Preparing for the TOEFL exam can be a challenge, especially for non-native English speakers.
It’s essential to have access to effective practice tools that cater to your specific needs and help you improve in areas where you might struggle.
The right TOEFL practice tools can make a significant difference in your preparation and confidence. In this article, you will discover various options designed to help you excel on exam day.
Whether you’re aiming to enhance your speaking skills, boost your vocabulary, or master the listening section, having the appropriate resources will set you on the path to success.
1) ETS Official Guide to the TOEFL Test
The ETS Official Guide to the TOEFL Test is a must-have for anyone preparing for the TOEFL.
It provides four full-length practice tests, which closely mirror the actual test.
These tests help you get familiar with the format and types of questions you will encounter.
Each practice test comes with an interactive digital version.
This feature lets you take the tests on both PC and Mac, which helps you practice in an environment similar to the real test.
Beyond practice tests, this guide also offers hundreds of valuable tips and resources.
These include scoring criteria, which give you insights into how your answers are evaluated.
This information is crucial for understanding what examiners look for in your responses.
The guide is available in both eBook and paperback formats.
This flexibility allows you to study in the way that suits you best, whether on the go or at home.
This guide is highly reliable because it’s made by the same people who design the TOEFL test.
This means you can trust the content to be accurate and up to date.
Using the ETS Official Guide to the TOEFL Test can significantly increase your chances of achieving a good score.
It helps you build the skills needed for the test, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
You can find more information about the guide from the ETS website.
This resource equips you with everything you need to face the TOEFL with confidence.
2) Magoosh TOEFL Prep
Magoosh offers an extensive online toolkit for preparing for the TOEFL exam.
The platform provides video lessons that cover each section of the test: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
You get access to a wide variety of practice questions.
Every question comes with a detailed explanation, which helps you understand your mistakes and learn from them.
Magoosh also features a free TOEFL Practice Test.
This allows you to simulate the real test environment and assess your readiness.
For those on a budget, Magoosh provides free resources.
These include additional practice questions, study schedules, and more materials to aid your prep.
What sets Magoosh apart is the quality of its content.
Prepared by TOEFL experts, the materials are designed to meet the needs of both beginners and advanced learners.
The self-study course is flexible.
You can study at your own pace, fitting the preparation around your schedule.
This is especially helpful if you have other commitments.
Your purchase includes a 7-day Money Back Guarantee, ensuring you are satisfied with the service.
There are no hidden fees, and you pay only once for full access.
Additionally, testimonials from users often highlight improvements in their TOEFL scores after using Magoosh.
The combination of instructional videos and practice questions provides a comprehensive preparation experience.
By choosing Magoosh, you get a reliable partner for your TOEFL journey.
The platform’s blend of thorough content and user-friendly features makes it a valuable tool for any non-native speaker aiming to excel in the TOEFL exam.
3) Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus
Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus is designed to help you master essential language skills.
It includes comprehensive strategies for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
By using this tool, you can access four full-length practice tests.
These exams provide a realistic experience similar to the actual TOEFL test.
They also come with detailed explanations and answer keys.
The Prep Plus book also offers hundreds of practice questions.
Each question aims to challenge and enhance your English abilities.
This can be very beneficial when preparing for the TOEFL.
In addition to practice tests and questions, Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus includes teacher-led video lessons.
There are over 190 videos available.
These lessons focus on strategies and tips to succeed on test day.
This tool also provides feedback on your writing samples.
This feature can help you identify and improve your weaknesses in writing.
Kaplan is known for its high-quality materials and expert instruction.
The Prep Plus book reflects this with its well-developed curriculum.
If you prefer studying at your own pace, this tool offers flexibility.
You can follow the course as per your convenience.
Overall, Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus is a comprehensive tool.
It combines practice tests, video lessons, and various resources to help you prepare effectively.
For more information, you can check out Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep or view their TOEFL Exam Preparation page.
4) Barron’s TOEFL iBT
Barron’s TOEFL iBT is known for its comprehensive study materials.
It offers a variety of tools to help non-native speakers prepare for the test.
The latest edition includes updates to reflect the current test format.
You get access to eight full-length practice tests.
These tests are designed to mimic the actual TOEFL exam, providing a realistic testing experience.
Each test comes with answer explanations to help you understand your mistakes.
Besides the practice tests, Barron’s TOEFL iBT provides skills reviews.
These include lessons on academic and language skills needed for the exam.
Four video lessons are also included, offering additional support.
Online practice is a significant part of Barron’s offering.
You will find both full-length practice tests and shorter, one-hour tests online.
This allows flexible study options to fit your schedule.
If you prefer studying from a book, there is also a paperback version.
It includes the full-length practice tests and answer explanations just like the online version.
You can choose which format suits your learning style.
A grammar review section is also available, which can be very useful.
It helps you brush up on essential grammar rules needed for the TOEFL exam.
This is a key component for non-native speakers wanting to improve their English skills.
For more details, you can check this Barron’s TOEFL iBT with Eight Online Practice Tests.
It provides detailed information about what is included in the book and online tools.
5) TOEFL Go! Official App
The TOEFL Go! Official App is a useful tool for preparing for the TOEFL iBT test.
You can access practice tests for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections right from your smartphone.
This makes studying convenient and flexible for your schedule.
One of the standout features is the AI-powered automated scoring.
This allows you to get instant feedback on your practice tests.
You receive estimated section scores and CEFR levels, which can help you understand where you need to improve.
The app is designed by ETS, the makers of the TOEFL exam, so you can trust the accuracy and quality of the content.
It’s an excellent resource for non-native speakers looking to boost their TOEFL scores.
Additionally, the app has recently moved its practice tests to the new TOEFL TestReady prep portal.
By using your TOEFL Go! username and password, you can access even more free content along with other prep support.
With the TOEFL Go! app, you can study on the go, making it easier to fit into your busy life.
Whether you’re commuting, on a break, or at home, you can practice for your test anytime, anywhere.
Download the TOEFL Go! Official App to start preparing for your TOEFL test.
It’s free and offers a wide range of practice materials specifically designed for the TOEFL iBT exam.
6) Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep
The Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep is a well-rounded study tool designed to help you excel in the TOEFL exam.
You will find two full-length simulated tests that mimic the actual exam environment closely, allowing you to practice under real test conditions.
The book also comes with audio sections, which you can access as streaming files.
This feature helps you practice the listening portion of the test more effectively.
Additionally, there are thorough reviews of core topics, which provide detailed explanations of essential concepts.
These reviews can help you better understand and retain the material.
The practice drills included in the book cover various parts of the test.
By completing these, you can hone your skills and identify any weak areas that need improvement.
One standout feature is that the book includes proven strategies aimed at achieving a high score.
This guidance can be invaluable to you as you prepare for the exam.
The Princeton Review is known for its reliable and up-to-date prep materials.
The latest edition, released in February 2024, ensures you are studying with current information.
For those who prefer online or in-person tutoring, the Princeton Review also offers these options.
This flexibility allows you to choose the study method that suits you best.
Check out the Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep for more details on tutoring and materials.
7) Duolingo English Test Practice
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a great tool to practice for non-native English speakers.
This test is accessible and user-friendly.
You can take it from the comfort of your own home.
To get started, try a free mock test.
This will give you an idea of what to expect.
It also includes estimated scores and feedback on each question.
The DET focuses on four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Each section is designed to assess your English proficiency thoroughly.
You’ll find that the test adapts to your level, making each attempt unique.
You can find comprehensive preparation guides that cover all aspects of the test.
For an in-depth understanding, check out a complete guide available online.
It provides valuable tips and strategies.
Practice resources like DET Practice offer detailed insights.
They help you understand the test pattern and types of questions you will face.
You can also find practice questions to hone your skills.
Consider using a structured preparation strategy.
Plan your study schedule and focus on areas where you need improvement.
This could make a significant difference in your scores.
Remember, practice doesn’t just mean taking tests.
Engage in activities like reading English books, listening to podcasts, and speaking with native speakers.
This will enhance your overall language proficiency and confidence in taking the Duolingo English Test.
Understanding TOEFL Structure
To excel in the TOEFL, understanding its structure is vital.
This section covers the key components and timing of the exam, as well as the types of questions you can expect.
Key Components and Timing
The TOEFL iBT consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Each section is designed to test different aspects of your English proficiency.
The Reading section lasts 54-72 minutes and includes 3-4 passages with 10 questions each.
You’ll look for main ideas, details, and infer meanings.
The Listening section is 41-57 minutes long with 3-4 lectures and 2-3 conversations.
You will answer questions on main points, speaker attitudes, and details.
The Speaking section takes 17 minutes and has 4 tasks.
You’ll respond to questions and speak on familiar topics.
The Writing section is 50 minutes and includes 2 tasks: an integrated task based on a reading and listening passage and an independent essay task.
Types of Questions
In the Reading section, you can expect multiple-choice questions, partial sentence completion, and “insert a sentence” tasks.
These questions test your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze academic texts.
The Listening section uses multiple-choice and “multiple answer” questions, where you select more than one correct response.
These questions assess your understanding of lectures and conversations on various topics.
For Speaking, you will answer independent tasks that ask about personal experiences and integrated tasks that require you to combine information from different sources.
In the Writing section, the integrated task requires you to write a response based on a reading and listening passage, while the independent task asks you to write an essay on a given topic.
Understanding these question types helps you practice and improve specific skills needed for each section of the TOEFL.
Effective Practice Strategies
To succeed in the TOEFL exam, consider building a study plan and taking mock tests.
These methods help focus your efforts and get you familiar with the format of the exam.
Creating a Study Schedule
Creating a study schedule is essential.
Break down the study material into manageable portions.
Set specific goals for each study session.
For example:
- Monday: Vocabulary
- Tuesday: Reading comprehension
- Wednesday: Listening exercises
- Thursday: Speaking practice
- Friday: Writing essays
Consistency is key.
Allocate time every day to your studies.
Start with shorter sessions, and gradually increase the duration as you build stamina.
Track your progress using a journal or planner.
By following this method, you can cover all exam sections without feeling overwhelmed.
Utilizing Mock Tests
Mock tests are crucial for test preparation.
These tests simulate the actual exam environment, helping you get used to the pressure.
Take them under timed conditions to practice pacing.
Use resources like the BoldVoice app for speaking practice.
Focus on areas where you make frequent mistakes.
After each test, review your answers thoroughly.
Identify patterns in errors and target those during your study sessions.
Regular mock tests help in building confidence and improving time management.
By the test day, you will have a clear understanding of what to expect and how to tackle each section efficiently.