TOEFL 2025 : Exam Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Question Papers, Results

The TOEFL exam, officially known as the Test of English as a Foreign Language, stands as a trusted standard worldwide. It assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English, a key requirement for most universities abroad.

Since the TOEFL is vital for admission, preparing well is essential. Each section of the test demands specific skills and focused practice. Whether through mock tests or trusted TOEFL prep books, having the right strategy makes all the difference.

For your 2025 TOEFL preparation, it is highly recommended that you use official practice tests and study materials. These resources, available through the ETS website, include the TOEFL TestReady tool, designed to support self-study from home.

Choosing quality TOEFL study material helps you grasp the exam format and identify which skills need improvement. Many students find some parts easier while others require extra attention.

Before you begin your TOEFL preparation, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the exam format. The TOEFL iBT measures your command of academic English across four key areas:

• Reading: Evaluates how well you understand university-level texts.
   
• Listening: Tests your ability to follow spoken English in lectures and discussions.
   
• Speaking: Examine your skill in expressing ideas clearly and logically.
   
• Writing: Assesses your ability to write well-organised essays with clear arguments.

Each of these four sections carries a maximum score of 30. Your overall TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120.

TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025

The TOEFL exam consists of four sections, each designed to assess a specific language skill. 

1. Reading

Duration: 35 minutes

Number of questions: 20

2. Listening

Duration: 36 minutes

Number of questions: 28

3. Speaking

Duration: 16 minutes

Number of tasks: 4

4. Writing

Duration: 29 minutes

Number of tasks: 2

The entire test lasts approximately 116 minutes. Knowing this structure helps you manage your time effectively on exam day.

Preparing for TOEFL is a personal journey. Some students prefer following a self-study plan, which you will find below. Others might seek expert coaching. 

The TOEFL test covers four areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It measures your ability to use English effectively in academic settings. A solid vocabulary is also essential for success. Building your word bank will boost your confidence and your score.

What are the top TOEFL preparation tips?

Preparing for the TOEFL exam requires a clear plan, dedication, and the right resources. Here are the eight essential tips to help you succeed:

1. Start Your Preparation Early

TOEFL success does not happen overnight. Begin your preparation months ahead, based on your current English proficiency. A well-paced study plan increases your chances of a strong score.

2. Understand the Exam Inside Out

Knowing the exam structure is crucial. Familiarise yourself with the TOEFL syllabus, exam pattern, scoring system, and the minimum scores required by your target universities. This knowledge will guide your preparation efficiently.

3. Practice Regularly with Mock Tests

Frequent practice tests are vital. Use official TOEFL mock exams to assess your skills. They help identify your strengths and weaknesses and prepare you mentally for exam day.

4. Build a Strong Vocabulary

Vocabulary is the foundation of your language skills. Learn a balanced mix of simple and advanced words. A rich vocabulary lets you express ideas clearly and precisely.

5. Use Official TOEFL Study Material

Rely on materials from the ETS website, the official TOEFL authority. They offer both free and paid resources, designed specifically to match the exam requirements.

6. Know the TOEFL Cut-off Scores

Every university sets a minimum TOEFL score for admission. Research these cut-offs carefully. Aim to score above the minimum to strengthen your application.

7. Maintain an Error Log

Track your mistakes as you study. Keeping a log helps you focus on weak areas and transform them into strengths. Consistent review is key to improvement.

8. Follow a Structured Study Plan

Discipline is essential. Set clear daily and weekly goals. A focused study schedule prevents last-minute rush and builds confidence over time.

The TOEFL exam tests four key language skills, each demanding focused preparation. Below, you’ll find essential tips for every section to help you prepare effectively and boost your overall score.

TOEFL Reading Tips

The TOEFL Reading section measures how well you understand academic texts in English. You will read two passages, each about 700 words long, and answer 10 questions per passage. This section lasts roughly 35 minutes and is scored based on your correct answers.

• Immerse Yourself in English Reading

Read widely and regularly in English. This consistent exposure keeps your mind tuned to the language and improves comprehension. Newspapers, articles, and magazines are excellent resources to build familiarity with various writing styles.

• Practice Active Reading

Try reading short passages and summarising their main ideas in your own words. Turning these passages into questions and answers can deepen your understanding and boost retention.

• Expand Your Vocabulary

A strong vocabulary is essential. Use your reading time to note down new words. Try to guess their meanings from the context before confirming them in a dictionary.

• Engage with Academic Texts

Focus on reading university-level materials across different subjects, science, business, social sciences, and arts, to get used to academic language and concepts. Online journals and textbooks are good places to start.

• Skim and Scan Effectively

Learn to skim passages quickly to grasp the main idea without reading every word. Follow this by a detailed reading to identify key points and facts.

• Monitor Your Progress

Exchange articles or practice essays with peers for feedback. Self-assessment helps track your improvement and highlights areas to work on.

• Practice Regularly

Frequent practice increases reading speed and fluency, both critical for completing the section on time.

TOEFL Listening Tips

The Listening section evaluates how well you understand spoken English in academic settings. During the test, you will listen to three lectures and two conversations, answering approximately 28 questions in 36 minutes. Each lecture has six questions, while each conversation has five. Your score depends on the number of correct answers.

• Master the Art of Note-Taking

Effective note-taking is crucial. You must quickly capture key points while listening. Practise summarising spoken information clearly and accurately to boost your performance.

• Build Listening Stamina

Academic listening demands focus over extended periods. Train yourself to listen attentively to lengthy recordings. Work on identifying and retaining important details to answer questions correctly.

• Recognise the Context

Understanding the nature of the conversation or lecture helps anticipate questions. Pay attention to the topic, purpose, and setting to grasp the overall context.

• Listen for Connections Between Ideas

Identify relationships like cause and effect, comparisons, contrasts, or sequences. This will help you understand the speaker’s message more clearly.

• Predict What Comes Next

Anticipating the next point will keep your mind engaged. Practice by pausing audio clips at intervals and guessing what information or argument will follow.

• Determine the Speaker’s Purpose

Try to understand why the speaker communicates, whether it’s to apologise, suggest, complain, or explain. This insight sharpens your comprehension.

• Note the Tone and Formality

Pay close attention to the speaker’s tone, whether calm, emotional, confident, or uncertain. Also, observe if the language is formal or informal, as this affects meaning.

• Track Topic Changes

Speakers often shift topics or digress. Be alert to these changes to avoid confusion and maintain your focus on relevant details.

TOEFL Writing Tips

The Writing section measures your ability to express ideas clearly and logically in English. It consists of two tasks: the Integrated Writing Task and the Independent Writing Task.

In the Integrated Writing Task, you will read a short passage, listen to a related audio clip, and then write a response summarising both. You have about 20 minutes to complete this task. The Independent Writing Task requires you to present and support your opinion on a given topic within 10 minutes.

Your writing must be organised, detailed, and coherent to score well. Use varied sentence structures and appropriate vocabulary, and minimise grammar errors. 

• Practice Summarising Spoken and Written Content

Listen to short audio clips or read brief passages and write summaries. This trains you to capture the main points and present them clearly.

• Master Linking Words

Study connecting words and phrases that link sentences and paragraphs smoothly. These are essential to show relationships between ideas and create a natural flow in your writing.

• Identify Opinions and Counterarguments

When reading or listening, notice the writer or speaker’s viewpoint. Pay attention to any opposing opinions and how they are addressed. Practice expressing these points accurately in your own words.

• Expand Your Vocabulary and Use Idioms Carefully

Enhance your word bank with diverse vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Use them appropriately to add colour and precision to your writing.

• Sharpen Grammar and Mechanics

Develop a strong grasp of grammar rules and spelling conventions. Practice using paragraphs effectively and maintain correct punctuation for clarity.

• Use Practice Textbooks with Writing Exercises

Find study materials that include questions requiring written responses. Regularly practise answering these to improve your writing speed and quality.

• Summarise Longer Articles

Read articles of 300 to 400 words, then create an outline highlighting main points and details. Use this outline to write a concise summary, paraphrasing content with different words and sentence structures.

TOEFL Speaking Tips

The TOEFL Speaking section evaluates how well you communicate orally in academic settings. It includes four tasks that reflect real-life classroom and social situations.

Task 1: Independent Speaking — you share your own thoughts, experiences, or opinions on a topic.

Tasks 2 to 4: Integrated Speaking — these combine skills like listening, reading, and then speaking, mimicking university-style discussions and lectures.

You have roughly 16 minutes to complete all four tasks. Your performance is judged on clarity, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar.

• Practice Familiar Topics

Make a list of everyday and academic subjects. Regularly practise speaking about them aloud to build confidence.

• Describe Images

Pick images from magazines or online and describe them in under one minute. Challenge yourself by varying your descriptions using different adjectives and adding details each time.

• Express Opinions Clearly

Choose opinion articles or current topics. Practice stating your viewpoint and support it with reasons. Use linking phrases to make your argument flow smoothly.

• Self-Evaluate with Student Life Themes

Think about common student activities or preferences. Write down reasons supporting your choices, then speak about them clearly for a minute.

• Stay Informed and Share

Read news articles and discuss your thoughts on recent events with friends to sharpen your speaking fluency and confidence.

• Expand Vocabulary and Use Idioms Wisely

A richer vocabulary helps you express yourself more precisely. Use idioms appropriately but don’t overdo it.

• Master Grammar

Learn grammatical structures until they become second nature while speaking.

• Improve Pronunciation

Work on word stress, intonation, and natural pauses. Use apps or websites designed to enhance pronunciation skills.

• Plan Before You Speak

Take a moment to gather your thoughts. Jot down keywords or ideas but avoid scripting full answers to keep your speech natural and spontaneous.

• Use Signposting Words

Signal transitions and highlight important points with phrases like:

“On one hand...”

“But on the other hand...”

“What this means is...”

“The first reason is...”

“Another point is...”

These expressions help your listener follow your ideas clearly and logically.

Preparing for the TOEFL iBT demands the right resources and a smart study plan. Here, we’ll explore effective methods to conquer the exam, offer a self-study roadmap, and recommend top books and trusted online platforms to boost your preparation.

Free TOEFL Resources from ETS

The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the TOEFL, provides a wealth of free official materials to support your preparation. The TOEFL iBT is now shorter, under two hours and is recognised by over 13,000 institutions worldwide. Here are some valuable free tools available on the ETS website:

• TOEFL TestReady: Practice activities designed to sharpen your skills daily.
   
• Personalized Study Plans: Customised to your strengths and weaknesses based on your test performance.
   
• Section Practice Samplers: Targeted exercises for each test section.
   
• Full TOEFL Sampler: A 40-minute practice test to experience the exam format firsthand.
   
• Official Beginner’s Guide: A comprehensive free guide to get started with TOEFL prep.
   
• Free TOEFL Preparation Course on EDX: An accessible, self-paced course from ETS.
   
• TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner: An 8-week study schedule packed with tips and practice materials.
   
• TOEFL Master Classes: Advanced sessions to deepen your understanding.

Studying solo can absolutely work if you’re committed and strategic. Here’s how you can nail your preparation and hit your desired score.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Starting Point

Kick off by taking a full-length practice test. This will help you pinpoint which sections need the most attention, whether it’s reading, listening, speaking, or writing.

Step 2: Design Your Study Schedule

Based on your current English skills and your target score, plan how much time you’ll need. Most candidates find that consistent practice over 3 to 6 months hits the sweet spot. Set realistic daily or weekly goals to keep momentum going.

Step 3: Gather Quality Study Resources

• Official TOEFL Materials: Use practice tests and study aids directly from ETS for the most accurate experience.
   
• Prep Books: Grab well-reviewed guides like The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test or Barron’s TOEFL iBT for thorough practice and test-taking strategies.
   
• Online Learning: Check out platforms such as Magoosh, Kaplan, or free ETS courses for video lessons, quizzes, and mock exams.

Step 4: Make Practice a Habit

Take multiple practice tests under timed conditions to get used to the exam’s pacing and format. Work through mock exams to assess your strengths and areas needing improvement.

Step 5: Sharpen Each Skill Area

• Listening: Tune in to English podcasts, academic lectures, and audiobooks to boost comprehension.
   
• Reading: Dive into a variety of English texts, newspapers, research articles, and magazines to broaden your understanding.
   
• Speaking: Practice speaking on different topics aloud. Record yourself, listen back, and refine your pronunciation and fluency.
   
• Writing: Regularly write essays and seek expert feedback to improve clarity and structure.

Step 6: Expand Your Vocabulary

Read extensively, create flashcards, learn new words in context, and consult dictionaries or thesauruses to deepen your language skills.

Step 7: Develop Note-Taking and Typing Skills

Practice jotting down key points while listening to audio clips. Since the writing section is typed, improving your typing speed and accuracy is also crucial.

Step 8: Track Your Progress

After about a week of study, take another practice test. Compare your results to see what’s improved and what needs more work. Keep refining your approach until your scores consistently meet or exceed your goal.

• The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test: This comprehensive guide, available in print and eBook formats, offers four full-length practice tests, scoring explanations, and sample questions for all sections.
   
• Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volumes 1 & 2: Each volume contains five real TOEFL tests, complete with online interactive versions, sample Speaking and Writing responses, audio clips, and transcripts for listening sections.
   
• TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner: Perfect for beginners, this planner lays out an 8-week study routine with detailed reviews, practice questions, and tips to tackle every section confidently.
   
• The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test iBT Edition by Bruce Rogers: This guide emphasises skill development before diving into practice tests, building a strong foundation for success.
   
• Delta’s Key to the TOEFL iBT: Advanced Skill Practice: A resource-rich book featuring 35 study units across all four sections, four full-length practice tests, and over nine hours of audio material to master listening.

The TOEFL TestReady app, available on the ETS website, is your go-to digital companion for preparing efficiently and effectively. Designed by the creators of the TOEFL test, this app offers a mix of free and paid resources, helping you focus on the skills that matter most while tracking your progress 24/7. 

• Full-Length Practice Tests Anytime, Anywhere

Access multiple full-length TOEFL iBT practice exams through the app, completely free. Take these tests at your convenience, wherever you are. Plus, benefit from AI-powered scoring that gives instant, personalised feedback on your performance across all four sections.

• Daily Skill-Building with Activity of the Day

Every time you log in, you’ll find a fresh, rotating daily activity featuring questions from any section of the TOEFL exam. This keeps your practice dynamic and helps you sharpen your skills one step at a time.

• Personalised Study Plan Tailored to You

The app makes it easy to begin. Answer just four quick survey questions, and TOEFL TestReady will generate a customised study plan based on your current level and goals. This plan highlights the areas you need to focus on and guides your prep journey.

Additional Free Resources

• Free TOEFL mock tests
• Section-specific practice samplers
• Study guides and official preparation books

Showing up on time is key for any exam, and TOEFL is no different. Plan to arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes early so you can settle in calmly. To avoid last-minute confusion, visit the test location the day before.

1. Stay calm and confident. If English has been part of your life for a while, trust your skills, you’re already ahead of the game.
    
2. Take a moment before the Reading section. Use the first minute or two to collect your thoughts and focus.
    
3. Avoid last-minute studying. Cramming on test day only adds pressure and won’t improve your performance.
    
4. Practice, practice, practice. The more practice tests you complete beforehand, the more comfortable you’ll feel on exam day.
    
5. Dress comfortably but warmly. Most test centres are air-conditioned, so wear layers to avoid feeling chilly during the exam.
    
6. Manage your time in the Writing section. You get 29 minutes to complete your essay, enough to write and proofread quickly but don’t linger too long on revisions.
    
7. Stay sharp during Speaking and Listening. The headphones provided aren’t noise-cancelling, so you’ll need to concentrate fully to catch every detail.