2 TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS
express yourself effectively in writing. As you sharpen your
English-language skills to prepare for the exam, this book will
highlight what you need to know to get your best score.
If you have looked on the shelves of your local bookstore, you
know the volume of test-preparation tools and guidebooks can
be overwhelming. That’s why this guide is designed to focus on
the most important parts of studying for the TOEFL exam, with-
out weighing you down. TOEFL Exam Essentials pulls together
all the pieces of test preparation for you:
■
what to expect on the test
■
successful test-taking strategies
■
how to make your own study plan
■
a review of the content and skills you need to know
You can take this book with you wherever you go. Take it out
while you wait for the bus, during a work break, or while you exer-
cise at the gym. It fits in your pocket or purse so you can fit your
study time into a busy schedule. By using this book, you are tak-
ing your first steps to earning a top score on the TOEFL exam.
Good luck as you prepare for the exam and pursue the education
you need for a successful future.
WHAT THE TOEFL EXAM IS ABOUT
The TOEFL exam has two formats: a computer-based test and
a paper-and-pencil version. You can take the computer-based
test (CBT) at test centers around the world throughout the year.
In some areas, the CBT is not available and the paper-based
TOEFL exam is offered instead. The paper test is offered six times

You will have about four hours to complete the CBT. Before
you begin the test, you will go through a tutorial about basic com-
puter skills, including how to use a mouse, how to scroll, and how
to use testing tools. Each test section also begins with a tutorial that
4 TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS
will demonstrate how to answer test questions in that part of the
exam. These tutorials are not scored, and you can spend as much
time on them as you need. You can also take these tutorials prior
to the test for no charge at www.toefl.org or purchase a download-
able file. It is a good idea to practice your computer skills ahead of
time and become familiar with how to answer test questions using
a computer—this will be an advantage to you on exam day.
The paper-based TOEFL exam has three sections: listening
comprehension, structure and written expression, and reading
Computer-Based TOEFL Exam
Number of Time Computer
Section Questions Limit Adaptive?
Tutorials 7 tutorials No time limit No
Listening 30–49 15–25 minutes Yes
to answer questions
40–60 minutes total
(You will not be
timed while you
listen to recordings;
only while you
answer questions.)
Structure 20–25 15–20 minutes Yes
Reading 44–55 70–90 minutes No
(This includes the
time it takes you to

the exam are computer adaptive, but the reading and
writing sections are not.
6 TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS
most test dates. There is no separate fee for the TWE. You will
write a short essay about an assigned general topic.
What about your test score? The TOEFL exam has no
single passing score. The college, university, or agency to which
you are applying decides the minimum test score that it accepts.
To learn more about how the TOEFL exam is scored, see
Appendix A.
MANAGE YOUR TIME
If your life is busy, you may wonder how you will find the time
to prepare for the TOEFL exam. You can’t make each day longer,
but effective time management—how you organize and use your
time—can help make the most of the time you have to get ready
for the exam. Managing your time during the exam is also an
important skill.
To manage your time before the exam, evaluate how you
currently use your time. Follow these steps to better organize your
time:
Paper-and-Pencil TOEFL
Number of
Section Questions Time Limit
Listening comprehension 50 30–40 minutes
Structure and
written expression 40 25 minutes
Reading comprehension 50 55 minutes
Test of Written English (TWE) One topic 30 minutes
Note: Number of questions and time limits may vary.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK TO GET A TOP SCORE 7