Complete TOEFL Test Guide: Structure, Tips, and Success Strategies

What is the TOEFL®?

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an internationally standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. The test is developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and is accepted, according to ETS, by more than 13,000 universities and institutions in over 160 countries.

The TOEFL is a key requirement for:

• Applying to universities abroad (especially in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia)
• Joining international scholarship programs (LPDP, Fulbright, AAS, etc.)
• Applying for jobs at multinational companies
• Participating in student exchange programs

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Types of TOEFL Tests

1. TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)

TOEFL iBT is the version most widely accepted for studying abroad. It is taken on a computer, at a test center or through the Home Edition.

Since January 21, 2026, ETS has used a new iBT format: the test is shorter, the Reading and Listening sections are adaptive (difficulty adjusts to your answers), and scores use a 1–6 band scale.

Aspect	Details
Duration	About 1.5 hours (the old format was about 2 hours)
Score	Band 1–6 per section and overall (in 0.5 steps); during a transition period of about 2 years, a 0–120 score is also reported
Sections	Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking
Cost	About US$200; a voucher from ITC Indonesia costs IDR 3,750,000 (as of October 2026)
Validity	2 years

2. TOEFL PBT/ITP (Paper-Based Test / Institutional Testing Program)

TOEFL ITP uses the classic PBT format and is widely used in Indonesia for graduation, job, and domestic scholarship requirements. It is available on paper or digitally (on a computer or online), depending on the test provider.

Aspect	Details
Duration	About 2 hours (115 minutes for 140 questions)
Score	310-677
Sections	Listening, Structure & Written Expression, Reading
Cost	About IDR 625,000 - IDR 700,000 at official providers (as of October 2026)
Validity	Generally treated as 2 years; the receiving institution decides

Prices for each test type are covered in TOEFL Test Fees 2026, and a full comparison of ITP, iBT, IELTS, and prediction tests is in TOEFL ITP vs iBT vs IELTS vs Prediction.

3. TOEFL Essentials

ETS also launched TOEFL Essentials (2021) as a shorter test. It is recognized far less widely than the iBT, so don’t choose it before confirming that your target institution accepts it.

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TOEFL PBT/ITP Test Structure

TOEFL PBT/ITP consists of three main sections:

Section 1: Listening Comprehension (about 35 minutes, 50 questions)

This section tests your ability to understand spoken English. It consists of:

• Part A: Short Conversations (30 questions)

  • Brief dialogues between 2 people
  • Focus on idioms, expressions, and inferences

• Part B: Longer Conversations (8 questions)

  • Longer conversations on academic topics

• Part C: Talks/Lectures (12 questions)

  • Monologues or short lectures

Listening Tips:

1. Focus on the second speaker, the answer is usually in their final response
2. Pay attention to negative words and contrasts
3. Watch out for answer choices that sound similar to words in the audio

Section 2: Structure and Written Expression (25 minutes)

This section tests your understanding of formal English grammar. It consists of:

• Structure (15 questions): Complete sentences with the correct choice
• Written Expression (25 questions): Identify errors in sentences

Common Grammar Topics:

Topic	Frequency
Subject-Verb Agreement	Very High
Parallel Structure	High
Reduced Clauses	High
Word Order	Moderate
Pronoun Reference	Moderate
Conditionals	Moderate

Structure Tips:

1. Identify the subject and main verb first
2. Look for signs of parallel structure (and, or, but, as well as)
3. Be careful with reduced relative clauses

Section 3: Reading Comprehension (55 minutes)

This section tests your ability to understand academic texts. It usually consists of 5-6 passages with a total of 50 questions.

Question Types:

• Main idea / Main topic
• Specific details
• Vocabulary in context
• Inference
• Reference questions
• Negative facts

Reading Tips:

1. Read the questions first before reading the passage
2. Use skimming techniques for the main idea
3. Use scanning techniques for specific details
4. Don’t spend too long on one question, skip it and come back later

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TOEFL Score Conversion

Here is a rough comparison of TOEFL ITP scores with iBT scores on the 0–120 scale. There is no official ITP-to-iBT conversion table because the formats differ, so use it only as a general picture. How ITP scores are calculated is explained in How TOEFL ITP Is Scored.

TOEFL PBT/ITP	TOEFL iBT	Level
677	120	Native-like
640-650	109-112	Advanced
600-620	100-104	High Intermediate
550-570	79-87	Intermediate
500-520	64-71	Low Intermediate
450-480	52-60	Elementary

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TOEFL Score Requirements for Various Purposes

Scholarships

Program	TOEFL ITP	TOEFL iBT	IELTS
LPDP Master’s, domestic	500	61	6.0
LPDP Master’s, abroad	Not accepted	80	6.5
Fulbright Master’s (AMINEF)	550 (application stage)	80	6.5
Australia Awards Master’s	Not accepted	80	6.0
Chevening	No separate requirement; meet your university’s requirement
Erasmus Mundus	Varies by program

These are general requirements as of October 2026 and may differ for doctoral study, affirmative tracks, or special schemes. Always check the official pages (lpdp.kemenkeu.go.id, aminef.or.id, australiaawardsindonesia.org) before applying, as requirements can change every year.

Universities

iBT requirements at universities abroad vary widely, even between programs at the same university. As a rough guide, many master’s programs ask for about 79–90, while highly competitive programs often ask for 100 or more. With the new format, some universities have started listing requirements as 1–6 bands. Check your target program’s admissions page for the exact figure.

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TOEFL Preparation Strategies

1. Know the Test Format

Before you start studying, thoroughly understand the test structure. Take a practice test to find out your baseline score.

2. Create a Study Schedule

Ideally, TOEFL preparation takes 2-3 months with 1-2 hours of study per day.

Sample Weekly Schedule:

Day	Focus
Monday	Listening Practice
Tuesday	Structure & Grammar
Wednesday	Reading Comprehension
Thursday	Vocabulary Building
Friday	Full Practice Test
Saturday	Review & Error Analysis
Sunday	Rest & Light Review

3. Build Your Vocabulary

Vocabulary is the key to success in every section. Focus on:

• Academic vocabulary
• Idioms and phrasal verbs
• Context clues

4. Practice Regularly

There are no shortcuts, practice is the key. Use:

• Official ETS materials
• Trusted TOEFL books (Longman, Barron’s, Cambridge)
• TOEFL practice apps like Kawan EPT (formerly Kawan TOEFL)

5. Take Periodic Practice Tests

Do full practice tests at least once a week to:

• Build your stamina
• Improve time management
• Identify your weaknesses

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not practicing listening enough, Many test-takers focus on reading and grammar but neglect listening
2. Poor time management, Spending too long on one question can cost you valuable time
3. Guessing without a strategy, Use the elimination technique for multiple-choice questions
4. Last-minute cramming, Cramming is not effective for the TOEFL
5. Ignoring official materials, ETS questions are the best representation of the actual test

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Conclusion

The TOEFL is an important investment in your academic future and international career. With proper preparation, discipline, and consistent practice, a high score is entirely achievable.

Keys to TOEFL success:

• ✅ Understand the test format and structure
• ✅ Create a realistic study schedule
• ✅ Practice consistently
• ✅ Review mistakes and learn from them
• ✅ Take care of your physical and mental health

Good luck with your TOEFL test! 🎯

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