Mostly, all the students join extra classes to study for TOEFL, but the study modules can be done on your own as well. Think of it as learning a new language; if you have the right TOEFL books and resources along with motivation and self-discipline, you can do well by studying alone.

Nevertheless, if you feel you need guidance from professionals, then you should join a TOEFL coaching center. You will obtain more resources and study materials. Moreover, being around other students will increase your motivation levels.

TOEFL Study Material

If you plan for self-study ad=nd prepare for TOEFL, there are a lot of books and resources along with TOEFL study materials available to help you. The official ETS has its own official preparation books and online preparation. Refer to the following TOEFL books to help create a study plan –

• TOEFL iBT: The Official ETS Study Guide - This exam guide provides a comprehensive range of tips, practice exercises, and skill-building methods to prepare you thoroughly for the TOEFL test. This bestselling guide features hundreds of real TOEFL test questions and essay topics, full-length, authentic tests, valuable tips, and practice exercises for all 4 language skills tested — listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
• The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test iBT Edition by Bruce Rogers - In this exam guide there is a lot of focus on developing the skills needed to take the test before actually giving example questions and practice tests, which is great and will surely benefit in the long run.
• Delta's Key to the TOEFL iBT: Advanced Skill Practice - The book comes with an audio CD containing over 9 hours of audio, to ensure the listening component of the test is mastered. It features 35 units of study in reading, listening, speaking, and writing four full-length tests in TOEFL iBT format 1,200 questions in the units, quizzes, and tests Answer key, audio script, and score charts.

TOEFL Preparation Tips FAQs

Q. How should I start preparing for TOEFL?

A. Time is the criteria here. Students should remember to start as early as possible, go through the complete syllabus with special attention to the difficult parts and solve as many TOEFL practice papers as possible. This way students can look at accomplishing their preparation and performing well for the TOEFL exam.

Q. Is it hard to get 80 in TOEFL?

A. Students should note that scoring in the TOEFL exam will completely depend upon your preparation for the TOEFL exam. Students who do not use any shortcuts and study with a plan in mind are sure to score above students who rely on last-minute preparations. And for serious candidates, there is no limit to reach the top. Hence, whether getting an 80 in your next TOEFL exam is easy or not would entirely based on how you have prepared for the TOEFL exam. 

Q. How can I pass TOEFL successfully?

A. There arent any such thing as failing or passing the TOEFL exam. Every university has its own TOEFL Score cut-off criteria and students are advised to procure scores equal or higher than the set grade. Students 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 accomplishment.

Q. How many days do you need to prepare for TOEFL?

A. The key to a good TOEFL score is ample preparation. Students who have prior knowledge of the TOEFL exam can appear for the exam within a short period of preparation time. Students who are relatively new are recommended to prepare well before booking their TOEFL test slot.

Q. What is the hardest part of TOEFL?

A. Whether a test is hard or easy is very personal and depends on your ability to understand the English Language skills. However, rest assured, the TOEFL exam has been created to test your understanding of the English language and not to make you uncomfortable. The tests are created keeping in mind the student and a good plan of study would yield positive results.

Q. Can we take TOEFL at home?

A. Given the Covid-19 pandemic, ETS has made appearing for the TOEFL test seamless by launching the TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition Test for students looking to take the test from the safety of their homes.