12 Writing
12 Writing
12 Writing
This study plan is designed to help you stay organized, track your progress, focus on
Writing, and study all necessary skills in 12 weeks.
Week Week
Follow the schedule of this plan! When you complete each week’s tasks in order, it will:
Vary the Order Space Out Your Use Your Skills Focus on
of Topics Practice Together Writing
Mixing up the order Revisiting the TOEFL Combining your Studying Writing
of the TOEFL iBT iBT sections regularly language skills in one first and reflecting
sections you study may will help you recall activity is closer to real on your progress in
feel difficult, but your information. Over time, life. You practice more Writing will help you
abilities will grow! you will remember skills at once! improve this skill!
more information!
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Week 1 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
List your goal scores for each of the TOEFL iBT sections below.
Take a practice test and complete all four skill The Free Practice Test will
sections. Make sure to time yourself to get the provide you with a realistic
most real-life experience. testing experience.
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WEEK 1
Reading
Listening
– =
Speaking
Writing
Integrated
Writing Task 20 minutes
About
30 minutes
Writing for total
an Academic 10 minutes
Discussion Task
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WEEK 1
• Plan your time. Know how much time you have for each question. Give yourself time to read the
question, plan your response, write your response, reread your writing, and make corrections.
• Remember that your responses are not expected to be perfect! The raters know that your
response is a first draft. You’re not expected to produce a comprehensive written response about a
specialized topic with no errors.
READING
10 questions About 35
2 Passages per passage minutes
(20 questions total) total
LISTENING
Structure of the Listening Section
Listening is the second section you’ll see on test day. Learn more about the structure of the Listening section here.
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WEEK 1
SPEAKING
Preparation Time:
Question 1: 15 seconds
Independent
Speaking Response
Speaking Task
Time: 45 seconds
About
16 minutes
Questions 2–4: total
Preparation Time:
Integrated Speaking 30 seconds
Tasks
Speaking Response
(includes passages Time: 60 seconds
and audio)
READING
LISTENING
Listening Section Practice: Volume 1 allows you Speaking Section Practice: Volume 1 allows you
to practice questions from the Listening section to practice questions from the Speaking section
of the TOEFL iBT test and provides in-depth of the TOEFL iBT test and provides in-depth
feedback to help you improve. feedback to help you improve.
Purchase Listening Section Practice: Volume 1 Purchase Speaking Section Practice: Volume 1
SPEAKING
This table shows one way to practice Speaking. Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.
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WEEK 1
WRITING
This table shows one way to practice Writing. Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.
You’ve finished the first week of your 12-week study plan. It’s important to understand that taking breaks
is not lazy!
Breaks allow your brain to rest and process the knowledge you’ve gained. Researchers have
shown that regular breaks help you retain information and perform better on exams.
Sample reflection: I read the strategies for the Writing section and have been building my English
vocabulary. I read articles in English and write in a daily journal in English.
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Week 2 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
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WEEK 2
Here are some suggestions for practicing. These activities are similar to the integrated questions throughout
the TOEFL iBT test.
• Easy: Create flashcards for new words and
phrases you hear. Practice writing their definition
and using them in a sentence.
• Easy: Listen to a podcast about a topic you’re
interested in. While you’re listening, write down
important words that you hear. Pay attention to
transition words, signal words, idioms, or other
parts of speech.
• Medium: Try to use the words and phrases on
your flashcards in writing exercises each day.
Building your flashcards into your writing will
practice both your usage and spelling.
• Medium: Find a podcast about a topic you’re
interested in. Listen to the podcast and take
notes on the important details. Use your notes to
write a summary of the podcast.
• Hard: Listen to two news reports about the same
new event or topic. Take notes and compare
the similarities and differences between the two
sources. Write a summary of your comparison
and explain your opinion on the topic.
• Hard: Listen to a debate or conversation about a controversial topic. Take notes while you’re listening.
Decide on your point of view about the topic and write about your thoughts on the matter. Make sure to
use your notes and mention the original conversation.
WRITING BOOST
Planning before you write is an important skill to develop. In your university or college, you will have to write
papers and draft replies to online discussion boards that will require strong writing skills.
You might try these general activities to practice your Writing skills:
• Before you write, think about verb tenses that logically fit your topic. Are you writing about something in
the past? Then you might use past tense.
• Practice using transitions to show the relationship between ideas.
» Use words and phrases such as “on the one hand” or “in conclusion” to create a clear structure.
• Learn to think about and find synonyms.
» Pick a few words or phrases in a passage or from your flashcards and quickly think of synonyms
without looking them up in a dictionary or thesaurus.
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WEEK 2
Continue to practice more questions for Reading and Writing. Consider working on test sections or focusing on
specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this practice could include.
READING
WRITING
Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.
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WEEK 2
Continue to practice more questions for Speaking and Listening. Consider working on test sections or focusing on
specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this practice could include.
SPEAKING
Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.
LISTENING
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WEEK 2
The Speaking Section Test: Volume 1 and Listening Section Test: Volume 1 Visit the TestReady
replicate the TOEFL iBT test and will provide you with an estimated score. Insights page and track
your progress!
You’ve completed the second week of your 12-week study plan! Spend a day at the end of this week away from
your test prep.
It’s important to rest and take breaks. Take some time to let your mind and body relax.
The skills and knowledge you’ve been working on these past two weeks will become
stronger after rest.
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Week 3 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
Continue to complete more practice questions for the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections.
Consider working on test sections or focusing on specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this
practice could include.
READING
LISTENING
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WEEK 3
SPEAKING
Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.
WRITING
Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.
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WEEK 3
You’ve completed the third week of your 12-week study plan! Remember to take a day off from studying for the
TOEFL iBT test.
During your intense test preparation, taking regular rest days is crucial. These breaks
allow your mind to recharge and help you perform at your best on Test Day!
Practice a different TOEFL iBT Get ready for the TOEFL iBT test with
item each day—for FREE! the experts who create the exam.
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Week 4 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
Continue to practice more questions for Reading and Listening. Consider working on test sections or focusing on
specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this practice could include.
READING
Consider this option!
LISTENING
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WEEK 4
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WEEK 4
WRITING
Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.
You’ve completed the fourth week of your 12-week study plan! Studying for TOEFL iBT test is important, but don’t
forget to schedule a rest day this week.
Breaks are important for maintaining focus, reducing stress, and optimizing
your performance when it matters most.
Think about where you often study for the Writing section. Are there
any changes you can make to your study environment to help you prepare better?
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Week 5 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
Continue to complete more practice questions for the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections.
Consider working on test sections or focusing on specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this
practice could include.
READING
LISTENING
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WEEK 5
SPEAKING
Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.
WRITING
Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.
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WEEK 5
You’ve completed the fifth week of your 12-week study plan! Spend a day this week away from TOEFL iBT prep
and do other activities.
Your TOEFL iBT journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize rest days throughout your
studying to keep your mind sharp and ensure that you’re fully ready for the test.
Describe how your Writing skills have improved. Think about your general
ability to express your ideas in written English and complete Writing questions.
TestReady Insights
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Week 6 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
Continue to complete more practice questions for the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections.
Consider working on test sections or focusing on specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this
practice could include.
READING
LISTENING
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WEEK 6
SPEAKING
Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.
WRITING
Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.
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WEEK 6
You’ve completed the sixth week of your 12-week study plan. You made it to the halfway point! Remember to take
a day off from studying for the TOEFL iBT test.
Remember, rest days are essential for maintaining peak performance during the test.
You have a few weeks to go, so prioritize regular breaks to keep your mind sharp.
TestReady Insights
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Week 7 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
1.1 Complete a second full practice test The TOEFL Practice Online
Complete Practice Test:
Volume 29 will provide
Early in the week, take another practice test and
you with a realistic testing
practice completing all four test sections. Make sure
experience and give you an
to time yourself to get the most real-life experience.
estimated score.
Fill in the table to see your improvements and identify skill areas you can still work on.
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
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WEEK 7
You’ve completed the seventh week of your 12-week study plan! It’s time to take a break!
Give yourself a day to relax and rejuvenate. Resting is not being lazy. It’s
an important part of effective learning.
After taking a practice test, what were your strengths and areas of improvement?
Were you able to complete the Writing section in enough time?
TestReady Insights
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Week 8 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
Continue to practice more questions for Reading and Speaking. Consider working on test sections or focusing on
specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this practice could include.
SPEAKING
Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.
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WEEK 8
Continue to practice more questions for Listening and Writing. Consider working on test sections or focusing on
specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this practice could include.
LISTENING
The Listening Section Test: Volume 2 and Writing Section Test: Volume 2
replicate the TOEFL iBT test and will provide you with an estimated score.
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WEEK 8
WRITING
Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.
You’ve completed the eighth week of your 12-week study plan! Your long-term determination is great, but don’t forget
to give yourself a day to rest.
Research shows that regular breaks enhance memory retention and overall exam
performance. Return to your test prep tomorrow with renewed energy and focus.
What challenges have you faced when studying for the Writing section?
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Week 9 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
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WEEK 9
• Medium: Read two articles on the same topic. Write a summary of each article, and then explain the ways
in which they are similar and different. Consider recording yourself speaking about your comparison of
the articles. Feel free to use your writing as a reference while you’re speaking.
• Hard: Have a conversation with a coworker, friend, or family member about any topic. Explain your ideas
and opinions, and ask them questions. Afterward, write down as many details from your discussion as you
can remember. Write a summary of your conversation and include the different points you both made,
any questions that were asked and answered, and what your favorite part was.
• Hard: Watch a movie of your choice. Write a review of the movie and describe what you liked and disliked
about it. Then, ask a friend (who has also seen the movie) what they think of it. Explain your opinions and
have a discussion about the movie. Feel free to use your writing as a reference during your conversation.
Continue to complete more practice questions for the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections.
Consider working on test sections or focusing on specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this
practice could include.
READING
LISTENING
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WEEK 9
SPEAKING
Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.
WRITING
Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.
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WEEK 9
You’ve completed the ninth week of your 12-week study plan! Celebrate your progress and recharge your energy
by taking a day off this weekend.
Taking breaks is a strategic choice that supports your TOEFL iBT success. Use this time away
from studying to relax and allow your brain to strengthen the knowledge you’ve gained.
What did you accomplish in terms of your study plan this week?
Does anything stand out from your Writing practice?
TestReady Insights
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Week 10 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
Continue to complete more practice questions for the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections.
Consider working on test sections or focusing on specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this
practice could include.
READING
LISTENING
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WEEK 10
SPEAKING
Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.
WRITING
Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.
35
WEEK 10
You’ve completed the tenth week of your 12-week study plan! Test Day will be here soon! Take some time off from
TOEFL iBT test prep.
Your commitment to studying and taking rest days will help you perform on the test.
Remember, regular breaks are a smart strategy, not laziness.
How has your confidence in writing in English, especially during a timed session,
changed over time? How do you feel about the Writing section?
TestReady Insights
36
Week 11 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
Continue to complete more practice questions for the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections.
Consider working on test sections or focusing on specific types of questions. Below is an example of what this
practice could include.
READING
LISTENING
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WEEK 11
SPEAKING
Evaluate your responses with the Speaking Scoring Guide.
WRITING
Evaluate your responses with the Writing Scoring Guide.
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WEEK 11
You’ve completed the eleventh week of your 12-week study plan! You have one more week to go! As you enter the
final week of your test prep, don’t forget to take a break and rest.
It’s a good time to plan a rest day. These pauses provide your brain with an opportunity to
reinforce your learning. After this break, you’ll be able to tackle final reviews and feel strong.
TestReady Insights
39
Week 12 | Spend the next 7 days completing all tasks in the order listed
Completed
1.1 Complete a third full practice test The TOEFL Practice Online
Complete Practice Test:
Volume 30 will provide
Early in the week, take another practice test and
you with a realistic testing
practice completing all four test sections. Make sure
experience and give you an
to time yourself to get the most real-life experience.
estimated score.
Fill in this table to see your improvements and identify skill areas you can still work on.
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
40
WEEK 12
How have your writing skills improved since you started studying?
What changes do you notice?
Review your goal scores and current scores. Do you have any test sections where you have not yet achieved
your goal scores? Are you struggling with certain types of questions?
Spend extra time on those test sections or focusing on those types of questions. Make sure to time yourself
for an accurate experience.
What do you want to focus on? These resources will give you extra practice!
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WEEK 12
You are required to provide certain types of IDs in order to begin your official TOEFL iBT session. There are
also specific things to expect when taking the TOEFL iBT test at a Test Center and at home. Read about the
requirements for test day here.
You’ve completed the final week of your 12-week study plan! Really great work! While you can review test
sections for additional practice, be careful not to overdo it. Be confident in yourself and your skills. You should
feel energized and strong on Test Day!
Good
Luck!
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ETS (ETS) in the United States and other countries. TOEFL iBT® is trademark of ETS.
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