comfortable and conducive testing experience.

The time required to achieve optimal TOEFL preparation levels is highly individual. Some may be ready in two to three months, while others may need more or less time.

There is no set timetable, and you should schedule your TOEFL tests only when they are entirely prepared. This personalised approach allows you to examine your own proficiency and confidence levels, resulting in a confident and stress-free TOEFL examination experience.

The above discussion of TOEFL covered different tips and strategies for attaining a good band score in the TOEFL exam. You can expect a comprehensive TOEFL study plan for those seeking adequate preparation.

Moreover, TOEFL preparation books and some of the best online TOEFL preparation platforms are handy and aid in enhancing learning. This all-encompassing approach aims to provide a well-rounded and personalised toolkit, ensuring you are well-prepared to face the challenges of the TOEFL exam.

As previously stated, if you are interested in self-study, refer to our full-proof TOEFL self-study plan for preparing for the TOEFL exam. Also, keep an eye on this space as we bring our readers a one-of-a-kind TOEFL self-study plan.

You should only get your TOEFL information from the most trustworthy sources, as was previously mentioned. If this is the situation, you can review our TOEFL sample papers written with our readers in mind.

You can find additional TOEFL practice papers to complete on the official TOEFL website. The questions in this TOEFL practice paper have been sourced from the most reliable websites.

You must focus on targeted practice using official TOEFL materials and set aside time for each section, concentrating on weak points. To improve time management, take full-length practice tests.

Also, examine your mistakes for continuous improvement. Use online resources to supplement your practice. Moreover, for best results, prioritise consistency and efficient study sessions.

Best TOEFL Preparation Books 2024: If you choose self-study to prepare for the TOEFL, there are numerous books and resources, as well as TOEFL study plans, available to assist you. Official ETS preparation books and online preparation are available. To assist in developing a study strategy, you should check the following TOEFL books below:

• The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test: Available in eBook and paperback, featuring four full-length practice tests, valuable tips, scoring criteria, and numerous sample questions across all test sections.

• Official TOEFL iBT Tests, Volumes 1 & 2: Offers 10 authentic full-length TOEFL iBT tests with previous questions, available in paperback or eBook. Each volume includes interactive online versions, sample responses for Speaking and Writing, and audio files with written transcripts for listening passages.

• TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner: A free 8-week planner for test preparation provides an in-depth review of the four test sections, skill-building activities, sample questions, and scoring information, including Speaking and Writing guides.

• The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test iBT Edition by Bruce Rogers: Emphasises skill development before presenting example questions and practice tests - a comprehensive guide for mastering the TOEFL test, focusing on building essential skills.

• Delta's Key to the TOEFL iBT: Advanced Skill Practice: Includes an audio CD with over 9 hours of audio for mastering the listening component. Features 35 units covering reading, listening, speaking, and writing, along with four full-length TOEFL iBT format tests, 1,200 questions, answer keys, audio scripts, and score charts.

You can choose the official TOEFL ETS website for exclusive study materials, as relying on such sources is always beneficial. A thorough list of recommended books and resources is available on the website. Many of the exam questions correspond to information on the official webpage. 

ETS provides a TOEFL preparation guide that covers all test components, as well as section-specific instructions. You must seek guidance if you need additional assistance or have questions. This offers a consistent and focused approach to TOEFL exam preparation.

ETS has released the TOEFL GO App, which gives you access to sample questions and insider advice directly from the exam creators.

You can focus on various abilities through free and in-app purchases, adapting your practice to unique needs. ETS provides 24/7 progress tracking, allowing you to check your scores and improve your TOEFL preparation using this revolutionary mobile application.

If you want to ensure a smooth start, show up at the TOEFL testing centre at least half an hour early, following conventional exam practices. You should drop by the centre's location the day before to become acquainted with the venue. In the following discussion, you will learn about important exam day preparations for the TOEFL exam.

• Compose yourself before the Reading section.

• You should avoid studying on test day to prevent unnecessary stress.

• You have to practice with numerous mock tests for effective preparation.

• You should wear comfortable and warm clothing for air-conditioned test centres.

• You can manage time wisely during the 20-minute Writing section; focus on proofreading.

• You need to focus during the Speaking and Listening sections; headphones may not cancel noise. Stay attentive for optimal performance.

1. What is the best way to prepare for TOEFL?

The best way to prepare for TOEFL is to follow a structured study plan. You can use official TOEFL materials, practice tests, and online resources. You should focus on each section, enhance language skills and simulate test conditions for effective preparation.

2. Is getting 120 on TOEFL hard?

A flawless TOEFL score of 120 is difficult but not impossible. Thorough preparation, excellent English language abilities, and familiarity with the test structure are required. Success is aided by consistent practice, time management, and attention to each section.

3. Is 2 months enough for TOEFL preparation?

Yes, depending on your starting proficiency, two months can be sufficient for TOEFL preparation. Make a study plan, allot time to each course, practise often, and concentrate on your shortcomings. To make the most of your time, tailor your strategy to your specific demands.

4. How much time is enough for TOEFL preparation?

The amount of time required for TOEFL preparation varies according to the individual. Given your existing language skills, a period of 1 to 3 months is recommended. Effective preparation includes regular, concentrated practice, planned study programmes, and familiarity with test patterns. The timetable should be adjusted based on personal progress and goals.