The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a critical exam for non-native English speakers aspiring to study or work in English-speaking countries. Achieving a high score requires strategic preparation and access to the best resources.
This article will provide an overview of the TOEFL exam, explore various preparation resources, and offer tips for effective studying such as test example questions, exam questions PDF, mock exam, format of exam, exam time, preparation for exam, exam length, exam preparation online free, books for preparation, best preparation books, exam preparation course, and exam preparation material.
Understanding the TOEFL Exam
Format of TOEFL Exam
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) measures English language proficiency in four areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The test is structured as follows:
- Reading: 20 questions (35 minutes)
- Listening: 28 questions (36 minutes)
- Speaking: 4 tasks (16 minutes)
- Writing: 2 tasks (26 minutes)
The test duration is approximately 2 hours. This format tests your ability to use and understand English as it is read, written, heard, and spoken in a university setting.
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Preparation for TOEFL Exam
Effective preparation for the TOEFL exam involves using a variety of resources to hone your skills in each section of the test.
TOEFL Test Example Questions
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the TOEFL is to practice with example questions. The ETS (Educational Testing Service) website provides a range of practice questions for free. These questions cover all sections of the test and help you understand the types of questions you will encounter. You can take a full length mock test from Testready.ETS.org
Explore this topic: TOEFL preparation strategies
However, just so you understand the range of questions here are some example questions that you can try.
TOEFL Reading Example Questions
The reading test in TOEFL has 2 passages which should be finished in 35 minutes. There are 20 questions in this section and all the questions should to be answered.
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Ancient Rome and Greece 1. There is a quality of cohesiveness about the Roman world that applied neither to Greece nor perhaps to any other civilization, ancient or modern. Like the stones of a Roman wall, which were held together both by the regularity of the design and by that peculiarly powerful Roman cement, so the various parts of the Roman realm were bonded into a massive, monolithic entity by physical, organizational, and psychological controls. The physical bonds included the network of military garrisons, which were stationed in every province, and the network of stone-built roads that linked the provinces with Rome. The organizational bonds were based on the common principles of law and administration and on the universal army of officials who enforced common standards of conduct. The psychological controls were built on fear and punishment—on the absolute certainty that anyone or anything that threatened the authority of Rome would be utterly destroyed. 2. The source of the Roman obsession with unity and cohesion may well have lain in the pattern of Rome’s early development. Whereas Greece had grown from scores of scattered cities, Rome grew from one single organism. While the Greek world had expanded along the Mediterranean Sea lanes, the Roman world was assembled by territorial conquest. Of course, the contrast is not quite so stark: in Alexander the Great the Greeks had found the greatest territorial conqueror of all time; and the Romans, once they moved outside Italy, did not fail to learn the lessons of sea power. Yet the essential difference is undeniable. The key to the Greek world lay in its high-powered ships; the key to Roman power lay in its marching legions. The Greeks were wedded to the sea; the Romans, to the land. The Greek was a sailor at heart; the Roman, a landsman. Note: The above paragraphs are excerpts from a longer passage. To read the full passage, click the link below: toefl-ibt-free-practice-test.pdf (ets.org) |
Directions: Now answer the questions.
- According to paragraph 1, all of the following are controls that held together the Roman world EXCEPT
- administrative and legal systems
- the presence of the military
- a common language
- transportation networks
- According to paragraph 2, which of the following was NOT characteristic of Rome’s early development?
- Expansion by sea invasion
- Territorial expansion
- Expansion from one original settlement
- Expansion through invading armies
TOEFL Writing Example Questions
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Writing Practice Task 2 Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor’s question. In your response you should:
An effective response will contain at least 100 words. Dr. Diaz Over the next few weeks, we are going to look at lots of different materials about the role of television programs and television watching in people’s lives. But first, I want to know what you think about this topic. So here’s a question for the class discussion board: What do you think is the most significant effect that watching television has on people? Why do you think television has this effect? Kelly I know that one way that television influences people’s behavior is that when you are watching television, you are not moving around or exercising. This is especially true for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that when children spend a lot of time watching television, they have a greater tendency to be overweight. Paul I think the main effect that television has on people is to broaden their experience. There are so many programs devoted to nature and travel. Think of all the different places in the world you can experience through television! Last night I watched a program about life in Antarctica, and it was fascinating! |
Sample Response : ( It is a mid-level response which gets a score 3)
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In my opinion, television makes the life more interesting and fun. There are so many interesting channels and programs, and they make people laugh during watching TV. I think this is a big effect that television on people, as time is passing by. Especially these days, people lives with the serious problems and accidents. People need something fresh and can entertain. Televisions do these kind of works very well. Through Music program, people can have relaxing time, through comedy program, people can laugh... and so on. Therefore, the television influences people's feeling much better, and I think this is very important effect!! |
Read more: TOEFL Writing
TOEFL Speaking Example Question
The speaking section has 3 types of questions as follows:
- The first question is on a familiar topic
- The next two questions start with a reading passage. After reading, you will listen to a conversation or lecture on the same topic and answer a question combining the information
- The final question involves listening to a lecture and then summarizing it
Here is a sample question:
Online or Classroom
State whether you agree or disagree with the following statement. Then explain your reasons, using specific details in your explanation.
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Learning through online courses is more effective than learning in the traditional classroom setting. |
If this were an actual test question, you would have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to speak.
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Preparation Time: 15 seconds |
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Response Time: 45 seconds |
In this practice test, you may use a timer to practice preparing and giving a response. If you can, record your answer and compare it to the sample response.
Read More: TOEFL Speaking
TOEFL Exam Questions PDF
Many preparation books and online resources offer downloadable PDFs with practice questions and answers. These PDFs are beneficial for offline study sessions and can be printed for ease of use. ETS offers official practice materials that include PDFs of past exam questions.
You can get the ETS TOEFL Exam Questions PDF here: toefl-ibt-free-practice-test.pdf (ets.org)
Mock Exam TOEFL
Taking full-length mock exams is crucial for building stamina and getting a realistic sense of the test day experience. Several online platforms offer TOEFL mock exams that simulate the real test environment. These mock exams help you manage your time effectively and identify areas where you need further practice.
Here are some websites where you can get Free practice Mock tests:
- ETS Official
- Manhatten
- Magoosh
TOEFL Exam Preparation Resources
TOEFL Exam Preparation Online Free
There are numerous free online resources available for TOEFL preparation. Websites like Magoosh, TOEFL Bank, and Testden offer free practice tests, sample questions, and study guides. Additionally, the ETS website provides free practice tests and sample questions.
Books for TOEFL Preparation
Books remain a staple in TOEFL preparation. Some of the best TOEFL preparation books include:
- The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test by ETS: This book provides authentic test questions and is a comprehensive guide to the test format and content
- Kaplan's TOEFL iBT Prep Plus: Offers practice questions, test-taking strategies, and full-length practice tests
- Barron's TOEFL iBT: Known for its detailed review sections and practice tests
These books come with CDs or online access to additional resources, making them valuable tools for thorough preparation.
Best TOEFL Preparation Books
Among the plethora of books available, a few stand out for their comprehensive coverage and practical insights:
- The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test by ETS: As the test maker, ETS provides the most reliable material with authentic practice questions and detailed explanations
- Kaplan's TOEFL iBT Prep Plus: This book includes a wide range of practice questions, strategies for each section, and access to online resources
- Barron's TOEFL iBT: Offers extensive practice materials, including model essays and speaking responses, making it ideal for in-depth preparation
TOEFL Exam Preparation Courses
Enrolling in a TOEFL exam preparation course can provide structured learning and personalized feedback. Many institutions and online platforms offer such courses:
- ETS Official Prep Course: Offers in-depth training with official practice questions
- Magoosh: Provides video lessons, practice questions, and personalized study plans
- Udemy: Features various TOEFL preparation courses by experienced instructors
Additional Preparation Materials
TOEFL Exam Preparation Material
ETS and other educational publishers offer a range of preparation materials, including:
- TOEFL Practice Online: Simulates the real test environment with practice tests that provide scores and feedback
- TOEFL Test Preparation Kits: Comprehensive kits that include practice tests, answer keys, and scoring rubrics
These materials are designed to provide a realistic test-taking experience and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
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Conclusion
Preparing for the TOEFL exam requires a strategic approach and access to high-quality resources. Utilize a combination of TOEFL test example questions, TOEFL exam questions PDF, and online and offline preparation materials. Incorporate free online resources, invest in the best TOEFL preparation books, and consider enrolling in a preparation course to maximize your chances of success. With diligent preparation and the right resources, you can achieve the score you need to pursue your academic and professional goals in English-speaking environments.
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