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TOEFL Exam Preparation 2024: Section-wise Tips & Tricks

updated at

Updated on Apr 25, 2024, 10:51

Latest Updates: 

 

  • TOEFL iBT duration has been shortened. Test takers can complete the exam in 2 hours. The exam will also include a new test format. 
  • TOEFL iBT fee has now increased to ₹16,900. 
  • TOEFL iBT will be accepted for Canada SDS starting August 10th.
  • Australia has temporarily stopped accepting TOEFL iBT for visas from July 26, 2023.

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1. TOEFL Exam Preparation 2024

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is given by ETS, is one of the most widely accepted tests of English competency among colleges all over the world.

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2. Materials for the TOEFL: Section-wise

The TOEFL exam, as was previously said, is made up of a variety of components that come together to make up the entire test. As you continue reading, we'll provide applicants who want to study for the TOEFL exam with essential section-by-section preparation guidance.

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1.

TOEFL Exam Preparation 2024

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is given by ETS, is one of the most widely accepted tests of English competency among colleges all over the world. The best TOEFL prep books and study materials have been compiled for our TOEFL aspirants, so those who want to get a good TOEFL score are recommended to keep reading.


The procedure of preparing for the TOEFL exam is largely private. To further tailor this experience for our diverse readership, we have also added TOEFL preparation materials, section-by-section TOEFL preparation guidance, TOEFL preparation books, and TOEFL online study modules. The TOEFL self-study method, which is explained here, is commonly foregone by students in favour of professional guidance. If candidates need professional guidance, they can visit our premier TOEFL coaching centre in India.

 

How to Prepare for the TOEFL Exam by Studying The TOEFL exam is broken into multiple components, as the majority of applicants are already aware. We'll start with general TOEFL exam preparation tips and then move on to TOEFL study materials for each individual component.

 

What are the best advice for TOEFL preparation?

 

Resources for the TOEFL exam: Candidates studying for the TOEFL Exam should abide by the top 8 TOEFL study recommendations listed below:

 

Plan ahead

Practice taking

Exams are studied for and practised so that you are prepared for them

Start acquiring vocabulary

Take note of the subject

Use high-quality supplies

Recognising the various types of inquiries

Keep an error log

2.

Materials for the TOEFL: Section-wise

The TOEFL exam, as was previously said, is made up of a variety of components that come together to make up the entire test. As you continue reading, we'll provide applicants who want to study for the TOEFL exam with essential section-by-section preparation guidance.

 

TOEFL Study Aids

 

Materials for TOEFL preparation: For the TOEFL iBT reading section, candidates must read three to four passages and respond to ten questions on each one. The section's grade is based on how much correct reading comprehension replies there are. Briefly stated, candidates will have 54 to 72 minutes to answer roughly 40 questions. As we outline the TOEFL reading section tips you need to ace the test, keep reading. A candidate's ability to understand academic writings and passages appropriate for a university context is tested in the TOEFL Reading section.


It is advised that candidates read as much as they can in English alone. This exercise's major objective is to regularly involve the student's thoughts with the English language.
Reading short passages and converting them into questions and answers is a tried-and-true method for improving your reading comprehension.
Newspapers, periodicals, and articles written in English are great tools for expanding your vocabulary and improving your writing skills.
You can also use your own evaluation of your work or the exchange of articles and literary works as a benchmark to gauge your success rate.
A candidate must expand his vocabulary if he wants to do well on the TOEFL Reading Section. To perform well on the TOEFL Reading section, candidates should regularly work on increasing their vocabulary.

 

Tips for TOEFL Reading Preparation

 

Check the TOEFL reading tips and strategies to improve your score.

 

Read academically produced texts from colleges or other sources on a variety of topics on a regular basis (such as sciences, social sciences, arts, business, etc.). There is a huge range of academic literature available in periodicals, journals, and online.

Practice skimming a chapter to get a general impression of the main idea rather than reading every word and every sentence in depth.

After skimming a chapter, read it carefully again and make a note of the main idea, important facts, and other vital details.

Practice reading frequently to increase your speed and fluency.

Select a few cryptic words and determine their meanings based on context (surrounding sentences). Then, investigate them to see what they mean.


 

TOEFL listening advice

 

The TOEFL study guide includes the following: Candidates must react to six questions on each recording while listening to three to four lectures and two to three dialogues for the TOEFL iBT listening test. How effectively the segment performs is determined by the volume of correct listening replies. Briefly stated, candidates will have between 41 and 57 minutes to answer roughly 40 questions. As we further explain the TOEFL listening section tips you need to ace the test, keep reading.

Take precise notes: Successfully passing the TOEFL listening test depends on your ability to take notes while being dictated to. Candidates must understand that being able to take accurate notes quickly is one of the most crucial abilities in the TOEFL Listening test.
Another important aspect that should be centred on the student is learning to listen. Due to their limited ability to process information after a certain point, students frequently struggle to listen for prolonged periods of time. It is essential for the candidate to develop the habit of listening to lengthy audio files so they can subsequently use the material to answer questions.


 

Tips for TOEFL listening preparation

 

 

See the top TOEFL listening strategies and advice for improving your score.

Pay attention to words that describe the connections between ideas. Establish the relationships between ideas like cause and effect, comparison and contrast, and process steps.

Concentration can be sustained by mentally preparing for the speech. Pause the recording occasionally while listening to it. Speculate on the information or idea that will be said next.

Analyze the comment or conversation to see if it's meant as an apology, a complaint, or a suggestion.

Check to see if the language is professional or informal. Pay attention to the speaker's speech pattern. Is the speaker's voice relaxed or agitated? How certain is the speaker that the information being provided is accurate?

Keep track of any topic or detour changes.

 

TOEFL Writing Guidelines

 

Resources for TOEFL preparation: For the TOEFL writing section of the exam, candidates must write an essay and concisely define a topic. The response must be well-thought-out and planned, supporting its points with thorough arguments. Additionally, it should demonstrate unity, progress, and coherence. If you want to receive a high writing grade, be sure to demonstrate syntactic variety, solid word choice, and only a few minor grammatical errors. As we further explain the TOEFL writing section tips you need to ace the test, keep reading.

Candidates are advised to listen to snippets or readings before summarising the recordings in order to fully comprehend them. The candidate can then describe how he heard the recording in this way.
Students can also get a book that describes the various subcategories of connecting words. Connecting words is essential because they make two or more short sentences into one long statement and show readers how sentences and paragraphs relate to one another.
Additionally, candidates are able to comprehend the writer's viewpoints while listening to recordings and writing extensively on them.
In a single paragraph, candidates regularly confronted conflicting opinions. In order to recreate the writer's argument in their own words, the reader must pay close attention to how the writer addresses any potential challenges to the opinion, if any.

 

Tips for TOEFL Writing Preparation

 

Review the top TOEFL writing tips and strategies to improve your score

 

It will be easier for you to use idiomatic language correctly if you have a larger vocabulary and understand it.

Thoroughly familiarise yourself with grammar norms so you can use them in your writing without thinking.

Learn to use proper grammar, punctuation, and formatting (e.g., paragraph creation).

Find a textbook containing questions on the topic at the end of the chapters, then practise your answers.

Read an essay that is 300–400 words in length. Make an outline that includes the major points and important information from the article. Use the outline to create a summary of the concepts and information. In summaries, which should be succinct, just the most important concepts and information should be conveyed. While paraphrasing, use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

 

TOEFL Speaking Strategies

 

Resources for the TOEFL: This element evaluates the candidate's ability to speak effectively in an academic setting. Candidates would be judged on their ability to express themselves clearly and coherently, as well as, most crucially, their vocabulary and grammar. As we go over the TOEFL speaking section guidance, you need to ace the test and keep reading.

The students could start by compiling a list of popular topics and practising speaking about them. The themes may cover both extracurricular and academic topics.
As part of self-examination, candidates might collect photographs from periodicals and newspapers and quickly characterise the images. Candidates could increase the difficulty of the exercise by using many adjectives, incorporating details, and describing the same subject more than once.
Candidates might also decide to read opinion pieces, express their views on the topics, and then give succinct, in-depth arguments for their choices. During this activity, candidates should make use of coordinating words or phrases to assist make their thoughts more clear.
Students can evaluate their TOEFL iBT Speaking Skills by simply thinking about activities related to student life, giving reasons for why they enjoy them and speaking for one minute about this.
Candidates may also establish a routine of reading newspapers and online publications and engaging in conversations with friends about current affairs.

 

Tips for TOEFL Speaking Practice

 

View the top TOEFL speaking tips and strategies to improve your score.

  • Increase your vocabulary and learn appropriate idioms.
  • Learn grammar rules, and use them when speaking in a natural way.
  • Practice pronouncing words clearly, paying close attention to your word stress, intonation, and pauses. Use a range of products and websites to sharpen your pronunciation skills.
  • Give yourself some time to think about what you're about to say before you speak. Instead of trying to write down every word you intend to say, make a note of a few keywords and ideas. (When a response has been read, raters will be able to know and will give it a lower rating.)
  • Utilize signal words and idioms to connect ideas, offer fresh information or viewpoints, and emphasise important concepts or phrases. The audience will understand what you are saying more readily as a result. (Examples: "On the one hand, but on the other hand, what that means is...," "The first reason is...," "another difference is...," etc.)

 

Strategies for Preparing for the TOEFL

 

Candidates taking the test should be aware that there are numerous internet resources for studying for the TOEFL exam. Therefore, applicants should only use information from reputable sources and reference the official TOEFL website for the most recent TOEFL information. The new, shorter TOEFL exam, which debuted at some point last year, should be known to candidates taking the TOEFL exam. Check out our essential tips for candidates on TOEFL exam preparation.


How Should I Prepare for the TOEFL?

 

Resources for TOEFL preparation: Candidates should be aware that there is no set strategy for getting ready. The same thing that might be appropriate for Person A might not necessarily be appropriate for Person B, and vice versa. In order to assist our readers in enhancing their TOEFL exam scores, we have provided a list of different study methods in this post. We ask that customers select and use the method that best suits their requirements.


How Can I Study at Home for the TOEFL?

 

Candidates shouldn't combine their TOEFL test preparation at the testing facility with their home preparation. The only difference between the two tests is the test environment. Many times, test-takers may feel overwhelmed. Candidates should be informed that ETS, the organisation in charge of delivering the exam, now offers TOEFL examinations at home if they desire to take them in the convenience of their own house. Candidates who lack a suitable environment at home or the necessary system requirements may take the test at a TOEFL test centre if the COVID-19 local restrictions permit.


How much time should I allocate to studying for the TOEFL exam?

 

Additionally, this query is really specific. Some test takers might need two to three months to adequately prepare for the TOEFL, while others might require more time or less time. Therefore, there is no set amount of time. The TOEFL test dates should only be reserved by applicants after they have studied extensively for the exam.


TOEFL Study Guide 2024

 

Under the TOEFL study guide, we will go over the many methods for passing the test. In order to aid candidates in their preparation for the exam, we will also provide our readers with a TOEFL self-study plan. We will also recommend books and websites for online TOEFL practice, among other TOEFL study tools.


TOEFL study schedule

 

As previously mentioned, candidates who opt to study individually can prepare for the test using our tried-and-true TOEFL self-study method. Keep an eye on this space as we give our readers a very unique TOEFL self-study technique.

 

Free online TOEFL preparation

 

As previously mentioned, candidates have been reminded to only get their TOEFL information from reliable sources. In this case, candidates can check our TOEFL sample exams, which were created with the help of our readers. On the official TOEFL website, candidates can access additional TOEFL practice to test papers to complete. Questions for the TOEpracticepractice paper have been gathered from the most reliable places.

 

How to prepare in a month for the TOEFL

 

Candidates commonly inquire with us about how much time they can devote to TOEFL preparation. My quick answer is yes. There is no need to rush things, though, as you can start early and schedule a TOEFL test whenever you feel it would be acceptable. Keep an eye on this section as we develop a one-month study plan for the TOEFL exam.


Top Books for TOEFL Study in 2023

 

If you choose to self-study in order to prepare for the TOEFL, there are numerous books and resources, as well as TOEFL study techniques, available to help you. For the official ETS, there are official books and online resources. Utilizing the TOEFL books listed below, create a study schedule:

  • This exam handbook provides a comprehensive collection of tips, exercises, and skill-development techniques to help you effectively prepare for the TOEFL test. TOEFL iBT: The Official ETS Study Guide. This top-rated study guide features hundreds of authentic TOEFL exam questions and essay topics, as well as practice exercises for each of the four language skills that are tested: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Additionally, it has comprehensive, real tests as well as useful advice.
  • The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test iBT Edition by Bruce Rogers - Before actually offering sample questions and practice exams, this exam guide puts a lot of emphasis on developing test-taking skills, which is excellent and will surely be helpful in the long term.
  • The audio CD that comes with the book Delta's Key to the TOEFL iBT: Advanced Skill Practice has more than nine hours of audio to ensure that the test's listening component is well comprehended. It comprises 35 units of study in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, as well as four TOEFL iBT tests that are the entire length. The lessons, tests, and quizzes have 1,200 questions. Score tables, a solution manual, and an audio script.


How can I pick the top TOEFL prep books?

 

As previously mentioned, candidates are strongly advised to only use data from the official TOEFL website. ETS is the company that administers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and applicants must go to the website, check the list of books and resources there, and then get them as needed. Many of the questions are equivalent to the books that are available on the official website. A thorough TOEFL preparation manual and section-by-section resources that concentrate on particular TOEFL exam topics will both be available on the ETS website. Candidates can email us with any inquiries they may have concerning the same.

 

TOEFL exam day advice

 

As is common for exams, you should arrive at the TOEFL testing location at least 30 minutes early to settle in. Visit the centre's address a day beforehand to make sure you know where to go. As we explain the most important TOEFL exam day recommendations, keep reading.

  • If you have been studying English since you were a small child, you shouldn't be concerned about your TOEFL score because you should do well.
  • Gather your thoughts for a moment before starting the Reading section.
  • Don't study on the day of the test. It won't do you any good and will simply add to your tension.
  • Complete a lot of practice centre numbers, centre proficiency tests, and tasks for projects for synthesising.
  • Because most computer testing centres have air conditioning, dress comfortably and warmly. You don't want to have "cold feet" on test day.
  • The writing component has a 20-minute time limit. They are just enough to verify your essay once, despite the fact that they can seem to be sufficient. So take action now!
  • The Speaking and Listening phases demand a lot of concentration. The included headphones will not be noise-cancelling, so you must pay close attention.

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FAQs

Q. How should I start preparing for the TOEFL test?

Ans.  The clock is ticking. Candidates should keep in mind to get an early start, study over the entire syllabus paying close attention to the challenging topics, and complete as many TOEFL practise tests as they can. Candidates can then focus on mastering their coursework and doing well on the TOEFL exam.

Q. Is it hard to get 80 in TOEFL?

Ans. Candidates should be aware that how well they prepare for the TOEFL exam will have no bearing on how well they score on it. Candidates that study methodically and without cutting corners will undoubtedly outperform those who cram the night before. Additionally, there is no upper score limit for genuine applicants. Therefore, how well you prepared for the TOEFL test will determine whether or not achieving an 80 on your second attempt is simple.

Q. How can I pass TOEFL successfully?

Ans. The TOEFL exam has no such thing as a passing or failing score. Students must obtain scores that are equal to or greater than the established grade for each university's TOEFL cut-off. Candidates should be aware that getting better TOEFL scores would automatically improve their chances of getting accepted to the university and would also put them in the lead for any scholarships the university may be offering. A student who received a poor TOEFL score would have to retake the test in order to do better.