If you are ready to take your TOEFL test prep to the next level, Varsity Tutors can place you in a private TOEFL class to help you pursue your goals. We specialize in helping students of all ages, ability levels, and interests connect with one-on-one TOEFL tutors dedicated to helping you improve your study skills in any way they can. This commitment to customizable TOEFL prep is what makes Varsity Tutors a name you can trust in a competitive industry.
The TOEFL, or Test Of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardized exam taken by non-native English speakers as a demonstration of their command of the language. It is most commonly taken by individuals looking to attend college in, obtain a work visa in, or to emigrate to an English-speaking country. If your goals involve travel to the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, expert TOEFL test prep could help you reach for them more quickly.
The TOEFL is not the only test of its type, but it is the most popular. Below is a detailed list of some of the institutions that accept TOEFL scores:
- 9 out of 10 U.S. universities prefer the TOEFL test over other English-language tests
- More than 80% of graduate programs in Canada prefer the TOEFL
- 100% accepted in Australia and New Zealand.
- Preferred in France and Germany. French and German universities prefer the TOEFL test and receive more TOEFL scores than any other English-language test.
- Widely accepted in the U.K.
Likewise, the TOEFL exam is offered at testing centers around the world. TOEFL Resource Centers are located in 9 different countries around the world, in addition to the United States and Canada:
- France
- Germany
- India
- Japan
- Poland
- Saudi Arabia
- Taiwan
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
Clearly, TOEFL prep could be a great investment. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of TOEFL tutoring!
What Topics Does TOEFL Preparation Near Me Focus On?
The TOEFL assesses your knowledge of all four communication skills in the English language: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each has its own devoted section on the test, but the Speaking and Writing sections include reading comprehension and listening as well. This emphasis on information synthesis equips TOEFL test-takers for the rigors of academic study or professional life in English.
Here is a closer look at each section of the exam you might want to explore during TOEFL test prep:
Reading
The TOEFL Reading section consists of 36-56 reading comprehension questions based on 3-4 academic reading passages drawn from undergrad-level textbooks. You do not require any prior knowledge of the material discussed to answer the subsequent questions. Some of the information you might need to identify includes the main idea, supporting details, vocabulary words, and rhetorical purpose. Furthermore, you may need to draw conclusions based on what you read using your knowledge of cause and effect or argumentation. Finally, you may need to fill out a table with information you read or complete a summary of the passage. You will have anywhere from 60-80 minutes for this section of the test.
Many students choose to go over active reading techniques during their TOEFL prep. For instance, taking notes as you read forces you to actively engage with the material, potentially improving your retention of it. Since this is a timed test, your TOEFL class may also show you how to refer back to your notes instead of the passage to double-check an answer and save valuable time.
Similarly, TOEFL tutors may demonstrate test-taking techniques to help you with this section of the test. For example, if you read over the questions before diving into the passage, you'll know exactly what information you are looking for when you start reading. This may make it easier to identify what you are looking for.
Listening
The TOEFL Listening section includes questions based on 6-9 classroom discussions, lectures, and conversations drawn from a college setting. Once again, you will not need any prior knowledge of the material in order to answer the questions in this section. You may need to identify the passage's main idea, its supporting details, implications of the content, the speaker's purpose, and the speaker's attitude. You will have anywhere from 60-90 minutes to answer 34-51 questions on this section.
One of the most effective ways to pick up a new language is to completely immerse yourself in it. Your TOEFL tutor is an ideal conversation partner because they can speak slowly and repeat themselves as needed whenever you miss something. As you gain confidence, they can ramp up your TOEFL prep by speaking more naturally.
The first two listening passages could include non-North American accents such as British and Australian. If you want to cover additional accents in your TOEFL course, your instructor may recommend English-language YouTube videos to help you gain experience. This could also help make TOEFL test preparation more engaging, as you can choose videos on topics that you find interesting so long as they are in fluent English. Students who are actively engaged in their TOEFL test prep tend to get more out of it than those who stare at the clock waiting for their TOEFL course to end.
Speaking
There are six tasks total in the TOEFL Speaking section, and they are divided into three categories. The first two are called "independent" tasks because they only involve speaking. You will be asked questions on familiar topics, such as landmarks in your hometown, and graded on the spontaneity and coherence of your answer. The best way to get a feel for what this section could feel like is to have practice conversations with your instructor during your TOEFL preparation.
The remaining four tasks are "integrated" because you will need to incorporate information from a listening or reading passage into your answer. Your responses are graded the same way, except that your ability to synthesize information from multiple sources is added to the rubric. Your TOEFL test prep for the previous sections is likely to come in handy here, so make sure that you concentrate on understanding English as a whole rather than limiting yourself to each section individually.
The TOEFL Speaking section lasts 20 minutes. Your answers are recorded and scored by at least three knowledgeable graders anonymously, so you do not need to worry about the bias that can creep into the equation when your proctor evaluates your performance.
Writing
Many students find the TOEFL Writing section to be the most difficult on the entire test. You have 50 minutes to compose two essays: one independent task and one integrated task. The independent task requires test-takers to support an opinion in writing, essentially crafting an argument. The integrated task requires you to identify the key points of a listening passage and relate it to a reading passage in writing, using three of the four communication skills on one question.
If you tend to space out when trying to write in English, you might want to go over how to outline during your TOEFL courses. An outline acts as a convenient reference point you can look at if you get stuck, saving you from wasting time wondering what you wanted to say next. It can also help your piece follow a consistent structure, a very important consideration since organization is part of the rubric. Honestly, learning how to outline during your TOEFL prep could prove useful not only for this exam, but any other exam you may take in the future.
English has several wonky spelling rules, including silent letters like those in "knuckle," words that sound identical but are spelled differently such as "four," "fore," and "for," and rules with noteworthy exceptions such as "i before e except after c." Rote memorization is really the only way to internalize this information, and your TOEFL tutor can help you find ways to make it easier. For example, you might incorporate flashcards into your TOEFL test prep to study how words are spelled.
Do TOEFL Classes Near Me Have To Concentrate On The Exam's Sections?
Absolutely not! One of the biggest advantages of private TOEFL tutoring is the ability to study at your own pace. If you are confident about the Reading section but nervous on the Speaking portion, your TOEFL prep may focus on Speaking to enhance your study efficiency. You never need to leave a topic behind until you are ready to do so, in contrast to large TOEFL courses that try to force all students into the same box.
Your tutor may also be able to design your TOEFL classes around your unique needs. If you are an auditory learner, your tutor may create recordings that you may listen to outside of your scheduled TOEFL test preparation time. In contrast, a visual learner may get more out of graphical representations of all the rules you need to learn. Large TOEFL classes generally lack a comparable level of flexibility, making them inferior TOEFL test prep options to private TOEFL preparation.
You are your teacher's only student during your TOEFL prep sessions, so any questions you ask may be answered promptly. Many students who have worked with us in the past say that the one-on-one learning environment provided by a private TOEFL class made it easier to ask for help as necessary. All of your work can also receive immediate feedback, allowing you to go over any mistakes while the material remains fresh in your mind.
Can A TOEFL Course Near Me Go Over What I Should Expect On Test Day?
Sure! A whopping 98 percent of all TOEFL test-takers take the iBT, or Internet-Based Testing, version of the exam. It is administered via computer, so you might want to take practice exams during your TOEFL prep in advance of your testing date to build some familiarity with its electronic interface. Practice exams can also help your tutor identify what your strengths are, as well as any weaker areas you might need to spend more TOEFL test preparation time on.
Your TOEFL test prep can also cover any reservations you might have about the testing lab experience. You might be asked to produce ID when you check in, so make sure to bring it with you. You cannot bring any personal effects into the testing lab, so plan your TOEFL prep around not having any last-second study time before the exam begins.
Scrap paper will be provided so you can take notes as needed, particularly important during the listening sections of the test to ensure that you can remember everything. More scrap paper is available upon request, but you have to finish your initial supply first.
If iBT testing isn't available where you live, you will take a pencil-and-paper version of the TOEFL instead. It follows the structure above, except that it doesn't have a Speaking section because the technology isn't available.
You will receive your score approximately 10 days after taking the exam. Each section is scored individually on a scale from 0-30, and they are added together to produce a total score from 0-120. That said, the scores are not on the same scale. For instance, a 17 on the Writing section doesn't necessarily mean the same thing as a 17 on the Speaking section. There is no such thing as a "passing" TOEFL score, as each institution has its own unique requirements. If you have any questions about what your score report means, it might be a good question to ask during your TOEFL test prep.
Why Should I Book TOEFL Tutoring Near Me Through Varsity Tutors?
We try to match every student with a TOEFL prep solution that meets their scheduling needs. For example, if you have a prior commitment on Saturday evenings, we will try to avoid scheduling any TOEFL courses in that time frame. We value your time as much as you do and try to design our TOEFL test prep products with that fact in mind.
Likewise, our exclusive Live Learning Platform facilitates digital TOEFL test prep sessions. It's an online classroom with powerful features such as video chat and a virtual whiteboard that provides all of the benefits of face-to-face TOEFL prep without the logistical headache of meeting in person.
If you're looking for an outstanding TOEFL prep experience, look no further than Varsity Tutors. Knowledgeable experts are currently standing by to answer any TOEFL test prep questions you may have, so reach out by phone or online for more information today!

Molly: TOEFL test prep instructor
...to tutor Writing at all levels - from elementary to adult professional writing - as I have written two distinguished theses as part of my academic training. As a Tutor, I can do more than simply help students with homework. My approach to aiding them is three-fold. I will work to: 1. Review and reteach material from her school that has proven difficult. 2. Diagnostically assess for instructional gaps and then fill in gaps to...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- 2nd Grade Reading
- Spanish 1
- SAT Writing and Language
- +111 subjects

May: TOEFL test prep instructor
...to China and tutored math for standardized testing such as the SAT Subject Math and AP Calculus. Helping struggling students achieve high scores in standardized testing has been one of the most rewarding experiences - it boosts students' confidence and at the same time gives them the desire to learn more and tackle harder problems. Chinese is my native language. As a Chinese tutor, I enjoy helping students not only achieve desirable scores in standardized...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science & Biology
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Test Prep
- Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- +29 subjects

Michael: TOEFL test prep instructor
I am a middle school French teacher in Parker but have taught either Language Arts or ESL for the past seven years. I have a lot of experience working with students of various backgrounds and have had a proven record of success with my classes. I have worked one on one before with students, helping both their grades and skills greatly improve. I'm looking forward to meeting and working with you!... I would spend time getting to know who the student is and what they are looking for, and I'd develop a plan to achieve their learning goals.
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Denver - Bachelor in Arts, English Literature and French
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Elementary School Writing
- College Essays
- Writing
- +48 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT
- SAT Subject Test in United States History
- Composition
- +100 subjects

Clare: TOEFL test prep instructor
...a basis for other studies. And as a former history major, I know the importance of building analytical skills, and how a strong analytical mind can lead to progress and success in a multitude of subjects. I loved being a student and continue to teach myself new things today. Hopefully, I can impart my love of learning onto my students. While I know students may not be passionate about every topic they study ,I hope...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, History
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- 11th Grade Writing
- 10th Grade Writing
- High School English
- +31 subjects

Emily: TOEFL test prep 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
- Writing
- Social Studies
- General Biology
- +68 subjects

Blake: TOEFL test prep instructor
...five years, and have tutored all ages and ability levels in all core academic subjects. I moved back to the States in late 2015, and now recruit public school teachers for one of the largest urban, public school districts in the country, Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky. I specialize in standardized test prep, English grammar and essay structure, and all levels of EFL instruction. It's a pleasure to meet you, and I look...
Education & Certification
- Middlebury College - Bachelors, History of Art and Architecture
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- ACT
- High School English
- Other
- +25 subjects

Michelle: TOEFL test prep instructor
...literature and math. I moved to Las Vegas a few months ago after finishing up college, and I would love to get back to working with students on a regular basis because I understand the importance of education and enjoy helping and seeing results. My favorite subject to teach is SAT because with the right help it is a standardized test that can see huge improvements in scores. Writing section is especially my forte because...
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Pre-Algebra
- SAT Mathematics
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +30 subjects

Erin: TOEFL test prep instructor
...with science. I have a lot of experience teaching disparate subjects. I have been teaching biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus to high school and university students for about 12 years. Similarly, have 12 years of experience with the SAT, ACT, and ISEE/SSAT, and about 4 years of experience teaching GRE and GMAT. As far as hobbies go, I enjoy reading science fiction, classic literature, and comic books. Rock-climbing is a big thing for...
Education & Certification
- Stanford - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Physics
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- ACT English
- +77 subjects

Boshra: TOEFL test prep instructor
...suited their needs. I have planned and implemented lessons that consisted of skill building techniques for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. I have conducted small group and individual lessons. I have both attended and conducted professional development workshops, seminars and conferences to both remain informed and inform others about the best techniques and strategies for English Language Learners. I have continuously utilized technology and online platforms and resources to enhance the learning experience of the...
Education & Certification
- Ain Shams University Cairo Egypt - Bachelor of Education, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Linguistics
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Test Prep
- Other
- Phonics
- +28 subjects

Nichole: TOEFL test prep instructor
...former middle school and high school teacher. I believe all students can succeed if give the right tools and support. I have experience working with students of all age/grade levels on subjects ranging from history, English, writing, math, and test prep. I believe in empowering students with the skills they can apply across their course work. No two students learn exactly the same way and I spend time getting to know personal learning styles to...
Education & Certification
- Clarke University - Bachelors, History and Education
- Carnegie Mellon University - Masters, Public Policy and Management
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- IB Language A: Language and Literature
- Math
- Elementary School Science
- +93 subjects

Eli: TOEFL test prep instructor
...been tutoring students of all ages for several years now. I love getting to know learners one-on-one, discovering their strengths and their potentials. My past students have come from a wide variety of learning backgrounds and abilities, so I am very comfortable with diversity in every way. My professional experience in the classroom gives me a good idea of the expectations placed on students throughout school. School is tough (especially standardized testing), but you can...
Education & Certification
- Houghton College - Bachelors, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- English
- SAT Subject Test in United States History
- High School English
- +40 subjects

Nancy : TOEFL test prep instructor
...test prep (SAT, ACT, SAT II subject tests), mathematics, and science. In high school, I have tutored younger students in mathematics and English. Throughout college, I have done private tutoring in SAT, PSAT, and math and science subjects. Also, I have worked with two students from China: I helped one boy with SAT prep and editing his college application essays, and I tutored the second girl in GMAT and TOEFL. My students have consistently seen...
Education & Certification
- California Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- ACT
- Algebra
- Differential Equations
- +58 subjects

Brandon: TOEFL test prep instructor
...tutoring grade school ESL children, to college level biology students, l have seen how different minds handle learning differently, and I have a true passion in helping people succeed and reach their goals. Everyone can do it, with the right help. I'm currently working on a Bachelors in Economics at University of Colorado Denver, so economics is one of my strong points. I also really enjoy teaching language and English grammar and structure, as it...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Denver - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Mandarin Chinese
- Statistics
- Business
- +32 subjects

Noah: TOEFL test prep instructor
I have been teaching ELLs (English Language Learners) for six years; the last three were spent living in Vietnam, where I taught grammar and conversation to Kindergartners to adults, and privately tutored high school students hoping to go to college in the U.S. I believe that words have power, and we have a responsibility to use them to communicate clearly and effectively, whether we are speaking across cultures or writing a report. ... My teaching philosophy is very student centered. I hope students will gain the skills to articulate clearly on their own, and won't need me anymore.
Education & Certification
- Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College - Bachelors, Literature
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- High School Level American Literature
- English
- ESL/ELL
- +11 subjects

Bing: TOEFL test prep instructor
...goal-oriented learning with a focus on what a student is looking to achieve. In an individualized setting establishing goals with students and then engaging students intellectual curiosity on subject matter to reach these goals. I believe in breaking down the subject into concepts and creating a base of understanding to build upon in grasping the concepts. I have extensive experience with test-prep and how to break-down a standardized test into lesson plans to make target...
Education & Certification
- SUNY at Binghamton - Bachelors, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT Verbal
- SAT Math
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- +23 subjects

Eric: TOEFL test prep instructor
...of literature and poetry, writing academic essays, a knowledge of grammar, and other linguistic elements such as phonetics to help with teaching pronunciation. Professionally, I've been an English educator for the past 6 years, teaching everything from beginning ESL to college-level argumentative writing. My students have ranged in age from middle school students to adults. My credentials include being a certified ESL instructor, a trained and experienced middle/high school language arts professional, and an adjunct...
Education & Certification
- Plymouth State University - Bachelors, Philosophy
- Boston University - Masters, Theology
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- ACT Writing
- ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills
- Introduction to Poetry
- +33 subjects

Quinn: TOEFL test prep instructor
My main areas of speciality are French and English writing, reading, and grammar. In addition to scoring perfectly on the SAT Writing and Verbal sections, I have completed graduate-level coursework and an honors thesis at Northwestern University. Having lived and worked in Paris, France, I am capable of teaching French comprehension and structure with confidence and a great deal of experience. ... I believe strongly in assessing strengths, and using these areas of strength and confidence in a subject to master trickier concepts. Overall, mine is a confidence and positivity-based approach that encourages and facilitates my students' discoveries of answers in a way that feels less like being instructed and more like gaining mastery through their own abilities.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Performance Studies, French minor
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT
- AP French
- SAT Subject Test in World History
- +51 subjects

Caroline: TOEFL test prep instructor
...at some point in their academic careers. I believe we learn best from teachers we feel genuinely care about us and our success. As a high school ELA and Environmental Science teacher, I work to build strong relationships with my students to better motivate them and get them invested in their work. In addition to guiding students towards a clearer understanding of material, I simultaneously work to impart the importance of non-cognitive skills. Patience, grit,...
Education & Certification
- College of the Holy Cross - Bachelor in Arts, English Literature
- SUNY College at Buffalo - Masters, English Education 7-12
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- AP Environmental Science
- ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +82 subjects

Alexandra: TOEFL test prep instructor
...languages and other subjects myself, I can help you develop the foundational skills in any of my competencies, guaranteeing results through a method that draws upon not only upon a solid knowledge base, but also a refined way of re-thinking the subject or language. This rethinking of subject matter, regardless of the topic at hand, combines traditional techniques with a rational yet intuitive and comparative method, melding them into a multi-sensory approach to learning. I...
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Bachelors, Dual Bachelors: Film Production B.F.A. , Music B.A.
- Florida State University - Masters, Dual Masters: International Relations (modern languages concentration) M.A., Music (ethnomusicology concentration) M.A.
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Spanish 3
- Public Speaking
- ESL/ELL
- +54 subjects