Search
Close this search box.

TOEFL Practice Test

Answer Some Sample Questions with Our TOEFL Practice Test
If you want additional questions, take more TOEFL practice exams.
This is just a sample quiz. If you want more free TOEFL practice tests, click here.

All TOEFL Practice Tests

Taking TOEFL practice tests is a great way to prepare for the TOEFL exam. Our TOEFL sample exams are based on the actual questions and answers that you will see on the official exam.

Test-Guide.com Recommended Course Badge

Recommended TOEFL Prep

If you are serious about passing your TOEFL test, review our top ranked TOEFL courses.

What is the TOEFL?

The TOEFL is an exam given by universities in English-speaking countries to non-native speakers. It is used as an entrance exam by many universities for non-native speakers.

This standardized test is not mandatory for every school in English-speaking countries, but it is accepted and even required by most major universities.

Since 1964, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) has designed and administered the TOEFL. ETS is a private non-profit organization that sends official scores and reports directly to universities on behalf of each student. 

The TOEFL is one of two major English proficiency tests (along with the IELTS) that are widely accepted around the world.

TOEFL iBT Exam Outline

There are technically two different forms of the TOEFL:

  • TOEFL iBT
  • TOEFL iBT Paper

The TOEFL iBT is the much more common version of the test and is taken on a computer.

Fast Facts (TOEFL iBT):

  • Number of Questions: 54
  • Time: 2 Hours
  • 4 Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing

TOEFL iBT Breakdown

The TOEFL iBT is taken on a computer. Here is the outline of the exam:

  • Reading: 35 Minutes, 20 Questions
  • Listening: 36 Minutes, 28 Questions
  • Speaking: 16 Minutes, 4 Tasks
  • Writing: 29 Minutes, 2 Tasks

TOEFL iBT Paper Breakdown

The TOEFL iBT Paper is taken on paper. Here is the outline of the exam:

  • Reading: 54-72 Minutes, 30-40 Questions
  • Listening: 41-57 Minutes, 28-39 Questions
  • Writing: 50 Minutes, 2 Tasks
  • Speaking: 17 Minutes, 4 Tasks

The speaking portion of the exam will be taken at home on a computer. It must be completed within 3 days of completing the paper test.

An image showing an overview of the TOEFL exam

TOEFL Sections

Though each version of the TOEFL is administered in a different format, both tests are largely the same. The TOEFL is comprised of 4 distinct sections:

  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing

Let’s take a closer look at each section to better understand the structure of the exam.

Reading

Like any exam that tests your linguistic abilities, the TOEFL includes a reading section to analyze your reading comprehension abilities. This section includes passages of reading material from a wide variety of sources and topics, ranging from literature to science. 

Following each passage, you will need to answer questions to ensure that you understood the reading material.

Listening

The listening section is often considered one of the most challenging parts of the TOEFL. Listening comprehension is particularly difficult in a second language, and this section consists of 4-6 lectures and 2-3 conversations, each followed by comprehension questions. 

The material generally covers academic topics, ranging from the arts to life sciences.

Speaking

In the speaking section, students must respond to questions, speak on a predetermined topic, and read passages aloud. This section tests your ability to communicate effectively on a variety of academic topics. 

Though it is certainly a challenging section, it is also the shortest in terms of time allotment.

Writing

The writing section tests your ability to use correct grammar, vocabulary, and writing structure. Additionally, you must construct a coherent argument in two distinct essays. One essay is based on a reading passage, while the other is based on a writing prompt. 

The speaking and writing sections are the only ones that do not include multiple-choice questions.

Scoring of the TOEFL

You will receive 5 different scores:

  • 4 Scaled Section Scores: Ranging from 0-30.
  • Total Score: Ranging from 0-120. This is Your Section Scores Added Together.

Internationally, the average TOEFL score is 82. Most universities set a minimum acceptable score, which varies for each school. The minimum acceptable scores are significantly higher for graduate level applicants. 

Though your target score will largely depend on the type of university you want to attend, a score of 94 or higher will put you in the top 25% of all test takers.

You can read our guide to TOEFL scores for more information.

Registering for the TOEFL and Test Dates

The TOEFL is offered is 3 different ways:

  • At a Test Center
  • At Home
  • On Paper (At a Test Center)

There are test dates offered more than 60 times a year for those wanting to take the exam at a testing center. If you choose to test at home, you can take the exam 24 hours a day, 4 days per week.

To register for the exam, create or login to your ETS account. Here is additional information on registering and scheduling your exam.

How To Study for the TOEFL

When it comes to studying, everyone has different needs, timelines, and study habits. That said, there are plenty of great TOEFL resources to get you started out on the right foot.

If you’re searching for ways to prepare for the TOEFL, check out some of the following resources:

1. Official TOEFL Resources

One of the best ways to prepare for an exam is to get information directly from the test administrators. For the TOEFL, this means consulting the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which has been testing and scoring students for nearly a decade. Here are a few helpful links provided by the ETS:

2. Free TOEFL Practice Tests

Use TOEFL practice tests to help you prepare for the exam. TOEFL practice tests will help you become more familiar with the exam before you take it. You will also find out which subjects you know and which subjects you don’t know.

3. TOEFL Prep Courses

TOEFL prep courses are another great way to prepare for the TOEFL exam. These prep courses will help you stay on track and study efficiently. You can review some of the best TOEFL prep courses to see which one is the best fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120. The four sections are each given scores on a scale from 0 to 30. Anything above a 94 will put you in the top 25% of test-takers.

The fees will depend on a variety of factors, including the location of your testing center. That said, you can generally expect to pay around $200 USD every time you take the test.

You can see your TOEFL score online approximately 10 days after taking the test. Your score will also be sent to the universities of your choice around the same time that they are posted online, though the delivery time will vary based on your desired school’s location.

Dave Evangelisti
Dave is our founder and CEO. He has 20+ years of experience in the testing and test prep industry.