The TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is accepted by 12,000+ institutions in 160+ countries. It measures your ability to use English in an academic setting. This guide from ExamHub provides a complete preparation strategy.
| Section | Duration | Questions | Score Range |
|---|
| Reading | 35 minutes | 20 questions (2 passages) | 0-30 |
| Listening | 36 minutes | 28 questions | 0-30 |
| Speaking | 16 minutes | 4 tasks | 0-30 |
| Writing | 29 minutes | 2 tasks | 0-30 |
| Total | ~2 hours | 0-120 |
The TOEFL was shortened in 2023 — no more dummy questions and the test is under 2 hours.
Score Requirements
| Purpose | Score Range |
|---|
| Top US Universities (Ivy League) | 105-110+ |
| Top 30 US Universities | 95-105 |
| Average US Universities | 80-90 |
| Canadian Universities | 86-100 |
| UK Universities (where TOEFL accepted) | 90-100 |
| Minimum for most programs | 79-80 |
Section-wise Strategy
Reading (35 minutes, 2 passages)
Each passage is about 700 words with 10 questions:
Question types:
- Factual Information — Find specific details in the passage
- Inference — Determine what can be concluded
- Vocabulary — Word meaning in context
- Reference — What does a pronoun/phrase refer to
- Sentence Insertion — Where does a given sentence fit
- Prose Summary — Select main ideas (worth 2 points)
Strategy:
- Skim the passage in 3-4 minutes for main idea and structure
- Read the question, then go back to find the answer
- For vocabulary questions, read the sentence before and after
- Prose Summary questions — eliminate minor details
- Pace: 17-18 minutes per passage
Listening (36 minutes, 28 questions)
| Format | Duration | Questions |
|---|
| 3 Lectures (academic) | 3-5 min each | 6 questions each |
| 2 Conversations (campus) | 3 min each | 5 questions each |
Strategy:
- Take notes — You cannot replay the audio; notes are essential
- Focus on main ideas — What is the lecture/conversation about
- Listen for tone — Speaker's attitude and emphasis matter
- Organizational cues — "The main point is...", "For example...", "In contrast..."
- Do not overthink — The first instinct is usually correct
Speaking (16 minutes, 4 tasks)
| Task | Type | Prep Time | Response Time |
|---|
| Task 1 | Independent (personal opinion) | 15 seconds | 45 seconds |
| Task 2 | Integrated (reading + listening) | 30 seconds | 60 seconds |
| Task 3 | Integrated (academic reading + lecture) | 30 seconds | 60 seconds |
| Task 4 | Integrated (academic lecture) | 20 seconds | 60 seconds |
Strategy:
- Use templates — Have a structure ready for each task type
- Speak clearly — Pronunciation and fluency matter more than vocabulary
- Use all your time — Fill the response time without rushing
- Take notes during listening — You need details for integrated tasks
- Practice with a timer — 15-30 seconds prep time is very short
Writing (29 minutes, 2 tasks)
| Task | Type | Time | Word Count |
|---|
| Task 1 — Integrated | Reading + Listening + Write | 20 minutes | 150-225 words |
| Task 2 — Academic Discussion | Read and contribute to discussion | 10 minutes | 100+ words |
Task 1 strategy:
- Read the passage (3 minutes), listen to the lecture (refutes the reading)
- Show how the lecture challenges each point in the reading
- Use reporting language: "The professor argues that...", "According to the lecturer..."
Task 2 strategy (new format):
- Read a professor's question and two student responses
- Add your own perspective that adds value to the discussion
- Be specific and use examples
8-Week Study Plan
| Week | Focus | Daily Time |
|---|
| 1 | Diagnostic test + Reading strategies | 1.5 hours |
| 2 | Listening practice + Note-taking skills | 1.5 hours |
| 3 | Speaking tasks + Templates | 2 hours |
| 4 | Writing tasks + Integrated practice | 2 hours |
| 5 | Full practice test 1 + Analysis | 2.5 hours |
| 6 | Weak section focus + Vocabulary | 2 hours |
| 7 | Full practice test 2 + Refinement | 2.5 hours |
| 8 | Final practice test + Light revision | 1.5 hours |
Free Resources
| Resource | What It Offers |
|---|
| ETS TOEFL Practice Tests | Free practice test from the official source |
| ETS TOEFL Go! | Official practice on mobile |
| Khan Academy | Academic English and math |
| TED Talks | Academic listening practice |
| Scientific American | Reading practice at TOEFL level |
Download TOEFL practice materials from
MyPDF. Use
CalcHub for score calculations.
Registration Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|
| Test Fee | $185-$245 (varies by country) |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Test Frequency | 50+ dates per year |
| At Home Option | Yes (TOEFL iBT Home Edition) |
| Score Reporting | 4 free reports on test day |
| MyBest Scores | ETS sends your best score from each section across all attempts |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TOEFL easier than IELTS?
Neither is inherently easier — it depends on your strengths. TOEFL is entirely computer-based and involves integrated tasks (reading + listening + writing/speaking), while IELTS Speaking is face-to-face. Read our IELTS vs TOEFL comparison.
What is the MyBest Scores feature?
MyBest Scores combines your highest section scores from all TOEFL tests taken in the last 2 years. For example, if you scored Reading 28 in one attempt and Listening 29 in another, your MyBest would use both. Over 90% of accepting institutions use MyBest Scores.
How many times can I take the TOEFL?
You can take the TOEFL as many times as you want, with a minimum gap of 3 days between attempts. With MyBest Scores, each attempt potentially improves your composite score.
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