Strategy

IMP

Prepare this timeline according to your needs. First take a practice test to understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Practice, Practice, Practice!

TOEFL 2 Week Timeline.png

Sections in TOEFL (Test Pattern)

4 Sections : Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing

Total time : 2.5 hours (Including 30 mins check in)

Section Estimated Timing Questions/Tasks Description Type of Questions
Reading 35 minutes 20 questions Read passages and respond to questions. MCQ Type
Listening 36 minutes 28 questions Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions.
Speaking 16 minutes 4 tasks Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard.
Writing 29 minutes 2 tasks Read a passage, listen to a recording, type your response.

State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.

Reading

  1. 2 Passages, 700 Words each, 10 questions each
  2. Excerpts from university level textbooks for introduction to a topic.
    1. All the information you need to answer the questions will be included in the passage.
    2. There is a glossary feature available to define words that are not commonly used, if you need it.
  3. Practice taking notes on the questions : What is most important

Practice Test Insights

  1. Just look at the types of questions and how to approach each
    • "All of the questions are answered except" -> Try to find answers to each of the questions in the passage.
    • Where does this line fit? -> Put it in each of the places and try to fit it

Strategy

Tips

Types of Questions

  1. Factual and Negative Factual Information Questions
    1. Factual Information questions ask you to recognize information that is explicitly stated in the text. These may include facts such as major ideas, supporting details, or definitions.
      1. “According to the paragraph”
      2. “Paragraph X answers which of the following?”
    2. Negative : 3 of the 4 are correct, and you need to identify which is wrong
      1. “NOT” or “EXCEPT” in capital letters.
      2. According to the paragraph, which of the following is NOT true?
      3. The author mentions all of the following EXCEPT
    3. TIPS
      1. Don’t select an answer just because it has keywords / phrases
      2. For the negative factual information questions, remember that you’re looking for an answer that either isn’t in the paragraph, or directly contradicts information in the paragraph.
      3. All the necessary information is mentioned in the paragraph
  2. Inference and Rhetorical Purpose
    1. Inference questions ask you to identify information or comprehend an idea that is not explicitly stated in the reading passage.
      1. Include the words "infer," "imply" or "suggest”
      2. Which of the following can be inferred from paragraph 1 about X?
    2. Rhetorical : These will ask why the author has presented a piece of information
      1. Why does the author mention X?
    3. TIPS
      1. Eliminate the wrong answers
      2. Skim the passage and identify major points
      3. First, skim the passage quickly, then read it more thoroughly
      4. Keywords in Rhetorical Purpose Questions
        • To illustrate
        • To explain
        • To contract
        • To refute
        • To note
        • To support
  3. Vocabulary
    1. Know the meaning of words and phrases
    2. There will be a word or phrase highlighted in the reading passage, and you will see questions like these, with phrases like "closest in meaning" or "the author means."
    3. They are not usually words that you can guess from context. So the best general strategy to be ready for this type of questions is to build your vocabulary.
    4. TIPS
      1. Study the greek and latin root of words
  4. Sentence Simplification
    1. Identify a sentence that has essentially the same meaning as a sentence from the reading passage
    2. Restate the most important points, and it might leave out the finer details
    3. "Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the following sentence? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information."
    4. TIP
      1. Understand the relationship between the statements. You need to identify which is not important
      2. Often, there is an important cause/effect relationship, or there may be a conclusion based on some evidence. So look for those same ideas in the answer choices
      3. Examples, Parentheses and Numbers / Dates are not essential
  5. Insert Text Question
    1. Show that you understand the logical order of ideas in a reading passage.
    2. Instead of choosing from a list of 4 choices, like with most Reading questions, you will click on one of the 4 black squares to insert the text into the paragraph.
    3. During the real test, you can change the location of the sentence as many times as you need to, so you can see how it works in each of the four places
    4. TIP
      1. Look at pronoun words nearby (this, these, that/those etc)
      2. Try all 4 options and see which is most logical
  6. Reading Prose Summary
    1. Show that you recognize the major ideas and the relative importance of information
    2. Given 6 choices, select the 3 that are most relevant
      1. The incorrect choices represent non-factual information and minor points
    3. Drag and Drop the answers to the box
    4. TIPS
      1. Create your own outlines and charts

Sample QnA




Listening

You’ll hear lectures and conversations

  1. 36 mins long, 28 Questions
  2. Fully Academic Questions will be asked, followed by some MCQs
    • basic comprehension
    • understanding the speaker's attitude and degree of certainty
    • connecting information
  3. @ Lecture will only be read once, so you need to pay attention

Practice Test Insights

Conversations

Lectures

Note Taking

Tips

Types of Questions

  1. Gist Content and Gist Purpose
    1. Identify the main point (Gist Content) / Purpose of the Lecture (Gist Purpose)
      1. It will always be the first question
      2. Either will be asked, not both
      3. If there are more than 2 main ideas, then you can tick both
    2. Types
      • Mainly about
      • Mainly discussing
      • Why does the student...?
    3. TIPS
      1. Listen to lectures in different domains (Arch, science etc)
  2. Detail
    1. Identify Specific Facts of the Lecture
    2. Types
      • “According to”
      • “What is?”
    3. Only important details are asked, not trivial ones
      1. Will be explicitly stated
    4. TIPS
      1. Listen to a lecture, and after that write down the important details. See how much you can remember
  3. Function
    1. Understand the “real” meaning, not the “Surface” meaning
      1. Eg :  "It's getting chilly in here" → "Could someone close the window?"
    2. Types
      • What does the professor mean when he says…?
      • Why does the student say …?
    3. TIPS
      1. Speaker may be directing, Recommending, Complaining, Agreeing / Disagreeing, Questioning, Confirming etc
  4. Attitude
    1. Recognise how a speaker feels about something
    2. Types
      • What is the professor's attitude?
      • What does the student think about…?
      • What can be inferred…?
    3. TIPS
      1. Listen to phrases like “What I think…” or “It seems to me…”. The attitude question will then refer to how valid the speaker's argument is or how sure of the facts the speaker is.
      2. Also listen to the tone of the speakers voice.
        • Calm or emotional?
        • Relaxed or nervous?
        • Certain or confused?
        • Enthusiastic or bored?
  5. Organization
    1. Understand how the lecture is structured
    2. Types
      • Why does the professor mention…?
      • Why does the professor discuss…?
    3. Focus on the examples that the prof gives in the lecture
    4. TIPS
      1. Listen for Signal Words
        • First, next, then, second, finally
        • After, at last, before, during, now, since
        • Obviously, of course
        • Accordingly, as a result, because, for example, for instance
        • In conclusion, to summarize
  6. Connecting Content
    1. Understand relationships among ideas
    2. Types
      • Fill in a table or chart
      • "What is the likely outcome…?"
    3. What they can ask
      • Steps in a process
      • Cause/effect
      • Classification
      • Make a prediction
    4. TIPS
      1. When you listen to the recorded material (in Practice), stop the recording, summarize it and predict what will be said next
  7. Inference
    1. Show an understanding of the meaning of something when it is not directly stated
    2. Types
      • What are the implications of …?
      • What does the professor imply…?
      • What can be inferred…?
    3. TIPS
      1. Listen to 2 different speakers on the same topic, and how they imply different ideas indirectly

Sample QnA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0eankJDIqE




Speaking

  1. 4 Questions, to be answered in 16 mins
    1. Q1) Independent Speaking Task : Requires you to draw entirely on your own ideas, opinions and experiences when you respond.
    2. Q2-4) Integrated Speaking Task : Just talk man
  2. Need to speak to a Computer
    1. You’ll get 15-30 secs of prep time before each response
    2. Response will be 45-60 secs long

Factors

Scoring Rubric here

Tips

Note Taking

  1. Task 1:
    • Just write down 2 keywords for both reasons + Examples
  2. Task 2 : Write it as a table (One for announcement, one for student points)
    • Article : Write down the change and the 2 reasons stated
    • Listening : If students + or -, 2 keywords for reasons
  3. Task 3 : General to Specific : Draw a line and write info from passage in one side and lecture from other. Circle only the words that you need in your conclusion
    • Combining information from reading and listening
    • Reading : Topic, Definition and Detail (1-2)
    • Lecture : Topic, 1 or 2 examples
  4. Task 4 : Academic Discussion
    • Write the main point (What the talk is about)
    • Nothing special here, just write in bulleted lists

Types of Questions

  1. Independent Speaking
    1. Express and support your preference between two options
    2. Given a topic and no additional material, you need to speak on it
      1. 15 seconds to think, 45 seconds to speak
    3. How to approach the question
      1. Use the time to organize your thoughts
      2. Takes notes but don’t write down the full response
      3. DONT memorize responses before the test
      4. DONT organize into sections like an essay
        1. Use common connecting words instead, like Because, so, after that, on the other hand, I want to mention, What this means is
    4. How your response is scored
      1. Is is scored holistically
      2. Delivery : Speech needs to be clear and fluid, good pronunciation, natural pace and good intonation
        1. Do not repeat points
      3. Language Use : How you use your grammar and vocabulary
      4. Topic Development : How fully you express your answer, how clearly you express ideas and how you connect your idea
        1. Say why your choice is better and why the other choice is not that good
    5. Sample Response : From 3:50 in the video
    6. TIPS
      1. Practice speaking continuously for 45 secs
      2. Try describing pictures
      3. Use connecting verbs and past tens
      4. Practice making recommendations on why you are right and others are wrong
  2. Integrated Speaking
    1. You will read a passage about a campus related topic, then listen to a conversation. After that, 30 secs to prepare and 60 secs to speak
    2. You will be asked what is the opinion of the speaker in the listening passage, and you’ll need to explain how that person’s opinion relates to the issues presented in the reading passage. So, you’re essentially summarizing and combining information from two sources.
    3. How to approach this
      1. DONT speak too quickly, time and pace yourself
      2. Listen to the speakers reason for agreeing or disagreeing. Make sure your summarize the opinion of the speaker
    4. Scoring Criteria : Same as previous
    5. Sample Response : From 3:30
    6. Tips
      1. Record and listen to yourself
      2. Find listening and reading material and list your opinion
      3. Practice fluency by changing wording, pacing, avoid pauses etc
  3. Integrated Speaking : Academic Related Topic
    1. You will read a passage about a academic related topic, then listen to a conversation. After that, 30 secs to prepare and 60 secs to speak
    2. Passage will be about some scientific term that you can find in a textbook. Listening part will be about the same
    3. In the lecture, you will get some examples of the passage topic
    4. When you answer, you need to explain how the example supports the term / concept
    5. How to approach
      1. Practice with academic texts
      2. You can take notes, so take down key ideas and points
      3. Say something to clarify, develop or elaborate if you finish your response before time
    6. Sample Response : From 5:50 onwards
      1. Always start by explaining the thing
    7. Tips
      1. Speak a summary of an article
  4. Integrated Speaking
    1. Listen to Lecture, 20 secs to prepare, 60 seconds to speak
    2. Will always asked be a summary of the lecture
    3. Give examples from the lecture and summarize the topic

Templates for Questions

Independent Speaking : Agree or Disagree with the statement

15 secs prep, 45 secs talk

Template

Why you choose yours and why you dislike others as well

  1. I absolutely agree that .. is much more beneficial than...
    • In my opinion, < this > is better than < than >
  2. I feel this way for several reasons
  3. First of all, < Reason >. I remember when < Negative Example >. However, if < Spin the example into a positive one IF he had the better option >
  4. Second, ... For Example / Instance
  5. It is for these reasons that I think that ...

Advantage and Disadvantage Template

  1. There are obviously advantages and disadvantages of...
  2. First, one evident advantage of ... is that.... For Example
  3. However, a main disadvantage of... is that...
  4. Yet, Overall, I think the advnatage of ... outweights the disadvantage of.... Therefore, ... is better

Dos and Donts

Integrated Speaking : Campus

Read, Listen and Summarize

Template (All past tense, expect the opinion line)

  1. According to the announcement, the university shares its plans to..., as < Explain the reasons the university gives and the alternatives they suggest >
    • The notice gives 2 reasons for this change
  2. The speaker had a negative / positive attitude about the notice. She supports / opposes it for two reasons
  3. First, < Explain the paragrahs 1st point >. However, < Explain the speakers explaination on why this is incorrect >
    • Stated, Pointed out, said, He assumes
    • Claimed, Commented
  4. Second, < Explain the second reason the speaker gives >
    • "Won't be effecting", "Wasting too much time" etc
  5. These are the reasons the woman diagrees with the announcement

Dos and Donts

Integrated Speaking : Academic (q3 - General to Specific)

Generally, you will read a passage on a topic and listen to a prof. The prof will give explaination with examples, experiments or experience.
45 secs to read, then listen

Template

  1. (15 secs) The reading passage introduces the concept < >, which is defined as < Explain the topic >
    • The article discusses / addresses...
    • The writer states that ... (Explain in your own words)
    • Just talk about the written part
  2. The professor delves deeper into the subject, by using the example of ...
    • Elaborates on this point by...
  3. He says / states / notes that < Explain the listening part >
    • For example, For instance
  4. However, On the contrary, etc
  5. Consequently, based on the information in both passages,...
    • Summarize quickly and effectively
    • Combine both parts

Dos and Donts

Integrated Speaking : Academic (q4)

Topic or Issue, then 2 examples to show this concept
Listen to lecture, 20 secs to prepare, 60 secs to talk (Q4)

Templates

  1. The lecture is about < Main Point >, which is defined as < Explain the broad topic >
    • Explain in your own words
  2. The first factor is < >, < Explain that >
    • First, the lecturer states / speaker mentions
    • ! Talks
  3. She given an example of...
    • For Example, For Instance
  4. Simply put...
  5. The second and deciding factor is...
    1. “This is why, as a result, consequently…, Moreover”
  6. These are the two factors that the professor discusses in the lecture

Dos and Donts

Insights from Practice Tests

To Work on

Independent Speaking (PRACTICE MORE)

Integrated Speaking (Read, Listen, Speak) : Campus

Sample Questions and Practice

Writing

  1. 2 Tasks
    1. 20-minute integrated task based on what is read and heard
      1. There is a text and a 2 minute lecture. You will be asked a question on this
    2. 10-minute Writing for an Academic Discussion task to state and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion
      1. Discursive Essay : An academic Essay
      2. Write a post that develops the conversation
      3. Does not have to be formal essay structure
  2. Computer based (Need to Type)

Factors

Scoring Rubric here

Note Taking

  1. Task 1
    1. Draw a table
      1. While reading, only note the main theme of 3 points. You can read it later
      2. Main topic and 3 key points
    2. Only write down keywords

Insights from Practice

Integrated Writing

Need to practice summarizing to fit into the word limit. Look at examples for understanding this

  1. Grammar
    • Sentence fragments
    • Run-on sentences
    • Confusing sentences
    • Subject-verb agreement
    • Verb formation
    • Pronoun errors
    • Possessive errors (missing an apostrophe)
    • Wrong or missing words
  2. Usage
    • Missing, extra, or incorrectly used articles
    • Confused words
    • Wrong or nonstandard word forms
    • Incorrect comparisons
    • Preposition errors
    • Negation errors
    • Wrong part of speech
  3. Mechanics : Basically should not intefere with Comprehensability
    • Spelling
    • Capitalization
    • Missing punctuation
    • Hyphen errors
    • Compound words
    • Duplicated words or phrases
    • Extra commas
  4. Organization and Development
    • Thesis statement
    • Main ideas
    • Supporting ideas
    • Introductory material
    • Transitional words and phrases

You can write in a .txt file submit your answers to chatGPT to get the CERF level of your text

Think about the arguments that you want to use

Tips

Tasks

Integrated Writing Task

  1. You will read a passage about a topic, then listen to a short lecture about the same topic
    1. 3 mins to read. Look for the main idea and take notes on key points
    2. No need to memorize, as it will be repeated in the questions
    3. In the lecture, the same topic will be discussed from a different perspective for 2 mins (ONLY ONCE)
    4. Listen for point that respond to points in the reading passage and take notes
  2. Then, you have 20 mins to write the response.
    1. Response of 150-225 words
    2. Judges on quality of writing and how well it presents the points in the lecture and its relationship to the reading passage
  3. “Summarize the points in the lecture, being sure to explain how they relate specific points made in the reading passage”
    1. You need to add points from both the reading and listening
    2. You SHOULD NOT add your own opinion
  4. Reading Tips
    1. Usually, the first para will be the main idea and the other 3 will be supporting arguments
    2. You can summarize the 3 paragraphs in one line
    3. You just need a gist to compare
  5. Listening
    1. The speaker will give his perspective in the beginning of the lecture
    2. Jot down the key points (For or against) the paragraph
    3. Once done, try to match it with points from the passage. YOU NEED TO MENTION BOTH, THE POINTS FROM THE READING AND WRITING PASSAGE
  6. Scoring
    1. Accurate Development : How well you select information from both and how well you present it in relation with each other
    2. Organization : Write in paragraphs and using good transitions. Avoid Redundancy
    3. Language Use : Good sentence structure, word choice and vocabulary. Use of grammar is also needed
  7. TIPS
    1. Practice Paraphrasing, and express the same idea in different ways (On emails or news)
      1. Vocab and large words are important
    2. Use synonyms of key words when you write
    3. Practice identifying the main points of each
    4. DONT write a conclusion

Writing for an Academic Discussion Task

Share your opinion in an online discussion with a professor and other students.

  1. Scoring
    1. Relevant and Clearly Developed Ideas : Ideas that contribute to the discussion and are supported by reasons and examples. Do not use disconnected words, no clear point of view or empty ideas
    2. Variety in the use of Language : Use a variety of structures and ideas. Also, use good vocabulary
    3. Correct use of language : Use of grammar is strong and consistent, Word choices are correct and appropriate, spelling and punctuation, capitalization etc.

Templates

Integrated Writing Task

Max 150-225 words

  1. The reading passage and the lecture both discuss < topic >, which is < Describe it >. While the reading argues that < main point of passage >, the lecturer disputes this view by stating that < main point of lecture >, and attacks each of the claims made in the reading.
    • By contrast, the author..., disputes, disagrees, doubts
  2. According to the reading, < detail from passage >. However, the lecturer < provides evidence/argues > that < rebuttal or support from lecture >.
    • "First, the lecturer asserts/claims/suggests that...",
    • Contends, In Contrast
    • "This concept is refuted by the passage..."
  3. The reading also suggests that….
  4. Finally, the reading puts forth the idea that…. In response, the lecturer
    1. The speaker, on the other hand,…
    2. In fact,
  5. "Therefore, the writing passage promotes ..., but the lecturer offers three counterarguments about why ... "
    1. To summarize, In Conclusion…

Academic Discussion Tasks

Your ability to create an argument. Always add your own perspective, NOT just see the others arguments

  1. General Statement about the topic
    • The topic of … has generated much discussion in recent years.
  2. Add your own points and opinion (Most words here)
    • I firmly believe that …
    • While I value the viewpoints presented by both STUDENT 1 and STUDENT 2, I am inclined to differ and propose that < elaborate on your idea for a few sentences >.
    • Considering < elaborate on your point >, it becomes evident that < elaborate on your point >.
    • Personally Speaking…, I feel this way for 2 reasons, that I will examine..., In my opinion…
  3. Give short and concise examples and reasons
    1. However, For Example…
    2. Can be a personal anecdote or random facts
  4. Acknowledge the others opinions before starting your own (Agree and Expand)
    • "Sally brings up a good point, but I think that..."
    • I strongly support < student >'s idea that < mention one point made by the student >
    • While I appreciate student B’s viewpoint about < succinctly explain student B’s idea >, I respectfully disagree. To illustrate, < present a personal experience example to counter student B’s idea >.
      • But, he misses another critical point
  5. Summarize the points

Score Improving Tips

  1. However
  2. Use linking words to join two clauses
    1. and, but etc
  3. Remove subjects that are the same
    1. so
  4. Relative Clauses
    1. When, which, who, where (Combining sentences)
  5. that
  6. if-clause
  7. thus
    1. would, could, may etc
  8. since
  9. For example, For instance
  10. Like, Such as
  11. Moreover, In addition
  12. As a result
  13. Although, while, even though
    1. w/ should

Sample Questions

Link to Website

Scores

Takes about 6 days for the score to come

Getting and Sending Scores

See this link

Sources

Anything Else

# Overall

## Full Course
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XA49rWNiqw
1. [Time Management Tips](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjGQt7rf7VM)
1. https://github.com/mtiessler/TOEFL-iBT-study-sheet?tab=readme-ov-file#reading-section
1. Reddit r/ToeflAdvice

## Complete Mock Test / Practice Tests
1. Downloaded Files
1. [Official Tests](https://libguides.greenriver.edu/c.php?g=1335773)
    + Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1 (4th edition) free drive
1. [YT Vid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXVbCSSsSeQ)
1. [BestMyTest](https://www.bestmytest.com/toefl/practice-test)
1. [Full Test Tips](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTpjUfyo5Ms)
1. [YMGrad](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJvFPuN7V90&list=PLTKvA_VCNO4sSk_JbV6AYEnwWzCVGsoaf)
1. ![[TOEFL Sample Questions.pdf]]
1. NoteFull on YT
1. https://tstprep.com/articles/toefl/complete-practice-test-for-the-toefl-test/
1. https://magoosh.com/toefl/toefl-practice-test/

## General Tips (Search all)
1. [Youtube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/c/TOEFLsuccess)
1. https://www.toeflresources.com
1. https://t.weixue100.com
1. [Good Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@juva)
1. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpi4cyj1hTscwo0XRDqlSsA
1. https://www.gregmat.com

## Individual Sections
1. [This Website](https://www.tcyonline.com/exam-preparation-free-ibt-toefl-test-preparation-and-practice-sets/100244/toefl)
2. [10 tests per section](https://www.examenglish.com/TOEFL/)
1. ETS TestReady Sectionwise Tests