If you feel that you could benefit from a standardized TOEFL prep class, Varsity Tutors can place you in a private TOEFL course today. We are a leader in the TOEFL prep course industry because we offer flexible test prep options that may be adapted to any student's needs.
We can sign you up for TOEFL prep classes that include instruction from a qualified teacher, who will work with you in a one-on-one setting designed with you in mind. By taking advantage of these individualized TOEFL classes, you can receive benefits beyond what a traditional classroom setting could provide you. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of taking a TOEFL class arranged by Varsity Tutors!
How Can A TOEFL Prep Class Near Me Help Me Understand The Exam's Purpose?
The TOEFL, or Test Of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardized assessment taken by non-native English speakers in order to demonstrate their English language skills. It is most often taken by individuals interested in studying within an English-speaking country, working in an English-speaking country, or as part of the immigration process.
The TOEFL is not the only standardized exam of its type, but its blend of all four communication skills (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) makes it the most popular. Exam scores are accepted at over 10,000 universities and other institutions around the world. It should be taken two to three months before your earliest application due date.
How Could Taking TOEFL Classes Near Me Help Me Prepare For Each Section?
The TOEFL is divided into four sections based on the communication skills above, but several of them require test-takers to blend more than one communication skill in order to do well. Here is a closer look at each section of the exam:
Reading
The TOEFL Reading section consists of 3-4 academic passages followed by questions about the material you just read. No prior knowledge of the subject matter is required. Instead, you will be expected to identify the main idea, vocabulary used, and rhetorical purpose of the piece. You may also be asked to infer conclusions based on what you read, potentially incorporating cause and effect or compare-contrast in your analysis. Finally, you may need to complete a summary or fill in a table with what you learned.
If you could retain more of the information you read, your instructor may demonstrate active reading techniques during your TOEFL prep courses to boost your retention. Something like note-taking as you go along may seem simple, but it forces you to actively engage with the material. You might also be able to refer to your notes instead of digging through the passage again for a particular piece of information, helping you conserve valuable time. You will have between 60-80 minutes to answer 36-56 questions, so you need to work quickly if you want to answer everything.
You might also consider improving your broader study skills in this phase of your TOEFL course. For example, flashcards can be an effective way to add new words to your vocabulary. If you know more words, you are less likely to get stuck on one that appears in a reading passage.
Listening
The Listening section of the TOEFL entails listening to recorded English conversations and then answering questions about them. You will face anywhere from 6-9 listening passages drawn from an academic setting, such as a professor's lecture or interaction with a student. Again, no prior knowledge is needed to answer any of the questions. Instead, you are looking for the main idea, important supporting details, implications, speaker purpose, and speaker attitudes.
The best way to improve your listening skills is to immerse yourself in the language during your TOEFL class. The old adage of "Practice makes perfect" is true, so try to hear English as often as possible to prepare for this section. Your tutor is a perfect practice partner because they can slow their speech, repeat material as needed, and emphasize the most important points with their voice if you are missing something.
The first two listening passages may be drawn from a non-North American English speaker such as somebody from Australia or the United Kingdom. If you would like some experience with accents besides your tutor's, you might want to watch English-language television. For instance, the British Broadcasting Channel (BBC) is a widely-available source of British accents you may review during TOEFL courses.
Incorporating TV into your TOEFL course may also help make sessions more engaging. If you are interested in politics, BBC World News offers a fascinating global perspective. If you enjoy science fiction, Doctor Who is among the longest-running programs in the genre. As long as you are listening to native-level English, the content doesn't really matter. Why not enjoy it?
Speaking
There are a total of six tasks on the TOEFL Speaking section: two independent tasks that require you to talk about familiar topics, two prefaced by reading passages that you must incorporate into your speech, and two prefaced by listening passages for you to incorporate in the same manner. The first two are probably the easiest. You will be asked something like, "What would you show a friend visiting your home country for the first time?" and graded on how clear, concise, and spontaneous your response is. If you speak to your instructor in English during your TOEFL prep classes, you might already have a sense of what this is like.
The other four (collectively called "integrated" speaking tasks) add your ability to synthesize the material you read or heard into your grade. Unlike comparable exams, your responses are recorded and sent to at least three different graders who evaluate your work anonymously. This limits the bias that may result from being graded by one individual at a testing center.
You have a total of 20 minutes for the entire Speaking section.
Writing
Like the Speaking section, the TOEFL Writing section is divided into two separate tasks. The first is independent, requiring you to compose an argumentative essay in support of an opinion. The second is integrated, requiring you to identify the key points of a listening passage and relate them to a reading passage in an essay. You have 50 minutes to finish both tasks.
Many students practice their outlining skills during their TOEFL courses to make it easier to organize their thoughts on exam day. Working from an outline helps prevent you from staring at the screen wondering what to say next, so you can make the most of the time available to you. It also serves as a convenient reference point for all of your supporting details so that you don't forget to include any.
Taking practice exams during your TOEFL classes may also help you get a sense for the time available to you. There is really no substitute for experiencing realistic test-taking conditions yourself, so taking practice exams may improve your time management. You can also gain experience with the way exam questions are worded, potentially saving you some time on the actual test.
Can A TOEFL Course Near Me Be Tailored To My Needs?
A TOEFL class can be created around your specific needs. During the first TOEFL course, your tutor can get to know you on an academic level and figure out your strengths and unique areas of opportunity. Once they assess your current situation, they can use this as a baseline to plan out your TOEFL courses and tackle your most challenging areas. Throughout each session, your tutor can keep track of your progress and make any necessary changes to your TOEFL course learning plans immediately.
For instance, if you are more comfortable writing than speaking English, your instructor can concentrate on the Speaking section during your TOEFL class. On the other hand, if you are struggling with the reading section, your instructor can change your TOEFL class to focus more on it. The flexibility of this method helps you get the most out of your study time.
Will A TOEFL Prep Course Near Me Show Me What To Expect On Test Day?
A whopping 98 percent of all TOEFL test-takers take the TOEFL iBT, or Internet-Based Test. This exam is computer-based and administered over 50 days a year at testing centers around the world. If you haven't taken a computer-based test before, your TOEFL class may cover some of what to expect.
You may be asked to produce a photo ID when you check-in, after your scheduled break, and after any unplanned interruptions. Other than your ID, you are not permitted to bring anything with you into the testing center. Some locations may have specified storage areas for your personal effects, while others will simply shove them into a plastic bag. This includes test prep materials, so approach your TOEFL prep classes with the understanding that you will not be able to do any cramming once you sit down for the test.
The exam uses a standard English-language QWERTY keyboard, so you should practice using it during TOEFL prep classes if your country uses keyboards with a different key arrangement. Scratch paper will be provided so that you may take notes on all of the reading and listening passages, and doing so is often one of the keys to success on the test. If you have a hard time taking effective notes while paying attention to a passage, your tutor may be able to help you in this area.
If you live in a region of the world where internet testing is not available, you can take the pencil-and-paper TOEFL instead. This exam doesn't have a Speaking section as the technology simply isn't available, but it otherwise follows the structure above. Notably, this version of the test is only available if you can't take the iBT version, not because you would prefer not to.
Once you understand the structure of the exam, you might want a sense of what the questions are like. Below you will find one example of a question that could be found on the exam:
Structure and Written Expression Sample Question:
Geysers have sometimes been compared to volcanoes __________ they both emit hot liquids from below Earth's surface.
-
- despite
- because
- in regard to
- as a result of
Your instructor can provide you with study materials to help you become familiar with the contents of the exam, including practice questions. Additionally, each TOEFL prep course can be created using your preferred method of learning. If you respond best to visual aids, your instructor can use images, graphs, and videos to present the material.
What Grade Is Considered Passing?
The Exam is in 4 scaled section scores:
- Reading Section (Score of: 0-30)
- Listening Section (Score of: 0-30)
- Speaking Section (Score of: 0-30)
- Writing Section (Score of: 0-30)
- Total Score (0-120)
The numbers are identical, but the scale is not the same. For example, a 14 on the Reading section does not mean the same thing as a 14 on the Listening section. Every institution has its own minimal score requirements, so there is no such thing as a universal passing TOEFL grade. That said, the "Performance Feedback" included with every score should give you a sense of what you do and do not understand based on your test results. Your score remains valid for a period of two years after your test.
If you are someone who deals with exam-day anxiety, your instructor may also teach you relaxation techniques that you can use if you begin to feel pressured or nervous. This may help you alleviate exam anxiety and improve your overall test-taking skills now and in the future. Your tutor can help you set and reach for your TOEFL study goals with personalized instruction and attention to detail. We would be happy to help you get the score you are shooting for with a TOEFL prep class.
We also try to make attending a TOEFL class as convenient as we can. Our proprietary Live Learning Platform facilitates digital study sessions, giving you face-to-face instruction anywhere with a stable internet connection for maximal convenience.
If you are ready to get the help that you deserve during your TOEFL test prep, contact Varsity Tutors today. We are ready and able to help you sign up and take advantage of your own personalized, comprehensive TOEFL prep courses. We are looking forward to helping you reach for your test score goals. A skilled advisor can be reached online or by phone, so reach out to us today!

Gabrielle: TOEFL course instructor
...Language and Global Studies. After winning the Boren national scholarship, I spent the past year and a half studying abroad. During my time traveling throughout Asia, I worked and volunteered as a teacher for students of all ages, gaining significant experience in tutoring a wide variety of subjects. From ESL to public speaking, I have had the chance to help students make remarkable advancements in both confidence and competency levels. I am particularly passionate about...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Language & Global Studies
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +29 subjects

Tae Young: TOEFL course instructor
...Boston University School of Law. I have also served in the U.S. Army for over four years, and was honorably discharged in 2010. For two years, I taught English in Korea, and prepared students for the TOEFL standardized English exam. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English, Literature, and History. In today's competitive environment, a successful education is of utmost importance to students. Every grade, every score, and...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Acting/Directing
- Boston University School of Law - Masters, Law
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT
- PSAT
- Contract Law
- +33 subjects

Jerry: TOEFL course instructor
...currently in the process of applying to graduate programs to pursue my own dreams of an MBA. I have been a teacher/tutor for SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, AP US History, and various other subjects for over four years. My favorite subject to teach is AP US History because I have the ability to make the stories of our past fun and interesting. I constantly update my teaching materials and methodology with each passing year...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Queens College - Bachelors, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ACT
- +20 subjects

Luke: TOEFL course instructor
...as well as a minor in Bible/Theology. Since graduation, I have been teaching English overseas in South Korea and the nation of Georgia. In those roles, I was especially proud of the improvements my students made towards clear self-expression in speaking and writing (which was reflected in high TOEFL scores). I've got a knack for identifying an essay's strengths and weaknesses, and for giving specific feedback to make written ideas come to life. In addition,...
Education & Certification
- Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- ACT
- Biology
- Writing
- +31 subjects

Nicholas: TOEFL course instructor
I'm a recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania who studied Linguistics and Deaf Studies. I eventually hope to work towards breaking down barriers between the Deaf and hearing worlds and encouraging greater focus on reforming Deaf education practices.
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Linguistics
- Middlebury College - Masters, French Linguistics and Pedagogy
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- SAT
- +27 subjects

Emily: TOEFL course instructor
I am a 2016 alumna of Cornell University, graduating summa cum laude in Anthropology with a minor in Global Health. I also participated in the pre-med curriculum, taking courses in Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Math. During my senior year, I tutored students from the Department of Athletics and the Office of Academic and Diversity Initiatives in Calculus I. I am passionate about helping others gain the skills, confidence, and understanding to achieve academic success. ... In a first session, I usually ask the student what he or she feels the least comfortable with, how they have been doing so far in their studies, and what they would like to achieve through tutoring.
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelors, Anthropology, Pre-Med
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- +68 subjects

Meghan: TOEFL course instructor
...at University of Northwestern, St. Paul. I had the opportunity to tutor a 9th grade boy in his English Learning. The following year I spent six weeks teaching English in China. I then was a middle school ESL teacher for three years. I've worked with students of all ages from Kindergarten to PhD level. I believe in teaching to the whole student and I enjoy hands-on learning activities to make learning more fun and interactive....
Education & Certification
- University of Northwestern — St. Paul - Bachelor in Arts, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- ACCUPLACER ESL - Sentence Meaning
- Adult ESL/ELL
- Technology and Coding
- +40 subjects

Flora: TOEFL course instructor
...way to learn! I majored in Journalism in China when I was in my undergrad and I just graduated from FSU with a Master's degree in Communications. I am bilingual in both English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin). I was an English teacher when I was in China and taught English for four years. I took the TOEFL and even taught it to my students in China. I know the test well and know exactly...
Education & Certification
- Guangzhou University - Bachelors, Journalism
- Florida State University - Masters, Media and Communication Studies
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Elementary Math
- Mandarin Chinese 3
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- +9 subjects

Jayme: TOEFL course instructor
...La Universidad de Costa Rica. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and my Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. I have traveled extensively for work and school which has helped me to strengthen my language skills as well as adapt my teaching to a variety of different cultures. I lived abroad for a total of seven years and returned to the United States to start a family two years ago....
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin - River Falls - Bachelors, Spanish
- Universidad de Costa Rica - Masters, TESOL
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Summer
- Study Skills and Organization
- Homework Support
- +15 subjects

Renee: TOEFL course instructor
...experience in tutoring to students of all ages. My teaching philosophy is to review or reteach difficult concepts, practice, and then challenge my students without overwhelming them. I am certified to teach English and have taught English abroad. I am also fluent in Spanish. This experience allows me to tutor a wide range of subjects from reading comprehension and English grammar to AP Spanish. Most recently, I worked in an elementary school doing homework support...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish w/ concentration in Global Studies and Education
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- ASPIRE
- ACT
- ACT English
- +32 subjects

Julie: TOEFL course instructor
...out the best in each of my students. With a passion for helping my students learn and grow, I come to each session prepared to make a difference. However, I also know that learning is not something that I, alone, control. Learning is a cooperative venture and students learn best when we work within their preferred learning styles, using a context that is relevant and interesting to them. The goal is not just to make...
Education & Certification
- Wellesley College - Bachelors, Religion and Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Test Prep
- Writing
- Elementary Math
- +11 subjects

Juan Pablo: TOEFL course instructor
...Arts degree. I will soon start working toward my education licensure. My experience tutoring students in languages (Spanish/English), and also business administration/marketing has been very rewarding. In my spare time I like working out and physical activities; I like to stay active. I also enjoy quiet activities such as reading or playing strategy games on my PC. I believe everyone has the potential to learn and grow, but we all need guidance. Patience and perseverance...
Education & Certification
- Universidad Latina de Costa Rica - Bachelors, Advertising
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- High School Business
- Marketing
- College English
- +13 subjects

Nayeon: TOEFL course instructor
I'm pursuing a double major in Mathematics and English at Vanderbilt University. I have been tutoring math since High School and have native proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. I am dedicated to helping students explore the study methods that will fit their individual needs.
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt - Bachelors, Math and English
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +73 subjects

Anna: TOEFL course instructor
I majored in Middle Eastern Studies and minored in math during undergrad at Cornell. Since graduating I've worked in a number of fields and countries, although the common theme is teaching English and researching in the Middle East. As an English Teaching Assistant at Weill Medical School in Qatar, I became competent at editing and guiding students in writing. I'm now a first year fellow studying Policy Analysis at the Pardee RAND Graduate School.
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Near Eastern Studies
- Pardee RAND Graduate School - PHD, Policy Analysis
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- REGENTS
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- +91 subjects

Winnie: TOEFL course instructor
...Test in Literature, SAT Verbal, TOEFL, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, College Essays, Essay Editing, Grammar and Mechanics, Literature, Reading, Writing, Arabic, and European History. Here's a little bit more information about my background -- I'm currently a Teaching Assistant at ASU, where I work closely with undergraduate students on improving their writing and critical thinking skills. Before coming to ASU, I taught undergraduate humanities and English literature courses. I...
Education & Certification
- Princeton - Bachelor in Arts, Comparative Literature
- Georgetown University - Master of Arts, Middle East Studies
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +38 subjects

Camilla: TOEFL course instructor
...majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Mandarin Chinese. Since graduation, I have spent my time finishing premed requirements for my future applications to medical school, visiting my family in Italy, and privately tutoring students in New York City high schools. Having been raised in New York City myself, I have first-hand experience with the rigorous academic curriculums and standardized tests with which many New York City students are challenged. I feel passionate about imparting the...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- +53 subjects

TJ: TOEFL course instructor
...Phoenix area. I have lived in Europe for 3 years and have 5 years of high school and middle school teaching experience. I have been teaching students for the last 10 years of all levels. I have many great references available and people say that I'm patient, flexible, knowledgeable, kind, and willing to go the extra mile so that the student understands the information. I am also currently completing my PhD in Spanish Linguistics.... I believe in a student-centered approach where the teacher is more of the facilitator. I put the student's needs and interests first and work to challenge the student so that he/she wants to investigate more about the subject.
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, Spanish and Political Science
- DePaul University - Masters, Spanish Teaching, ESL Teaching, Bilingual and Bicultural Studies
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- ASPIRE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +64 subjects

Nadja: TOEFL course instructor
Dear Students, I have been teaching in college and university since 2012 and started my tutoring career in high school. I am teaching business courses in college since 2012 and I give corporate lectures and seminars on organizational development, leadership and project management in construction and production environments. I am looking forward to working with you to help you achieve your academic and personal goals! Nadja... My experience taught me that there certainly is no one-for-all approach to tutoring, and my style varies depending on the individual needs of each student. Every student responds differently to the vast variety of proven delivery methods, and everyone responds to different motivators and stimuli that help you comprehend beyond a merely holistic understanding of a subject. My aim is to find a tailored approach that helps you to gain a deep understanding and confidence to answer exam questions or to write essays. If you have personal barriers to learning, we will collaboratively work together to not only identify the root cause, but to overcome them for both your current academic needs and your future professional career. My objective is to help you understand the subject in-depth, but also to help you finding your own individual approach to learning that you can apply now and in the future. I want to encourage you to think for yourself and be able to apply what you learn to the real world. As a life-long learner, I am able to identify myself with both being a student and a tutor, and I have been faced with similar challenges as you in the past and I continue to further develop my own approach to learning. I hope I can share some of this experience with you, no matter if this is to improve your academic writing in both English and German, your understanding of concepts and theories, or your ability to solve complex problems.
Education & Certification
- University of vienna - Bachelors, Sciences
- University of wales - Masters, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Test Prep
- Business Writing
- German 2
- +14 subjects

Jin: TOEFL course instructor
...in international economy and East Asia. I used to tutor as an online oral English teacher when I was in college, helping students across China in all age groups overcoming the initial difficulties of mastering a foreign language. I enjoyed the interaction with people from different backgrounds. It was also a very fulfilling moment to see how my knowledge and skills have helped to empower others. I believe charting out the right study plan and...
Education & Certification
- Fudan University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Master of Arts, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- CLEP
- Elementary Math
- Mandarin Chinese 2
- +38 subjects

Molly: TOEFL course instructor
...grade on the next quiz, but to help build a foundation that allows him or her to find success on their own in future units of study. In each lesson, I use a variety of methods - stories, games, worksheets, writing, manipulative activities, etc. - to ensure (1) a deep understanding of academic content and (2) an engaging, fun, authentic interaction with each subject area. Likewise, as a Teacher and Tutor, I focus on problem...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- ACT
- SAT
- SSAT
- +111 subjects