TOEFL exam preparation

TOEFL Preparation Course Online

10,000+ professionals coachedOnline since 2007Rated 4.9/5 (69 Google reviews)Free trial, no credit cardNative teachers experienced with the TOEFL iBT

One-to-one online TOEFL preparation with native English teachers who know the iBT format and the academic English universities expect. You tell us your target score, we build the lessons around the four sections, the question types, and the speaking and writing tasks that get you there.

Built for: students applying to English-speaking universities or graduate programs | researchers and professionals who need TOEFL for study or certification | applicants who need proof of academic English for a visa | anyone who has to reach a set TOEFL score by a deadline.

Book a free trial lesson and tell us your target TOEFL score.

Book my free trialFree trial, no credit card required.

What is the TOEFL exam?

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. The TOEFL iBT is one of the most widely accepted tests of academic English, taken by people who want to study at English-speaking universities. It is accepted by more than 12,500 universities and institutions in over 160 countries. It measures four skills, Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing, and each is scored from 0 to 30, for a total from 0 to 120. The score you need depends on the university or programme you are applying to.

Since July 2023 the TOEFL iBT is shorter, taking under two hours. The Reading section uses fewer, shorter passages, and the Writing section now includes a “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task in place of the old independent essay. The test is taken on a computer, at a test centre or at home.

The four sections of the TOEFL iBT

Section What it involves Score
Reading Academic passages with comprehension questions 0 to 30
Listening Lectures and conversations with questions 0 to 30
Speaking Independent and integrated speaking tasks 0 to 30
Writing An integrated task and a Writing for an Academic Discussion task 0 to 30

Source: ETS TOEFL iBT. Your four section scores add up to a total from 0 to 120. Check the score your university requires before you book.

Not sure what score you are starting from?

Book a free assessmentFree trial, no credit card required.

Why the TOEFL Speaking section deserves your attention

For many candidates, Speaking is the hardest section to score well on. It mixes independent tasks, where you give your opinion, with integrated tasks, where you read or listen and then respond, so it tests vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation under time pressure. Because Live English is built around conversation, our teachers give you plenty of real speaking practice and the strategies to structure clear, confident answers.

What is included in our TOEFL preparation course

  • An introduction to the iBT format and the question types in each section, so you know exactly what to expect.
  • Practice on real TOEFL-style tasks, including the integrated and Academic Discussion writing tasks, with feedback after each one.
  • Targeted work to raise your academic English to the level your score requires.
  • Timing and strategy for each section, plus the confidence to sit the test knowing what is coming.

Work each section with an experienced teacher

Our teachers work every part of the iBT with you. For focused practice, read our guides to preparing for the TOEFL iBT reading section, mastering the TOEFL iBT listening test, the top tips for the TOEFL iBT speaking section, and TOEFL iBT grammar. Not sure whether TOEFL or TOEIC is right for you? See TOEIC vs TOEFL: which test should I take?

Who is the TOEFL preparation course for?

If you want to enter a university or graduate program in an English-speaking country, this course is for you. People also take the TOEFL for professional certification or for immigration. Whatever your reason, we help you reach the best possible result. You can prepare over several months or take an intensive course before your test date, and every lesson is one to one.

Ready to start? Talk through your target and timeline with a teacher.

Book my free trialFree trial, no credit card required.

Frequently asked questions about the TOEFL

What is a good TOEFL score?
There is no universal pass mark. A good score is the one your university asks for. Many undergraduate programmes want around 70 to 90 overall, and competitive or graduate programmes often ask for 90 to 100 or more, out of 120. Always check the exact requirement for your course.
How long does the TOEFL iBT take now?
Since July 2023 the TOEFL iBT is shorter, taking under two hours in total, with all four sections completed in one sitting. The Reading section was shortened and the Writing section now includes the Writing for an Academic Discussion task instead of the old independent essay.
How long does it take to prepare for the TOEFL?
It depends on your starting level and target score. As a rough guide, a meaningful jump usually takes two to three months of regular study. If you already have strong academic English and mainly need exam technique, a focused course of a few weeks can be enough. Your teacher will tell you where you stand after the first lesson.
How is the TOEFL scored?
Each of the four sections is scored from 0 to 30, and the four add up to a total from 0 to 120. Speaking and Writing are rated on how clearly and accurately you communicate, not just on being correct.
How long is a TOEFL score valid?
A TOEFL score is valid for two years from the test date. Plan your test date with your application deadline in mind so the result is still valid when you apply.
Are the lessons one to one?
Yes. Every TOEFL preparation lesson at Live English is private, one to one, and online by Zoom, Teams or Google Meet. Lessons are built around your target score, your weakest sections and your test date.