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TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is one of the most popular exams to assess a candidate’s command of the English language. As a part of their admission criteria, a majority of universities across the world demand scores for the TOEFL exam, which is conducted by ETS.
However, to crack one of the highly coveted English proficiency tests, it is essential to formulate a plan and timely begin the preparation. Now that the TOEFL Exam Pattern has also changed, students need more guidance on how to prepare for the 1 hour 56 minutes TOEFL exam. For all the applicants willing to appear for TOEFL, here is a comprehensive guide on how to crack the new TOEFL in 3 months!
This Blog Includes:
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024
The first step in “How to crack TOEFL in 3 months” should be a comprehensive analysis of the TOEFL exam pattern. Once you know which section needs more time, you can easily devote time accordingly. Tabulated below are the main highlights of the TOEFL exam pattern.
| Sections | Task | Number of Questions | Duration | Score |
| Reading | 2 Reading Passages | 20 Questions | 35 minutes | 0-30 |
| Writing | 2 Writing Tasks | 2 Questions | 29 minutes | 0-30 |
| Speaking | 4 Tasks | 4 Questions | 16 minutes | 0-30 |
| Listening | Lectures & Conversations | 28 Questions | 36 minutes | 0-30 |
Section-Wise Study Plan to Crack TOEFL in 3 Months
To score well in the TOEFL exam, one must be thorough with the TOEFL syllabus. Read the section-wise syllabus, identify your weak areas, and bifurcate the topics into two categories- the ones which are completely new to you and the ones you already know. After this assessment, devise a plan and proceed accordingly. Given below are section-wise strategies on how to crack TOEFL in 3 months.
Writing Section
There will be 2 questions in this section, an academic discussion, and integrated writing. To score well in both questions you must showcase your writing potential.
- Begin by practising the rules of grammar. For at least 2 weeks, practice a variety of Grammar-based questions daily and focus on sentence structure.
- Go through some of the TOEFL sample essays to comprehend the structure.
- A conversational tone should be strictly avoided. You must practice writing in a formal tone.
- By the 3rd week, start solving beginner-level writing questions.
- At the commencement of the 2nd month of your preparation, switch to advanced-level writing questions, and thoroughly practice them for the entire month.
- In the third month, practice 2 questions daily and start solving a TOEFL sample test.
Sample Questions:
- What are your observations on the effects of widespread use of the internet?
- Movies and television tend to create certain notions of a perfect lifestyle/human being. How would you elucidate that?
- Do you agree or disagree with the idea that young people can teach older people?
Reading Section
In this section, questions will be framed on 2 comprehension passages which candidates have to complete in 35 minutes. Here is a weekly plan on how to crack TOEFL in 3 months with a special focus on the Reading section.
- The most important step is to read the newspaper thoroughly every day.
- For the initial 2 weeks, go through comprehension passages in the mock tests and get a hold of their structure.
- 3rd week onwards, practice a few samples daily. This will help in enhancing your speed and accuracy.
- From 2nd month onwards, practice full-fledged paper daily within a set time limit.
- Towards the end, when only 1-2 weeks are left, go through blogs and articles on common topics.
Speaking Section
The response to the speaking test will be recorded through microphones. 2-3 questions on familiar topics will be put forward and the candidates will have to solve them in 16 minutes. If you also want to know how to crack the Speaking Section of TOEFL in 3 months, then here is a plan you can follow.
- From the very first day, take out at least 20 minutes daily and read aloud a passage from any newspaper, book, magazine, etc
- Focus on your pronunciation.
- Towards the end of the 1st month, start watching debates and bulletins on English news channels to familiarize yourself with the common TOEFL-speaking topics. Try to grasp their style, tone, and enunciation.
- At the start of the 9th week, practice different TOEFL sample speaking questions in front of a mirror and continue this process until your test day.
- Make sure that you only use a formal tone and include appropriate examples wherever required.
Sample Questions:
- What kind of behaviour would you be inclined to? A carefree, adventurous one or do you believe in avoiding taking risks and sticking to the plan?
- What do you consider to be the best place to spend time with your friends and family? Is it in the comfort of your home or the adventures of the outside world?
- How do you make career-related choices? What are the three most appealing career paths you have come across till now?
- Where would be your next travel?
Listening Section
Majorly, 3-4 recordings will be played in this section. Applicants will be allowed to take precise recording notes and be given approximately 36 minutes to answer all the questions. Mentioned below are some of the tips on how to crack TOEFL in 3 months.
- To get a hold of the accent and enunciation, play them twice for the first 2 weeks.
- From the 3rd week onwards, practice at least 2 audio recordings daily.
- Play the audio once only between the 5th to 8th week.
- In Week 9, daily practice two mock audio recordings without any pauses and evaluate your answers. Practice this step for the entire third month.
Best Preparation Tips for TOEFL?
TOEFL How to Prepare: While achieving a perfect score on the TOEFL the first time around can be demanding however thorough preparation and a strategic approach can significantly increase your chances of success. It’s important to remember that exam performance depends on factors beyond just your level of preparation; having strong coping mechanisms for unexpected situations is equally crucial. Here are some effective tips and tricks to bolster your preparation and equip you to confidently tackle the TOEFL:
- To devise effective preparation strategies, familiarise yourself with the latest TOEFL format and question patterns. Official ETS resources and reputable test preparation providers serve as reliable sources of this information.
- Solve numerous mock tests and practice questions. This comprehensive exposure will reveal the exam’s intricacies, refine your test-taking skills, and equip you to handle challenging questions with confidence.
- Invest in quality resources. Purchase reputable test preparation books and study materials curated by experts. These resources offer in-depth coverage of the exam content and nuances, providing a well-rounded foundation for your preparation.
- Dedicate time to taking detailed notes as you study. This active learning tactic strengthens your memory, improves information retention, and enhances understanding of key concepts.
- Set timers during your preparation to enhance your overall speed and accuracy.
- Regularly revisit your notes and practice materials to solidify your knowledge and maintain long-term recall. This ongoing revision strengthens your understanding and boosts your chances of securing a high score on the TOEFL exam.
Top 5 Books For TOEFL Preparation
Here are the best books which you may purchase to expedite your TOEFL preparation. Notable authors/publishers write these books, cover major topics and the latest trends, and comprise various sample papers and questions.
| Name of the Book(s) | Author/Publisher |
| THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO THE TOEFL IBT TEST, SIXTH EDITION | ETS |
| TOEFL iBT Prep Plus 2020-2021 | Kaplan |
| TOEFL IBT | Pamela J.Sharpe |
| ESSENTIAL WORDS FOR THE TOEFL | Steven J. Matthiesen |
| Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1, Fourth Edition | ETS |
So that was all about the TOEFL exam. Hope the blog has answered your queries about the topic.
FAQs
Many students have a preconception that IELTS is easier than TOEFL. However, the answer is much more subjective. With ETS introducing the revised exam pattern, TOEFL proves to be a shorter exam with a lower application fee. You will also have an easier time with the shorter writing section in TOEFL. Hence, the revised TOEFL is much easier than IELTS in many aspects.
Those who want to study in reputable institutions overseas should strive for a TOEFL iBT score of 100 to 120.
There is no ordained set of credentials for taking the TOEFL Exam. The test requires that you have at least qualified for your class 10+2 boards from a reputable institution.
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