TOEFL

The TOEFL iBT is an English test used mainly for university admission. It is accepted by thousands of universities, especially in the United States and Canada, as well as by many institutions in the UK, Europe and Asia. It measures how well you can use academic English: reading texts, following lectures and conversations, and speaking and writing about what you have read and heard. A2Z Language helps you understand each section and practise it under timed conditions.

What the test looks like

The TOEFL iBT is taken on a computer, either at a test centre or at home with the Home Edition. It has four sections:

Section	What it measures
Reading	Understanding academic and everyday texts: main ideas, details, vocabulary in context and how the text is organised.
Listening	Following lectures, campus conversations and short spoken messages, including the speaker's attitude and purpose.
Speaking	Answering questions clearly and fluently, including tasks where you respond to something you have just heard.
Writing	Writing clear, organised and accurate texts, such as an email or a contribution to an academic discussion.

The TOEFL iBT was updated in January 2026: the test is shorter, includes new task types and parts of it adapt to your level. Scores are now reported on a 1–6 scale aligned with the Common European Framework (CEFR), with a 0–120 equivalent shown during the transition period. Because universities are updating their requirements, check whether your university quotes the new 1–6 band or the older 0–120 score.

What universities ask for

Requirements vary widely. Many undergraduate programmes ask for a total score in the range of about 80–100 on the 0–120 scale, and competitive postgraduate programmes often ask for more, sometimes with a minimum in Speaking or Writing. Teaching assistant positions usually have a separate Speaking requirement. Always confirm the current requirement on the admissions page of each programme you apply to.

How we prepare you

• Diagnostic test. We find which section is lowering your total score and build the plan around it.
• Reading and Listening strategies. Note-taking for lectures, recognising question types, and managing your time on adaptive sections.
• Speaking practice. Timed answers recorded and reviewed for organisation, fluency, pronunciation and vocabulary.
• Writing feedback. Practice emails and academic discussion posts, returned with corrections and a model answer.
• Full mock tests. Practice under real timing, so the computer format and pace feel familiar on test day.

Common mistakes we fix

• Trying to write down every word of a lecture instead of noting the structure and key examples.
• Speaking answers that run out of time before reaching the main point.
• Writing that is long but loosely organised; clear structure scores better than length.
• Learning lists of rare words instead of the academic vocabulary that actually appears in the test.

Frequently asked questions

Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

Neither test is simply harder. TOEFL is fully computer-based and uses North American academic contexts; IELTS has a face-to-face Speaking test. Many students choose the test whose format suits them. See our comparison of English exams and TOEFL Speaking tips.

How long should I prepare?

Students who are already close to their target often need a few weeks of focused practice. Students who need a large score increase should plan for several months. We give you an estimate after the diagnostic test, but no teacher can honestly guarantee a score.

Where do I book the test?

The TOEFL iBT is run by ETS. Bookings, fees and the latest format details are on the official TOEFL website. A2Z Language is an independent teaching provider.