Emergency TOEFL Prep: How to Prepare in Just 2 Days

Is Last-Minute TOEFL Preparation Possible?

The TOEFL test is considered by many to be one of the most challenging and tricky language tests out there. While it's ideal to have plenty of time to prepare, there are situations when you may have to take the test at the last minute. If you're one of those people and you need to take the TOEFL in a matter of days, this article is for you.

Knowing all this is a game-changer. I've been teaching TOEFL for more than 10 years now, and I see that students with exactly the same level of English can get completely different scores depending on whether or not they know little life hacks about the test.

For example, I know hundreds of students who consistently score 22-23 on the speaking section because they use templates incorrectly and do not know how to organize their answers effectively. I've also seen students take the test 15 or even 20 times and still not get the score they need. Why? Because they didn't analyze what they were doing wrong and kept taking the test, trying to finally "win the lottery" and get the score they needed.

However, the key to successful TOEFL preparation is knowing what you're doing wrong and what you should be doing to score high. So let's dive into how you can make the most of just two days of preparation.

Day 1: Understanding the Test and Practicing Reading/Listening

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Test Structure

Spend the first day familiarizing yourself with the structure of the test and working on the first two sections: Reading and Listening. First, you need to understand the format of the test. The TOEFL consists of four sections:

You can find more information about each section on the ETS website. However, since you only have 2 days to prepare, don't waste too much time on it. You will understand the structure of the test much better once you start practicing.

Step 2: Take a Full Practice Test

Now that you know the format of the test, it's time to take a full practice test. You can take a free practice test on the ETS website or find practice tests for each section on YouTube. During my one-on-one sessions, I like to use YouTube speaking simulations with my students because you can always go back and forth to ensure better understanding.

Once you complete the full-length practice test, you will have a better idea of the test format and be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses. I recommend that you keep a spreadsheet of your scores. You will receive a score for both reading and listening when you finish. However, evaluating your speaking and writing skills is a little more difficult. You can try to do this on your own using the speaking and writing rubrics provided by the ETS.

Step 3: Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

After taking the practice test, identify the sections you're more confident in and those you're struggling with. This will help you focus your limited preparation time on the areas that need the most improvement.

Step 4: Practice Reading and Listening

Even though they seem easier than the writing and speaking sections, you should still take at least two to three reading and listening practice tests. Believe me, I see tons of students who struggle with the reading section not because their reading skills are bad—it's simply because they don't know how to approach the questions correctly.

For the listening section, you don't need to focus as much on the question types. Instead, do more practice tests and work on your note-taking skills. In the TOEFL listening section, you'll first have to listen to long conversations and lectures and then answer the questions. You won't be able to listen to the recording again, so your notes are your only chance to make sure you get all the questions right.

Your notes will also ensure that your mind doesn't wander and you don't get distracted. You can use abbreviations and symbols to help you take notes more quickly. For example, I usually use "→" instead of writing "as a result," "this is because," "this leads to," and so on.

Write down 5-10 new words from each reading and listening test that you didn't know and that prevented you from getting the correct answer. I remember when I was practicing, I would just have notes open on my phone, and I'd write down every word where I'd be like, "Oh no, I wish I knew that word. It would have helped me answer the question." Just write the word down in your notes and translate it after you finish the section. Then try to make up small sentences to help you remember it.

You can find reading and listening practice tests on the ETS website, on YouTube, or on the KMF and Wayho platforms. These are Chinese platforms that offer free practice tests. Their first pages are in Chinese, but once you select the test, you'll be redirected to a completely Chinese-free website that will simulate the conditions of the test. This is important because if you practice with paper resources, you will not feel very confident on the day of the test and you may lose points.

Also, if you feel that you don't have enough time to complete a full reading or listening practice test, you can practice with these websites. They allow you to do just one passage and 10 questions, or listen to a conversation and answer questions afterward. There is no timer, so you'll have to time yourself.

Don't forget to enter all your scores in the spreadsheet to monitor your progress. If you see that your listening scores are good, focus on the reading section, and vice versa.

Day 2: Mastering Speaking and Writing

For day two, focus on speaking and writing, and set aside some time at the end of the day for final review and confidence building.

Step 1: Practice the Writing Section

Begin with the writing section. Complete at least three integrated essays. You can use the KMF platform for practice questions. The integrated task requires you to read the text and listen to a lecture that contradicts the text. It's important to work on your notes and typing skills.

To improve your typing, use the Fast Fingers website. Start with the top 200 words, then move on to the top 1,000 words, and finally take the individual typing test.

Step 2: Work on the Writing for an Academic Discussion Task

There are many examples of prompt questions online, so just use Google to find them. Since you've already practiced your typing skills, you should just focus on answering the question and providing enough detail. Simply put, this assignment is about answering a question in a short post. Write at least 150 words instead of the 100 words the assignment requires.

Also, review grammar points that are challenging for you. Focus on the most common grammar and vocabulary mistakes students make when writing essays.

Step 3: Practice the Speaking Section

Once you finish the writing section, it's time to practice the speaking section. Start by working on the first question. Find a list of Type 1 questions and work on answering them in 45 seconds. This question looks like this:

Once you feel more or less confident and can speak consistently during the 45 seconds, you can start doing complete speaking sections. As I mentioned earlier, you can find practice speaking tests on YouTube. This will allow you to listen to a conversation or a lecture again or spend more time reading the text. It's important to do this at the beginning because you're just getting familiar with the structure.

Again, the key to doing well in the speaking section is using templates and speaking confidently. As with the writing section, templates are key to helping you organize your answer in 45 or 60 seconds.

Step 4: Final Review and Confidence Building

Finally, as you near the end of your 2 days of preparation, take some time for a final review and confidence-building exercises. Review key concepts, strategies, and any notes or flashcards you've made during your preparation. Focus on your strengths and address any last-minute doubts or uncertainties.

Also, engage in activities that increase your confidence and mental preparedness for the test. This could include positive self-talk, visualization of success, or even a brief relaxation exercise to calm pre-test nerves.

The Power of Templates in Emergency Preparation

I've mentioned templates several times throughout this article, and for good reason. Templates are pre-structured formats that help you organize your responses in a coherent and effective way. They are especially valuable when you have limited preparation time.

Why Templates Work

• They provide a clear structure for your responses
• They help you manage your time during the test
• They ensure you include all necessary components in your answers
• They reduce stress by giving you a familiar framework to follow

Remember, templates are not meant to be memorized word-for-word. They should be flexible frameworks that you can adapt to different questions and topics. The goal is to internalize the structure so that you can apply it naturally during the test.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Last-Minute Preparation

When preparing for the TOEFL in just two days, it's easy to make mistakes that can hinder your performance. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the TOEFL in 2 days is undoubtedly a challenging task, but remember that with careful planning, focused practice, and a positive attitude, it's entirely possible to achieve great results. While time may be limited, your determination and dedication can ultimately lead you to your dream score.

Remember to stay calm during the test. Panic is your worst enemy, especially when you have limited preparation time. Trust in the strategies you've learned and the practice you've done. Even with just two days of preparation, you can perform much better than you might expect.

I wish you the best of luck on your test day. Keep us posted on your progress!