TOEFL Prep on a Budget: Affordable Resources and Study Tips

The TOEFL is an important exam if you want to study in an English-speaking country. Don't worry, you don't need to spend lots of money to prepare for it! Use free TOEFL preparation resources from the test makers (ETS). Read, listen, speak, and write in English every day. Practice a little bit each day, and you will do great! You don't need expensive classes.

For anyone dreaming of studying abroad, the TOEFL is often the first big hurdle. And let’s be honest-between college applications, visa fees, and test costs, it all adds up pretty quickly. So, if you’re wondering how to prepare for the TOEFL without spending a small fortune, you’re definitely not alone. The good news is that it’s totally doable.

What Is the TOEFL, and Why Does It Matter?

The TOEFL iBT is a test that checks how well you use English in an academic setting. It covers four main skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Most universities in the US, Canada, the UK, and even some in Europe and Asia accept TOEFL scores. Basically, if you're planning to study where English is the main language, this test matters a lot.

Free TOEFL Official Resources from ETS

Before you rush into paid coaching classes or expensive prep books, check out the free TOEFL preparation resources that ETS already offers:

• A full-length practice test: This helps you get used to the format and timing. It’s a great way to figure out what sections you’re already strong in, and where you need more practice.
• Practice questions: These cover every section of the test and give you a sense of what kinds of questions to expect. They're straightforward and pulled from actual previous tests.
• TOEFL TestReady: This is ETS’s preparation platform. It combines free and paid tools, but the free part alone is worth using - daily practice questions and personalized tips based on your performance.

Making a Plan That Works for You

You don’t need to just study for 6 hours a day to get a great score. You only need a focused plan. Below are some tips or strategies on how you can approach each section:

• Reading: Read a short article every day from newspapers, blogs, or science websites. Highlight unfamiliar words, look them up, and try summarizing what you just read. Sounds simple, but it works.
• Listening: Watch lectures on YouTube or listen to English-language podcasts. Then pause and try to explain what you heard, out loud. This helps you absorb information and speak more fluently, too.
• Speaking: You can practice by talking about any random topics, recording your responses on your phone, and listening back. Now you can easily spot your mistakes that you didn’t notice while speaking.
• Writing: Write short essays, maybe 250–300 words, on common topics. Don’t aim for perfection- just write regularly. Later, go back and read them critically: are your points clear? Are your sentences too long? Self-editing is part of the preparation.

Do You Need to Pay for TOEFL Coaching?

It depends. Some people thrive with structure, while others prefer self-study. If you’re disciplined and good at figuring things out on your own, you can prepare without spending much at all.

Paid classes can be useful if:

• You’re really short on time.
• You need accountability.
• You’ve already tried self-study and aren’t seeing progress.

TOEFL Free Classes by Shiksha

If you’re looking for even more structured support, without spending a lot, Shiksha offers a fantastic option: TOEFL free classes. This is a 4-week program led by Taru, a highly qualified trainer. Taru is a Cambridge and IDP-certified IELTS trainer with Shiksha, holds a CELTA from Cambridge University Press (via the British Council), and has an MA in Linguistics from the University of Delhi. With 5 years of experience in IELTS, Spoken English, DET, and TOEFL, she has already trained over 1,000 students!

The expert will give targeted feedback to help you improve and tailor each lesson to your learning style, so you can build both skill and confidence. The classes cover all four modules of the TOEFL exam: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. But that’s not all. If you join the TOEFL free classes, Shiksha also offers some great perks:

• INR 4,900 discount on your TOEFL exam fee
• Free counseling
• Many more benefits to help you on your study abroad journey

So, if you want expert guidance without the high price tag, Shiksha’s free classes could be the perfect fit. It’s a great way to get ready for the TOEFL, boost your score, and save money at the same time!

Getting ready for the TOEFL doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet. There’s no secret formula, just good habits, smart planning, and steady effort. So start with what’s free, be honest with yourself about what you need help with, and build from there. Before you know it, you'll be booking your test date and getting ready for a new country.