Prepare for the

TOEFL iBT® test

Your TOEFL iBT® in 1–2 Weeks
Study Plan
+ Boost Writing Skills!

This study plan is designed to help you stay organized, track your progress, focus on
Writing, and study all necessary skills in 2 weeks.

Day
1 Take a practice test 2
2 Learn about the Writing section 3
3 Learn about the Reading section 5
4 Learn about the Listening section 6
5 Learn about the Speaking section 7
6 Work on your Reading and Listening skills 9
7 Work on your Speaking and Writing skills 10
8 Take a break and reflect! 11
9 Practice Reading and Speaking sections 12
10 Practice Listening and Writing sections 13
11 Practice Writing and Reading sections 14
12 Practice Speaking and Listening sections 15
13 Take a second practice test 16
14 Do a final review and get ready for Test Day! 17

The Strategy Behind Your TOEFL iBT Study Plan

Follow the schedule of this plan! When you complete each day’s tasks in order, it will:

Vary the Order Space Out Your Use Your Skills Focus on
of Topics Practice Together Writing
Mixing up the order Revisiting the TOEFL Combining your Studying Writing
of the TOEFL iBT iBT sections regularly language skills in one first and reflecting
sections you study may will help you recall activity is closer to real on your progress in
feel difficult, but your information. Over time, life. You practice more Writing will help you
abilities will grow! you will remember skills at once! improve this skill!
more information!
1
Day 1 | Take a practice test

Completed

1. Identify your goal scores

2. Complete a full practice test

3. Compare your goal scores and your

current scores

1. Identify your goal scores

List your goal scores for each of the TOEFL iBT sections below.

READING LISTENING SPEAKING WRITING

2. Complete a full practice test

Consider this option!

Take a practice test and complete all four skill The Free Practice Test will
sections. Make sure to time yourself to get the provide you with a realistic
most real-life experience. testing experience.

Free Practice Test

3. Compare your goal scores and your current scores

Fill in this table to find your goals for improving in each area.

Your Goal Your Current Your Goal

subtract calculate
Scores Scores to Improve!
Example:
Reading
25 – 16 = 9

Reading

Listening
– =
Speaking

Writing

2
Day 2 | Learn about the Writing section

Completed

1. Read about the TOEFL iBT Writing section

2. Complete a Writing section

1. Read about the TOEFL iBT Writing section

Jump into Writing first to boost your skills and confidence!

Structure of the Writing Section

Writing is the fourth and final section you’ll see on test day. Learn more about the structure of the Writing section here.

Integrated
Writing Task 20 minutes
About
30 minutes
Writing for total
an Academic 10 minutes
Discussion Task

Types of Questions in the Writing Section

Watch these videos that explain the types of questions you’ll see in the Writing section.
• Question 1: Integrated Writing
• Question 2: Writing for an Academic Discussion

Writing Rubrics
Review the rubrics that are used to score responses.
• Writing Scoring Guides (Rubrics)

WRITING BOOST: Review strategies for the Writing section

Here are a few tips to maximize your efforts on the TOEFL iBT Writing section.
• Take notes on what you read and hear. You will read passages and listen to audio during the Writing
section. Take notes about important details in the readings and audio. Your notes will not be scored, and
you can use your notes to draft your written responses.
• Read your writing before you submit your response. Rereading can help you catch mistakes in writing.
Correct any errors that you find.
• Plan your time. Know how much time you have for each question. Give yourself time to read the
question, plan your response, write your response, reread your writing, and make corrections.
• Remember that your responses are not expected to be perfect! The raters know that your response is a
first draft. You’re not expected to produce a comprehensive written response about a specialized topic with
no errors.

3
 DAY 2

2. Complete a Writing section

Complete Writing practice questions. Consider working on test sections or focusing on specific types of questions.
Below is an example of what this practice could include.
Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.

How many What

Timed Practice Aim to
minutes did it was your
Writing Questions spend
take you? score?

Question 1: Integrated Writing 20

• Read a passage and listen to audio that are related to a prompt minutes
• Write a response to the prompt

Question 2: Writing for an Academic Discussion 10

minutes
• Read an instructor’s prompt and students’ responses to the prompt
• Write a response to the prompt

Consider this option!

Writing Section Practice:

Volume 1 allows you to practice
questions from the Writing
section of the TOEFL iBT test and
provides in-depth feedback to
help you improve.

Purchase Writing Section

Practice: Volume 1

FREE Test Prep Course!

Learn from the experts who

create the TOEFL iBT test.

Enroll Now!

4
Day 3 | Learn about the Reading section

Completed

1. Read about the TOEFL iBT Reading section

2. Complete a Reading section

1. Read about the TOEFL iBT Reading section

Structure of the Reading Section

Reading is the first section you’ll see on test day. Learn more about the structure of the Reading section here.

10 questions About 35
2 Passages per passage minutes
(20 questions total) total

Types of Questions in the Reading Section

Watch these videos that explain the types of questions you’ll see in the Reading section.
• Factual and Negative Factual Information • Sentence Simplification
• Inference and Rhetorical Purpose • Insert Text
• Vocabulary • Prose Summary

2. Complete a Reading section

Complete Reading practice questions. Consider working on test sections or focusing on specific types of questions.
Below is an example of what this practice could include.

Timed Practice How many What

Aim to
minutes did was your
Reading Questions spend
it take you? score?

1. Read an academic passage. 15–20

Answer at least 10 questions about the passage minutes

2. Read a second academic passage. 15–20

Answer 10 questions about the second passage minutes

Consider this option!

Reading Section Practice: Volume 1 allows you to practice questions

from the Reading section of the TOEFL iBT test and provides in-depth
feedback to help you improve.

Purchase Reading Section Practice: Volume 1

5
Day 4 | Learn about the Listening section

Completed

1. Read about the TOEFL iBT Listening section

2. Complete a Listening section

1. Read about the TOEFL iBT Listening section

Structure of the Listening Section

Listening is the second section you’ll see on test day. Learn more about the structure of the Listening section here.

3 lectures 6 questions per

lecture
(each 3–5 minutes long)
(18 questions total)
About
36 minutes
2 conversations 5 questions per total
conversation
(each 3 minutes long)
(10 questions total)

Types of Questions in the Listening Section Consider this option!

Watch these videos that explain the types of questions you’ll see in the
Listening section. Listening Section Practice:
Volume 1 allows you to
• Gist-Content and • Function • Connecting
practice questions from
Gist-Purpose • Attitude Content
the Listening section of
• Detail • Organization • Inference the TOEFL iBT test and
provides in-depth feedback
to help you improve.
2. Complete a Listening section
Complete Listening practice questions. Consider working on test sections Purchase Listening
Section Practice: Volume 1
or focusing on specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this
practice could include.

Timed Practice How many What

Aim to
minutes did was your
Listening Questions spend
it take you? score?

1. Listen to an academic Answer at least 6 questions about 7–8

lecture (4 minutes) the lecture (3.5 minutes) minutes
2. Listen to a second academic Answer 6 questions about the 7–8
lecture (4 minutes) lecture (3.5 minutes) minutes
3. Listen to a third academic Answer 6 questions about the 7–8
lecture (4 minutes) lecture (3.5 minutes) minutes
4. Listen to a conversation Answer at least 5 questions about 6–7
(3 minutes) the conversation (3.5 minutes) minutes
5. Listen to a second Answer 5 questions about the 6–7
conversation (3 minutes) lecture (3.5 minutes) minutes

6
Day 5 | Learn about the Speaking section

Completed

1. Read about the TOEFL iBT Speaking section

2. Complete a Speaking section

1. Read about the TOEFL iBT Speaking section

Structure of the Speaking Section

Speaking is the third section you’ll see on test day. Learn more about the structure of the Speaking section here.

Preparation Time:
Question 1: 15 seconds
Independent
Speaking Response
Speaking Task
Time: 45 seconds
About
16 minutes
Questions 2–4: total
Preparation Time:
Integrated Speaking 30 seconds
Tasks
Speaking Response
(includes passages Time: 60 seconds
and audio)

Types of Questions in the Speaking Section Speaking Rubrics

Watch these videos that explain the types of questions Review the rubrics that are used to score responses.
you’ll see in the Speaking section. • Speaking Scoring Guides (Rubrics)
• Question 1: Independent Speaking
• Question 2: Integrated Speaking (Campus
Situation)
• Questions 3 & 4: Integrated Speaking (Academic
Courses)

2. Complete a Speaking section

Complete Speaking practice questions. Consider working on test sections or focusing on specific types of questions.
Below is an example of what this practice could include.

Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.

How many What

Timed Practice Aim to
minutes did was your
Speaking Questions spend
it take you? score?

1. Question 1: • Read or listen to a prompt 1 minute

Independent • Prepare your response (15 seconds)
Speaking • Speak your response (45 seconds)

(table continues on next page)

7
 DAY 5

How many What

Timed Practice Aim to
minutes did was your
Speaking Questions spend
it take you? score?

2. Question 2: • Read a passage and listen to audio 5 minutes

Integrated that are related to a topic
Speaking • Prepare your response (30 seconds)
• Speak your response (60 seconds)

3. Question 3: • Read a passage and listen to audio 5 minutes

Integrated that are related to a topic
Speaking • Prepare your response (30 seconds)
• Speak your response (60 seconds)

4. Question 4: • Read a passage and listen to audio 5 minutes

Integrated that are related to a topic
Speaking • Prepare your response (30 seconds)
• Speak your response (60 seconds)

Consider this option!

Speaking Section Practice: Volume 1 allows you to practice

questions from the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT test
and provides in-depth feedback to help you improve.

Purchase Speaking Section Practice: Volume 1

Boost your TOEFL iBT success!

Visit the TestReady Insights

page and track your progress!

TestReady Insights

8
Day 6 | Work on your Reading and Listening skills

Completed

1. Complete integrated skills practice

1. Complete integrated skills practice

Integrated Skills in Your Daily Life

Today, start to use your Reading and Listening skills, but combine them! It may feel more difficult to work on
two skills at once, but the challenge will increase your skill development.
Here are some suggestions for practicing your Reading and Listening skills together. These activities are similar
to the integrated questions throughout the TOEFL iBT test.
• Easy: Find an audiobook and its corresponding ebook or hardcopy book (or a podcast with a transcript).
Listen to the audiobook and refer to the text-based book when you need help understanding.
• Medium: Find a podcast with a transcript. Listen to the podcast, take notes, and then write or speak about
your opinions about the topic. Look at the transcript when you need help understanding.
• Hard: Find a podcast with a transcript. Read the transcript and highlight transition words, signal words,
idioms, or other important parts of the text. Then listen to the podcast and follow along within the
transcript. Listen for speakers’ pronunciation of words, use of emphasis, and tones of voice.
• Hard: Watch a video segment of a news report. Then, read a news article about the same news event or
topic. Compare the similarities and differences between the two sources and write or speak to summarize.
Include your opinion on the topic

Consider this option!

The TOEFL Practice Online Reading and Listening Practice Test will give
you a realistic experience of the actual test sections, plus it will show
which questions you answer correctly and incorrectly.

Purchase the TOEFL Practice Online

Reading and Listening Practice Test

Boost your TOEFL iBT success!

Visit the TestReady Insights

page and track your progress!

TestReady Insights

9
Day 7 | Work on your Speaking and Writing skills

Completed

1. Complete integrated skills practice

1. Complete integrated skills practice

Integrated Skills in Your Daily Life

For Day 7, you will exercise your Speaking and Writing skills. Even though using two skills together is often
challenging, the extra difficulty is worth it! The combination will build your abilities.
Consider trying out this list of ways to practice your Speaking and Writing skills. These activities are similar to the
integrated questions throughout the TOEFL iBT test.
• Easy: Think about your favorite food (or your favorite anything!). Write a brief description of the food and
why you enjoy it so much. Then, hide your writing and speak out loud about a time when you enjoyed that
food. Consider recording yourself speaking. Listen to your recording and think about what you did well
and what you can improve.
• Medium: Read two articles on the same topic. Write a summary of each article, and then explain the ways
in which they are similar and different. Consider recording yourself speaking about your comparison of
the articles. Feel free to use your writing as a reference while you’re speaking.
• Hard: Have a conversation with a coworker, friend, or family member about any topic. Explain your ideas
and opinions, and ask them questions. Afterward, write down as many details from your discussion as you
can remember. Write a summary of your conversation and include the different points you both made,
any questions that were asked and answered, and what your favorite part was.
• Hard: Watch a movie of your choice. Write a review of the movie and describe what you liked and disliked
about it. Then, ask a friend (who has also seen the movie) what they think of it. Explain your opinions and
have a discussion about the movie. Feel free to use your writing as a reference during your conversation.

Consider this option!

WRITING BOOST
Planning before you write is an important skill to develop. In your The TOEFL Practice Online
university or college, you will have to write papers and draft replies Speaking and Writing
to online discussion boards that will require strong writing skills. Practice Test will give you
a realistic experience of
You might try these general activities to practice your Writing skills: the actual test sections,
• Before you write, think about verb tenses that logically fit plus it will show which
your topic. Are you writing about something in the past? questions you answer
Then you might use past tense. correctly and incorrectly.
• Practice using transitions to show the relationship
between ideas. Purchase the TOEFL
Practice Online Speaking
» Use words and phrases such as “on the one hand” or and Writing Practice Test
“in conclusion” to create a clear structure.
• Learn to think about and find synonyms.
» Pick a few words or phrases in a passage or from your
flashcards and quickly think of synonyms without
looking them up in a dictionary or thesaurus.

10
Day 8 | Take a break and reflect!
Completed
Completed

1. Do other activities

2. Reflect on your practice

1. Do other activities
You’ve reached the half-way point of your 2-week study plan! Take a day to relax and recharge. It’s important to
understand that taking breaks is not lazy!

Breaks allow your brain to rest and process the knowledge you’ve gained. Researchers
have shown that regular breaks help you retain information and perform better on exams.

2. Reflect on your practice

What techniques have you used to improve your Writing skills?

Sample reflection: I read the strategies for the Writing section and have been building my English
vocabulary. I read articles in English and write in a daily journal in English.

Boost your TOEFL iBT success!

Visit the TestReady Insights page and track your progress!

TestReady Insights

11
Day 9 | Practice Reading and Speaking sections
Completed
Completed

1. Complete a Reading section

2. Complete a Speaking section

Continue to practice more questions for Reading and Speaking. Consider working on test sections or focusing on
specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this practice could include.

1. Complete a Reading section

How many What Consider this option!

Timed Practice Aim to
minutes did it was your
Reading Questions spend
take you? score? The Reading Section Test:
Volume 1 and Speaking Section
1. Read an academic passage. 15–20 Test: Volume 1 replicate the
Answer at least 10 questions minutes TOEFL iBT test and will provide
about the passage you with an estimated score.

2. Read a second academic 15–20

Purchase Reading Section
passage. Answer 10 questions minutes
Test: Volume 1
about the second passage

Purchase Speaking
Section Test: Volume 1
2. Complete a Speaking section
Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.

How many What

Timed Practice Aim to
minutes did it was your
Speaking Questions spend
take you? score?

1. Question 1: • Read or listen to a prompt 1 minute

Independent • Prepare your response (15 seconds)
Speaking • Speak your response (45 seconds)

2. Question 2: • Read a passage and listen to audio 5 minutes

Integrated that are related to a topic
Speaking • Prepare your response (30 seconds)
• Speak your response (60 seconds)

3. Question 3: • Read a passage and listen to audio 5 minutes

Integrated that are related to a topic
Speaking • Prepare your response (30 seconds)
• Speak your response (60 seconds)

4. Question 4: • Read a passage and listen to audio 5 minutes

Integrated Speaking that are related to a topic
• Prepare your response (30 seconds)
• Speak your response (60 seconds)

12
Day 10 | Practice Listening and Writing sections
Completed
Completed

1. Complete a Listening section

2. Complete a Writing section

Continue to practice more questions for Listening and Writing. Consider working on test sections or focusing on
specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this practice could include.

1. Complete a Listening section

Timed Practice How many What

Aim to
minutes did it was your
Listening Questions spend
take you? score?

1. Listen to an Answer at least 6 questions about the 7–8

academic lecture lecture (3.5 minutes) minutes
(4 minutes)

2. Listen to a second Answer 6 questions about the lecture 7–8

academic lecture (3.5 minutes) minutes
(4 minutes)

3. Listen to a third Answer 6 questions about the lecture 7–8

academic lecture (3.5 minutes) minutes
(4 minutes)

4. Listen to a Answer at least 5 questions about the 6–7

conversation conversation (3.5 minutes) minutes
(3 minutes)

5. Listen to a second Answer 5 questions about the lecture 6–7

conversation (3.5 minutes) minutes
(3 minutes)

2. Complete a Writing section

Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.

How many What Consider this option!

Timed Practice Aim to
minutes did was your
Writing Questions spend
it take you? score?
The Listening Section Test:
Volume 1 and Writing Section
Question 1: Integrated Writing 20
Test: Volume 1 replicate the
• Read a passage and listen to audio minutes
TOEFL iBT test and will provide
that are related to a prompt
you with an estimated score.
• Write a response to the prompt

10 Purchase Listening
Question 2: Writing for an Academic Section Test: Volume 1
Discussion minutes
• Read an instructor’s prompt and
students’ responses to the prompt Purchase Writing Section
Test: Volume 1
• Write a response to the prompt

13
Day 11 | Practice Writing and Reading sections
Completed
Completed

1. Complete a Writing section

2. Complete a Reading section

Continue to practice more questions for Writing and Reading. Consider working on test sections or focusing on
specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this practice could include.

1. Complete a Writing section

Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.

How many What

Timed Practice Aim to
minutes did was your
Writing Questions spend
it take you? score?

Question 1: Integrated Writing 20

• Read a passage and listen to audio that are related to a prompt minutes
• Write a response to the prompt

Question 2: Writing for an Academic Discussion 10

minutes
• Read an instructor’s prompt and students’ responses to the prompt
• Write a response to the prompt

2. Complete a Reading section

Timed Practice How many What

Aim to
Reading Questions minutes did was your
spend
it take you? score?

1. Read an academic passage. 15–20

Answer at least 10 questions about the passage minutes

2. Read a second academic passage. 15–20

Answer 10 questions about the second passage minutes

Consider these options!

The Writing Section Test: Volume 2, Reading Section Test: Volume 2,

Speaking Section Test: Volume 2, and Listening Section Test: Volume 2
replicate the TOEFL iBT test and will provide you with an estimated score.

Purchase Writing Section Purchase Reading Section

Test: Volume 2 Test: Volume 2

Purchase Speaking Section Purchase Listening Section

Test: Volume 2 Test: Volume 2

14
Day 12 | Practice Speaking and Listening sections
Completed
Completed

1. Complete a Speaking section

2. Complete a Listening section

Continue to practice more questions for Speaking and Listening. Consider working on test sections or focusing on
specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this practice could include.

1. Complete a Speaking section

Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.

How many What

Timed Practice Aim to
minutes did it was your
Speaking Questions spend
take you? score?

1. Question 1: • Read or listen to a prompt 1 minute

Independent • Prepare your response (15 seconds)
Speaking • Speak your response (45 seconds)

2. Question 2: • Read a passage and listen to audio 5 minutes

Integrated that are related to a topic
Speaking • Prepare your response (30 seconds)
• Speak your response (60 seconds)

3. Question 3: • Read a passage and listen to audio 5 minutes

Integrated that are related to a topic
Speaking • Prepare your response (30 seconds)
• Speak your response (60 seconds)

4. Question 4: • Read a passage and listen to audio 5 minutes

Integrated Speaking that are related to a topic
• Prepare your response (30 seconds)
• Speak your response (60 seconds)

2. Complete a Listening section

Timed Practice How many What

Aim to
minutes did was your
Listening Questions spend
it take you? score?

1. Listen to an academic Answer at least 6 questions about 7–8

lecture (4 minutes) the lecture (3.5 minutes) minutes
2. Listen to a second academic Answer 6 questions about the 7–8
lecture (4 minutes) lecture (3.5 minutes) minutes
3. Listen to a third academic Answer 6 questions about the 7–8
lecture (4 minutes) lecture (3.5 minutes) minutes
4. Listen to a conversation Answer at least 5 questions about 6–7
(3 minutes) the conversation (3.5 minutes) minutes
5. Listen to a second Answer 5 questions about the 6–7
conversation (3 minutes) lecture (3.5 minutes) minutes

15
Day 13 | Take a second practice test
Completed
Completed

1. Complete a second full practice test

2. Compare your goal scores and your current scores

3. Reflect on your practice

1. Complete a second full practice test Consider this option!

The TOEFL Practice Online

Take a practice test and complete all four skill
Complete Practice Test:
sections. Make sure to time yourself to get the
Volume 29 will provide
most real-life experience.
you with a realistic testing
experience and give you an
estimated score.

2. Compare your goal scores and your Purchase the TOEFL

current scores Practice Online Complete
Practice Test: Volume 29
Fill in the table to see your improvements and identify skill areas
you can still work on.

Your Current Did you Meet

Your Goal
Scores from Second Your Goal
Scores
Practice Test Scores?

Reading

Listening

Speaking

Writing

3. Reflect on your practice

How have your writing skills improved since you started studying? What changes do you notice?

16
Day 14 | Do a final review and get ready for Test Day!
Completed
Completed

1. Review test sections

2. Review requirements for Test Day

1. Review test sections

Review your goal scores and current scores from Day 13. Do you have any test sections where you have not yet
achieved your goal scores? Are you struggling with certain types of questions?

Spend extra time on those test sections or focusing on those types of questions today. Make sure to time yourself
for an accurate experience.

Consider these options!

What do you want to focus on? These resources will give you extra practice!

READING LISTENING SPEAKING WRITING

• Revisit the Reading • Purchase • Purchase • Purchase
section of the Free Focused Practice - Focused Practice - Focused Practice -
Practice Test Listening: Lecture Independent Academic
• Purchase/Revisit Speaking Discussion Writing
Reading Section • Purchase • Purchase
Practice: Volume Focused Practice - Focused Practice -
1 and Reading Integrated Integrated Writing
Section Test: Speaking: Listen, • Revisit the Writing
Volumes 1 and 2 Speak section of the Free
Practice Test

2. Review requirements for Test Day

You are required to provide certain types of IDs in order to begin your official TOEFL iBT session. There are
also specific things to expect when taking the TOEFL iBT test at a Test Center and at home. Read about the
requirements for test day here.

Good Luck!
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17