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!

Gabrielle: TOEFL test prep instructor
...entrance exams, we always have fun determining the study method that works best for them. Everybody has a different learning style and once we hone in on the right one for you, an improvement in scores will become more than apparent. Overall, I find tutoring to be an incredibly rewarding profession and I am eager to continue to support students in discovering a passion for their education. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, running,...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Chinese Language & Global Studies
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +29 subjects

Tae Young: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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 every evaluation, could be...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Acting/Directing
- Boston University School of Law - Masters, Law
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT
- PSAT
- Tort Law
- +33 subjects

Jerry: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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 to help my students....
Education & Certification
- CUNY Queens College - Bachelors, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ACT
- +20 subjects

Luke: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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, I have a passion for helping students improve their performance in ACT Reading, Writing, and Science. Whatever the subject, I thrive on leading students to moments of clarity and a sense of accomplishment. When...
Education & Certification
- Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- ACT
- Study Skills
- World Religions
- +31 subjects

Nicholas: TOEFL test prep 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
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +27 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
- SAT
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +68 subjects

Meghan: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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. I recognize the fact...
Education & Certification
- University of Northwestern — St. Paul - Bachelor in Arts, Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Adult ESL/ELL
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Essay Editing
- +40 subjects

Flora: TOEFL test prep instructor
...language. Before I became a TA for FSU, I passed the TA English test and I earned a 3.9 GPA in my major-Communications in FSU. I would be an ideal tutor to teach Chinese to students in English. Feel free to schedule lessons with me to learn more! Learning languages is fun. Please start this wonderful journey with me! I believe a good relationship between the teacher and the student can also be very encouraging....
Education & Certification
- Guangzhou University - Bachelors, Journalism
- Florida State University - Masters, Media and Communication Studies
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Cantonese
- Mandarin Chinese 4
- Elementary Math
- +9 subjects

Jayme: TOEFL test prep instructor
...children to retired adults. I also have three years of experience teaching languages through an online platform. I love language and this has driven me to be a very passionate teacher. I believe that patience and realistic goal setting are key in creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment. In addition, every student learns in a different way. I work hard to figure out how my students learn best and adapt my teaching style to...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin - River Falls - Bachelors, Spanish
- Universidad de Costa Rica - Masters, TESOL
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Study Skills
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Test Prep
- +15 subjects

Renee: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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 and am very familiar...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish w/ concentration in Global Studies and Education
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- ACT
- ASPIRE
- Middle School Math
- +32 subjects

Julie: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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 a difference today, but...
Education & Certification
- Wellesley College - Bachelors, Religion and Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- High School English
- Reading
- Middle School Math
- +11 subjects

Juan Pablo: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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 are the...
Education & Certification
- Universidad Latina de Costa Rica - Bachelors, Advertising
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- Languages
- Business
- Test Prep
- +13 subjects

Nayeon: TOEFL test prep 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
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- PSAT
- +73 subjects

Anna: TOEFL test prep 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
- Advanced Placement
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SAT
- +91 subjects

Winnie: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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 have also served as an SAT Prep instructor for the verbal and writing sections of the SAT. I really like working with students on the verbal and writing portions of the SAT because I...
Education & Certification
- Princeton - Bachelor in Arts, Comparative Literature
- Georgetown University - Master of Arts, Middle East Studies
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +38 subjects

Camilla: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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 academic knowledge and advice that I have cultivated during my studies to other students. I tutor a broad range of subjects, however, my passions are Biology, Chemistry and Math. During my free time, I...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- ISEE
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +53 subjects

TJ: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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
- SAT
- ACT
- ISAT
- +65 subjects

Nadja: TOEFL test prep 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
- High School Business
- Economics
- +14 subjects

Jin: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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 a keen sense of...
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
- Statistics Graduate Level
- IB Business & Management HL
- +38 subjects

Molly: TOEFL test prep instructor
...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 solving; developing real, concrete...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- TOEFL
- MAP
- ISAT
- SAT
- +111 subjects