How to Pass the TOEFL iBT in 2025 - The ULTIMATE Study Plan

Summary

In this video, Teacher Josh from TST Prep provides a complete guide to preparing for the TOEFL exam. He explains how to assess your current level with practice tests, set realistic score goals, and estimate the time needed to achieve them. The video covers free and paid resources, including websites, AI tools, and personalized courses, while emphasizing smart practice strategies. Josh highlights the most common mistakes test takers make and shows how to practice effectively using a simple cycle: set goals, practice with focus, and review results. Viewers will learn actionable tips to boost their scores efficiently and confidently.

Takeaways

• 😀 Take a practice TOEFL test first to determine your current level and understand how far you need to improve.
• 😀 Improvement time depends on your starting score and target score; small improvements can take 30-60 days, larger improvements 3-12 months.
• 😀 Speaking and writing can be improved faster than reading and listening because they are under your control and benefit from feedback.
• 😀 Set realistic expectations for your study timeline based on your current knowledge and target score.
• 😀 Gather resources early, including free websites, YouTube videos, PDFs, and reliable paid options like TST Prep or ETS official materials.
• 😀 Use free resources effectively if you cannot afford paid courses; YouTube, Reddit, and Facebook groups can provide practice materials.
• 😀 Consider investing in paid courses or private lessons if you want structured guidance, faster progress, or personalized feedback.
• 😀 Recommended practice websites include TST Prep, ETS TOEFL Go, My Speaking Score, Test Resources, Scientific American, Ted-Ed, Elsa Speech Analyzer, Natural Readers, and Grammarly.
• 😀 Practice smart: set a goal, practice with that focus, then review your performance to improve efficiently.
• 😀 Avoid the common mistake of taking practice tests repeatedly without reviewing mistakes or learning from them.
• 😀 AI tools like ChatGPT can help improve writing and speaking by providing feedback, but are less reliable for generating authentic TOEFL questions.
• 😀 Consistent review and iterative practice with clear goals is key to achieving your desired TOEFL score efficiently.

Q & A

Why is it important to take a practice TOEFL test before starting preparation?

Taking a practice test helps determine your current level, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set realistic expectations for how much you need to improve to reach your target score.

How long might it take to improve your score by 5 points if you are a beginner?

If you know little about the test, you can likely improve by 5 points in about 30 to 60 days by learning strategies and tips for the test.

What should a student do if they need to improve their TOEFL score by more than 10 points?

They should practice both TOEFL-specific skills and general English abilities, which may take at least 3 months or longer, depending on their starting level.

Which sections of the TOEFL test are generally quicker to improve and why?

Speaking and writing are generally quicker to improve because they are productive skills that the student can control directly through practice, feedback, and revision.

What are some free resources for TOEFL preparation mentioned in the script?

Free resources include YouTube practice videos, Reddit/Facebook groups, TST Prep free account with PDFs, practice tests, and eBooks.

Can AI, such as ChatGPT, be used to prepare for TOEFL?

Yes, AI can provide feedback on writing and help practice speaking, but it is not reliable for generating authentic TOEFL reading or speaking questions without adjustments.

What is the recommended three-step process for practicing effectively?

The process is: 1) Set a goal for the session, 2) Practice with focus on that goal, and 3) Review the results and adjust for the next session.

Which websites are recommended for TOEFL-specific practice?

Recommended TOEFL websites include TST Prep, ETS TOEFL Go App, My Speaking Score, and Test Resources by Michael Goodine.

What role do paid courses and private lessons play in TOEFL preparation?

Paid courses or private lessons provide structured guidance, personalized feedback, and save time by giving students a clear study plan, which is useful if preparing in a short period or needing higher improvement.

What is the biggest mistake most test-takers make when preparing for TOEFL?

The biggest mistake is taking practice tests repeatedly without reviewing them or analyzing mistakes, which prevents meaningful improvement.

How can students improve their listening skills using external websites?

Students can use sites like Scientific American and Ted Ed to listen to short podcasts or talks, transcribe or answer questions about them, and practice listening comprehension.

Why is building vocabulary important for improving TOEFL scores?

Vocabulary is crucial because it affects reading, listening, and speaking comprehension. Expanding vocabulary generally takes longer than practicing speaking and writing strategies.