TOEFL Study Material: The Best Resources to Help You Succeed

If you’re planning to study (or work) in an English-speaking country, chances are you’re preparing for the TOEFL exam. 

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a widely accepted language proficiency test. The test measures your ability to read, listen, speak, and write in English.  Universities, colleges, and even some employers use TOEFL scores to assess your English skills (not just academically, but in real-world settings).

But before you can get the perfect TOEFL score, you need the right resources to prepare. 

Let’s get straight to it. 

The basics of the TOEFL exam and its importance

TOEFL tests how well you can use and understand English. However, it’s not just about knowing the language, but also about applying it. 

The test has four sections: 

• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking
• Writing

Each of these sections focuses on the language skills you’ll need at your university or workplace. Developing these skills will help you learn and live in an English-speaking country.

But more importantly, most universities in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia require it as part of their admission process. Even some scholarships and work programs need a TOEFL score.

A good score is needed to prove that you can effectively communicate in English.

But that’s not all. 

A strong TOEFL score means you are fluent in English. This will also boost your confidence in using English in everyday life. 

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the types of TOEFL study materials that you can use to prepare. 

Key types of TOEFL study material

Preparing for the TOEFL isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Different types of study materials cater to various learning styles and goals. 

Let’s explore the main types of resources available, so you can choose the ones that work best for you.

• Textbooks

Textbooks are reliable options for understanding the TOEFL’s format and question types. Most TOEFL preparation textbooks offer in-depth explanations of concepts and strategies. Plus, they come with practice questions. 

If you prefer studying offline and want structured content, textbooks are the best. You can find many different TOEFL preparation textbooks online or in local bookstores. Check out our top 5 recommendations in the next section. 

• Online Courses

Online courses provide a flexible and interactive way to study. Platforms like Magoosh, Kaplan, and edX offer video lessons, quizzes, and progress tracking. Many online courses also include live classes or Q&A sessions. 

These courses are ideal if you want guided instructions. With online courses, you also get expert tips without the hassles of physical classes.

• Practice or Mock Tests

Practice tests are essential for familiarizing yourself with the exam. Other than helping you assess your preparation, mocks also help with time management. The TOEFL Practice Online (TPO) tests by ETS are the most accurate since they mimic the real exam. 

Free options are also available on platforms like TestPrepPractice.net and Magoosh. Regularly taking these tests can help you identify weak areas and build confidence.

• Study Guides

Study guides condense important strategies and tips into easy-to-follow formats. Resources like “Essential Words for the TOEFL” by Barron’s, for example, focus on key vocabulary. There are other options too which offer essay writing templates or speaking prompts. 

Such study guides are great for quick revisions and targeted learning.

• Private Tutoring

If you need personalized guidance, private tutoring is an excellent option. Private tutors can tailor lessons to your specific needs. So if you feel that you want to master specific skill sets, find a tutor. 

Platforms like Preply or local coaching centers connect you with qualified TOEFL tutors. While this option can be more expensive, it’s highly effective for one-on-one learning.

• Audio Resources

If you have time constraints, audio resources are perfect for you. With audio resources, you can improve your listening and speaking skills on the go. Podcasts like “ESLPod” and apps like TOEFL Speaking Practice feature TOEFL-style content. 

You can also listen to academic lectures on platforms like TED Talks or BBC Learning English. Audio resources can also help you get comfortable with varied accents and tones.

By combining these resources, you can create a well-rounded study plan tailored to your needs. 

Remember: Choose the resources that fit your style and not what others are using. What works for one may not work for all.

Also Read: TOEFL Exam Pattern in 2025: Latest & Updated

5 top TOEFL preparation books for 2025

TOEFL iBT is a 120-mark online test. Most universities require candidates to score at least 100 – 105. For highly competitive courses you should aim for 108-112 marks.

The key to achieving such scores is using the right TOEFL preparation books.

Here are 5 of the best TOEFL preparation books for 2025 and where you can find them online

The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test (5th Edition)

The book is created by ETS, the organization that conducts TOEFL exams. This makes it a must-have resource for any TOEFL test-taker. It offers an in-depth overview of the exam along with strategies for each section. It also includes 4 full-length practice tests. You also get sample responses and scoring explanations to help you understand what examiners are looking for.

You can buy it on Amazon.

Barron’s TOEFL iBT Superpack, 2024 Edition

Need an all-in-one resource for your TOEFL preparation? Barron’s Superpack is the way to go. It isn’t just one book, but a collection of 4 key things, which include:

• The general TOEFL guide
• Vocabulary builder
• Writing strategies
• Practice tests. 

It also includes online resources like audio files and additional practice questions. The pack is perfect for anyone looking for comprehensive preparation.

You can get the complete collection on Amazon. 

TOEFL iBT Prep Plus 2024-2025 by Kaplan

Kaplan’s TOEFL guide is known for its effective test-taking strategies and in-depth content review The book also includes access to online resources like video lessons, quizzes, and practice tests. It is known to be especially helpful for understanding question patterns. 

The book is available on the official Kaplan website.

Barron’s TOEFL iBT with Audio CDs and CD-ROM, 14th Edition

This version of Barron’s TOEFL iBT guide is ideal if you prefer physical materials. That’s because it includes CDs for listening practice. It provides extensive practice questions, model essays, and speaking prompts. Plus you get strategies tailored to each test section. The CD-ROM also includes simulated tests for added practice.

You can purchase it on Amazon. 

Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test, 5th Edition

This book is perfect for students who want thorough preparation for all 4 sections. It includes over 200 skill-building exercises and 7 full-length practice tests. Plus, you get online access to additional practice materials. 

The explanations are detailed, making it a great choice for in-depth study.

It is available on Amazon and the Cambridge University Press website.

These books cater to a range of learning styles, so choose the ones that best fit your study plan. With these books, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the TOEFL. But just learning from books isn’t enough. You also have to put what you’ve learned to the test. This brings us to our next section.

Also Read: Understanding Your TOEFL Score: Result, How to Check, Validity

The importance of TOEFL mock tests

Study materials are essential for building knowledge and skills. But mock tests are just as important. All the books that we mentioned in the previous section come with practice questions and mock tests. These help you apply what you’ve learned and prepare for the real test environment. 

But it is also important to take more than just 4-7 mock tests. That’s because mock tests help to:

• Familiarize yourself with the exam format and timing
• Build confidence by simulating real test conditions
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses in each section
• Improve time management skills for completing sections on time
• Track your progress and adjust your study plan accordingly
• Reduce test-day anxiety by letting you know what to expect
• Practice strategies

When and how often to take mock tests?

Most people take a mock test even before they start their TOEFL preparation. This helps benchmark your performance and identify how much you need to work on each section.

After this first test, you should start taking 1 mock test each week at least 4-6 weeks before your test date. As the test date approaches, increase the frequency to 2-3 mock tests per week. 

Important: Don’t forget to analyze your performance after each test to identify areas for improvement.

Where to find TOEFL mock tests?

All the books we mentioned come with a couple of mock tests. However, you can find more TOEFL mock tests via:

• The ETS Official Website
• TPO (TOEFL Practice Online) 
• Paid platforms like Magoosh and Kaplan 
• Free websites like Exam English

5 tips for using TOEFL study material effectively in 2025

Do you think having high-quality TOEFL study materials is enough for success? Well, think again. The right study material is just step one. How you use those resources is what truly makes a difference.

With countless books, apps, and practice tests available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But if you don’t use them strategically, they won’t help you as much as they should.

Here are five practical tips to help you make the most of your TOEFL study materials:

Create a Daily Study Plan

Trying to tackle all four TOEFL sections every single day? That might seem like a productive approach, but it often leads to burnout. This can, in turn, negatively affect your test preparations.

Instead, you need to break your schedule and focus on specific skills each day, for example:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for Reading and Listening
• Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for Speaking and Writing
• Sunday for taking mock tests and reviewing weak areas

This allows full attention to each section without feeling rushed or scattered.

Use the Pomodoro Technique

Heard of the Pomodoro Technique but haven’t tried it yet? Well, now’s the time to use it.

It’s a productivity method that divides your study sessions into focused intervals. Typically it includes 25 minutes of studying followed by a 5-minute break.

For example:

• Spend one Pomodoro focusing on reading practice.
• Take a short break.
• Then, use the next Pomodoro to build vocabulary or practice writing.

This approach helps you stay productive while avoiding fatigue. The short, focused bursts keep your energy and motivation high.

Record Yourself for Speaking Practice

Speaking is one of the trickiest sections to prepare for. Especially so if you don’t always have a partner to practice with. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution: use your phone to record yourself.

Step 1: Pick a speaking prompt from your TOEFL materials.

Step 2: Record your response.

Step 3: Listen to it afterwards. Pay attention to your pronunciation, grammar, and coherence.

This self-review process helps you identify mistakes and improve with each attempt.

It might feel awkward initially, but the more you do it, the more natural and effective it becomes.

Blend Study With Everyday Life

TOEFL prep doesn’t have to be a separate, tedious task. You can weave it into your daily activities. This will keep things engaging and less overwhelming.

Listen to TOEFL-related podcasts or audio materials during your commute.

Practice summarizing news articles or blogs in English to sharpen your writing skills.

Discuss your day or current events in English with a friend, family member, or study partner.

When you integrate TOEFL practice into your routine, it feels less like a chore. Plus, it keeps your brain active throughout the day.

Use Multiple Resources to Stay Motivated

Using just one book or app for your preparation might seem convenient. But over time, it can cause your progress to plateau. To avoid this, diversify your resources.

• Use one book for learning strategies.
• Watch YouTube videos for expert tips.
• Take practice tests regularly to track your improvement.

Interactive tools like apps or quizzes can also make studying more engaging. Plus, they also help break the monotony of traditional methods. Each resource offers a fresh perspective and challenges you in different ways.

Note: Having the right TOEFL study material is important, but so is choosing the right university that values your effort. A high TOEFL score is great, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle when applying abroad. You need to consider multiple factors—admission requirements, tuition fees, placement rates, and even available scholarships.

That’s where GradRight’s university-search platform helps. It doesn’t just show rankings—it matches you with universities that fit your profile using:

• TOEFL score cutoffs from recent years
• Placement data to help you evaluate ROI
• Scholarship insights so you can explore financial aid options
• Alumni network strength to assess career growth opportunities

With GradRight’s university-search platform, you get a personalized shortlist of universities that match your academic background, financial situation, and career goals.

Here’s how it works:

• Create a profile with your academic details.
• Enter your preferences like budget, location, and field of study.
• AI-powered analysis filters 40K+ programs across 4K+ universities.
• Receive a tailored shortlist with valuable insights.
• Get expert guidance to finalize your decision.

And the best part? It’s free for students.

Now that you know how to align your TOEFL preparation with your study abroad goals, let’s discuss how to get started with TOEFL preparations.

Getting started with your TOEFL preparations

TOEFL preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. Instead of starting with everything and getting drained soon, start slow but stay consistent. You should also focus on gradual improvement by using a mix of various types of study materials.

But before diving into your study plan, remember to research the TOEFL score requirements for your target university. Every university has a different minimum score requirement. Your aim should be to exceed those minimums to boost your chances of success.

Not sure which university is right for you? GradRight’s university-search platform can help. GradRight uses 60,000+ data points to help you match with universities that align with your academic and financial profile.

So don’t wait, head over to GradRight to find your perfect university. Once you have done that, dive into your TOEFL prep with the right study materials at hand.

FAQ’s