Study in Canada

A hassle-free visa process, affordable tuition fees, and highly-ranked universities are some of the many reasons why Canada is the most sought-after study-abroad destination.

Study in Australia

Every year over 637,000 International students choose to study in Australia for a variety of reasons such as the availability of several undergraduate, postgraduate, and part-time work programs.

More Countries

Eton College

Acadia University

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Alexander College

Trinity Western University

Brock University

Capilano University

Cape Breton University

Canadian College

Georgian College

Know what exams and tests you need for admission and advancement.

Exams

MBBS in Russia: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Eligibility You Should Know

Fully Funded Scholarship for Nigerian Undergraduate Students in 2025 to Study Abroad

Resources

Tools

Things to do before going abroad for studies

Student services

TOEFL Exam Preparation Tips:
Strategies and Study Plan

Home / Exams Test / TOEFL / TOEFL Preparation tips

TOEFL Exam Preparation Tips: Strategies and Study Plan

TOEFL Exam Preparation Tips

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a key assessment for non-native speakers aiming to study, work, or live in English-speaking countries. A high TOEFL score opens doors to numerous opportunities, including university admissions and career prospects.

This guide by MSM Unify offers detailed preparation tips, strategies, and resources to help you succeed in the TOEFL exam. MSM Unify, a leading overseas education consultant, provides personalized guidance to ensure you achieve your study-abroad goals.

Explore:

Understanding the TOEFL exam format

Before diving into preparation, it is essential to understand the TOEFL exam format. The test consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Here’s a breakdown of each section:

Section	Duration	Number of questions	Task description
Reading	54-72 min	30-40	Answer questions based on academic texts
Listening	41-57 min	28-39	Answer questions based on lectures and conversations
Speaking	17 min	4 tasks	Express opinions and summarize information
Writing	50 min	2 tasks	Write essays based on reading and listening

Each section is designed to assess different aspects of English proficiency, from comprehension and critical thinking to communication and analytical writing.

Practice tests

Taking practice tests is a crucial part of TOEFL preparation. Practice tests help you get familiar with the exam format, question types, and time constraints. They also help identify areas where you need improvement.

Benefits of practice tests

Practice test feature	Description
Simulate real exam conditions	Familiarize yourself with the test environment
Time management	Learn to allocate time effectively for each section
Identify weak areas	Focus on sections or question types that need improvement
Build confidence	Reduce anxiety by knowing what to expect on test day

Recommended practice tests:

ETS Official Practice Tests
Kaplan TOEFL iBT Practice Tests
Barron’s TOEFL Practice Tests

Preparation strategies

Effective preparation strategies are essential for achieving a high TOEFL score. Here are some key strategies for each section:

Reading section strategies

Strategy	Description
Skimming and scanning	Quickly go through the passage to understand the main idea and locate specific information
Highlight key points	Use the highlight tool to mark important points and unfamiliar words
Practice Inference questions	Focus on questions that ask you to infer meanings or ideas based on context
Time management	Allocate 1-2 minutes per question to ensure you complete the section within the time limit

Listening section strategies

Strategy	Description
Take effective notes	Note down main ideas, supporting details, and speaker’s tone while listening
Understand speaker intent	Pay attention to the speaker’s attitude, purpose, and how they present information
Practice different accents	Listen to various English accents to improve comprehension skills
Summarize audio content	After listening, try to summarize the main points and key details

Speaking section strategies

Strategy	Description
Organize responses	Use a structured approach: introduction, main points, and conclusion
Practice with a timer	Record yourself speaking on various topics and analyze your performance
Use transitional phrases	Connect ideas smoothly with phrases like “on the other hand” or “in addition”
Improve pronunciation	Focus on clarity, intonation, and stress to make your speech more comprehensible

Writing section strategies

Strategy	Description
Plan before writing	Spend a few minutes outlining your essay before starting to write
Use examples and evidence	Support your arguments with specific examples and data
Practice integrated tasks	Work on synthesizing information from reading and listening passages
Review grammar and style	Check for grammatical errors and ensure your writing is cohesive and well-structured

Prep tips to prepare for the exam

Set clear goals

Define what TOEFL score you need and break down your preparation plan accordingly.

Create a study schedule

Allocate specific times for each section and stick to your schedule.

Use official resources

Refer to ETS guides and practice tests for reliable content.

Join study groups

Discussing topics and sharing resources can help deepen your understanding.

Take regular breaks

Avoid burnout by taking breaks and maintaining a balanced study routine.

Preparing for TOEFL at home

Studying for the TOEFL exam at home requires discipline and the right resources. Here’s how you can prepare effectively:

Tips for home preparation	Description
Create a quiet study space	Set up a distraction-free environment dedicated to studying
Use online resources	Utilize free online materials like practice tests, flashcards, and video lessons
Follow a Study plan	Develop a structured study plan and stick to it
Regular mock tests	Take full-length mock tests to gauge your progress and adjust your study plan accordingly
Analyze test performance	Review your mock test results to identify strengths and weaknesses

Preparing for TOEFL in 1 Month

If you have only one month to prepare for the TOEFL, follow this intensive plan:

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

30-day online preparation course

A structured online preparation course can provide comprehensive support. Look for courses that offer:

Course feature	Benefits
Daily lessons	Cover each section in depth with daily interactive lessons
Mock tests	Regular tests to track progress and improve performance
Personalized feedback	Get detailed feedback on speaking and writing tasks from experts
Live classes	Attend live sessions for real-time interaction and doubt clarification
Flexible schedule	Choose study times that fit your routine, making it easier to stay consistent

TOEFL study materials

Using high-quality study materials is crucial for effective preparation. Here are some recommended resources:

Resource	Description
The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test (ETS)	A comprehensive guide with practice tests and strategies
Barron’s TOEFL iBT	Detailed review and practice tests for all sections
Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test	Includes skill-building exercises and practice questions
Kaplan TOEFL iBT Prep Plus	Offers practice tests, strategies, and tips for high scores

Conclusion

Effective preparation for the TOEFL exam requires a strategic approach, consistent practice, and the right resources. By understanding the exam format, utilizing high-quality study materials, and following structured preparation strategies, you can achieve your target TOEFL score.

MSM Unify offers expert guidance and personalized support, helping you choose the best study-abroad programs and achieve your academic goals. With access to over 50,000 programs across 21 destinations, MSM Unify is your trusted partner in making your study-abroad dreams a reality. Contact MSM Unify today to start your TOEFL preparation journey!

TOEFL all pages...

Interested in studying abroad?

Share your details & our experts will call to discuss your goals

MSM Unify can help you achieve your desired scores through access to preparation resources, mock tests, and expert guidance.

So, connect with these experts to embark on your comprehensive test preparation journey soon!

MSM Unify can help you achieve your desired scores through access to preparation resources, mock tests, and expert guidance.

So, connect with these experts to embark on your comprehensive test preparation journey soon!

FAQs

Got questions?

Find answers here

Q. What is the best way to prepare for the TOEFL exam?

Understand the exam format, practice regularly, and focus on improving your weaknesses. Use reliable resources and take practice tests to simulate the exam experience.

Q. How much time should I dedicate to TOEFL preparation?

Ideally, 2-3 months of focused preparation is recommended, but this can vary based on your proficiency and familiarity with the test format.

Q. Can I prepare for the TOEFL at home?

Yes, with the right resources and study plan, you can effectively prepare for the TOEFL at home.

Q. What are the best books for TOEFL preparation?

Recommended books include “The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test” by ETS, “Barron’s TOEFL iBT,” and “Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test.”

Q. How can MSM Unify help in TOEFL preparation?

MSM Unify offers expert guidance, study resources, and personalized support to help you achieve your desired TOEFL score.

Q. Is it possible to prepare for TOEFL in one month?

Yes, with a focused and structured study plan, you can prepare effectively in one month.

Q. How important is vocabulary in TOEFL preparation?

Vocabulary is crucial for all sections of the TOEFL exam, especially Reading and Speaking. Focus on learning academic vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

Q. What is the difference between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT?

TOEFL iBT is internet-based and includes all four sections, while TOEFL PBT is paper-based and does not include the Speaking.

Universities in Canada

Universities in UK

Universities in USA

Universities in Australia

Universities in Germany

Universities in Ireland

Universities in France

Institutions in New Zealand

Featured program​s

Computer Science​

Business

More Degrees

Administration

Applied Sciences

Certification course from IU Germany

Certification course from Q Academy

Bachelor's Degree

Diploma

MBBS in Russia: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Eligibility You Should Know

Fully Funded Scholarship for Nigerian Undergraduate Students in 2025 to Study Abroad

TOEFL Exam Preparation Tips: Strategies and Study Plan

TOEFL Exam Preparation Tips

Understanding the TOEFL exam format

Practice tests

Benefits of practice tests

Recommended practice tests:

Preparation strategies

Reading section strategies

Listening section strategies

Speaking section strategies

Writing section strategies

Prep tips to prepare for the exam

Set clear goals

Create a study schedule

Use official resources

Join study groups

Take regular breaks

Preparing for TOEFL at home

Preparing for TOEFL in 1 Month

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

30-day online preparation course

TOEFL study materials

Conclusion

TOEFL all pages...

Interested in studying abroad?

MSM Unify can help you achieve your desired scores through access to preparation resources, mock tests, and expert guidance.

FAQs

Got questions?

Find answers here

Q. What is the best way to prepare for the TOEFL exam?

Q. How much time should I dedicate to TOEFL preparation?

Q. Can I prepare for the TOEFL at home?

Q. What are the best books for TOEFL preparation?

Q. How can MSM Unify help in TOEFL preparation?

Q. Is it possible to prepare for TOEFL in one month?

Q. How important is vocabulary in TOEFL preparation?

Q. What is the difference between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT?

Upload Resume / Applicant Photo

Basic Details

Upload Resume / Applicant Photo

Basic Details

Featured programs

Computer Science

TOEFL Exam Preparation Tips:
Strategies and Study Plan