Understanding the TOEFL® test format helps you avoid surprises on exam day. The test has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
- Reading: 36 to 56 questions based on academic reading passages.
- Listening: 34 to 51 tasks involving lectures, discussions, and conversations.
- Speaking: 6 tasks to test your oral communication skills.
- Writing: 2 tasks to evaluate your written English.
Practice Full-Length TOEFL Tests
Don’t just skim sample questions. Take full-length TOEFL practice exams repeatedly. This builds stamina and familiarizes you with the test’s pacing and structure.
Develop Strong Note-Taking Skills
You can take notes during the reading, listening, and writing sections. Master note-taking before test day to stay focused and retain information. A great resource is The Ultimate Guide To Note-taking.
Immerse Yourself in English
Improve your skills by surrounding yourself with English daily. Find a speaking partner—ideally a native speaker or a fellow TOEFL student. Listen to university-level lectures online (like those at Oxford Podcasts). Discuss key points with your partner and add new vocabulary to your wordlist.
Focus on pronunciation, intonation, and vocabulary. Record your conversations and play them back to spot areas for improvement.
Prepare for a Long Exam
The paper-based TOEFL lasts about 2.5 hours; the internet-based test (iBT) can take up to 4 hours. Since attention can wane after 2 hours, gradually increase your study sessions’ length. Start with short periods, then build endurance over time.
Build Your Stamina with Smart Eating and Rest
What you eat and drink before the test affects your focus. Avoid cramming with caffeine or sugary snacks—they can cause energy crashes. Instead, eat protein-rich foods like cheese, nuts, or eggs, combined with whole grains and fresh fruits.
Get a good night’s sleep before the test and wear comfortable clothes on exam day.
Manage Your Time Carefully
Arrive early, well-fed, and calm. Wear a watch to track time during each section. Don’t get stuck on tough questions—pace yourself to answer as many questions as possible. Read or listen carefully to all instructions to avoid mistakes.
Answer Every Question
Always answer every question. If unsure, make an educated guess. With multiple-choice, you have a 25% chance of being correct. Leaving questions blank wastes potential points.
Practice, Practice, Practice
There’s no shortcut. The key to TOEFL success is consistent practice. Use your practice tests to identify weak areas and focus your efforts there.
