Checklist
TOEFL iBT prep checklist A TOEFL iBT checklist for international students building integrated speaking, writing, listening, and reading under timed academic conditions.
Built for TOEFL · International students proving academic English fluency.
Progress 0 of 13 tasks complete
Copy remaining Diagnose and set targets Find your weakest of the four skills.
Take a full timed practice test Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing in one sitting to feel the four-skill fatigue. ~120 min Score each section against the rubrics Use official band descriptors so you target the skill costing the most points. ~30 min Set a per-section target Most programs want a balanced profile; note any section below your goal floor. ~15 min
Listening and reading accuracy Train note-taking and detail capture.
Build a note-taking shorthand Use symbols and abbreviations so you capture lecture structure, not full sentences. ~40 min Practice academic listening Listen to lectures and summarize main idea plus two details from memory. ~45 min Drill reading question types Inference, vocabulary-in-context, and insert-text each need a distinct approach. ~45 min Shadow native-speed audio Repeat lecture audio aloud to train ear speed and pronunciation together. ~30 min
Speaking and writing templates Make integrated tasks repeatable.
Build independent speaking templates A 45-second answer needs a stated opinion, two reasons, and an example; rehearse the frame. ~45 min Practice integrated speaking Read, listen, then speak combining both sources without adding your own opinion. ~45 min Draft integrated writing responses Summarize how the lecture challenges or supports the reading in 150-225 words. ~50 min
Full timed simulation Rehearse the full sitting.
Take a full timed TOEFL with a headset Speak your responses aloud and record them as on the real test. ~120 min Self-score speaking and writing Use the rubric and flag fluency, grammar, and development gaps. ~40 min Polish your weakest section Targeted drills on the lowest-scoring skill only. ~45 min
Common mistakes Writing full sentences in notes instead of shorthand, then falling behind the audio. Adding personal opinion to integrated tasks, which the rubric penalizes. Speaking too slowly and running out of time before the example. Practicing only reading and listening because speaking aloud feels awkward. Ignoring the rubric and guessing why scores are low. Pro tips Record every speaking response and compare it to a high-scoring sample for fluency. Use a fixed note-taking shorthand so capture keeps pace with native-speed audio. For integrated writing, paraphrase the source rather than copying phrasing. Shadow lectures daily to build listening speed and pronunciation at once. Always speak practice answers aloud; silent rehearsal will not build fluency. FAQ How should I start the TOEFL iBT prep checklist? Start with the first phase, then run one timed Study Spaces sprint before adding more tasks. The goal is execution, not a perfect plan.
What should I do if I fall behind? Copy the remaining tasks, pick the highest-score or highest-deadline item, and restart with one focused block.
How often should I review progress? Review after each sprint and once at the end of the week so the next session starts with a clear first task.
Use it now
Turn this page into a live sprint Start the matching room for TOEFL, then use the sprint plan as the first task and recap script.
TOEFL iBT prep checklist
Focus target: TOEFL
Block 1 (25 min): closed-book recall or one timed practice set.
Break (5 min): mark confusing items without opening a new task.
Block 2 (25 min): correct misses and write the next first step.
Done: one score/error note plus one queued task for tomorrow.