If you aspire to be admitted to your dream college abroad, TOEFL can lead you to the gates. TOEFL exam aims to test your proficiency in the English language. And you need to qualify for the exam to take admission to an international college.
So, you should follow the right strategy and approach to ace this exam. Here is where TOFEL preparation courses comes into play. The earlier you start, the better it will be for you.
But here comes the question – how long should you study to ace this exam? Well, there are various factors affecting this, such as your current English proficiency level, the score you need, and your study habits. However, TOFEL preparation courses can help you achieve success.
This guide can be your master plan to help you understand it better.
1. Assess Your Current English Proficiency Level
The first and most important step in determining how long you need to study for the TOEFL is assessing your current level of English. If you’re just starting your journey to learning English, you’ll likely need more time to prepare than someone who is already comfortable with reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English.
You can assess your English level in several ways:
- Take a practice test: A TOEFL practice test will give you a clear sense of where you stand. You’ll be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses in the test’s four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
- Review feedback from teachers: If you’re attending an English language course, ask your teacher for feedback on your proficiency level. This will help you pinpoint the areas you need to focus on.
2. Understand Your Target Score
The time you spend on TOEFL IBT preparation will largely depend on the score you aim to achieve. Different schools, universities, and employers require different TOEFL scores. For example:
- Undergraduate programs typically require a TOEFL score ranging from 70 to 90.
- Graduate programs often ask for higher scores, usually around 90 to 110.
- Highly competitive programs or professional qualifications may require a score of 110 or above.
Once you know the score you need, you can plan your study time accordingly. For example, if you’re currently scoring around 60 on a practice test but need an 80, you’ll likely need several weeks or months of focused study. If you only need to improve by a few points, a few weeks of practice may be sufficient.
3. Study Time Based on Skill Level
Here’s a general guide to help you understand how much time you might need to study based on your current TOEFL score:
- Beginner (TOEFL score below 50): If your English skills are at a beginner level, you may need to study for 6 months or more. At this stage, you’ll need to focus on building vocabulary, improving grammar, and developing your listening and speaking skills.
- Intermediate (TOEFL score between 50 and 70): If you’re at an intermediate level, expect to study for about 3 to 4 months. You’ll need to focus on strengthening your understanding of academic vocabulary, enhancing your reading comprehension, and practicing your writing.
- Upper Intermediate (TOEFL score between 70 and 90): At this stage, you’ll likely need 1 to 2 months of study to improve your test-taking strategies, refine your writing and speaking skills, and get familiar with the test format.
- Advanced (TOEFL score above 90): If you’re already at an advanced level, you may need only a few weeks of focused study. Your preparation can focus on improving specific weak areas and taking practice tests to build confidence.
4. Create a Study Plan
A well-organized study plan is crucial for TOEFL success. Once you’ve identified how much time you need based on your current level and target score, the next step is to break down your study time. Here’s how to create an effective plan:
- Daily Practice: Aim for at least 1 to 2 hours of TOEFL study each day. This will allow you to make consistent progress without overwhelming yourself.
- Focus on All Four Sections: The TOEFL tests your skills in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Make sure your study plan covers all these areas equally. For example:
- Reading: Practice reading academic texts, newspapers, and journals.
- Listening: Listen to English podcasts, news reports, and academic lectures.
- Speaking: Practice speaking with a partner or record yourself answering TOEFL speaking prompts.
- Writing: Write essays and get feedback on your writing to improve clarity and structure.
- Take Full-Length Practice Tests: Taking practice tests under timed conditions will help you become more familiar with the test format and time constraints. Try to take at least one full-length practice test per week.
- Review and Adjust: As you move through your study plan, regularly review your progress. If you find that you’re struggling with a particular section, allocate more time to that area.
5. TOEFL Study Resources
The resources you use can make a big difference in how effectively you study. Here are some popular TOEFL study tools:
- Official TOEFL Guide: The ETS (Educational Testing Service) official guide provides real TOEFL practice tests and detailed explanations.
- Online TOEFL courses: Websites like Magoosh, Kaplan, and TST Prep offer structured courses with video lessons, practice questions, and mock tests.
- TOEFL apps: There are many mobile apps designed to help you practice TOEFL on the go. These apps often include vocabulary flashcards, practice questions, and study schedules.
6. Best Practices for Efficient TOEFL Preparation
To make the most of your study time, here are a few best practices:
- Consistency: It’s better to study a little bit each day rather than cramming right before the exam.
- Practice under test conditions: Simulate exam conditions by taking practice tests with time limits. This will help you get comfortable with the pace of the test.
- Seek feedback: If possible, work with a tutor or join a study group to get feedback on your speaking and writing sections.
- Focus on weak areas: While it’s important to practice all sections, pay extra attention to the areas where you struggle the most.
Conclusion
The time needed to study for the TOEFL varies based on your current proficiency, target score, and personal study habits. While beginners may need several months of focused study, advanced learners may only need a few weeks to brush up on their skills. The key to TOEFL success is consistent practice, effective time management, and using the right resources to target your weak areas. By creating a structured study plan and dedicating time to improving each of the four sections, you’ll be well on your way to acing the TOEFL exam.