How to Prepare for the TOEFL Exam – Check Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Cost

The TOEFL exam is one of the most widely accepted English language proficiency tests worldwide, designed specifically for academic purposes. If you’re planning to pursue higher education in an English-speaking country, mastering the TOEFL exam preparation is essential. This blog covers the updated exam pattern, syllabus, fees, and effective ways to prepare, especially for students aspiring to study in Ireland or pursue their masters in Ireland.

What is the TOEFL Exam?

The TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) evaluates a student’s ability to understand and use English at the university level. It is accepted by more than 12,000 universities and institutions across 160+ countries.

There are two main formats:

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) – The most common version, used for university admissions.
  
• TOEFL Essentials – A shorter, adaptive version focusing on general English proficiency.
  

Both versions assess your skills in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing to ensure you are ready for academic communication.

TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025

The TOEFL iBT exam pattern has been recently updated for a more efficient test experience, with the total duration reduced to around 2 hours. The section-wise format is as follows:

• Reading:
  
  • 2 passages
    
  • 20 questions
    
  • 36 minutes
    
• Listening:
  
  • 3 lectures, 2 conversations
    
  • 28 questions
    
  • 36 minutes
    
• Speaking:
  
  • 4 tasks (including independent and integrated responses)
    
  • 16 minutes
    
• Writing:
  
  • 1 integrated task
    
  • 1 opinion-based essay
    
  • 29 minutes
    

Compared to TOEFL Essentials, which is only 1.5 hours long and covers both academic and general English, the iBT remains the preferred choice for university admissions. Effective TOEFL preparation should align with this structure, covering integrated skills for real-world university use.

TOEFL Syllabus – What to Expect?

For successful TOEFL exam preparation online, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the exam syllabus.

• Reading: Includes 2 academic texts from subjects like history, science, or humanities. You’ll need to identify main ideas, make inferences, and understand vocabulary in context.
  
• Listening: Involves lectures and conversations, simulating real classroom and campus situations. You’ll need to identify speakers’ purposes, details, and implied meanings.
  
• Speaking: Tasks require you to express an opinion, summarise information from reading and listening materials, and deliver coherent responses.
  
• Writing: Includes an integrated task (reading + listening + writing a summary) and an independent task (writing an essay expressing your viewpoint).
  

Each section requires strategy-based learning, which makes TOEFL exam preparation online even more critical for personalised improvement.

TOEFL Exam Cost 2025

As of 2025, the TOEFL exam cost in India is approximately USD 195, which converts to about ₹16,000*. The fee includes score reporting to up to four institutions.

Other potential costs include:

• Late Registration Fee: USD 40
  
• Rescheduling Fee: USD 60
  
• Additional Score Reports: USD 20 per university
  

Considering the exam fee and optional expenses, it’s important to plan your budget accordingly, especially if you’re also managing applications and documentation for a Ireland student visa.

How to Start TOEFL Exam Preparation

Starting your TOEFL exam preparation early gives you a competitive edge. Here’s a basic roadmap for planning your study:

1. Timeline: Allow at least 8 to 12 weeks for preparation.
   
2. Divide your time per section:
   
   • Reading: practice skimming, summarising passages.
     
   • Listening: focus on accent variation, note-taking.
     
   • Speaking: record yourself, improve fluency and coherence.
     
   • Writing: review grammar, sentence structure, and essay organisation.
     
3. Mock Tests: Schedule full-length TOEFL tests once every two weeks to build stamina and improve time management.
   
4. Integrated Practice: Simulate real exam tasks, especially those combining reading, listening, and writing/speaking responses.
   

A solid TOEFL preparation plan not only improves your scores but also boosts your academic confidence when you begin your degree.

TOEFL Preparation Online – Best Resources

Thanks to technology, TOEFL preparation online is more accessible than ever. Here are some resources you can explore for efficient TOEFL exam preparation online:

• ETS TOEFL Go! App: Official mobile app for practice questions, videos, and score comparisons.
  
• Free and Paid Practice Tests: Available on the ETS website, including detailed score reports.
  
• Online Coaching Platforms: Offer structured courses with video lectures, live feedback, and expert support.
  
• Recommended Books:
  
  • The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test
    
  • Barron’s TOEFL iBT
    
  • Cambridge TOEFL
    
• Apps: Quizlet for vocabulary building, Magoosh for mobile study plans.
  

Digital learning allows flexibility, adaptive learning, and instant feedback — ideal for working professionals or students juggling applications for a master’s in Ireland or any other international program.

Tips for Effective TOEFL Exam Preparation

To achieve your target TOEFL score, focus on these actionable strategies:

• Time Management: Use timers during practice to simulate real test conditions.
  
• Daily Habits: Read academic texts, watch English lectures or documentaries, and write daily essays.
  
• Tackle Weak Areas: Spend extra time on sections you find difficult, such as Speaking or Listening.
  
• Vocabulary Building: Maintain a personal word list of academic terms with definitions and examples.
  
• Stress Management: Practice breathing exercises before study sessions and develop a calm test-day routine.
  

Staying consistent and tracking your improvement will help you make the most of your TOEFL exam preparation.

Conclusion

The TOEFL exam is more than a university requirement; it is your gateway to a successful academic journey abroad. Whether you’re aiming for an mba in Ireland or applying for a master’s in Ireland, your TOEFL score plays a vital role in admissions and visa approvals.

With the right blend of early planning, digital resources, and focused preparation, cracking the TOEFL becomes much more achievable. For personalised guidance, including help with TOEFL preparation, university selection, or the Ireland student visa process, get in touch with NewStrides, your trusted partner in overseas education.

Supriya Sawant

Supriya Sawant is an accomplished Education Counsellor and Manager with 7+ years of experience in guiding students toward academic success. Specializing in higher education opportunities in the UK and Ireland, she is a trusted advisor and a favourite among her students. Supriya is known for her approachable style, insightful guidance, and dedication to student growth.