3 Effective Tips To Prepare For The TOEFL

Before studying abroad, most students will have to pass the TOEFL test to prove their English proficiency. After finding out everything you need to know about the TOEFL, the next thing to do is to prepare for it. 

You can find many tips online on how to sharpen your English skills, but it’s an even better idea to get tips from the people who actually made the TOEFL test. We’ve given you our own TOEFL prep tips before, which you can do on a daily basis for continuous learning.

But this time, for a more structured approach, we’re giving you an overview of advice and free resources from the TOEFL creators themselves. After registering for the TOEFL, it’s time to prepare for the actual test.

Follow these three effective steps to prepare for the TOEFL:

1. Identify your learning style.

Study hard but also study smart. In other words, find out the best way you learn so you can customize your study strategy to your strengths. You can take this quiz to find out your learning style.   

After you get your result, you can read up more about your learning style.  

2. Make the most out of the ~free~ TOEFL resources. 

Speak, hear, read, and write English as much as you can. As time passes, the language will become second nature to you and the TOEFL will be a piece of cake. 

There are several ways to learn English while having fun: 

• Entertainment

You’ll find millions of English content online! Listen to online podcasts, and watch YouTube videos, TV shows, and movies. Listen to the words and how they’re used. The more you hear the language, the more naturally you’ll understand vocabulary and expressions. 

• Free TOEFL downloadables

ETS (the organization that created TOEFL) is generous with resources to help test-takers succeed. Here are some freebies that will be helpful to your preparations:

1. TOEFL Go! Official App. Prepare for the TOEFL while you’re out and about. This app provides a sample test, practice test library, and more tips.
2. TOEFL iBT interactive sampler. Practice going through an actual TOEFL test. This sampler gives you free unlimited access to past TOEFL iBT questions from all sections of the test! 
3. TOEFL iBT test questions. Here’s another free set of TOEFL iBT questions used in the past. Becoming familiar with the types of test questions will surely give you an advantage. 

• Games that sharpen your English skills  

1. TOEFL social prep. Gamified experiences are on the rise! Try free games and questions on the TOEFL social media channel. Quiz yourself with fill-in-the-blanks questions and searches. You can even tag your friends so they can play the games with you. The barkada that learns together, stays together (or passes the TOEFL test together, rather). 
2. More top picks by the TOEFL creators. You can also try the Great Grammar Challenge and the 40-Word Challenge for more fun ways to boost your English skills. 

• TOEFL blog

Without a doubt, the TOEFL community is all for making sure you pass the test. You’ll find more tips and success stories on the TOEFL blog. Tips, tips, and more tips! 

3. Know what to expect on your test day.

After you’ve nailed your English communication skills, you can confidently approach test day. Be even more worry-free by making these little preparations before and during your TOEFL test:  

Registration

1. Bring an acceptable, valid ID. The name on your ID must exactly match the name on your registration. Also, take note of specific identification requirements for your location.
2. Re-check your Registration Confirmation the day before the test and bring it with you.  
3. Get an inside look at a test center to have a more detailed overview of what to expect during test day. 

TOEFL Test Day

1. Arrive at the test center 30 minutes early. You won’t be able to take the test if you’re late!
2. Show an ETS-approved form of identification containing a photo and signature.
3. Use the restroom beforehand, or avoid drinking too much liquids shortly before the test. During the test, you can use the restroom any time, but the clock for your test does not stop. 
4. Breathe. You’ve done all the prep work. You got this! 

Whether you’re studying for IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC, review for all the essential English Proficiency Exams here!

References:

• https://www.toeflgoanywhere.org/toefl-practice
• https://www.toeflgoanywhere.org/toefl-planning-registration#test-day-tips
• https://www.toeflgoanywhere.org/blog

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Also read:

More TOEFL fast facts

• Everything You Need To Know About The TOEFL Test
• 3 Things You Need To Know About The TOEFL
• The Ultimate TOEFL Guide

TOEFL Prep

• Top 5 Ways To Prepare for TOEFL