TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide from edX

This test preparation course, developed by the experts who create, administer and score the TOEFL iBT test, will help English language learners improve their skills.

The TOEFL iBT test is the world’s most trusted and widely accepted English-language assessment. It has helped millions of people achieve their dreams to study, work or live abroad. More than 11,500 universities, government agencies and other institutions in over 160 countries worldwide accept TOEFL iBT scores for making important decisions.

This course will help you understand what you can do to achieve your best TOEFL iBT test score. Instructors will guide you through each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing) and, using archived past test questions, will explain the kinds of questions you can expect. You will receive valuable advice, including how to register for the test, how it is scored and how to prepare for test day.

This course is highly interactive, using videos, sample questions with explanations, short quizzes and collaborative discussion boards. You will also have access to real test materials from past tests. During the weeks covering Speaking and Writing, all course participants can receive scores for their practice-test responses.

In addition, there will be free resources and discounted test prep offers throughout the course. Finally, you will receive valuable insider tips to help you do your best on the TOEFL iBT test so you can apply to the university or job of your dreams.

Who takes the TOEFL iBT test? More than 35 million people from all over the world have taken the TOEFL test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency.

Students planning to study at an institution or university
Candidates for scholarships and professional certification
English-language learners who want to track their progress
Students and workers applying for visas in certain countries

The TOEFL iBT test is offered in three convenient formats:

The traditional TOEFL iBT test on a computer at a test center
TOEFL iBT Home Edition, taken from home and monitored online by a human proctor and artificial intelligence (AI) technology
TOEFL iBT Paper Edition (in select countries), where the Reading, Listening and Writing sections are taken on paper at a test center, and the Speaking section is taken online at home.

This course will help you prepare for the TOEFL iBT test, regardless of where and how you take it.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to improve your english language skills
How to effectively navigate the four sections of the toefl ibt test:
Reading, listening, speaking and writing
Tips to help you prepare for the toefl ibt test
How the toefl ibt test is scored

How to use your toefl ibt scores for employment, study, visas and scholarships
Ways to manage your time during the test
Where to find additional resources about the toefl ibt test
How to register for the toefl ibt test

How to improve your english language skills
How to effectively navigate the four sections of the toefl ibt test:
Reading, listening, speaking and writing
Tips to help you prepare for the toefl ibt test
How the toefl ibt test is scored
How to use your toefl ibt scores for employment, study, visas and scholarships
Ways to manage your time during the test
Where to find additional resources about the toefl ibt test
How to register for the toefl ibt test

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by a developer relations team for a certification in a product they designed

Provides authentic test materials from past tests, which is standard in the industry

Reviews all four sections of the official TOEFL iBT test, with guidance and tips

Instructors answer questions during live chats in discussion forums

Instructors guide you through each section and explain the types of questions that you can expect on the TOEFL

Provides advice on how to apply for the test

Reviews summary

Toefl preparation well-received

Learners largely express positive sentiment, saying that the course is well organized and engaging. They appreciate the materials, the instructors, and the assignments. Many students specifically reference the valuable practice tests.

Students find the instructors in the course to be helpful and knowledgeable.

Students comment on how well organized the course materials and lessons are.

"And I need some one who organises my time and correct my mistake very well."

Students find that the assignments in the course are engaging and helpful.

"Hello, I’m Athary AlAnzi . I’m from Saudi Arabia. I graduated from Damam University of English Section. Now I prepare to ToFEL test to getting scholarships from the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enrol in 50 universities to complete master education there. So I hope to get this course into this University, may be it help me to pass this exam. l find some difficulties in teach and learn English specially in country not speaks English. And I need some one who organises my time and correct my mistake very well. Finally I lesson to your free course so I feel happy for that and I try to join to this course ."

"I studied many courses but i didn't Completed. Now i would like to improve my english Spoken, i have opportunity to complete. And i would like to speak english as a native."

Students find the practice tests in the course to be valuable in preparing for the TOEFL exam.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide with these activities:

Review Reading Comprehension Techniques

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Improve your Reading Comprehension skills prior to the course to improve performance in this section of the TOEFL iBT

Browse courses on Reading Comprehension

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Review reading comprehension techniques
Practice reading comprehension exercises

Make a TOEFL iBT Study Plan

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Creating a study plan will ensure that you allocate enough time to prepare for each section of the TOEFL iBT test.

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Determine the amount of time available for studying
Create a list of topics to cover
Schedule study sessions
Set realistic goals

Create TOEFL iBT Flashcards

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Creating flashcards can help you memorize and retain important vocabulary and concepts related to the TOEFL iBT test.

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Identify the most important vocabulary and concepts
Write the vocabulary and concepts on flashcards
Review your flashcards regularly

Six other activities

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Show all nine activities

Learn TOEFL iBT Test Formats

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Identify the different sections and question types on the TOEFL iBT test to better prepare for each section.

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Watch tutorials on TOEFL iBT test formats
Take practice questions for each section

Join a TOEFL iBT Study Group

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Joining a study group can provide you with support and motivation from peers who are also preparing for the TOEFL iBT test.

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Find a study group
Meet regularly
Share study materials
Practice speaking and writing

Practice TOEFL Listening Section

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Listen to TOEFL-style audio recordings and answer questions to improve listening skills.

Browse courses on Listening Comprehension

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Listen to a recording and take notes.
Answer the questions based on your notes.
Check your answers against the answer key.
Analyze your mistakes and identify areas for improvement.

Practice TOEFL Reading Section

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Practice reading TOEFL-style passages and answering questions to improve comprehension skills.

Browse courses on Reading Comprehension

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Review the TOEFL Reading question types.
Read through a passage and answer the questions.
Check your answers against the answer key.
Analyze your mistakes and identify areas for improvement.

Practice Writing TOEFL iBT Essays

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Writing essays is a crucial part of the TOEFL iBT test. Practice writing essays to improve your writing skills.

Browse courses on Writing Skills

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Choose a topic
Brainstorm ideas
Write an outline
Write a draft
Revise and edit your essay

Create TOEFL Speaking Practice Test

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Create practice tests to simulate the actual TOEFL Speaking section and receive feedback on your performance.

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Choose a topic from the TOEFL Speaking test bank.
Develop an outline for your response.
Record yourself giving your response.
Analyze your recording and identify areas for improvement.
Submit your recording for feedback from an instructor or tutor (optional).

Career center

Learners who complete TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Translator

This TOEFL® Test Preparation course will improve your English language skills, which are essential for a career in translation. You will learn how to translate documents accurately, localize software, and interpret for clients in a variety of settings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Foreign Service Officer

The TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide course offered by Educational Testing Service can prepare you with the English language skills you will need to succeed in a variety of foreign countries and to pass the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT). This comprehensive course will help you improve your communication abilities, as well as your cultural awareness. Once completing this course you will be able to build bridges between cultures, represent the U.S. abroad, and help to shape America’s foreign policy by gathering, analyzing, and reporting on political, economic, social, and security issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Service Officer

Writer

TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider's Guide online course is the perfect solution for you if you're aiming to become a professional Writer. This course gives you the English language skills necessary to succeed in writing tasks such as creating compelling articles, scripts, and persuasive content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Grant Writer

This TOEFL® Test Preparation online course hosted by Educational Testing Service will assist Grant Writers in developing a higher level of English language proficiency which is vital for effectively conveying ideas in written form. Whether you are new to the field of grant writing or you are an experienced professional seeking to advance your career, this course will equip you with the necessary skills you need to write persuasive grant proposals that will help organizations secure funding for their programs and initiatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Teacher

Teachers need to be able to communicate effectively in English in order to teach their students. This TOEFL® Test Preparation course can help you develop the skills you need to create lesson plans, manage a classroom, and assess student learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Public relations manager

A Public Relations Manager is responsible for managing the public image of an organization. They need to be able to communicate effectively in English in order to write press releases, give interviews, and manage social media accounts. This TOEFL® Test Preparation course can help you develop the skills you need to excel in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Journalist

Individuals working as journalists need to be able to communicate effectively in English in order to inform the public about important issues. This TOEFL® Test Preparation course can improve your English language skills so that you can write clearly and concisely, conduct interviews, and report on news events accurately and objectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

International Business Consultant

Those working as International Business Consultants help companies expand their operations abroad. They provide advice on a variety of topics, including market entry strategy, cross-cultural communication, and legal compliance. This TOEFL® Test Preparation course can enhance your communication skills in English which will help to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues from different cultures.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Consultant

Tour Guide

This TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide will enhance your communication skills so that you can provide a unique, informative, and enjoyable experience for tourists from all over the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide

Immigration Lawyer

TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider's Guide provides a comprehensive review of the four sections of the TOEFL iBT test: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. By improving your English language skills through this course, you will be able to provide legal advice and representation to clients from various backgrounds in order to help them navigate the complex U.S. immigration system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Immigration Lawyer

Marketing Manager

As a Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns that reach target audiences. This TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide can help you improve your communication skills to create effective marketing materials, conduct market research, and analyze data in order to create successful campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Being able to communicate effectively in English will allow Sales Managers to build relationships with clients, negotiate deals, and close sales. The TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide will provide you with opportunities to improve your English skills by practicing reading, listening, speaking, and writing in a variety of business contexts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. They need to be able to communicate effectively in English in order to write reports, give presentations, and brief policymakers. This TOEFL® Test Preparation course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Technical Writer

As a Technical Writer, you will be responsible for writing clear and concise technical documentation. This TOEFL® Test Preparation course can help you improve your English language skills so that you can write user manuals, white papers, and other technical documents that are easy to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Dean

As a Dean, you will be responsible for the administrative and academic leadership of a school or college. Those employed as Deans often have to navigate through politics in order to find the best solution for faculty, students, and staff alike. This TOEFL® Test Preparation course will help you develop the skills needed to read, listen, speak, and write effectively in English, which are all necessary skills needed to navigate a diverse group of individuals in order to come to agreeable decisions and achieve goals for the school or college.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dean