Exam Prep
How to Prepare for the TOEFL
By Emma Clarke · · 4 min read
Quick answer
The TOEFL tests academic English in reading, listening, speaking and writing, often with integrated tasks that combine skills. Prepare by practising each section's format, developing note-taking for the integrated tasks, and using official materials. Familiarity with the specific task types matters as much as general English ability.
Four skills, some combined
The TOEFL assesses reading, listening, speaking and writing in an academic context, and some tasks are integrated — combining, for instance, reading and listening before you speak or write.
These integrated tasks are distinctive and unfamiliar, so preparing for their specific format is as important as your general English level.
Practise the task formats
Each section has particular task types that recur. Knowing exactly what each requires, and practising it, removes surprises and lets you focus on performing rather than working out what to do.
Because the formats are consistent, familiarity gained through practice is directly rewarded. This is preparation you can genuinely do.
Note-taking is essential
The integrated tasks require you to take in a passage or lecture and then use it, so effective note-taking is a core skill. You cannot rely on memory alone for the details you will need.
Develop a quick, personal note-taking method and practise it on the integrated tasks specifically. It often makes the difference on these questions.
Academic English
The TOEFL uses academic contexts — lectures, textbook-style passages — so reading and listening practice with academic material prepares you better than casual English.
Exposure to the register and vocabulary of academic English, through practice materials and wider reading, builds the comfort these sections require.
Speaking under time pressure
The speaking section gives you limited time to prepare and deliver responses, which many candidates find pressured. Practising to the clock, and using your short preparation time well, is important.
A simple structure for your spoken responses, rehearsed in advance, helps you organise quickly under time pressure.
Use official practice
Official TOEFL practice materials most closely match the real test's format and difficulty. Working through them under timed conditions is the most reliable preparation available.
Confirm the current structure and any recent changes on the official test website, as test formats are updated from time to time.
Frequently asked questions
What does the TOEFL test?+
Academic English across reading, listening, speaking and writing, with some integrated tasks that combine skills — reading and listening before speaking or writing. Preparing for these specific formats matters as much as general English.
How is the TOEFL different from IELTS?+
Both test English for academic purposes, but they differ in format, task types and scoring. The TOEFL is often computer-based with integrated tasks. Check which your institution accepts and prepare for that specific test.
Why is note-taking important for the TOEFL?+
Because the integrated tasks require you to take in a passage or lecture and then use it, so you cannot rely on memory alone. A quick, practised note-taking method often makes the difference on these questions.
How do I prepare for the speaking section?+
Practise to the clock, since it gives limited time to prepare and deliver responses. Rehearsing a simple structure for your spoken answers in advance helps you organise quickly under time pressure.
What are the best TOEFL materials?+
Official practice materials, which most closely match the real test's format and difficulty. Work through them under timed conditions, and confirm the current structure on the official website, as formats change.
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