TOEFL Free Resources: Prepare For TOEFL exam using Free Resources

Get ready to tackle the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) like a pro! With over 50 test dates yearly across 165+ countries, you have plenty of opportunities to shine. Just remember, there's a minimum 12-day wait between attempts if you're considering a retake.

Now, onto the exam itself. Imagine four sections, each with its own scoring rules and time limits. It's a language journey you won't forget! But fear not because TOEFL Free Resources are here to save the day. From study guides to practice tests, we've got all you need to succeed. Ready to ace the TOEFL? Let's do this!

Why TOEFL is Important?

For students aiming to pursue higher education abroad, the TOEFL exam is a crucial milestone. Designed to evaluate English language proficiency, it acts as a gateway for admission to universities worldwide. Accessing TOEFL-free resources is essential for comprehensive preparation, whether for the iBT or PBT format. Recognised by over 11,000 universities globally, including popular destinations like Australia, Canada, and the USA, TOEFL offers invaluable opportunities for academic advancement. It's indispensable for non-native English speakers looking to excel academically abroad.

• If they plan on attending high school in an English-speaking country
• If they wish to pursue an Undergraduate/Postgraduate/Doctoral degree from abroad
• People who need to demonstrate their language proficiency for immigration purposes
• People who plan on working overseas

Why do students fail in TOEFL preparation?

TOEFL is considered quite a tough and challenging exam. It required candidates to be very analytical. Students should study in a very focused and detailed manner to score well. The exam is not very easy to clear. There are several reasons due to which students find the exam tough and difficult to pass.

Overconfidence: It is good to be confident; however overconfidence can have a negative impact. A lot of students feel that they are smart enough and can easily clear this exam. However, this overconfidence leads to failure.

Lack of enthusiasm: Strong willpower and enthusiasm are vital for success in life. However, many students lack these qualities due to various reasons, such as family issues, health problems, financial constraints, stress, or personal issues. This lack of enthusiasm can affect their performance, especially in exams like TOEFL. Utilising TOEFL free resources can help reignite motivation and provide support to overcome obstacles. By accessing these resources, students can boost their readiness and confidence, leading to better outcomes in the TOEFL exam.

Inability to deal with past exams/failures: Every individual faces failures in their life. We all fail some or other exams. However, some students take their failures way too seriously. This demotivates them to take any future exams. They feel that they are not capable enough to give any other exam in life. So, this negativity affects them severely.

How To Prepare For TOEFL?

Here is a list of tips that you can follow to achieve maximum efficiency:

Take notes while listening to the audio clips: You will only hear the recording once, so it’s best to take notes as you listen so that you don’t miss out on any important information.

Read the questions carefully: Multiple-choice questions can be a little tricky, as there may be more than one suitable option. Don’t just go with the first option that feels right to you; carefully evaluate all the other options and then come to a conclusion.

Skip questions that you aren’t sure about: The reading section doesn’t require you to necessarily attempt the question at hand before moving on to the next one. You can use this to your advantage, and instead of wasting time on confusing questions, you can simply move on to the next.

Come up with a reading strategy that works for you: It is crucial that you come up with an effective strategy before approaching reading comprehension. You can either read the entire passage first or skim through it and then get to the questions. Alternatively, you can go through the questions first and keep answering them as you go through the paragraphs.

Note down your ideas before speaking: You will get only one chance to put forth your thoughts in the speaking section; it is important to articulate your ideas clearly to avoid unnecessary pauses. Use the 30 seconds you get to prepare before speaking very wisely, and make a note of 2-3 major points that you need to cover in your speech, and then you can elaborate on them as you go about it.

Make sure that you are audible: You can never anticipate the atmosphere of the examination room, and there might be multiple students taking the speaking test at the same time. In order to avoid a bad score, you need to make sure that you are audible and speak as clearly as you can at your natural pace.

Create a rough outline of your essay: Before you begin writing, you need to spend a few minutes coming up with a few pointers. As you begin writing, you can then use these bullet points as headings/subheadings and support them with examples to have an impactful essay.

Along with incorporating the above tips, make sure that you visit the official website of The Educational Testing Service to get the latest information and exam-pattern updates. Go through the scoring criteria and previous questions to get a gist of the exam. In addition to that, you can explore the following list of free resources that can help you attain a high score in TOEFL:

TOEFL Free Resources

 Free TOEFL Online Courses

1. Magoosh 

Magoosh offers a lot of TOEFL free resources for students who are preparing for the exam. These include downloadable full-length practice tests, flashcards to brush up on your vocabulary, practice questions and an ebook to get you started with the preparation.

2. TOEFL iBT test prep course

This is a highly interactive free course introduced by the Educational Training Service (ETS). This TOEFL free resource consists of preparation tips from experts and a plethora of short quizzes and videos to help you study. One unique thing about this free course is that it is self-paced, which allows you to learn at your own pace and manage the preparation along with your busy schedule.
 

3. PrepScholar

Prepscholar's TOEFL free resources include a comprehensive online course that kickstarts your preparation with a 30-question smart diagnostic test upon signup. Dive into personalised lessons and adaptive quizzes, all geared towards boosting your score. Plus, if you don't see a 15-point improvement, the course is yours for free. With Prepscholar, acing the TOEFL has never been more accessible.

4. Online ESL Program from Abeka

Abeka is a leading publisher renowned for its Christian homeschooling curriculum and robust online ESL program. With expert instructors boasting over a decade of experience, it offers comprehensive learning across three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. This program has helped thousands master English for university admissions and serves as an invaluable resource for those seeking TOEFL free resources.

 TOEFL Free Resources Websites

1. BBC Learning English

BBC English has tons of TOEFL free resources to help you improve your listening skills. It also offers tips and tricks to improve your grammar and will significantly improve your vocabulary along with your pronunciation. 

2. Purdue Owl 

Purdue has an exclusive online lab with instructional material specifically designed for writing, irrespective of the skill level or motive. The website helps clients grow as writers in any field and also offers remote teaching resources for instructors. 

3. Ted.com

Consistency is key to mastering the TOEFL listening section. Utilise TOEFL free resources like Ted.com, which offers diverse videos and presentations with transcripts for reference. Ted talks cover various topics, aiding in understanding recordings during the exam.

4. English Club 

EnglishClub offers free resources for learning English online, including assessments to gauge your level and 24-hour grammar help from experienced teachers. You can create your own blog, participate in games and quizzes to improve your skills and engage in discussions on interactive forums. Plus, there are TOEFL free resources available to aid in your preparation.

5. Breaking news English (Website)

For TOEFL free resources, consider using Breaking News English. It provides non-technical comprehension suitable for the exam. With news articles on various levels and a convenient podcast for on-the-go listening, it's a valuable tool for daily practice.

 Free TOEFL Free Resources Apps

1. Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Premier

Kaplan's book is a staple for GRE and TOEFL prep, packed with effective strategies for every test section. While the array of strategies may seem daunting, it offers solid explanations of question types and vocabulary building. Ample listening practice materials are included, along with access to online tests, making it a comprehensive resource. Its mobile-friendly format ensures learning on the go. However, it's most suited for proficient English speakers seeking TOEFL free resources.

2. Barron’s TOEFL iBT

This prep book, known for its affordability, includes general strategies, ample practice questions, and 7 practice tests on CD. While it's praised for reading and listening practice, some find the difficulty of practice questions doesn't align with the actual TOEFL. It's valuable for paraphrasing and note-taking skills but lacks emphasis on grammar and vocabulary. Consider supplementing with TOEFL free resources for a more comprehensive study approach.
 

3. Princeton Review Cracking the TOEFL iBT

It can be put as the best beginner’s guide to TOEFL. It is by far the most user-friendly and easiest to understand, as a lot of test-takers claim. However, many critics have claimed that this book does not address the need to know how to attempt the challenging TOEFL exam questions. Although the format is similar to the test, there is only one practice test, which is different from other TOEFL preparation books. 

4. Cambridge Preparation for TOEFL

Cambridge Preparation for TOEFL is a popular resource, offering seven full-length practice tests and skill-building exercises for speakers. It mirrors the iBT structure well, with online access for both PC and MAC users. However, some find the test questions lacking explanations and the sample responses unhelpful. For additional TOEFL free resources, consider supplementing with other materials.

5. Essential Words for the TOEFL

This book is a valuable addition to your TOEFL free resources, honing in on approximately 500 crucial words essential for success in the exam. It recognises the individuality of vocabulary knowledge among students, offering a complementary resource rather than a primary one. Its focus on key terms ensures a tailored approach to enhancing your vocabulary skills, aligning perfectly with the diverse needs of TOEFL takers.
 

6. Practice Exercises for the TOEFL with an MP3 CD 

Once you know what to expect from the TOEFL, you need to practice and practice as much as possible. The book has over 1,000 different exercises for all test sections, including speaking task answers and sample essays. There is also a full practice test that can help you well with your preparation.
 

7. 240 Writing Topics: with Sample Essays/ 240 Speaking Topics: with Sample Answers

Both books, "240 Writing Topics: With Sample Essays" and its counterpart, are essential additions to your TOEFL free resources. If you're confident in speaking but need improvement in writing, opt for "240 Writing Topics: With Sample Essays." It offers a hundred topics from past TOEFL tests, along with essay outlines and model essays. These resources are invaluable for honing your oral and written skills.

8. Cracking the TOEFL iBT 

The book is updated every year. It is a comprehensive resource that can help you prepare for TOEFL preparation. That has good speaking and listening exercises and sound advice on test-taking strategies. If CDs are not your preference anymore, the book also gives you access to download MP3 files and online exercises.
 

9. Test Prep Books’ TOEFL Preparation Book

This preparation book provides strategies for mastering the speaking, reading, writing, and listening sections of the TOEFL exam. Students can practice their skills through a variety of sample papers and then check their work with the book’s detailed explanations.
 

10. Mometrix’s TOEFL iBT Secrets Study Guide

Through Mometrix’s TOEFL iBT Secrets Study Guide, students learn to master the listening, reading, speaking, and writing sections of the TOEFL exam. Candidates can review practice questions and watch video tutorials covering a variety of key topics related to TOEFL.

 11. The official guide to the TOEFL iBT test 

This is a highly helpful guide compiled by The Educational Testing Service, which is available as an eBook and in paperback format. It consists of four full-length practice tests along with useful information about the scoring criteria. It also provides you with hundreds of sample questions for all four sections of the exam.

12. TOEFL iBT Test Planner (Book/Guide)

The iBT Test Prep Planner, part of TOEFL Free Resources, is perfect for newcomers to TOEFL prep. This 8-week planner offers personalised schedules, section overviews, skill-building activities, and scoring guides, setting you up for success in a concise format.

13. Good Luck, TOEFL 

Discover the ultimate hub for TOEFL free resources – TOEFL.com. This invaluable website offers a seamless journey through exam preparation, serving as your comprehensive guide. From essential registration details to insights on scoring criteria and question types, TOEFL.com covers it all. Explore recommended books, dive into effective online training programs, and gain a thorough understanding of the exam's four sections. Whether you're a beginner or aiming to refine your skills, TOEFL.com is your go-to destination for mastering the TOEFL exam.

14. TOEFL iBT Test Questions

The iBT test questions are a detailed guide that consists of full-length practice tests for the four sections- Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. It also contains past test questions to give you an idea about the type of questions that are asked. The eBook allows you to listen to sample speaking responses and also view the correct answers for the reading and listening questions that are comparatively trickier.

Best Forums For TOEFL

1. Magoosh TOEFL Community

It is an online community of students and test-takers who are having questions related to TOEFL. If you have particular queries that need to be answered soon, then a forum with a variety of users can be a great help. It can also be reassuring to hear other test-takers experiences- the more familiar you are with how TOEFL works, the less scary the experience will be. 

2. Urch

Check out the Urch forum, a supportive hub with 3,000+ threads covering speaking, reading, writing, and listening. There's a sub-forum for "Just finished my TOEFL," where members share experiences to help you ace the test. 

3. TOEFL Resources

This forum provides general TOEFL information. Besides that, the forum also has sub-forums for finding a speaking partner and essay evaluation. This will give you extra experience in those areas of the test. These sub-forums are the most popular ones on the site, while the others are less well-attended.
 

4. English-Test.net Forum

For a wealth of TOEFL free resources and a vibrant community, check out the English-Test.net forum. With posts attracting over 170,000 views, this easily searchable platform spans approximately 305 pages of valuable content, including questions, answers, and user discussions. While responses vary, it serves as an informative reference point for your TOEFL preparation journey.
 

5. Beat the Test 

Beat the Test is an online forum exclusively for TOEFL tips and tricks developed by Robert, a test preparation instructor from Vancouver. He designed it to complement his existing courses on TOEFL, to provide the students with proper guidance and a place for discussion in the forums.

Video Resources For TOEFL 

1. TOEFL TV

TOEFL TV is the official TOEFL Channel where you can find practice tips and advice from students, teachers, and experts to help you improve your English language skills. Additionally, here, you also get advice from representatives from colleges and universities to help you prepare for an academic setting where the English language is spoken.

2. NoteFull TOEFL Mastery

Explore the TOEFL Free Resources channel, your ultimate step-by-step guide to mastering the exam. Dive into segmented questions with expert guidance, gaining insight into typical TOEFL formats. Discover invaluable tips and tricks for acing each section, empowering you to tackle the exam and achieve your best score confidently.

3. PrepScholar TOEFL

PrepScholar TOEFL is a YouTube channel that offers expert tips and tricks on conquering the TOEFL test in the fastest way possible. The channel claims to increase your score by 15 points minimum. At present, PrepScholar TOEFL has 45k subscribers, which is increasing at a rapid pace.

Is Coaching Necessary for TOEFL preparation?

If you are going for self-study, a span of one year is enough for TOEFL preparation. All you have to do is prepare appropriately for each segment and get good scores.

To prepare for the listening part, watch English movies and YouTube channels daily. For speaking, converse regularly with fluent speakers, embracing feedback. Write 300-500 word essays on diverse topics, enriching your vocabulary. For reading, start with basic novels, advancing to more complex ones.

For top universities abroad, a perfect TOEFL score is essential. If you're short on time or feel unprepared, coaching can be invaluable. With practice, doubt-clearing sessions, and study materials, coaching boosts your chances of success. In just three months, it can efficiently prepare you for the exam.

Conclusion

In summary, with so many free resources out there, preparing for the TOEFL exam doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From helpful study guides to fun practice tests, these tools are like your trusty sidekicks, guiding you through the journey of improving your English skills and boosting your confidence for the big test day.