About
TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language is a standardized test that is taken to measure the English language capabilities of non-native English speakers who wish to enroll in academic/professional institutions. This is identical to the IELTS which is also a test of similar characteristics.
Moreover, TOEFL, like any other true language test consists of four major parts: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This can be taken in the iBT(internet-based test) and PBT(paper-based test) format.
Preparation and Resources
Of course, it being an iBT or PBT doesn’t reduce the course material available for the preparation for TOEFL. There are various online courses, tests, and books available to sharpen your skills with the language. On top of that, the classic method to be followed, this goes for any exam, is taking a mock test online to see where you currently stand. Only then can you build up properly else you would waste valuable time that can otherwise be used wisely.
A. Official TOEFL Online Practice Materials
- TOEFL Practice Online Tests
First of all, the tests are not cheap but this is the closest mock test you will find to the original. It is advised to take this before you write the actual exam as it is timed and graded automatically.
- TOEFL iBT Sampler
If you have a windows system then this program is for you. iBT sampler is a program (does not work on Mac) with free tests solely aimed for TOEFL. Moreover, it contains almost the whole exam pattern hence making it the best free test source you can find.
- TOEFL iBT Sample Questions
Firstly, it doesn’t strictly adhere to the format of the TOEFL but it has got high-quality practice questions that help you prepare for the TOEFL.
- TOEFL iBT Quick Prep
This is a set PDF questionnaires each of which contains a part of the actual TOEFL format. Thus you can combine them together to mimic the actual test. But since its all PDF format they lack the software structure of the previous resources.
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B. Books on TOEFL
- Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test by Cambridge.
- The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test (iBT Edition).
First of all, these books provide an in-depth analysis of how the test works and how to tackle them. Of course, one book alone won’t do the trick. Moreover, couple it with some online courses and tests and you are ready to go.
- Vocabulary and Grammar for the Test.
This is strictly for the vocabulary and grammar preparation and it is the best in-store. Moreover, it gives you great insight into the backbone of this language and how it is woven into the TOEFL testing.
- Oxford Preparation course for the iBT Exam.
This one if for those who wish to tutor others for the iBT exam. Moreover, it does have good resources and structured but it is mainly aimed at instructors rather than students.
C. Best Online Courses Available
- Improve your TOEFL Score by Magoosh
An online prep course that can be done from everywhere, Magoosh provides vast resources in the form of PDFs, video lectures, and tests that are aimed to improve and enhance the user’s skillset to crack the exam.
- TOEFL iBT Prep Course by Kaplan
A self-paced study structure with over 100 videos and practice tests, the best part about this prep course is the email support you can get from the faculty at Kaplan at any time of the day. Moreover, this is one of the most affordable courses that you will find.
- TOEFL Preparation Classes online by Udemy
First of all, Udemy provides a vast amount of resources, whatever be the course. The same goes for TOEFL preparation classes. Moreover, the highlight here is that unlike other courses, here you have to prepare yourself for each section, troubleshoot, and strategize yourself. Lastly, it’s a vast course that helps you prepare for all aspects of the English language.
- Prepare for the TOEFL iBT Tests by ETS
As this is from the very source from where even the exam is prepared, the content of these tests is of high quality prepared by the professionals in this area. You can greatly understand the structure of the actual exam via these.
- TOEFL Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide by edX
As the name suggests, this is a very vast guide rather than a heavy course. It has got tons of resources and data on how to score well in each section, time management and to improve your language skills. Developed by industry experts this is a quintessential introductory course.
