From 85 to 110: My TOEFL Success Story

When I received my first TOEFL score of 85, I was devastated. The graduate program I was applying to required a minimum score of 100, and I had fallen far short. But three months later, I walked out of the test center confident that I had achieved my target score—and I was right. My final score was 110. In this article, I'll share the strategies, resources, and mindset shifts that helped me improve my TOEFL score by 25 points.

My TOEFL Journey: The Beginning

Like many international students, I underestimated the TOEFL. I had been studying English for years and could communicate comfortably in everyday situations. I thought a few weeks of preparation would be sufficient. I was wrong.

My first attempt resulted in these scores:

• Reading: 22/30
• Listening: 21/30
• Speaking: 19/30
• Writing: 23/30
• Total: 85/120

The Wake-Up Call: Analyzing My Mistakes

After the initial disappointment, I took a step back and analyzed what went wrong:

1. Inadequate preparation: I had only studied for two weeks before the test
2. Poor time management: I ran out of time on both the Reading and Writing sections
3. Lack of structured practice: My practice was random and unfocused
4. Test anxiety: I was extremely nervous, which affected my Speaking performance
5. Unfamiliarity with question types: Some question formats caught me by surprise

Creating a Strategic Study Plan

I realized I needed a complete overhaul of my approach. I gave myself three months to prepare and created a structured study plan:

Month 1: Building Fundamentals

• Week 1-2: Familiarize with all question types and test format
• Daily routine: 1 hour of reading academic articles, 1 hour of listening practice
• Resources: Official TOEFL Guide, TOEFL practice tests
• Focus: Understanding the scoring criteria for each section

Month 2: Targeted Practice

• Week 3-4: Focus on my weakest sections (Speaking and Listening)
• Daily routine: 2 Speaking tasks per day, 1 Listening passage with note-taking
• Resources: TOEFL preparation app, YouTube tutorials
• Focus: Recording and analyzing my speaking responses

Month 3: Full Test Simulation and Refinement

• Week 5-6: Weekly full-length practice tests under timed conditions
• Daily routine: Review mistakes, refine strategies
• Resources: Official TOEFL practice tests, online forums
• Focus: Time management and stress reduction techniques

Section-Specific Strategies That Worked

Each section of the TOEFL required a different approach. Here's what worked for me:

Reading: From 22 to 28

• Skimming technique: I developed a systematic approach to preview the passage in 2-3 minutes
• Question-first approach: For detail questions, I read the question first, then located the information
• Vocabulary expansion: I learned 20 new academic words per day using flashcards
• Time management: I allocated exactly 18 minutes per passage and stuck to it
• Practice material: I read academic articles from science and history journals daily

Listening: From 21 to 27

• Note-taking system: I developed a personal shorthand system for efficient notes
• Active listening: I practiced predicting what would come next while listening
• Diverse materials: I listened to academic lectures, TED Talks, and podcasts daily
• Focus on structure: I learned to identify lecture organization patterns
• Shadowing technique: I repeated what speakers said to improve comprehension

Speaking: From 19 to 26

• Template approach: I created and memorized templates for each speaking task
• Daily recording: I recorded myself daily and compared with sample responses
• Pronunciation focus: I identified and practiced my problematic sounds
• Timing practice: I used a stopwatch to ensure I stayed within time limits
• Feedback loop: I joined an online study group for peer feedback

Writing: From 23 to 29

• Essay templates: I developed flexible templates for both writing tasks
• Timed practice: I wrote at least one essay per day under timed conditions
• Grammar focus: I identified and eliminated my common grammar errors
• Vocabulary enhancement: I created a list of academic phrases and transitions
• Self-editing: I practiced reviewing and improving my essays

The Mental Game: Overcoming Test Anxiety

Perhaps the most significant improvement came from addressing my test anxiety:

• Visualization: I regularly visualized myself succeeding on the test
• Familiarity: I practiced in conditions similar to the test environment
• Breathing techniques: I learned and practiced stress-reduction breathing
• Positive self-talk: I replaced negative thoughts with constructive ones
• Physical preparation: I ensured good sleep and nutrition before the test

Test Day: Putting It All Together

On my second attempt, I felt like a different test-taker:

• I arrived 45 minutes early to settle my nerves
• I used the bathroom and had a light snack before the test
• During breaks, I did quick stretches and breathing exercises
• I maintained awareness of the timer without obsessing over it
• When I encountered difficult questions, I applied my strategies without panicking

The result? A total score of 110:

• Reading: 28/30 (+6 points)
• Listening: 27/30 (+6 points)
• Speaking: 26/30 (+7 points)
• Writing: 29/30 (+6 points)
• Total: 110/120 (+25 points)

Resources That Made a Difference

These resources were instrumental in my improvement:

• Official TOEFL iBT Tests: Nothing beats practicing with real past tests
• TOEFL preparation app: For daily practice on the go
• Academic Word List: For vocabulary expansion
• TED Talks: For listening practice with transcripts
• Online forums: For connecting with other test-takers
• Voice recording app: For analyzing my speaking responses

Advice for Fellow Test-Takers

1. Start early: Give yourself at least 2-3 months of preparation time
2. Be systematic: Create a structured study plan with specific goals
3. Focus on weaknesses: Identify and target your lowest-scoring sections
4. Practice realistically: Always practice under test-like conditions
5. Seek feedback: Get input from teachers, peers, or online communities
6. Track progress: Regularly assess your improvement with practice tests
7. Manage stress: Develop techniques to handle test anxiety

Final Thoughts

My TOEFL journey taught me that dramatic improvement is possible with the right approach. The 25-point increase didn't come from a miracle strategy—it came from consistent, focused practice and a systematic approach to addressing my weaknesses.

If you're struggling with the TOEFL, don't be discouraged. Analyze your performance, create a structured plan, practice consistently, and manage your test anxiety. With dedication and the right strategies, you too can achieve your target score.