TOEFL preparation: Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL iBT preparation for US, Canadian and global university applications
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most widely accepted English-language test for US university admissions, with strong recognition globally — accepted by 12,000+ universities across 160 countries. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the current standard format. Smartious offers structured 20-session TOEFL preparation covering all four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing — with focus on the integrated tasks that distinguish TOEFL from other English proficiency tests.
- Programme: 20 sessions · 1.5 hours · 8-10 weeks (2 sessions/week)
- Fee: USD 450 / 30 hours at USD 15/hour
Who it is for
- University applicants targeting US institutions — TOEFL remains the preferred test for many US universities
- Applicants to Canadian universities (which accept both TOEFL and IELTS)
- Students applying to international branch campuses (NYU Abu Dhabi, American University of Sharjah, branch campuses worldwide)
- Students who prefer computer-based testing over the IELTS face-to-face Speaking module
Reading (54-72 minutes)
3-4 academic passages of 700 words each, with 10 questions per passage. Tests ability to understand academic-level reading materials similar to university coursework.
Listening (41-57 minutes)
Lectures (3-4 each ~5 minutes) and conversations (2-3 each ~3 minutes) followed by questions. Tests understanding of academic lectures and campus conversations.
Speaking (17 minutes)
4 tasks recorded into a microphone. Task 1: independent speaking on a personal topic. Tasks 2-4: integrated speaking based on reading + listening combinations.
Writing (50 minutes)
2 tasks. Integrated task: read a passage, listen to a lecture, then write a 150-225 word summary. Academic Discussion task: write a 100+ word response to an online discussion prompt.
What's included
- 20 live 1-on-1 sessions with qualified TOEFL specialist
- Diagnostic score assessment at session 1
- 4 full mock tests (one per section) with detailed feedback
- Recorded speaking practice with technique feedback
- Written feedback on all writing tasks
- Access to official ETS practice materials
- TOEFL iBT test registration guidance
- Test-day preparation briefing
Score targets
- 60-79: Some community colleges and foundation programmes
- 80-94: Most US undergraduate programmes
- 95-110: Top US universities, postgraduate programmes
- 110+: Ivy League, MIT, Stanford, top postgraduate programmes
Key facts
- Test fee: USD 220 (2026 ETS rates, paid in USD)
- Total duration: Just under 2 hours (iBT format)
- Validity: 2 years from test date
- Result delivery: 4-8 days after testing
- Test centres in Kenya: British Council Nairobi · Authorised ETS centres in Westlands, Karen
Frequently asked questions
TOEFL or IELTS — which should I take?
Both are widely accepted. Take TOEFL if: (a) you're targeting primarily US universities, (b) you're more comfortable speaking into a microphone than to an examiner, (c) your university specifically prefers TOEFL. Take IELTS if: (a) you're targeting UK, Australia, New Zealand or Canada, (b) you prefer face-to-face Speaking, (c) you need IELTS for migration. We can advise on your specific case in a free consultation.
How long is TOEFL iBT now?
The TOEFL iBT was shortened in July 2023 and is now just under 2 hours total — making it shorter than IELTS. Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing sections each have specific time allocations.
What's a good TOEFL score?
Top US universities typically require 100+. Most US undergraduate programmes require 80-94. Some community colleges accept 60-79. We help students target the specific score required by their target institutions.
How is TOEFL Speaking scored if it's into a microphone?
TOEFL Speaking responses are recorded and scored by a combination of certified human raters and AI scoring (since 2019, ETS uses both). The integrated speaking tasks (which combine reading + listening + speaking) are scored on content delivery and language use.
Can I take TOEFL at home?
Yes — TOEFL Home Edition is available for students who can't access a test centre. Requires a quiet room, a webcam, a stable internet connection and ETS-approved monitoring software. We can advise on home-test preparation.
How many points can I improve in 20 Smartious sessions?
Typical improvement is 10-20 points on the TOEFL 0-120 scale for students completing the full programme. Improvement depends on starting level and target.
Do you offer TOEFL Junior preparation?
TOEFL Junior is for ages 11-14, used by some international schools. We can support TOEFL Junior preparation as a custom 1-on-1 programme — contact us for pricing.
Do you guarantee a specific TOEFL score?
No — we don't guarantee specific scores. Student outcomes depend on multiple factors. Students who complete the full programme with consistent effort typically see 10-20 point improvement.
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