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TOEFL FULL COURSE 2025 (Get Ready in 60 minutes!)

BY 9yojj
July 28, 2025•
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TOEFL Preparation Guide Summary

Objective

This document serves as a comprehensive class note and practical guide for TOEFL exam preparation, based on a detailed instructional video. It summarizes the exam format, types of questions in each section, practical tips, personal experiences, and resources.

Why Take the TOEFL?

  • TOEFL is required for non-native speakers applying to English-speaking universities.
  • It’s accepted at most universities worldwide, but check with your target institutions.
  • Scores are valid for 2 years.
  • Exam can be taken at home or at a test center.
  • Cost: ~$190, with free score submission to 4 universities; $20 per additional university.

TOEFL Exam Overview

  • 4 Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
  • Entire test is completed in one sitting (3–4 hours)
  • Note: At-home test includes additional security checks.

Section 1: Reading

Structure

  • 3 or 4 passages (700 words each)
  • 10 multiple-choice questions per passage
  • 54 or 72 minutes total
  • Can review/change answers within a passage

8 Question Types

  1. Factual Information
    • Ask for explicitly stated facts.
  2. Negative Factual Information
    • Identify what is NOT stated.
  3. Inference
    • Draw conclusions from implicit information.
  4. Rhetorical Purpose
    • Explain why the author included certain details.
  5. Vocabulary
    • Interpret word meanings in context.
  6. Sentence Simplification
    • Find the best paraphrase of a complex sentence.
  7. Insert Text
    • Place a given sentence where it logically fits.
  8. Pro Summary/Fill in a Table
    • Summarize main ideas or categorize information.

Tips

  • Practice reading a variety of academic materials.
  • Identify main ideas, logical flow, and unfamiliar vocabulary.
  • Skim for structure; focus on big-picture comprehension for summary questions.

Section 2: Listening

Structure

  • 3 or 4 lectures (3–5 min each), 6 questions per lecture
  • 2 or 3 conversations (3 min each), 5 questions per conversation
  • 41–57 minutes total
  • Audio is played once; notes allowed

7 Question Types

  1. Gist Content/Purpose
    • Main idea or reason for conversation.
  2. Detail
    • Identify specific, important details.
  3. Function
    • Interpret speaker’s intention behind a statement.
  4. Attitude
    • Determine speaker’s mood or feeling.
  5. Organization
    • Understand the structure of a lecture/conversation.
  6. Connecting Content
    • Synthesize information from different parts.
  7. Inference
    • Draw conclusions not explicitly stated.

Tips

  • Practice listening to academic lectures and conversations (e.g., university YouTube channels, podcasts).
  • Take effective notes; find a note-taking style that suits you.
  • Pay attention to signal and transition words.

At-Home Test Note

  • Must use an erasable whiteboard or a paper in a transparent sleeve for notes.
  • Not ideal (space and pen limitations); practice with this setup before the exam.

Section 3: Speaking

Structure

  • Total: 4 tasks, 17 minutes
  • Task 1: Independent speaking (personal opinion, 45sec answer)
  • Tasks 2–4: Integrated speaking (read/listen/speak on academic/campus topics)

Task Breakdown & Tips

  1. Independent Speaking

    • Choose a side quickly, use bullet points for notes.
    • Prepare a response skeleton: state opinion, reasons, conclusion.
    • Focus on 1–2 points, speak clearly within time.
    • Practice with a timer and record yourself for feedback.

  2. Integrated Speaking – Campus Situation

    • Read a short passage; listen to an opinion.
    • Summarize the speaker’s view; use a two-column notes method.
    • Focus on the student’s opinion, not just the article.

  3. Integrated Speaking – Academic Topics

    • Read about a concept; listen to a lecture with examples.
    • Summarize how the lecture supports or illustrates the concept.
    • Note main ideas and examples using keywords/arrows.

  4. Integrated Speaking – Academic Lecture

    • Listen and summarize key points and examples.
    • Use a structured skeleton with keywords.

General Speaking Tips

  • Practice speaking with natural tone, pauses, and expression.
  • Self-review for filler words and clarity.

Section 4: Writing

Structure

  • 2 tasks: 50 minutes total
    1. Integrated Writing (read & listen, then write summary) - 20 mins
    2. Independent Writing (opinion essay) - 30 mins

Task Breakdown & Tips

  1. Integrated Writing

    • Read a passage (3 min), listen to a 2-min lecture (single play).
    • Summarize points from both sources; usually the lecture refutes the reading.
    • Take split notes (reading left, listening right).
    • Organize your essay with intro, body paragraphs per point, transitions.
    • Proofread for grammar and vocabulary.

  2. Independent Writing

    • Opinion essay; state view and provide examples and reasons.
    • Quickly outline 2–3 supporting points before writing.
    • Expand with examples, refine for clarity and grammar.
    • Aim for 300–400 words.

General Writing Tips

  • Structure is critical: intro, body, conclusion.
  • Use transitions and advanced vocabulary where possible.
  • Practice timed essays for fluency and editing.

Personal Experience & At-Home Test Issues

  • Security checks at home can cause delays (Proctor checks, sharing screens, etc.).
  • Whiteboard setup for note-taking is insufficient compared to paper.
  • Customer support for test issues (score delays, etc.) can be poor.
  • Recommend booking early and getting feedback from others who took the exam.

Bonus Tip: MOCK TESTS

  • Take as many mock tests as possible to:
    • Familiarize yourself with the digital interface and timer.
    • Practice note-taking under exam conditions.
    • Build confidence in all section formats.

Free Resources

  • ETS official website for sample questions
  • University YouTube channels for lectures
  • Online forums and free/mock test websites (search for current links)

Key Takeaways

  • Cracking TOEFL is more about familiarity with THE FORMAT than just English skills.
  • Practice, note-taking, and understanding of question types are essential.
  • Do not neglect technical/practical aspects if taking the at-home version.
  • Mock tests are invaluable; there’s no such thing as too much practice.

Further Recommendations

  • Subscribe to educational channels for more concise career/finance content.
  • Consider online courses for deeper preparation if needed.

You can pass the TOEFL exam without an expensive course—focus on mastering the format and practicing often. Good luck!