Aim for a High Score on the TOEFL:
Are you planning to study abroad at a university or college where English is the main language? The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the most popular and accepted English tests worldwide. It helps universities measure your ability to understand, use, and communicate in English in an academic environment.
Your Guide to Success in English-Language Universities
Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, the TOEFL shows that you’re ready to study and succeed in an English-speaking institution.
So:
- What is the TOEFL test?
- What skills does it test?
- What exactly is the structure of each section on the new TOEFL iBT?
- How is the scoring calculated?
- How will this TOEFL prep course help you get to your best results?
What Is the TOEFL?
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is an English-language exam created by ETS (Educational Testing Service). It is accepted by more than 11,500 universities and institutions in over 160 countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia, and across Europe.
It measures your English ability in real academic situations. Unlike other English tests, the TOEFL is 100% academic—so it’s perfect for students planning to study in an English-speaking classroom.
Who Accepts the TOEFL?
Your official TOEFL score is accepted by:
- Top universities in the U.S. and Canada (e.g. Harvard, MIT, Yale, UBC, University of Toronto)
- UK and EU institutions (including some that also accept IELTS)
- Australian and New Zealand universities
- In Asia, TOEFL is also widely accepted, especially in countries such as Japan, China, India, South Korea, and Singapore
NOTE: Some employers and immigration offices also accept TOEFL scores to prove your English level.
TOEFL Test Format (Updated 2023)
The TOEFL iBT is taken online (either at a test center or at home) and takes about 2 hours to complete. In July 2023, ETS made the test shorter and faster to improve the testing experience.
Here is the new TOEFL test structure:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time | Skills Tested |
| Readong | 20 questions (2 passages) | 35 minutes | Understand academic texts |
| Listening | 28 questions (3 lectures + 2 conversations) | 36 minutes | Understand spoken academic English |
| Speaking | 4 tasks | 16 minutes | Speak clearly in academic situations |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 29 minutes | Write essays based on reading and listening |
The old “unscored questions” have been removed, making the test easier to manage.
TOEFL Scoring Overview
Each section is scored out of 30 points, for a total TOEFL score out of 120 points.
| Section | Score range |
| Reading | 0-30 |
| Listening | 0-30 |
| Speaking | 0-30 |
| Writing | 0-30 |
| Total | 0-120 |
Most universities require a minimum score of 80–100, but top schools may ask you to achieve 100+, especially for graduate programs. Some programs have minimum score requirements for each section (e.g., at least 22 in Speaking).
The TOEFL Reading Section: Understand Academic Texts
This section tests your ability to read and understand university-level passages in English. The texts come from real academic topics such as history, biology, psychology, or business.
Question Types According to ETS:
- Factual Information and Negative Factual Information
- Inference and Rhetorical Purpose
Vocabulary - Sentence Simplification
- Insert Text
- Prose Summary
Skills You’ll Build:
- Reading faster and more efficiently
- Understanding complex academic texts
- Recognizing important informatio
- Expanding your academic vocabulary
My Course Includes:
- Step-by-step reading strategies including note-taking tips
- Strategic approaches to EACH question type
- Vocabulary lists and flashcards
- Practice with academic texts and timed quizzes
Tim’s TIP 1: I often like to skim read the first and last paragraphs of a longer passage first. This is a great step to take so I can build an understanding quickly of the TOPIC, SCOPE, and PURPOSE.
Tim’s TIP 2: As you read through the passages, don’t try to understand every detail, but try to predict which parts the questions will focus on. This really helps you stay focused, no matter how boring the content might be!
The TOEFL Listening Section: Understand Spoken English in University Settings
In this section, you will hear conversations and lectures similar to those you might hear in a university setting.
You Will Hear:
- 3 Lectures – Academic talks by a professor (with 6 questions after each one)
- 2 Conversations – Between a student and a university staff member or another student (with 5 questions after each one)
Skills I will Help You Build:
- Understanding spoken academic English
- Following the speaker’s purpose and attitude
- Listening for specific details and ideas
- Taking notes during listening tasks
My Course Includes:
- Listening strategies for lectures and conversations
- Practice exercises with real audio clips
- Notetaking tips and listening comprehension practice
Tim’s TIP 1: Always be 100% focused from the moment you begin hearing the lecture / conversation!
Tim’s TIP 2: You will already know the instructions inside out, so use that time to create a simple note-taking grid.
The TOEFL Speaking Section: Speak Clearly and Confidently
The TOEFL Speaking section has 4 tasks. You will speak into a microphone, and your answers will be recorded and graded later by both human TOEFL experts and an AI scoring systems.
Speaking Tasks:
- One Independent Task – Talk about an opinion on a familiar topic
- Three Integrated Tasks – Combine reading and/or listening with speaking (e.g., read a short text, listen to a lecture, then speak your answer)
Skills You’ll Build:
- Organizing ideas quickly
- Speaking clearly and with good grammar
- Using vocabulary for academic situations
- Expressing your opinion confidently with a logical structure
My Course Includes:
- Speaking templates and practice tasks
- Personal feedback and corrections
- Pronunciation and fluency coaching
- Time pressure strategies
Tim’s TIP 1: ALWAYS plan what the first words are that you will start your responses with.
Tim’s TIP 2: Keep your response planning VOCABULARY focused and on topic.
The TOEFL Writing Section: Write Clearly for Academic Purposes
The Writing section includes 2 essay tasks:
- Integrated Writing – Read a passage and listen to a lecture, then write a summary that shows how they relate
- Independent Writing – Write an essay expressing your opinion on a topic
Skills I’ll Help You Build:
- Writing clear academic English
- Summarizing and comparing information
- Using strong grammar and vocabulary that guarantee a higher section score (e.g. transitions, correct conditional forms, good modification, and correct idioms)
- Organizing paragraphs effectively (e.g. the 1-2-1 structure for the opinion essay)
My Course Includes:
- Brainstorming tips
- Essay templates and example answers
- Guided writing tasks with model feedback
- Step-by-step training in grammar and style
Why Choose the TOEFL?
The TOEFL is a great choice for students who:
- Want to study in the U.S., Canada, or other English-speaking countries
- Need to show strong academic English skills
- Are more comfortable with computer-based tests (all TOEFL tasks are done on a computer)
- Want to prepare for real academic content
Key Features of the TOEFL iBT
- 99% academic English
- You can take the test at home or at a test center
- You receive your scores in 4–8 days
- Score reports can be sent directly to universities
- You can retake the test every 3 days if needed
How My TOEFL Preparation Course Will Help You Succeed
I have designed a TOEFL prep program that is flexible, supportive, and effective. 100s of students over the past two decades have learned to trust the strategies, tips and tricks that I gave them.
No matter your current English level, I can help you to improve your English skills and step-by-step get you closer to your target TOEFL score.
Just remember to stay calm, write down clear, realistic targets, and build momentum with me as we move through each phase of the course.
My TOEFL Course Includes:
1. A Customized Study Plan
I can create a plan based on your current level, goals, schedule, and time availability.
2. Practice with Realistic TOEFL Material
We will use official-style questions for all four sections—so you’ll know exactly what to expect on test day.
3. Focus on Academic English Skills
Build your grammar, vocabulary, and fluency with lessons designed for academic success.
4. Personalized Feedback
I will show you how to improve your approach to each speaking task, and we will brainstorm and build responses together to the writing tasks. The feedback I give you will be detailed with tips on how to improve fast.
5. Strategize to Build Your Confidence
The new TOEFL is much shorter than the previous version, but it is still a stressful experience for most test takers. A major goal for me is to show you strategies to save time, reduce stress, and feel more confident in each section.
Through knowledge and effective practice, you can achieve great things.
My Experience with TOEFL Test Preparation
I have been helping students prepare for the TOEFL for over 20 years, working with learners from every continent. My students have successfully entered top universities in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and across Europe.
My teaching style is:
- Clear and friendly with an openness to feedback
- Focused on your personal goals
Designed to build confidence and real skills
Students who prepare with me and have tried the TOEFL already, usually see a 15–30 point improvement in their total TOEFL score. Very often, this score increase comes from sustained focus on one or two weaker skill sets that have kept the scores low in one or two of the TOEFL sections.
Let’s Reach Your TOEFL Goal — Start Today!
The TOEFL is your key to academic success in an English-speaking country. With expert preparation, the right strategy, and ongoing support, you can achieve your dream score and move forward in your academic journey.
If you’re ready to:
- Study smarter
- Improve faster
- And push yourself to pass the TOEFL with a competitive score
Book your free consultation now to begin your TOEFL success story..