Built around the current task types
An eight-week TOEFL iBT plan works best when it trains the tasks you will actually meet, not the pre-2026 format. Start by confirming your target: the overall score, any section minimums, and your deadline. Then take a full practice test to find your starting point.
Before Week 1: diagnostic
Take a complete practice test in current format. Record:
- your Reading and Listening results by task type;
- your Writing responses (a sentence set, an email and a discussion post);
- a recording of your Speaking answers.
Classify errors: vocabulary, word form, grammar, missed detail, implied meaning, task instructions or time.
Week 1: map the test
Learn every task type:
- Reading: Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Read an Academic Passage.
- Listening: Listen and Choose a Response, Conversation, Announcement, Academic Talk.
- Writing: Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Write for an Academic Discussion.
- Speaking: Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview.
Start a vocabulary notebook (word families and collocations) and an error log.
Weeks 2–3: build foundations
- Daily vocabulary and grammar: 15 minutes on word forms, collocations and question formation.
- Reading: short texts every day, including partial-word completion practice.
- Listening: short conversations and announcements with two-sentence summaries.
- Writing: five Build a Sentence items a day and one short email.
- Speaking: daily shadowing of short sentences, and three interview-style answers a week.
Weeks 4–5: task control
- Complete full Reading and Listening sets under time.
- Write discussion posts with a clear position, a reason and an example.
- Record interview answers and check each has a direct answer and support.
- Use your error log to pick one grammar target and one vocabulary target each week.
Weeks 6–7: full practice tests
Take a complete current-format practice test each week under real conditions: same time of day, same delivery setup (test centre style or at home), no pauses. Afterwards, separate language problems from process problems such as timing or instructions, fix one pattern, and practise it again.
Week 8: consolidate
- Repeat your weakest task types in short sets.
- Review your error log and vocabulary notebook.
- Confirm your booking, identification and, for the at-home test, your equipment and room.
- Keep sessions short and protect sleep in the final days.
A weekly rhythm that works
Five focused sessions plus one light review day. Each session should produce something you can check: corrected answers, a rewritten email, an updated error log or a re-recorded answer.
Quick FAQ
Is eight weeks enough? It depends on the gap between your diagnostic and your target. A large gap may need a longer plan.
Can I use old practice tests? Use current-format materials for timed practice; older books can still help with general vocabulary and reading.
Official ETS sources
Accuracy note (15 September 2026): this plan reflects the TOEFL iBT format introduced in January 2026.