TOEFL: Essential Test Prep & Test Day Tips

Quick Overview

The TOEFL measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. Focus on each skill area — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing — and practice integrated tasks that combine these skills.

1. Set a realistic score goal and plan

• Check the score requirements of your target schools and programs.
• Break down the study plan by skill and time-box practice (e.g., 30–60 minutes per day).
• Use official TOEFL practice materials (ETS) and full-length timed tests.

2. Reading tips (time management & question strategy)

• Skim for structure: quickly identify the main idea of each paragraph and paragraph function (definition, support, contrast).
• Actively underline keywords and dates; avoid rereading everything — target evidence that answers the question.
• Question types: factual, inference, vocabulary in context, purpose/organization. Match question types to focused strategies.

3. Listening tips (notes & patterns)

• Take concise notes. Capture the speaker's purpose, transitions, and key details (names, numbers, cause/effect).
• Learn to identify signal phrases (e.g., "however", "on the other hand") to track arguments and contrasts.
• Practice summarizing a short lecture or conversation in one or two sentences.

4. Speaking tips (structure & time)

• Use a clear structure: quick intro, 2–3 supporting points, and brief conclusion.
• For independent tasks: plan your answer for 15–20 seconds before speaking; aim for 45–60 seconds.
• For integrated tasks: include 1–2 sentences that summarize reading, 1–2 key points from the listening, and your synthesis or opinion.

5. Writing tips (clarity & evidence)

• Independent writing: present a thesis, 2–3 supporting paragraphs, and a short conclusion.
• Integrated writing: summarize reading and lecture; note where they agree/disagree and use specific evidence.
• Keep sentence structures varied but clear — avoid overly complex sentences that risk grammar mistakes.

6. Practice strategy

• Mix focused skill drills (vocab, listening transcripts) with full-length tests every 1–2 weeks.
• Record speaking practice and compare to model responses; prioritize pronunciation, pace, and clear structure over perfect grammar.
• Review written responses with a rubric (task completion, organization, grammar/vocabulary) and iterate.

7. Test day (in-person & online iBT)

• In-person: arrive 30–60 minutes early with required ID and registration confirmation.
• Online (TOEFL iBT Home Edition): test your computer, camera, microphone, and environment beforehand; follow ETS proctor rules precisely.
• Sleep well, eat a light meal, and avoid cramming immediately before the test.

Resources

• Official ETS TOEFL: https://www.ets.org/toefl
• Official TOEFL practice tests and sets: ETS Practice Online
• OrbitPrep practice modules: log in and click on toefl practice