he TOEFL is one of the most popular exams for admission to universities abroad. It tests English proficiency in four key skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Many people believe that successful preparation requires expensive courses. In reality, with the right strategy and high-quality materials, you can prepare very well on your own.
What’s the secret to effective self-study? To prepare for the TOEFL successfully, it is important to:
- understand the exam format and the requirements of each section;
- practice skills using real exam materials;
- train time management and test-taking strategies.
That’s why we’ve gathered a selection of trusted official and independent resources that will help you prepare systematically and feel confident on test day.
Official resources
Official TOEFL iBT Resources – practice tests and sample questions, along with detailed instructions for each exam section.
Listening Section Insights – a breakdown of the Listening section structure, with audio materials and sample questions.
Tip: always begin your preparation with official ETS resources — this will help you get used to the actual exam format.
Instructional guides and lesson plans
Off2Class – step-by-step lessons and strategies for every section of the TOEFL, useful for both teachers and independent learners.
Teachers Pay Teachers – a marketplace with original lesson plans, exercises, and workbooks, where you can find materials tailored to specific TOEFL topics and skills.
Tip: use these resources to structure your study sessions and create your own study plan.
Practice and tests
Magoosh – free practice questions, vocabulary lists, and ready-made weekly or monthly study plans.
TOEFL Resources – detailed guides and practice tools for Speaking, plus advice on improving pronunciation and response structure.
Tip: alternate between theory and practice — this helps solidify progress faster.
Listening practice
Better TOEFL Scores – strategies for improving English listening comprehension, plus practical exercises for daily training.
Tip: supplement your study by listening to podcasts, news, and lectures in English to get accustomed to different accents.
How to use these resources effectively
For maximum productivity, follow this strategy:
- Start with official ETS materials.
- Add instructional guides and independent resources to your practice.
- Alternate between full-length tests and focused practice sessions (especially in Speaking and Listening).
- Once a week, simulate a “mock exam” with a timer.
Tip: take notes, track your mistakes, and review challenging tasks — this will help you eliminate weak spots more quickly.
Preparing for the TOEFL on your own is absolutely possible and effective if you organize your process properly. Use trusted resources, plan your sessions, and practice regularly under test-like conditions. This way, you’ll not only succeed on the TOEFL but also significantly improve your overall English proficiency.
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