The TOEFL is only a month away, and you’re confused about how to go around it? With so many things to prepare, revise, and learn, we understand that it is very overwhelming. This is why we’ve come up with the ultimate 1-month TOEFL study plan. Now let’s be practical - 1 month may not be enough if you don’t already have a fluent understanding of the English language and the exam. But hey, we can try, right?
The TOEFL, Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardized exam that assesses your English language proficiency. This test is a critical step for students who want to pursue higher education abroad at universities where English is the main language of instruction.
| Table of Contents |
The One Month TOEFL Study Plan Breakdown
Here's a consolidated plan incorporating the best aspects to help you ace the TOEFL in a month:
Week 1: Foundational Skills & Familiarization
-
Reading & Writing:
-
Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL format and question types for all sections (reading, listening, speaking, writing).
-
Start building a strong grammar foundation (official resources recommended).
-
Start by building your vocabulary. Use resources like the Manhattan Review TOEFL Integrated Study Guide.
-
Listening:
-
Practice note-taking with short listening exercises. Focus on main ideas, nouns, and relationships.
-
Listen to general topic podcasts (science, history, etc.) to improve comprehension.
-
Speaking:
-
Get comfortable speaking English by recording yourself answering sample TOEFL questions using your phone.
-
Focus on clarity over accent.
Week 2: Deep Dive & Practice
-
Reading:
-
Every week, complete 9 reading exercises and increase difficulty as you progress.
-
Practice summarizing passages to improve comprehension.
-
Writing:
-
Write independent Writing Essays addressing "Agree/Disagree" and "Comparison/Contrast" prompts.
-
Brainstorm the main points for these essays beforehand.
-
Practice integrated writing questions.
-
Consider getting professional essay reviews for improvement (optional).
-
Listening:
-
Focus on specific vocabulary areas based on categories like "Anthropology," "Astronomy," etc.
-
Complete listening exercises in these categories, followed by "Campus Conversation" exercises.
-
Consider completing additional exercises from both plans for more practice.
Week 3: Continued Practice & Strategy Development
-
Reading & Writing:
-
Continue completing reading exercises and writing essays, focusing on different question types.
-
Explore "Preference" and "If/Imaginary" prompts for independent writing.
-
Listening:
-
Shift vocabulary focus to categories like "Art History," "Business," etc., with "Campus Conversation" exercises following.
-
Speaking:
-
Practice speaking with independent and integrated questions.
-
Consider completing TOEFL Speaking lessons for additional guidance (optional).
Week 4: Mock Tests & Refinement
-
All Sections:
-
Take full-length mock tests throughout the week to assess progress and identify weaknesses.
-
Analyze your performance after each test and revise areas needing improvement.
-
Complete additional reading exercises and targeted practice based on weak areas.
-
Consider getting your essays reviewed again (optional).
-
Dedicate time for reviewing all studied materials.
Additional Tips:
-
Throughout the month, consistently expose yourself to academic English by reading articles on TOEFL-relevant topics.
-
Utilize grammar and writing checker apps like Grammarly or Hemingway App to improve your writing.
-
Remember, consistency is key. Dedicate focused study time daily, and take advantage of all available resources.
Suggested: TOEFL Practice Tests & Sample Papers
How to Study TOEFL Sections?
The TOEFL exam assesses your English skills for academic success. Here's a roadmap to conquer each section:
-
Vocabulary
-
Build a strong foundation: Utilize vocabulary lists or flashcards to learn the top 1200 TOEFL words.
-
Active learning: Write down words, say them aloud, and incorporate them into your speaking and writing practice.
-
Boost synonyms: Enhance paraphrasing skills with resources like "Learn Common TOEFL Synonyms."
-
Reading
-
Sharpen your speed: Strong grammar and academic vocabulary knowledge are essential for faster reading comprehension. Practice with TOEFL resources and external grammar materials.
-
Demystify question types: Understand the 12 different Reading Question Formats, including "inference" and "negative factual information." Strategize to answer them effectively (targeted resources can help).
-
Deep understanding: Don't just skim passages. Focus on comprehending the main ideas and details, even if it takes more time initially.
-
Listening
-
Embrace academic topics: Expose yourself to diverse academic lectures (biology, history, etc.) using podcasts or videos.
-
Active listening: Pay close attention to key nouns, main ideas, and relationships (comparison, contrast, cause-effect) while listening. Take notes if possible.
-
Practice makes perfect: If an exercise is challenging, listen to it multiple times until you grasp at least 85% of the content.
-
Expand your horizons: Listen to English podcasts or videos outside TOEFL prep to enhance your listening skills.
Suggested: TOEFL Listening Section: Structure, Tips & Question Types
-
Speaking
-
Practice speaking as much as possible: Read your responses aloud, focusing on pronunciation, intonation, grammar, organization, and fluency. Record yourself and analyze recordings for improvement.
-
Emulate excellence: Mimic sample answers to improve your delivery in these aspects.
-
Expand your vocabulary: Look up unfamiliar words, learn their pronunciation, and incorporate them into your speaking practice.
-
Organize your thoughts: When listening to a lecture for the speaking section, grasp key points to structure your response.
-
Seek professional feedback: Utilize review services to get expert feedback on your speaking skills.
-
Pronunciation practice: Explore YouTube channels dedicated to improving English pronunciation and achieving a more natural sound.
For more information on TOEFL Speaking, check out this video: Master your TOEFL Speaking
-
Writing
-
Read like a writer: Reading well-written essays exposes you to good English structures and vocabulary. Analyze sample essays to understand paragraph formation, word choice, and the inclusion of main ideas. Ask yourself how you can adapt these elements to your writing.
-
Practice consistently: Dedicate at least an hour daily to practicing independent and integrated writing tasks.
-
Brainstorm effectively: Spend time generating ideas for various independent writing prompts.
-
Structure your writing: Utilize writing lessons to understand the characteristics of high-scoring TOEFL essays. Key factors include:
-
Understanding different independent writing prompts
-
Expressing a clear opinion or position
-
Crafting strong introductions and conclusions
-
Developing well-structured body paragraphs with main ideas and supporting details
-
Using transition words effectively
-
Demonstrating varied and appropriate vocabulary usage
-
Mastering different sentence structures
-
Developing paraphrasing, summarizing, citing, and note-taking skills
Remember: Consistency is key! Dedicate focused study time each day, and leverage abundant available resources. With dedication and this guide, you'll be well on your way to TOEFL success.
From the Desk of Yocket
The TOEFL is your gateway to exciting academic opportunities abroad. Embrace the challenge! Remember, consistent practice across all sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). With a strategic study plan, the tips outlined in this guide, and unwavering determination, you can achieve your TOEFL goals and unlock a world of possibilities.
Feeling lost in the maze of TOEFL prep and university applications? Yocket's here to be your guiding light! Our experts have over 15 years of experience, helping you craft a standout application and strategize for success. Imagine landing at your dream university – Yocket Premium can make that dream a reality! Join Yocket Premium today!
