How to Get a High Score on TOEFL without Going Crazy
Hello, my dear reader. Youâve opened this post, so something tells me youâre shaking in your boots right now because of upcoming TOEFL. I know what you feel, my friend. I took TOEFL this December, and in this post Iâll share my experience, give a piece of advice and reveal some secrets (warning! Having read till the end youâre doomed to pass this exam with flying colors!)
- What do I need TOEFL for?
Iâm going to obtain a Masterâs Degree in Europe, therefore I need an official certificate that proves my language proficiency. Iâve been studying American English for 4 years, thatâs why I chose TOEFL instead of IELTS. European universities accept either of these exams.
- What is my score?
I got 93. It was a bit disappointing, because 95 equals C1, and I have just 2 points fewer. However, itâs more than enough to be admitted to a wide range of European universities (programs in linguistics and teaching.)
- When did I start preparing?
!Warning! Do not follow my example!
I registered for the exam in October and had 2 months to prepare. In fact, Iâd been stressing out for 1.5 months and actually preparing for like 2 weeks. I postponed it, because I had too much work. What saved me was that that work was in English: university practice, tutoring after classes, daily chatting with my foreign friends. I lived in English, but if you have less practice (even if not!), please start preparing way in advance.
- What to start with?
- Registration
- Register on the official page for iBT test-takers (youâll find all the necessary information there): https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/
- Make sure to check whether the center youâve chosen has any covid-related rules (for example, some centers can ask for a negative PCR)
2. Study the format
TOEFL has a definite structure that you should be aware of. It checks your abilities in English, but if youâre not familiar with the format, it can lower your score.
The official page about the content: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/about/content
- Preparation
Once youâre familiar enough with the test format and youâve set a score goal, itâs time you got down to business! Hereâs what I used to prepare:
- You will find on this page some official resources to train for the test: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare
- Improve your vocabulary for TOEFL (327 words to know): https://www.prepscholar.com/toefl/blog/toefl-vocabulary-list/
- Youtube playlist with a practice test (new version)âââhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo8HPysuqfKjnd3KoHyhfeStSqL8s6PPM (watch video and see answers in description when youâre done)
- Advice from someone who had a high score: https://youtu.be/Hw6PvrRiv20
5. This channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y8cm8k2vzU&ab_channel=Adam%E2%80%99sEnglishLessons%C2%B7engVid
6. https://toeflibtcourse.com
7. These apps:

8. This book (you can find it online):

9. What to expect on test day (official page):
âŚand much more on YouTube/Google
- Some tips that can help you
- Take it easy! I know itâs stressful, but believe meâââitâs going to be alright. Even if itâs not perfect. Iâve been learning English for 13 years already, and yet I kept making mistakes.
- Try not to panic at the exam. I was scared to death, and at some point I started doubting that I could understand English at all. I was looking at the texts and couldnât get the gist of them. Breathe deeply and bon courage!
- Always answer. Youâll never be penalized for a wrong answer, so donât leave any blank. Even if you donât know, take your best guess.
- Donât read the whole text in the reading section. Itâs nothing but losing time. Read the question and the passage it refers to. (They are usually specified or go one after another, theyâre not mixed.)
- Have an extra pen!!!!
Youâre not allowed to bring your own sheets, pens or pencils. The administrator will give you them. What was my situation? My pen (their pen) died right in the middle of the listening section when you basically need to write all the time. I had to yell at the poor woman asking for a new pen. Obviously, I missed some parts of the task. Who knows, maybe I couldâve had 95 pointsâŚ
6. Before leaving home make sure you have a bottle of water and your passport with you andâŚ
Good luck!!!!!! I believe in you. Remember: if I could do it, you can do it too!