Last Minute Preparation Tips For TOEFL Exam
TOEFL
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) checks how well you understand and use English in an academic setting. It is accepted by universities in countries like the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia. Are you taking the TOEFL exam soon and feeling nervous about how to prepare at the last minute? Don’t worry! Even if you only have a few days left, you can still improve your score by focusing on smart strategies.
This article will give you simple, effective, and focused tips to help you make the most of your final days. Whether it's practicing smarter, avoiding common mistakes, or knowing what to expect on test day — these last-minute TOEFL tips will help you stay on track and succeed.
Related Reads
| TOEFL Exam Registration | TOEFL Exam Dates |
| TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL Essentials: Which is better? | TOEFL Preparation for Beginners |
TOEFL Tips for Last-Minute Preparation
In this section, we are going to be discussing TOEFL tips for last-minute preparation for students looking to take the TOEFL exam.
Understand the TOEFL Structure
Before jumping into last-minute strategies, make sure you know the TOEFL exam pattern. The TOEFL exam has four main sections:
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Reading – Academic texts followed by questions
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Listening – Lectures and conversations with questions
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Speaking – Short tasks where you speak into a microphone
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Writing – Two essays: one based on reading and listening, and one opinion-based
Each section is timed, so it is important to practice under timed conditions during your preparation.
Focus on Practice, Not Learning New Topics
With just a few days left, do not try to learn new grammar rules or study large vocabulary lists. Instead, use your time to practice:
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Take full-length TOEFL practice tests
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Focus on your weak areas
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Time yourself for each section
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Check your answers and understand your mistakes
This kind of practice is much more useful than reading textbooks or watching lessons.
Section-by-Section Last-Minute TOEFL Tips
TOEFL Reading Section
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Skim the passage first to understand the main idea.
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Look at the questions before reading in detail.
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Focus on keywords and avoid spending too much time on one question.
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If a question is difficult, skip it and return later.
TOEFL Listening Section
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Practice taking short, clear notes while listening.
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Listen to each recording only once and write down the main points.
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Focus on the speaker’s attitude, purpose, and key examples.
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Don’t guess the answer before hearing the full audio.
TOEFL Speaking Section
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Use a simple and clear structure: Introduction → Main points → Conclusion
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Do not try to use difficult vocabulary. Speak naturally.
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Practice answering with a timer (15-30 seconds to prepare, 45-60 seconds to speak).
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Record your answers and listen to improve your pronunciation and fluency.
TOEFL Writing Section
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Use a basic essay structure: Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion.
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Keep your language simple and avoid long, complex sentences.
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Include examples and reasons to support your opinion.
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Practice one essay each day and review your writing for grammar mistakes.
Official TOEFL Preparation Material
In this section, we are going to be discussing the best TOEFL study material for students looking to take the TOEFL exam.
- Test takers should be aware of the online study material available for the TOEFL exam. For up-to-date information on the TOEFL, candidates should only refer to reliable sources and check the official TOEFL website. The TOEFL iBT Test Guide offers four full-fledged practice tests, helpful hints, scoring tips, and sample questions for all four test sections covered in the test.
- Understanding the TOEFL Essentials Test helps students with various tips on time management, registration, how to effectively attempt the test and other topics.
- Leaners must religiously include the sample tests available online in their strategic plan for TOEFL preparation. ETS offers free study guides to support and enhance the skills of the test takers, which primarily focus on the type of content knowledge required for the test.
- With the help of the self-paced Official TOEFL iBT® Prep Course, learners can develop the communication skills needed to interact in English in a classroom setting. Skills like reading, listening, speaking, and writing are covered in-depth in courses and exercises. It also helps to track the progress with the help of pre and post-tests.
Related Reads
| TOEFL Speaking Tips | TOEFL Reading Tips |
| TOEFL Writing Tips | TOEFL Listening Tips |
Last-minute TOEFL preparation is not about learning something new. It is about reviewing, practicing, and building confidence. Focus on using what you already know. Stay calm, trust your preparation, and go into the test with a clear mind. Candidates can get in touch with us in the comments below. For university admission-related queries, feel free to get in touch with our Study Abroad Counsellors.
The day before the exam is crucial and you must revise all the important topics and vocabulary. You must also revise the TOEFL exam pattern and revisit each question type and how to tackle each one of those to avoid wasting too much of your time in understanding each of those questions in the main exam.
Check the things to do one day before the TOEFL exam:
- Review key concepts briefly
- Relax and get adequate rest
- Prepare necessary items (ID, admission ticket)
- Eat a healthy meal
- Avoid intense studying
- Plan your route to the test center
- Set multiple alarms for the morning
To score 100+ marks on the TOEFL exam, you must prepare really well in advance and practice solving TOEFL sample papers and mock tests. To score 100+ on the TOEFL, you must:
- Practice all sections regularly
- Improve English skills overall
- Learn test-specific strategies
- Take full-length practice tests
- Build vocabulary and grammar
- Enhance listening and note-taking
- Develop clear speaking and writing
- Manage time effectively during the exam
There is no such thing as failing or passing the TOEFL exam. Every university would have its own TOEFL Score cut-off and students are required to achieve scores higher than the set grade. Candidates should note that higher TOEFL scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat in the university and also make them a front runner for any scholarships being offered by the university. A low TOEFL score would require the student to re-take the exam to improve his/her performance.
The ideal duration depends on the TOEFL test taker's English proficiency and target score. Generally, dedicating 3-6 months with consistent practice sessions should yield the desired TOEFL scores. TOEFL test takers are further advised to analyze their practice test scores and identify areas needing improvement to tailor their study plan.
The cost of the TOEFL iBT exam in India is INR 16,900. This includes the fees of TOEFL registration and reporting of scores to up to four institutions or agencies.
A score of 120 on the TOEFL represents perfect proficiency in English, as it is the highest possible score on the test. The TOEFL is divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, with each section scored from 0 to 30. Achieving a score of 120 indicates that a test taker has demonstrated exceptional skills across all sections.
Achieving a score of 90 on the TOEFL can be considered challenging but is attainable for many test takers, depending on their English proficiency level and preparation. A score of 90 is generally viewed as good proficiency, making it acceptable for most universities, although more competitive programs may require higher scores.
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
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Here are some quick tips for fast TOEFL preparation: