What Is the TOEFL and Why Does It Matter?
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests in the world. It is accepted by thousands of universities worldwide. If you are planning to study at an English-speaking university or apply for a scholarship, the TOEFL is likely on your radar. (For Canadian immigration, IRCC does not accept TOEFL; see CELPIP or IELTS General Training instead.)
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. It tests all four language skills -- reading, listening, speaking, and writing -- with a focus on academic and campus English. Since January 21, 2026, each section and the overall score are reported on a 1–6 scale, and for a two-year transition period your report also shows a comparable 0–120 total. The test takes about two hours and adapts to your level, so timing can vary slightly.
Preparing effectively for the TOEFL requires more than just improving your general English. You need to understand the specific test format, develop strategies for each section, build academic vocabulary, and practice under timed conditions. The free materials below show you how.
TOEFL Sections: What to Expect and How to Prepare
The TOEFL iBT changed on January 21, 2026. Here is the current structure, with the approximate base time for each section:
Reading (about 30 min)
Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, and Read an Academic Passage. Build vocabulary and grammar in context, quick reading of everyday texts like signs, menus and emails, and understanding of academic passages.
Listening (about 29 min)
Listen and Choose a Response, Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement, and Listen to an Academic Talk. Practice quick responses, speaker purpose, key details, and short notes.
Speaking (about 8 min)
Listen and Repeat, and Take an Interview. Practice clear pronunciation and rhythm, accurate repetition, and short, organized answers to interview questions.
Writing (about 23 min)
Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Write for an Academic Discussion. Build accurate word order, clear and polite emails, and short, well-supported academic opinions.
Strategies That Actually Improve Your Score
TOEFL preparation is not just about studying English -- it is about learning how to take the test effectively. Here are strategies that help:
- For Reading: Build vocabulary and word forms daily for Complete the Words. For everyday texts, find the purpose first; for academic passages, skim for structure, then read closely for the answer.
- For Listening: Take structured notes using abbreviations. Focus on the speaker's main point and how examples support it. Pay attention to transition words that signal important information.
- For Speaking: For Listen and Repeat, train accurate pronunciation, word endings and rhythm by repeating short sentences. For Take an Interview, practise answering a question directly, adding one reason or example, and finishing clearly.
- For Writing: Practise word order for Build a Sentence. For the email, cover every point in the right tone. For the academic discussion, state your view clearly, support it with a reason and an example, and respond to the other posts.
Building Your TOEFL Study Plan
A structured study plan makes a big difference. Here is our recommended approach:
- Take a diagnostic test to identify your strongest and weakest sections. Focus 60% of your study time on your weakest areas.
- Study academic vocabulary daily. The Academic Word List (AWL) covers words that appear frequently in university-level texts and TOEFL passages.
- Practice under timed conditions at least twice a week. Time management is a critical skill that only improves with practice.
- Use the free AI tools to practise speaking and writing with instant feedback, so you can practise every day.
- Review mistakes carefully. Understanding why an answer is wrong is more valuable than getting the right answer by luck.
- Record your speaking answers and re-read your writing a day later -- these are the hardest sections to self-assess, so compare them with the task requirements each time.
Free tools on MashaEnglish that help: structured lessons covering academic English skills, AI-powered speaking and writing practice, quizzes for reading and listening comprehension, and the TOEFL preparation guide. You can also explore the IELTS preparation page if you are considering that test as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I study for the TOEFL?
The ideal preparation time depends on your current level. If you are at B1 level, plan for 3-6 months of focused study. At B2 level, 1-3 months is usually sufficient. If you are already at C1, 2-4 weeks of test-specific practice may be enough. The key is consistent daily practice rather than cramming. Many learners plan 1-2 hours of TOEFL-focused study per day during their preparation period.
What TOEFL score do I need for university?
Each institution sets its own requirement; there is no pass or fail. Since January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT scores are reported on a 1–6 scale (in half points) for each section and overall, and for a two-year transition period your report also shows a comparable 0–120 total. Some schools still list requirements on the old 0–120 scale, so check both numbers with your target school and whether it also sets minimum section scores. Build your study plan around your target score.
What is the hardest section of the TOEFL?
This varies by student. Many learners find Writing and Speaking hardest because they are short and fast: Writing includes Build a Sentence, Write an Email and Write for an Academic Discussion, and Speaking has Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview. Because the test is adaptive, it is also important to stay calm when questions get harder. Give extra practice time to the task types that are hardest for you.
Does Masha offer TOEFL preparation lessons?
No. Masha does not offer TOEFL preparation lessons; this page and the TOEFL guide are free self-study materials. Masha prepares students for IELTS and CELPIP, and teaches one-on-one English lessons for speaking, writing and confidence. If you need a test for Canadian immigration, check IRCC's current list of approved language tests; Masha prepares students for CELPIP and IELTS General Training.
How is the TOEFL different from IELTS?
Both tests measure English proficiency, but they differ in format and style. TOEFL is taken on a computer (at a test centre or at home) and is adaptive, while IELTS offers both paper and computer delivery. TOEFL speaking is recorded on a computer; IELTS speaking is a live interview with an examiner. TOEFL reports scores on a 1–6 scale; IELTS uses bands from 0 to 9. For Canadian permanent residence, check IRCC's current list of approved language tests. Masha prepares students for IELTS -- visit the IELTS preparation page for more details.
What free TOEFL materials are on MashaEnglish?
This page explains the current TOEFL iBT format and a strategy for each section. The free TOEFL preparation guide on the blog goes deeper into every task type. For daily practice you can use the free English lessons, quizzes and AI speaking and writing practice on the site.
Keep Preparing for Free
Read the full TOEFL guide and practise every day with free lessons and AI tools. Want to improve your general English with Masha? Start with a Trial & Fit Call.