Introduction
Preparing for the TOEFL exam can seem daunting at first. With the right resources, however, you’ll find it much easier to get the score you’re aiming for. One of the best ways to prepare is by using TOEFL preparation books. In this article, we will talk about the five best books for TOEFL preparation. These books are widely recommended for their comprehensive content, strategies, and practice tests. We will explore each book in detail, providing ratings, and also include a complete list of preparation books for the TOEFL Essentials Test. Our conversation will be simple and straightforward, aiming to make your TOEFL preparation journey a bit easier. Let’s dive in!
The 5 Best TOEFL Preparation Books
Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL iBT Test (CUP)
What This Book Is All About:
This book is like a big guide to help you get better at English. It focuses on four important parts: reading (understanding written words), listening (understanding spoken words), speaking (talking clearly), and writing (writing down your thoughts). It’s filled with advice on how to do well on these parts during the TOEFL test.
What You’ll Find Inside:
- Topics and Explanations: It talks about many different topics. For each topic, it explains how things work in the TOEFL test, like the kind of questions you’ll see and how you should answer them.
- Practice with a CD-ROM: There’s a CD included with the book. When you use it, you can practice answering questions on your computer, which feels a lot like the real TOEFL test.
Good Points and Not-So-Good Points:
- Good: It has everything you need in one place. You’ll learn a lot because it covers so much.
- Not-So-Good: Because it has so much information, it might feel like too much to take in all at once.
- Who Should Use This Book
If you’re the kind of student who wants to dive deep and really understand everything about the TOEFL test, this book is for you.
How to Use This Book:
Don’t rush. Spend time on each section of the book. Use the practice tests to see how much you’ve learned and where you need to study more.
Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus 2020-2021
What This Book Is All About:
Kaplan’s book is like a personal coach for the TOEFL test. It gives you special tips and tricks on how to answer questions better and feel more confident when you take the test.
What You’ll Find Inside:
- Practice Tests and Questions: There are four big tests you can take to practice. Plus, there are lots of questions to help you get used to the kinds of things the TOEFL will ask you.
- Online Stuff: You get to use Kaplan’s online resources, too. There are extra practice questions and video lessons that can help you understand things even better.
Good Points and Not-So-Good Points:
- Good: It’s great for learning smart ways to handle test questions. The tips and strategies can really make a difference.
- Not-So-Good: Some students feel that the online stuff could work better with what’s in the book.
- Who Should Use This Book:
This book is best for students who like learning shortcuts and strategies to do well on tests, more than just studying a lot of content.
How to Use This Book:
Make the most of everything it offers. Do the practice tests, but also spend time with the online lessons and extra questions. They can help reinforce what you learn from the book.
Barron’s TOEFL iBT (17th Edition)
What This Book Is All About:
Barron’s TOEFL book is like a trusted friend for students getting ready for the TOEFL test. It gives you detailed lessons on how to tackle the test and strategies to make the test easier for you.
What You’ll Find Inside:
- Complete Review: This book goes through everything you’ll see on the TOEFL test, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections.
- Questions and Tests: You get lots of practice questions and two big tests that are like the real TOEFL test. This helps you practice what you’ve learned.
- CD-ROM: There’s a CD with the book that lets you learn in a more fun and interactive way. You can practice on your computer, making it feel like you’re taking the real test.
Good Points and Not-So-Good Points:
- Good: It’s really good at showing you what the TOEFL test will be like and the kinds of questions you’ll have to answer.
- Not-So-Good: Some students say the practice tests in the book aren’t as hard as the real TOEFL test.
- Who Should Use This Book
If you want to understand the TOEFL test well and get lots of practice, this book is for you.
How to Use This Book:
Make sure to do all the exercises in the book and use the CD-ROM to practice. This way, you’ll be fully ready for the test.
Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1 (3rd Edition)
What This Book Is All About:
This book comes straight from the people who make the TOEFL test. It gives you real tests from the past to practice on.
What You’ll Find Inside:
- Real Tests: There are five tests that were actually given in the past. Practicing with these helps you get ready for what you’ll face on test day.
- Answers and Explanations: Each test comes with the right answers and explanations, so you can understand why you got a question right or wrong.
Good Points and Not-So-Good Points:
- Good: The biggest plus is that these are real TOEFL tests, so practicing with them is one of the best ways to prepare.
- Not-So-Good: This book doesn’t give you strategies or tips on how to take the test. It’s just about practice.
- Who Should Use This Book
This book is perfect for students who want to practice with real tests after they’ve learned some strategies from other books.
How to Use This Book:
Use these tests towards the end of your study plan. They’re a good way to see if you’re ready for the actual test day.
Official Guide to the TOEFL Test (ETS)
What This Book Is All About:
Also from the people who make the TOEFL test, this guide is like the rulebook for the TOEFL. It tells you everything about the test and how to prepare for each part.
What You’ll Find Inside:
- Detailed Guide: This book goes deep into what the TOEFL test is like, including all the sections and types of questions.
- Practice Questions and a Test: You get lots of questions to practice with and a full test to see how well you’re doing.
Good Points and Not-So-Good Points:
- Good: It’s the most accurate source for understanding the TOEFL test because it comes from the test makers.
- Not-So-Good: Unlike other books, it might not have as many practice tests, but the quality of information makes up for it.
- Who Should Use This Book
Anyone taking the TOEFL test should read this book. It’s essential for understanding the test thoroughly.
How to Use This Book:
Read it carefully to learn about the test. Then, do the practice questions and the test to check your understanding. You can use other books for more practice tests if you need them.
Key TakeAways
1. Comprehensive Preparation is Key: Successful TOEFL preparation involves using comprehensive resources that cover all aspects of the exam, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
2. Variety of Resources: There’s a wide range of TOEFL preparation books available, each with its strengths, including in-depth strategy guides, practice questions, and full-length practice tests.
3. Authentic Practice Tests Are Invaluable: Books published by ETS, the maker of the TOEFL test, provide authentic practice tests, offering the closest experience to taking the actual exam.
4. Understand the Test Format: Familiarizing yourself with the TOEFL test format and types of questions you will encounter is crucial for effective preparation.
5. Use of Multimedia Resources: Many TOEFL books come with additional resources, such as CD-ROMs and online access, providing interactive learning experiences and extra practice.
6. Strategies and Tips Are Essential: Besides practicing with questions, learning and applying test-taking strategies and tips can significantly improve your performance.
7. Tailor Your Preparation to Your Needs: Select TOEFL books that best fit your learning style, whether you prefer in-depth content review, strategy-focused guides, or a mix of both.
8. Practice Makes Perfect: Regular and consistent practice with the types of questions you’ll face on the TOEFL is vital for improvement.
9. Evaluate Your Progress: Use practice tests to gauge your progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your study plan accordingly.
10. Start Early and Plan Your Study Schedule: Begin your TOEFL preparation well in advance of your test date and create a study plan that allows ample time to cover all test sections thoroughly.
FAQ
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What is TOEFL?
TOEFL is a test that measures your English language skills. People take it to show schools they can speak and understand English well.
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Why do I need a TOEFL book?
A TOEFL book helps you prepare for the test. It gives you practice questions, teaches you how to answer them, and lets you know what to expect on test day.
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How do I pick the best TOEFL book?
Look for a book that covers all parts of the test (reading, listening, speaking, writing), has practice tests, and explains answers well. Choose one that fits how you like to learn.
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Can I use just one book to prepare?
Yes, you can, especially if it’s a comprehensive book. But using more than one book can help you see different types of questions and explanations.
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Do I need the newest edition of a TOEFL book?
It’s a good idea because the newest editions have the most up-to-date information and practice tests that are like the current TOEFL test.
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Are books with CDs or online access better?
Yes, they can be because they offer extra practice and sometimes videos that can help you understand the material better.
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How long should I study for the TOEFL?
It depends on your current English level. Some people study for a few weeks, others for several months. Start early and adjust as you go.
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How do I know if I’m improving?
Take practice tests from your book. They’ll show you what parts you’re doing well in and what parts you need to work on more.
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What if I find the practice tests too hard or too easy?
If they’re too hard, focus on learning the basics more. If they’re too easy, look for more challenging practice online or in other books.
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Can a TOEFL book guarantee a high score?
No book can guarantee a score, but the right book can give you the tools you need to do your best. Practice a lot and use the book to guide you.
In conclusion, learning English for the TOEFL test is a journey that opens many doors. Remember, every step you take in learning and practicing English helps you get closer to your goal. Just like understanding science for the SAT, mastering English for the TOEFL is about building strong skills.
Do not worry if English seems hard at first. With regular practice and determination, you will get better. Read books, listen to English songs, watch movies in English, and try to speak and write in English every day. These activities will improve your language skills.
Remember, every effort you make counts. Keep your goal in mind, stay motivated, and practice as much as you can. With time and effort, you can achieve a good score in TOEFL and move forward in your academic and professional journey. Good luck, and believe in yourself!