TOEFL is the acronym for the Test of English as a Foreign Language, and it is administered in approximately 180 different countries to test the English skills of foreign language speakers. The test is written and administered by ETS, the Educational Testing Service, and it measures the test taker's reading skills, audio comprehension skills, speaking skills, and writing skills. Its results are recognized by thousands of universities, and many universities require that foreign applicants submit their TOEFL results in order to be admitted to certain programs. .

Test takers can prepare for the TOEFL using many different methods that all involve different costs and different levels of commitment. On the cheap side, a test taker can simply invest in a set of flashcards that they can flip through as they go about their day. On the most expensive end of the spectrum, the test taker can hire a private tutor who will guide them through everything that they need to know about the TOEFL. Most students will choose a variety of test prep strategies that are somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. As the exams results are so important to your future success, it is advised that you spend as much time and money as possible to prepare for this test.

Although you may think that simply learning English will be enough of an effort to let you do well on the TOEFL, keep in mind that the TOEFL is a standardized test, and as such, it will have certain slants and biases. Most good test prep books and tutors will understand the format of the test well enough so that when you employ their assistance, you will perform better on the tests. In most cases, their services will positively impact your score regardless of how rudimentary or advanced your English language skills are.

If you visit any major bookstore or online book retailer, you will find many different books that promise to help you achieve good results on this exam. When choosing a book, you should look for several things. If you struggle with any aspect of learning English, be sure to find a book that focuses on that aspect. Do not only focus on taking practice tests in the areas in which you excel. It is more effective to focus on those areas (speaking, reading, writing, or listening) that are the most difficult for you. Make sure that the book is written by a reputable publisher like Barrons, the Princeton Review, or the ETS themselves. If the book credits an author, look carefully at his or her credentials. You may wish to purchase more than one test prep book, and make certain that at least one of your purchases includes a compact disc with practice tests. Although the TOEFL is administered on paper in some locations, it is primarily administered in its internet version. Taking as many practice tests as you can on your computer will help ensure that you receive optimal results when you take the real test.

If you visit the ETS website, you will see that they offer a variety of services to help students prepare for the exam. For approximately $45, you can take an online practice test that the ETS will grade for you. They also publish the book The Official Guide to the TOEFL(R) Test. Now in its third edition, this test prep guide is available on the ETS website or at most major bookstores. For $60, you can buy six months worth of their Engaging English Service. This service focuses on honing your reading skills. To ace the pronunciation portion of the test, you may wish to purchase their 300 pronunciation lessons. These lessons are available at both the beginner and intermediate levels, and they focus on the stress and intonation of words in American, Australian and British English. Learning idioms is a key factor between being a beginning learner and an advanced learner. To that end, ETS offers 200 lessons that feature 100 different English idioms. Almost all of the services that are available on the ETS site offer companion translations in Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese. There is even a writing program on the ETS site.

In addition to all the test preparation that you can do on your own, you will be greatly benefited by enrolling in at least one course. These courses are administered by companies like The Princeton Review, and they combine several weeks of classroom instruction with several practice tests. Keeping in mind how important your results will be, choose a few strategies from this article to help you study. Then, when you feel ready, take the test. Good Luck.