The TOEFL may feel overwhelming, because it covers a lot of different skills. But don’t worry! You can make a study plan that will help you improve your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. There are also tutors and practice tests to give you an extra edge. With some dedication and concentration, you can put yourself on track to succeed. Improve your English and take the first step towards studying overseas.

Prepare for TOEFL exam

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Preparing for the TOEFL test doesn’t have to be as complicated. The TOEFL test is designed to measure the English skills of non-English speaking people by testing their writing, reading, listening and speaking abilities. This may sound terrifying at first, but that’s okay. It’s natural to feel a bit nervous or overwhelmed (feel like you have too much to do). But I have even more good news for you: It’s a really useful test. 

Visit the TOEFL website to learn about the format of the test:

Your first step is to figure out what will be on the test. The TOEFL has 4 sections, which are Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

• In this section, you will read 3-4 different passages and answer questions about each. This section lasts 60-80 minutes.
• In this section, you will listen to 4-6 lectures and answer questions about each. You will also participate in 2-3 conversations. The listening section lasts 60-90 minutes.
• In this section, you will do 2 independent and 4 integrated tasks. This section lasts 20 minutes.
• In this section, you will complete 1 integrated task lasting 20 minutes and 1 independent task lasting 30 minutes.

Register for the test 3-4 months before you want to take it:

Find a TOEFL testing location close to you, on a date that you like. You can find test locations and dates on the TOEFL website. When you’ve found one, register by phone, email, or mail.

If you want to take the TOEFL, it is very important to first get familiar with the TOEFL format. Understand the TOEFL content. No matter which format you take, the TOEFL always has three parts: reading, listening and writing. Know Why You Are Taking the TOEFL Test; Different goals require different minimum scores. First, be sure you know the minimum score you’ll need to reach your goal. Then, choose what score you’d like to get. This is your ideal (preferred) score.

Make a study schedule to stay organized:

Schedule time to study for at least 5 hours per week. Split this time up over the course of several days so that you don’t get burned out. It’s best to study for a couple of hours a day at least 3-4 days per week. Make a schedule, and include what topic you will study on which date. Make sure you set aside more time for topics you need more help with.

• Write down your schedule and stick to it. For example, you might write: “Monday, study 7-8 a.m. Work on reading and writing skills.”
• It helps to study during the time you’ll be taking your test. For example, if your test is from 10AM to 1PM, study during those hours every day.

Organize your study space:

A great study space is one where you can concentrate. Any study space should be free from distractions, clutter, and social media. Have all of your materials nearby for easy access. Don’t forget water and snacks! Don’t feel like you have to stick to just 1 spot. Maybe you want to work in 1 spot on Monday and change it up Tuesday. Once you get closer to your test date, practice studying in noisier areas. This will help prepare you for distractions during the test, like people shuffling papers and entering and exiting the room.

Get a study guide and take practice tests:

You can download a variety of free study guides. For best results, choose an official TOEFL study guide. Set aside time each day to work on the practice tests. This is the best way to get a sense of what the exam will actually be like. As well, many users are using this app to learn advance English words only. It has audio pronunciation of the word as well. One can easily swipe and check past words and refreshes one’s memory. You can share the word and its meaning with others as well very easily. Speak English fluently and learn English basic words power. Word of the day: Learn English, Improve English.

Read as much English as you can each day:

Try reading college-level textbooks, which are written in the same style that the TOEFL will use, and cover a wide range of topics. You should definitely build reading time into your study schedule, but try to add additional reading time to your day, too. Try reading during your commute or before you go to bed. You can read whatever interests you. Try food blogs if you are trying to improve your cooking skills, or read about health and wellness if you’re trying to get fit. All that matters is that you read. Use the internet! News articles, blogs, and online magazines are all helpful when improving your reading skills.

Work on reading comprehension to make sure you understand the material:

It’s really important that you understand what you are reading. Test yourself by answering some basic questions after you read a text. For example, make sure that you can answer basic questions. It’s always a good idea to be able to identify the “who, what, when, where, and why. Have a friend quiz you by coming up with questions about what you’ve just read.

Keep a journal to track new vocabulary words:

Improving your vocabulary will help you read better. Keep a small notebook with you at all times so you can write down new words. Any time you hear or read a new word, write it down. When you have time, look up the meaning and write that down, too. You can make flashcards with your vocabulary words on them so that you can easily quiz yourself.

Set aside time to organize, write, and edit your essay:

When you’re studying, stick to a plan for writing your essays. You should get used to spending 4-5 minutes planning and organizing your writing. Save another 5 minutes at the end to edit your work. The rest of the time should be devoted to writing the essay.

Spend time talking to native speakers:

Try to spend more time with your English-speaking friends. Start a conversation about any topic. You will need to talk about many subjects during the test, so this is good practice! Ask your friends to hang out regularly. Phone calls and apps like Facetime are great, too! You can also practice your English by talking to co-workers, classmates, or even the barista at the local coffee shop. The more you speak English, the more confident you will feel.