10 Steps for Preparing and Performing Well in TOEFL Test

Once you have chosen the universities you want to apply to, gather information about the required application documents. Most of the universities require a recent and minimum score in qualifying English language tests such as TOEFL test (set by the university authorities) as one of the basic criterion of eligibility. Of course, it is not needed if you happen to be a native speaker of English language, citizen of certain pre-qualified countries or have completed your qualifying education so far from these countries. It is best to send the TOEFL score with the rest of the application documents. It is also possible to send it afterwards, but that will hold up the final selection decision. 

What is a TOEFL test?

TOEFL stands for Test Of English as a Foreign Language. The test gives the test takers (non- native English speakers) an opportunity to prove they can communicate ideas effectively by simulating university or work places in an English- speaking environment.

It has objective scoring system and confirms whether a person has necessary English language skills.

The test is developed and administered by a non-profit organisation named Educational Testing Service (ETS). 

Who can/ need to take a TOEFL test?

Many universities require and accept up to a minimum score achieved in the test as a basic criteria. It is also required to apply for certain jobs in certain countries. Sometimes it is also required as an immigration application document.

What is the format of a TOEFL test?

The test is available in two formats: paper-based and internet-based. There are four sections, each of score 30. Thus, the total score is 120.

No matter which format you take, it always has the basic three sections:  Reading, Listening and Writing. The internet-based test (iBT) has the fourth section of Speaking whereas the paper-based test has the TWE test.

As I am writing out of experience, having appeared for the internet-based test myself, I will be talking about iBT only. So, the structure of the iBT is:

• Reading section:

It consists of 3-4 reading passages (approx 700 words each) with a total of 12-14  multiple choice questions. It takes about 60-80 minutes.

• Listening section:

You will have to wear a noise-cancelling headphone for this section. It consists of 3-4 lectures (each approx 3-4 minutes long) with 6 questions each. It also includes 2-3 conversations, each approx. 3 minutes long. All questions are multiple choice. The whole section takes about 60-90 minutes.

A break for 10 minutes and the test continues afterwards.

• Speaking section:

For this section, you will have to wear the headphones again and speak into a microphone. It consists of 6 tasks, 2 independent and 4 integrated ones. It takes a total of 20 minutes. The responses are recorded digitally and sent to ETS to be scored. It is also scored by human raters who are trained and certified by ETS.

• Writing section:

The section consists of 2 writing tasks. One is integrated and takes 20 minutes. The second one is independent and takes 30 minutes. The responses are recorded and scored by both human examiners and automatic scoring system. 

Now, I know that reading about the test itself has given you a headache and I do agree that any exam can give us a fever, whether it is language or technical skills based, paper or internet based.  Doing well in TOEFL test is a skill, which can be developed with hard work and practice. But let me assure you that preparing for this test can be fun!!

I had devised a step- wise plan to prepare and perform well in the test which helped me to comfortably score 115 out of 120. Today, I will be sharing my plan with you and hopefully you can benefit from it too. 

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Register for the Test 3-4 Months in Advance and Start Preparing

• Register for the test

Visit the official website of TOEFL and find the test locations and dates available. It is possible to register by phone, mail or email. Do this 3-4 months in advance to get a suitable date and a seat in your nearest test center.

• Start preparing in advance: 

It is good to start at least 3 months in advance, if you are not fluent in English. Otherwise give yourself a minimum of 6 weeks to prepare and take the practice tests.

Step 2: Know the Minimum Score You Require and Set a Target Score

• Know the minimum score required: 

Every university sets its own minimum TOEFL score requirement. Know this for all the universities you want to apply.

• Set a target score:

Depending on your goal, set a realistic score, not an ideal one. This will help to work out your study hours and remain focused.

Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with the Format and Instructions Well Enough

Get familiar with the format of the test by extensive preparation. Take practice tests and acquaint yourself with the instructions of each section, thus saving time during the real test.

Step 4: Get a TOEFL Guidebook and CD/ Software for Practice Tests

• Guidebooks:

Buy or loan the books providing guidance for the test. These normally deal section-wise, providing lots of practice examples and tips on improving yourself.

I can recommend the books I used:

Educational Testing Service. 2015. The official guide to the TOEFL Test. New Delhi: McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited.

Pierce, D. & Kinsell, S. 2015. Cracking the TOEFL iBT. New York: Random House LLC.

• CD/Software: 

Some of the books come with a CD containing full length authentic practice tests. This will give you an impression of the program used in iBT. The books I recommended come with a CD containing practice tests.

Step 5: Preparing for the Reading Section

• Read English as much as you can: 

This includes reading newspapers, magazines, blogs, book etc. The idea is to get yourself comfortable while reading English pieces and to understand their full meaning.

• Write down the main ideas:

A good way to develop note-taking habit and thereafter summarize the main idea, is by practicing with anything that you read. During and after each reading session, try to write down the main ideas and the new vocabularies that you have come across.

Step 6: Preparing for the Listening Section

• Listen to English recordings as much as you can: 

This can be through movies, sitcoms, documentaries etc. A very effective way is to talk regularly to  native English speakers. This will help you to understand their accent and then familiarize yourself with the commonly used words.

• Jot down and remember new vocabularies

Writing down new words that you have just heard, along with the meaning, will help you in building up your own vocabulary.

Step 7:  Preparing for the Speaking Section

• Work on grammar

If you are not well- versed in English already, take a few classes from a teacher. This can be accompanied by self-studies through listening and reading a lot in English.

• Work on fluency

If you are not a fluent speaker yet, try to read aloud whatever you are reading in English. Try and make a speech on any topic to yourself.

• Work on pronunciation

This can be best done by listening to English recordings and picking up the pronunciations, but not the accents. If you have a native English speaker friend, try conversing with him/her in English and ask to correct you, in case of a grammatical or pronunciation mistake.

• Stick to the test question and manage hesitations

On the test day, after seeing the question on screen, you will be allowed a few minutes to prepare. Utilize this time to organize your thoughts, format the speech into introduction, middle part and conclusion. Manage hesitations with natural pauses and speak with ease.

Step 8: Preparing for the Writing Section

• Practice organizing and writing everyday

Write on any topic of your choice and write everyday. This will increase your ability to organize your thoughts and put them down in a structured format: introduction, middle part and conclusion.

• Practice timed writing

As you have limited time for this section, practice writing within fixed time boundaries. This will help you to learn time management while writing and you can come up with your own tricks to achieve continuity and cohesion of the content in your writing.

• Brief and complete sentences

Stick to brief sentences with complete meaning, which are grammatically and contextually correct. Writing long sentences increases chances of making a mistake and loosing the thread of narration.

Step 9: Prepare a Study Schedule and Choose Multiple Study Places

• Organize a realistic study schedule

Depending on your starting level of English knowledge vis-à-vis time left for the scheduled test and your target score, devise a study schedule that is realistic and achievable. This should take into consideration your other activities, responsibilities and commitments.

• Create multiple ideal study spaces

An ideal study place is quite, comfortable, clean and organised. Organize at least one such a place, be it home, library or anywhere else. Additionally choose a café or any outdoor space when you get bored of your own space. This will help to relieve and refresh the mind as well.

• Schedule breaks

To cope with the study pressure and to refresh your mind, insert breaks within your day schedule. Talk a walk, snuggle with your pet or anything that works for you to take off the stress and start afresh!

Step 10: On the Big Day!

• Don't study on the day of test

Don't stress and don't study on the big day. Calm yourself and soothe your nerves before starting for the test center.

• Find out the best and easiest route to your test center

You will know the address of the test center since the day of registration. So plan your route and mode of transport in advance.

• Arrive 30 minutes early to the test center

Start early from your house with enough buffer time for any unforeseen events. Try to arrive at the center at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the test.

• Carry  valid photo ID

You will be asked to produce a valid photo ID before being allowed in the computer room.

• Carry some refreshments and but not anything expensive in your bag

You cannot carry anything to the computer room with you. Most of the centers have got lockers where you can leave your belongings. I would suggest carrying a bottle of water and some light refreshments for the break, as you are bound to get hungry and thirsty in the 3 hours long test. But try not to carry anything expensive as it will be at your own risk leaving them outside, locker or no locker.

Final Tip!

One final tip for increasing your odds at answering multiple- choice questions for the Reading and Listening section is by using the Process Of Elimination method (POE). By this method, you try to strike out the wrong answers first. Thus, identifying the wrong answers first increases your chances of getting a question right.

On a more relaxed note, please think of it as fun as reading comic books or magazines, talking and listening to an English speaking friend and writing to a far away friend. This way it will seem less like preparing for a test and more fun!

The additional outcome besides the TOEFL score itself, is that it will prepare you for the real- life situations. So, look at it as part of your preparation to go abroad and live and study in a distant country. That doesn't sound so frightening, does it guys??

Sohini Nandi

Hello from the Land of Santa Claus!!
Professionally I am a Conservation Architect. That means  I spend most of my time snooping dilapidated and haunted buildings. I love the smell of old damp lime washed walls. Sorry to put you off with all the unpleasant details.
Now for the fun facts. I have been living in this extremely cold socialist country (Its Finland, for the people who are still guessing!) for a few years now. But I was also in London doing my second post-graduation (University College London) and working on a few projects for the last 1.5 years.
Being a culture enthusiast, I have travelled far and wide in Europe learning the culture and trying the unique local cuisines. Yes, I am a foodie too!
Cheers to Life!