TOEFL Syllabus 2024
The TOEFL syllabus and exam pattern are divided into four segments; the TOEFL iBT assesses proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English. Widely recognized, a TOEFL certification is accepted by the majority of universities in English-speaking nations, including all universities in the UK.
However, thorough TOEFL preparation is necessary. The crucial aspect of TOEFL preparation lies in acquainting yourself with the exam's format and question style. The recommended approach is to purchase one or two reliable TOEFL preparation books or study materials containing sample questions and answers. This strategy aids in averting any unpleasant surprises during the examination.
TOEFL Exam Books
There are a number of TOEFL preparation books which can help applicants understand and prepare for the test. These TOEFL prep books cover every aspect of the test and the four main sections as well. In addition, some of these TOEFL preparation books also offer practice questions, which can help make studying for the examination a lot easier. Have a look at some of the best TOEFL preparation books :
1. The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test, 6th Edition
Pros:
1. Comprehensive coverage of all four aspects of the TOEFL iBT Test: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.
2. Includes four full-length practice tests.
3. Contains hundreds of authentic TOEFL test questions and essay topics.
4. Provides test-taking strategies directly from the test maker.
Cons:
1. Some users have reported inaccuracies in the writing section.
Question Papers, Practice Test, Sample Papers included: Yes
Author/Publication: McGraw Hill
Other books by the Author/Publication: The Official Guide to the GRE® General Test
Ratings: 4/5 stars
This book, crafted by ETS, is one of the best TOEFL preparation books. It serves as a thorough resource aiding non-native English speakers in their test readiness. Encompassing the entirety of the TOEFL iBT Test - encompassing Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening sections - this guide comprises four complete practice exams, an array of genuine TOEFL test queries, and essay prompts.
Cost: ₹1,096.00
Link to buy: Amazon
2. Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus, 2020-2021
Pros:
1. Comprehensive coverage of all four aspects of the TOEFL iBT Test: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.
2. Includes four full-length practice tests.
3. Contains hundreds of authentic TOEFL test questions and essay topics.
4. Provides test-taking strategies directly from the test maker.
Cons:
1. Issues have been reported with the access code for digital content.
Question Papers, Practice Test, Sample Papers included: Yes
Author/Publication: McGraw Hill
Other books by the Author/Publication: TOEFL iBT Prep Plus 2018-2019 4 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Audio,
Ratings: 4.0/ 5 stars
The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test, 6th Edition, is a comprehensive guide designed by ETS. It is listed in the top 10 TOEFL exam preparation books that helps non-native English speakers prepare for the test. The guide covers all four aspects of the TOEFL iBT Test: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.
Cost: ₹1,096.00
Link to buy: Amazon
3. Barron’s TOEFL iBT, 17th Edition
Pros:
1. Regularly updated content.
2. Wealth of practice material.
3. Beautiful online test system.
4. Transcripts and separate MP3 downloads are available for all test questions.
Cons:
1. Some errors and inaccuracies in the tests.
Question Papers, Practice Test, Sample Papers included: Yes
Author/Publication: Barrons Educational Services.
Other books by the Author/Publication: Barron's TOEFL iBT 15th edition (DVD)
Ratings: 4.3/ 5 stars
Barron’s TOEFL iBT, 17th Edition, authored by Dr. Pamela J. Sharpe, is one of the best TOEFL preparation books. The book covers all four aspects of the TOEFL iBT Test: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. It is regularly updated to match the changes to the TOEFL introduced in 2019.
Cost: ₹2,860.00
Link to buy: Amazon
4. Barron’s Essential Words for the TOEFL, 7th Edition
Pros:
1. Updated vocabulary that often appears on exams.
2. Organized list of 500 must-need-to-know vocabulary words.
3. Detailed and informative advice on how people can expand their English skills and vocabulary.
4. Sample practice reading tests.
Cons:
1. Some sections and parts have drawbacks
Question Papers, Practice Test, Sample Papers included: Yes,
Author/Publication: Barrons Educational Services
Other books by the Author/Publication: TOEIC Practice Exams (with online audio)
Ratings: 4.5/ 5 stars
One of the top TOEFL books, Barron’s Essential Words, is a comprehensive guide for this exam. The book is designed to help people improve their English vocabulary while preparing for the TOEFL exams. It features an updated vocabulary and a list of words that are most frequently included in the exam. The book showcases an organized list of 500 must-need-to-know vocabulary words with definitions, simple sentences, and practice exercises.
Cost: £19.85
Link to buy the book: Amazon
5. Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1, 4th Edition
Pros:
1. Contains five full-length practice tests.
2. Provides test-taking strategies directly from the test maker.
3. Includes downloadable audio for all the listening and speaking sections.
Cons:
1. Some users have reported issues with the access code for digital content.
Question Papers, Practice Test, Sample Papers included: Yes
Author/Publication: McGraw Hill
Other books by the Author/Publication: Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test, Sixth Edition (TEST PREP)
Ratings: 4.2/ 5 stars
The Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1, 4th Edition, is known as one of the best TOEFL books. The book contains five retired TOEFL test forms with authentic reading, listening, speaking, and writing questions.
Cost: ₹2,917.00
Link to buy the book: Amazon
6. Test Prep Books TOEFL Preparation Book, 2020 and 2021
Pros:
1. Comprehensive coverage of all sections of the TOEFL iBT Test.
2. Includes a variety of practice questions.
3. Provides detailed answer explanations.
4. Offers proven strategies for acing the test.
Cons:
1. Some errors and inaccuracies in the tests.
Question Papers, Practice Test, Sample Papers included: Yes
Author/Publication: Windham Press
Other books by the Author/Publication: Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test, Sixth Edition (TEST PREP)
Ratings: 4.2/ 5 stars
Test Prep Books TOEFL Preparation Book, 2020 and 2021, is a comprehensive guide for TOEFL. Known as one of the best TOEFL preparation books, it covers all sections of the exam: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It lays out proven strategies for acing these sections. The book includes a variety of practice questions and detailed answer explanations.
Cost: ₹1,464.00
Link to buy the book: Amazon
7. Mometrix TOEFL Preparation Book, 2021-2022
Pros:
1. Comprehensive guide to all sections of the TOEFL test.
2. Includes practice test questions with detailed answer explanations.
3. Step-by-step video tutorials to help master difficult concepts.
4. Tips and strategies to help get the best test performance.
Cons:
1. It might not be suitable for beginners as it requires a certain level of English proficiency
Question Papers, Practice Test, Sample Papers included: Yes
Author/Publication: Mometrix
Other books by the Author/Publication: IELTS Book for General Training and Academic 2021-2022
Ratings: 4.4/ 5 stars
The Mometrix TOEFL Preparation Book, 2021-2022, is an ideal preparation solution for anyone who wants to pass their Test of English as a Foreign Language. It covers all the sections of the TOEFL test, including Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Popular as one of the best TOEFL preparation books, it is filled with critical information, concepts, procedures, principles, and vocabulary that the Educational Testing Service (ETS) expects you to have mastered before sitting for your exam.
Cost of the book: ₹3,207.00
Link to buy the book: Amazon
8. The Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep, 2021
Pros:
1. Comprehensive guide to all sections of the TOEFL test.
2. Includes practice test questions with detailed answer explanations.
3. Step-by-step video tutorials to help master difficult concepts.
4. Tips and strategies to help get the best test performance.
Cons:
1. The book might be challenging for some due to the depth of content.
Question Papers, Practice Test, Sample Papers included: Yes
Author/Publication: Mometrix
Other books by the Author/Publication: IELTS Book for General Training and Academic 2021-2022
Ratings: 4.4/ 5 stars
The Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep, 2021 is one of the best TOEFL recommended books that aims to help students ace the TOEFL iBT. It covers all four sections of the exam: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The book provides step-by-step strategies for each section, lessons on how to identify the main ideas of a passage or lecture, and tips on how to effectively organize your ideas.
Cost of the Book: ₹735.76
Link to Buy the Book: Amazon
9. Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL iBT Test (CUP)
Pros:
1. Hundreds of skill-building exercises.
2. Numerous test-taking strategies.
3. Frequent progress checks.
Cons:
1. Only one full-length practice test is provided.
Question Papers, Practice Test, Sample Papers included: Yes
Author/Publication: Cambridge University Press
Other Books by the Author/Publication: The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS Student's Book with Answers with DVD-ROM
Ratings: 4.4/ 5 stars
The Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL iBT Test (CUP) is a preparation for TOEFL book that helps students master the language skills they need to succeed on the TOEFL iBT and communicate effectively in an academic setting. It uses an integrated-skills approach that mirrors the structure of the TOEFL iBT. The book contains hundreds of skill-building exercises covering all the question types in the exam.
Cost: ₹6,999.00
Link to Buy the Book: Amazon
10. The TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner (ETS)
Pros:
1. Comprehensive guide to all sections of the TOEFL iBT test.
2. Includes skill-building activities and sample test questions.
3. Provides tips for success on test day and beyond.
Cons:
1. It might not be suitable for beginners as it requires a certain level of English proficiency.
Question Papers, Practice Test, Sample Papers included:
Author/Publication: ETS
Other Books by the Author/Publication: The Official Guide to the GRE® General Test, Third Edition
Ratings: N/A
The TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner (ETS) is an 8-week plan designed to help students prepare for the TOEFL iBT test. It is one of the best TOEFL preparation books that covers all four sections of the exam: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The planner provides skill-building activities, sample TOEFL iBT test questions, and tips for success on test day and beyond.
Cost of the Book: Free
Link to Buy the Book: Official ETS website
How to Choose Between the Best TOEFL Preparation Books?
Choosing the best TOEFL preparation books depends on your individual needs and goals. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Content Coverage: Ensure the TOEFL preparation books cover all sections of the TOEFL iBT test.It should provide comprehensive and in-depth content for each section.
2. Practice Questions: The TOEFL preparation books should include a good number of practice questions and sample papers. This will help you understand the format of the test and practice your skills.
3. Test-Taking Strategies: Look for the TOEFL preparation books that provide strategies and tips for taking the test. This can be very helpful in improving your score.
4. Reviews and Ratings: Check the TOEFL preparation books’ reviews and ratings online. This can give you an idea of other students' experiences with it.
5. Author/Publication: TOEFL preparation books from reputable authors or publications are usually a good choice. They tend to be well-researched and reliable.
6. Price: Consider your budget. While some TOEFL preparation books may be expensive, they might also offer more resources and better-quality content.
7. Your Level of Proficiency: Choose the best TOEFL books that match your current level of English proficiency. If you are a beginner, you might want a book that starts with the basics. If you are more advanced, you might want a book that focuses on more complex topics and provides more challenging practice questions.
These best TOEFL preparation books are some of the top guides to follow and use for exam preparation. Not only will you be able to understand the requirements of the test better, but you will also be able to work on enhancing your skills further. All the best!