TOEFL iBT Study Tips: Build Academic English Skills That Last
Studying Tips for TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT measures whether you can function in an academic English environment. That means you’re tested on real-world skills: taking notes from lectures, understanding campus conversations, reading articles, and writing arguments. Your study plan should mirror that reality—short, daily contact with authentic English and targeted practice in each section.
Step 1: Diagnose Your Section Strengths and Weaknesses
- Take a full practice test or section to see where you lose the most points: Reading, Listening, Speaking, or Writing.
- Set score goals by section instead of only one total score (for example, R24, L22, S23, W24).
- Organize your week around your weaker sections while maintaining strengths.
Step 2: Train With Realistic Academic Input Every Day
- Listen to short university lectures, TED talks, or academic podcasts. Pause every 1–2 minutes and summarize in your own words.
- Read articles from science, history, and social sciences. Underline topic sentences and transition phrases.
- Keep a vocabulary journal for academic words (analyze, assume, contrast, consistent, factor, etc.).
Step 3: Use Speaking and Writing Templates (But Don’t Sound Robotic)
- For speaking tasks, prepare simple templates: introduction → reason 1 + example → reason 2 + example → conclusion.
- For Writing Task 1 (Integrated), practice organizing your essay around how the listening supports or contradicts the reading.
- For Writing Task 2 (Independent), build a bank of opinion phrases and linking words you’re comfortable using.
Step 4: Simulate Test Conditions Weekly
- Use a headset or quiet room for speaking practice.
- Time your writing tasks and stick to TOEFL word limits while maintaining clarity and structure.
- Review your recorded speaking responses and written essays to spot grammar and pronunciation patterns.
A smart TOEFL AI Tutor can listen to your responses, highlight your grammar issues, and suggest better vocabulary on the spot—so every practice session becomes feedback-rich.
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