Why You Need Realistic TOEFL Practice
A reliable TOEFL practice test could be the difference between acceptance and rejection from your dream university. With the actual exam costing between $180 and $300, you need to make sure you’re fully prepared before test day.
Since July 2023, the TOEFL has undergone significant changes—it’s now just two hours long without the previous 10-minute break. The exam still maintains its four core sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, each worth 30 points.
Most programs require a minimum score of 78, while competitive universities often expect 100 or higher. With the test being accepted by approximately 10,000 colleges worldwide, your performance matters immensely.
Before investing in the official exam, you should take advantage of free TOEFL mock tests first. Specifically, you’ll want TOEFL practice test online free options that accurately reflect the current format:
Two academic reading passages with 20 questions in 36 minutes
Three listening passages with 24 questions
Four speaking tasks
The newly revised writing section featuring the Academic Discussion task
The best free TOEFL practice test online resources provide detailed answers and explanations to help you understand your mistakes. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive TOEFL iBT practice test or just need a TOEFL practice test with answers to check your progress, we’ve compiled 15 excellent options that actually mirror the real exam.
ETS TOEFL iBT Free Practice Test
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Looking for TOEFL practice directly from the source? The Educational Testing Service (ETS) offers a free TOEFL iBT sample test that represents the gold standard in preparation materials.
ETS test features
The official TOEFL iBT free practice test from ETS provides a 40-minute self-paced experience featuring authentic past test questions from all four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. This sample mirrors the structure found in the full-length test, which now takes less than 2 hours to complete.
What makes this practice test particularly valuable is that it’s created by the same organization that develops the actual TOEFL exam. The sample test includes:
- Correct and incorrect answers for Reading and Listening sections
- Questions from all four academic English skill sections
- A self-paced approach that allows you to become familiar with the format
Additionally, ETS recommends launching the sample test on a desktop computer to simulate the real testing environment. This practice resource connects to TOEFL® TestReady™, a personalized preparation portal that offers deeper insights into your performance.
ETS test pros and cons
Pros:
- Created by the official test maker, ensuring authentic questions
- Research shows performance in ETS practice materials helps predict actual test day scores
- The overwhelming majority of surveyed learners reported increased confidence and improved skills after using ETS prep materials
- Access to correct and incorrect answers helps identify knowledge gaps
- Provides a realistic testing experience
Cons:
- The free sample is only 40 minutes long versus the full test’s 2-hour duration
- Limited to one practice test, unlike some third-party providers
- Requires computer access, which may challenge those with limited tech skills
- Desktop recommended for optimal experience, limiting mobile usage
ETS test best for
This practice test is particularly valuable for first-time TOEFL takers who want to understand the official test format. According to surveys of TOEFL test takers who used official ETS prep materials, 82% reported feeling less anxious, 86% felt better able to demonstrate their English skills, and 90% felt more prepared for the actual exam.
The ETS practice test serves as an excellent starting point in your preparation journey, especially if you’re concerned about test anxiety or unfamiliarity with the format. Moreover, it’s ideal for those wanting confidence that they’re practicing with material that genuinely reflects what they’ll encounter on test day.
GeeksforGeeks TOEFL Mock Tests
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Beyond official test providers, GeeksforGeeks offers comprehensive TOEFL practice resources developed by language experts specifically for test-takers seeking additional preparation options.
GeeksforGeeks test features
GeeksforGeeks TOEFL practice tests closely mirror the actual exam format and structure. Created by TOEFL experts, these practice materials provide a realistic test-taking experience across all four assessment areas: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Notably, the platform offers:
- Full-length mock tests that simulate actual exam conditions
- Comprehensive preparation materials for all TOEFL sections
- AI-powered grading that evaluates speaking and writing responses, mimicking the official TOEFL scoring system
- Detailed analytics to monitor your improvement
- Personalized feedback on practice test responses
The platform boasts a self-paced learning environment that allows you to tailor your preparation according to your schedule and learning preferences.
GeeksforGeeks test pros and cons
Pros:
- Tests designed to mirror the actual TOEFL exam’s format, difficulty, and scoring criteria
- Comprehensive coverage of all four TOEFL sections
- Detailed, instant feedback on responses
- Self-paced preparation flexibility
- Claims of 35% average TOEFL score increase for users
Cons:
- Less official recognition than ETS materials
- Limited information about question volume compared to other platforms
- Varying reliability of mock test experiences based on user feedback
GeeksforGeeks test pricing
The entire GeeksforGeeks TOEFL preparation course is offered completely free of charge. This includes access to all practice tests, study materials, and resources without any financial obligation.
GeeksforGeeks test best for
GeeksforGeeks TOEFL practice tests are ideal for:
- Self-motivated learners who prefer studying at their own pace
- Budget-conscious test-takers looking for quality free resources
- Students seeking comprehensive preparation across all test sections
- Those who benefit from detailed analytics and performance tracking
- Learners who want to reduce test anxiety through familiarization with the format
The platform’s claimed success in helping over 10,000 TOEFL test-takers makes it particularly suitable for serious candidates aiming to enhance their English language skills and confidence before the official exam.
TST Prep Free TOEFL Resources
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Created by popular TOEFL YouTuber Josh MacPherson, TST Prep offers several valuable free resources for test preparation alongside their premium options.
TST Prep features
TST Prep provides an interactive online learning experience with free materials accessible through a simple sign-up process. Their free resources include:
- A complete practice test (#13) with authentic questions mirroring the real exam
- 100 practice questions specifically for the TOEFL Reading section
- 200 reading and listening questions with detailed explanations
- 100 independent speaking questions PDF
- Expert TOEFL preparation tips and strategies
The platform emphasizes practical preparation with recommendations like practicing without spellcheck, taking notes effectively, and simulating noisy test environments to better prepare for actual testing conditions.
TST Prep pros and cons
Pros:
- Created by the largest TOEFL prep content creator on YouTube
- Highly engaging bite-sized video lessons
- Community-driven learning environment with accessible teachers
- Innovative TOEFL prep strategies including AI-assisted approaches
- High satisfaction ratings from students who achieved target scores
Cons:
- Practice questions don’t always perfectly mirror real TOEFL questions
- Limited realistic practice tests in the free version
- Speaking and writing responses aren’t saved on the platform
TST Prep best for
TST Prep works exceptionally well for:
- Self-motivated learners who prefer engaging video-based instruction
- Students seeking emergency preparation (their Emergency Course provides strategies for quick results)
- Learners who benefit from a human touch in their preparation
- Those wanting personalized feedback on speaking and writing
- Students looking for a mix of free and premium resources depending on their needs
The platform particularly excels at helping students with time constraints, as evidenced by testimonials from users who improved their scores significantly even with limited preparation time.
Magoosh Free TOEFL Test
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Magoosh stands out in the TOEFL preparation market with its reputation for value-driven test prep, catering to students seeking effective solutions on a budget.
Magoosh features
When exploring Magoosh’s free TOEFL practice test, you’ll receive an accurate score prediction with a breakdown of performance by subject, helping identify specific strengths and weaknesses. The free trial provides:
- 24 practice questions covering all four TOEFL sections
- 51 video lessons on TOEFL structure and English grammar
- Study schedules, flashcards, and writing templates
- Detailed explanations for each practice question
The full practice test simulates the test-day experience, making it ideal for establishing your baseline score. After completing practice questions, you can review answers with explanation videos that help diagnose exactly where you’re losing points.
Magoosh pros and cons
Pros:
- High-quality practice questions that mirror actual test content
- Detailed video explanations for every question
- Mobile apps for both iOS and Android platforms
- Option to pause subscription once monthly to extend access
- Score improvement guarantee of at least 4 points
Cons:
- Free trial excludes graded writing assessments and full-length tests
- Limited effectiveness for speaking practice compared to reading/listening
- No graded speaking assessments available
- Some minor inaccuracies in writing lessons
Magoosh best for
Magoosh is particularly suitable for:
- Self-motivated learners who prefer independent study
- Visual learners who benefit from video explanations
- Busy students needing flexible study options
- Those seeking comprehensive reading and listening practice
- Budget-conscious test-takers wanting quality materials
Consequently, if you value comprehensive explanations and flexible study options over personalized tutoring, Magoosh offers an accessible entry point into structured TOEFL preparation.
Test-Guide TOEFL Practice
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Test-Guide offers comprehensive TOEFL practice materials that help test takers identify strengths and weaknesses before sitting for the actual exam.
Test-Guide features
Test-Guide provides numerous free TOEFL practice resources designed to mirror the official exam experience. Their practice tests include:
- Questions matching the official TOEFL in difficulty, length, and style
- Format and structure identical to the actual exam
- Sample answers for speaking and writing responses
- Score reports after completion
- Test interface similar to the official TOEFL platform
- Detailed answer explanations and tips
The platform emphasizes authentic test experiences through their practice tests, helping you become familiar with both content and format simultaneously.
Test-Guide pros and cons
Pros:
- Builds confidence and reduces test-day stress through realistic practice
- Helps develop stamina for the lengthy exam (originally 4.5 hours with one 10-minute break)
- Identifies strengths and weaknesses to focus your study efforts
- Provides question difficulty similar to the actual exam
- Offers comprehensive preparation across all sections
Cons:
- Quality varies between different practice materials
- Some interface differences from the official exam
- Limited interactive features compared to premium platforms
Test-Guide best for
Test-Guide resources work best for:
- Students with at least 3 months before their test date (recommended to take 6+ practice tests)
- Those with shorter preparation windows (minimum 4 practice tests suggested)
- Self-directed learners who benefit from identifying specific weaknesses
- Test-takers wanting to build stamina and confidence through realistic practice
- Budget-conscious students seeking quality free resources alongside recommendations for official materials
Conclusion
Practicing with realistic, up-to-date TOEFL resources is essential to boosting your confidence and achieving your target score. Whether you’re looking for an official sample from ETS or full-length mock tests with feedback from platforms like GeeksforGeeks or TST Prep, there’s a free option to suit your learning style.
Instead of relying on outdated or incomplete prep tools, focus your energy on resources that mirror the real exam’s updated 2025 format. Prioritize platforms that include answer explanations, structured test formats, and opportunities to review your mistakes.
If you’re looking for more free English learning resources, check out Makostars—a site packed with worksheets, learning games, and study tips designed especially for ESL learners. And if you’re in Japan, consider taking classes at Bumble B English in Tokyo. Their lessons are practical, friendly, and tailored to students preparing for TOEFL, IELTS, or just building real-world confidence.
Also come back for Part 2, where we will go through the other free toefl practice tests.
