Free TOEFL Practice Tests

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Taking TOEFL practice tests are 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.

Taking practice exams will help you identify what you already know, and what you need to work on. We’ve also included a directory of other free TOEFL study resources to help you prepare.

Summary: Try a free TOEFL practice test to see what you need to work on.

See the Top TOEFL Prep Courses

  1. BestMyTest – Test-Guide Recommended
  2. Magoosh – Test-Guide Recommended

See Our Reviews & Rankings of Top TOEFL Prep Courses.

TOEFL Prep Badge

TOEFL Overview

While it may not be relevant for native English speakers, the TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is an extremely important exam for non-native speakers. In order to gain entrance to many universities in an English-speaking country, students must take and pass the TOEFL. 

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.

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:

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:

Free TOEFL Practice Tests – Questions and Answers

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.

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.

Exam Outline – What’s On the TOEFL iBT?

Needless to say, there are plenty of ways to prepare for the TOEFL, but it is extremely important that you know what to expect on the day of the test. In addition to knowing the types of questions on the test, you will also want to know how the TOEFL is administered, your allotted time, and all of the DO’s and DON’Ts for the test day.

There are technically two different forms of the TOEFL: the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT. The latter is a paper-based exam that has mostly been phased out, though it is still offered at many ETS testing centers. However, the vast majority of students end up taking the TOEFL iBT, which is administered online via testing centers.

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

TOEFL Exam Breakdown

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.

  • Allotted Time: 60-80 minutes
  • Number of Questions: 36-56
  • Type of Questions: Multiple-choice

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.

  • Allotted Time: 60-90 minutes
  • Number of Questions: 34-51
  • Type of Questions: Multiple-choice

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.

  • Allotted Time: 20 minutes
  • Number of Tasks: 6
  • Type of Questions: Spoken

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.

  • Allotted Time: 50 minutes
  • Number of Tasks: 2
  • Type of Questions: Essay

TOEFL Administration – What You Need to Know to Register

The TOEFL is administered on specific dates throughout the year. Most years, there are more than 50 dates on which you can take the exam, so it is pretty easy to find a test day that works for your schedule. 

Additionally, the ETS gives you three ways to register: online, by phone, or by mail. You can learn more about the registration process and fees on the ETS website.

What Happens During the TOEFL?

TOEFL tests must be taken at an authorized ETS testing center. Generally, you should expect to spend between 4-5 hours at the testing center on the day of the test. 

You should try to show up at least 30 minutes prior to your test time, as you will need to sign in and show your I.D. to the test administrator.

You will spend between 120-170 minutes on the first two sections (Reading and Listening) before taking a 10 minute break. The allotted time and number of questions varies for the first two sections, as some of the questions are experimental and do not count toward your final score. 

The number of experimental questions varies for each test.

After the 10 minute break, you will move on to the final two sections (Speaking and Writing). You are allowed to take notes during the test, however you cannot speak to anyone else. Like most standardized tests, you will need to notify a test administrator if you have any questions or problems.

Who is Eligible to Take the TOEFL?

The ETS requires all students to show a valid form of ID in order to register and take the TOEFL. You can learn about the exact requirements for identification right here. 

Generally, you are eligible for the TOEFL as long as you can present an unexpired, government-issued ID with a recent picture. 

For students who are under 18, it is recommended that you bring your parent or guardian with you on the day of the test. If you are 15 or under, both you and your parent/guardian must present valid ID at the test center.

TOEFL Scores – How Are They Calculated?

Each section is scored individually out of 30. Then, the scores are combined for a final score out of 120. For the speaking and writing sections, each task is scored on a scale from 0-4 (speaking) or 0-5 (writing).

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.

TOEFL FAQs

TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120. The four sections are each given scores on a scale from 0 to 30. The four sections include reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

We reviewed the different options out there and found that BestMyTest and Magoosh were the best options.

You can read our in depth reviews on the best TOEFL prep courses for more information.

TOEFL prep courses are great for students who want to freshen up on material and learn test taking strategies for the TOEFL. A prep course is a great investment and will help you get into your dream school.

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.

Make sure you are ready for the TOEFL by taking our free TOEFL practice tests!

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.

For more information, see our guide to TOEFL scores.

Final Thoughts

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Exam is intended to measure a student’s ability to understand and use English at a college level. Over 6,000 colleges, government organizations, and businesses accept TOEFL test scores worldwide.

The TOEFL Test serves a similar function to other standardized tests (such as SAT and ACT Tests) in that they used by colleges and universities as a factor in admissions. 

Different institutions place varying degrees of importance on TOEFL scores, and use them along with other factors such as GPA, class rank, community service, recommendations and extracurricular activities.

The TOEFL Test is only one factor that colleges use in their admissions processes, but it can be an important factor – so you should prepare and strive to do well on the test.

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