Top 12 TOEFL Preparation Books

Table of Contents

Importance of TOEFL Preparation Books

Have you added too many TOEFL preparation books to your shopping cart and thinking about which one to finalize? Then, this blog is for you. If you are here, you probably already know what is TOEFL and what a TOEFL score is needed for. However, we would like to iterate that TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a language proficiency test for non-native English speakers who aim to study at universities in English-speaking countries. In this exam, the candidates are assessed under four sections to check their English listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. Many educational institutions are offering TOEFL preparation courses that help students in learning the skills and strategies to achieve a higher score in the TOEFL exams.

TOEFL preparation books play a vital role in helping aspirants with the complete process and practice for TOEFL exams. However, it can be cumbersome to identify which TOEFL book one should buy from the large pool of publications available in the market. Hence, keeping the readers’ feedback and book content in mind, here is a list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books to put you out of your misery and give you a push towards your dream of getting admission to your desired institute.

1. Trivium TOEFL Preparation Book 2022-2023

Paperback price: INR 1751

Buy here

Overview

This book is a guide to studying for TOEFL exams and ranks no.1 on our list of top 12 TOEFL preparation books. It has good content comprising all the aspects of practice needed to prepare for the TOEFL exams. There are sample test questions included in this book to help the students check their knowledge. The book features the concepts for reading, listening, speaking and writing for TOEFL exams with tips given by the experts. The book is written in line with the exam framework of TOEFL.

Published by: Trivium Test Prep

Authored by: Simon Sinek – an America-based author and inspirational speaker, who has five books published under his name.

2. ETS The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test (2020)

Paperback price: INR 1212

Buy here

Overview

This book ranks number second on our list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books. This is the sixth edition of this book from ETS and it is updated by authors to cover the latest updates of the TOEFL preparation requirements. It is being used by more than 10,000 institutes which provide TOEFL preparation courses across the world. The book is a bestselling book for TOEFL preparation with high user ratings from a large number of readers. Buyers get a special scratch code with the book to access the soft copies of resources. It covers all sections of the TOEFL exam integrating listening, speaking and writing skills. Test papers given in the book help the students practice thoroughly for the exam.

Published by: McGraw Hill

Authored by: ETS – Educational Testing Service – ETS is a non-profit organization for educational research and measurement through tests. Since 1947, ETS conducts various proficiency and assessment tests in more than 9000 locations across the world. TOEFL is the trademark exam of ETS.

3. Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep (2022)

Paperback price: INR 881

Buy here

Overview

This book is third on our list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books. The book covers the complete simulation of the TOEFL iBT test. It covers a complete review of the main topics and techniques to solve the difficult questions. This book helps the students with section-wise strategies, lessons on passages and essays, and organizing ideas for TOEFL preparation. It also provides revision of grammar, core concepts of the exam, and guidance to score well in essay writing. There are audio files given with the book which can be streamed online. It has one full sample TOEFL test with detailed answers given to help the reader in TOEFL preparation. Readers will get to practice listening, speaking, reading and writing with the book.

Published by: ‎ Princeton Review

Authored by: The Princeton Review – a company providing educational services in teaching, test preparations, and guides for different types of admission tests.

4. Test Prep Books TOEFL Preparation Book 2022-2023

Paperback price: 4077

Buy here

Overview

This book is number four on our list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books. It is a study guide for the TOEFL exam with 3 practice tests. The content of this book comprises tips for taking the TOEFL exam; a detailed introduction to the exam; knowledge about all four sections of the exam – reading, speaking, listening, writing; and practice tests with explained answers. For TOEFL preparation, the book helps readers with comprehensive content for the exam. The questions selected for the practice tests are kept accurate as per the exam. There are many tips given for taking the test and using strategies for time management. Test Prep Books provides customer care support to resolve any queries about TOEFL preparation.

Published by: Test Prep Books

Authored by: Joshua Rueda – author of more than 120 books for various types of test preparations.

5. Cambridge Preparation for the Toefl Test (2007)

Paperback price: INR 2799

Buy here

Overview

This book ranks number five on our list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books. It is acclaimed for helping students in mastering English language skills for TOEFL preparation. The book is created as a mirror image of the TOEFL exam. It finds its use in classrooms as well as individual learners. This book has lots of exercises for practice other than four sample tests. Additionally, there are supporting topics like improvement of grammar, correct pronunciation, vocabulary, etc. The reviews for this book are remarkable as some readers have even claimed that they don’t need any other guide for TOEFL preparation. This book also comes with CDs for learning.

Published by: Cambridge University Press

Authored by: Jolene Gear and Robert Gear – English teachers who have taught in various universities to non-native speakers in different countries.

6. Barron’s Essential Words for the TOEFL (2017)

Paperback: INR 755

Buy here

Overview

This book is number 6 on our list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books. Barron’s published the revised version of this book with updated lessons on vocabulary. The book is helpful in all aspects of TOEFL preparation as vocabulary is important for scoring well in all sections of the exam. A list of words is mentioned with sample sentences and the meaning explained for each word. There are practice tests also included in the book along with answer sheets. The readers will get to learn new words which will help them in the reading, listening and writing sections of the exam.

Published by: Barrons Educational Services

Authored by: Steven J. Matthiesen – author of multiple books for vocabulary for TOEFL preparation.

7. Mometrix TOEFL Prparation Book 2021-2022

Paperback Price: INR 2391

Buy here

Overview

This book ranks number seven on our list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books. It is a guide to studying for TOEFL exams and is one of the TOEFL preparation books with good reader ratings. The book covers step-by-step lessons on various concepts, tips and techniques to get better scores and practice test questions with answers. It provides a review of all test sections of the TOEFL exam. The book is written in line with the expectations of ETS and caters to all requirements in terms of concepts and vocabulary in detail. Its authors have provided a lot of practice questions to prepare the learners for the actual exam. They have provided in-depth answers to the questions as well.

Published by: Mometrix Media Llc

Authored by: Matthew Bowling – working with Mometrix Test Preparation for 15 years. He is a merit student himself and has been teaching in schools and colleges for maths and technical subjects as well as test preparation for various exams.

8. Kalpan TOEFL iBT Prep Plus 2020-2021

Paperback Price: INR 4874

Buy here

Overview

This book stands at number eight on our list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books. The book contains the much-needed language skills and techniques for scoring well in the TOEFL exam. It covers lessons on all sections of the TOEFL exam – speaking, listening, writing and listening. The book promises the students a guaranteed hike in TOEFL scores after reading it. There are video lessons, audio clips, and practice tests that can be accessed on the go. It provides four lengthy test papers for practice with answers explained in detail. The learners will get expert advice about each section incorporated into the book.

Published by: Kalpan Test Prep

Authored by: Kalpan Test Prep – a leading educational and career service provider for schools, students and businesses. They are experts in the test preparations fraternity. They have a range of digital offerings and published books for more than 90 types of standard tests including IELTS, TEOFL, TOEIC, etc.

9. Barron’s TOEFL iBT: with 8 Online Practice Tests (2020)

Paperback Price: INR 2999

Buy here

Overview

This book secures a ninth place in our list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books. It is published with updated content as per the latest TOEFL IBT exam. It is one of the recommended TOEFL preparation books for the comprehensive practice tests provided in the book. There are eight practice tests of full length with detailed answers in online and book format. Apart from that, there are eight tests of one hour each in an online format. It has four videos of lessons on academic and language skills. Also, it has reviews about grammar knowledge needed for speaking and writing sections of the test. The readers also get 200 flashcards with sample sentences for vocabulary practice along with audio files. Even teachers and tutors can use the presentations and handouts provided with the book for teaching purposes.

Published by: Barrons Educational Services

Authored by: Dr Pamela Sharpe – an expert in international test preparation. She has provided teaching services at various universities such as the University of Florida, Ohio State University, and Northern Arizona University. She has authored 12+ books including bestselling TOEFL preparation books published by Barron’s.

10. Manhattan Prep TOEFL 5lb Book of Practice Problems (2017)

Paperback price: INR 6000

Buy here

Overview

This book is number ten on our list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books. It is stated as one of the essential TOEFL preparation books for the aspirants who are preparing for this exam. There are around 46 lessons in the book including 1500+ questions published in the book as well as online resources. It aims to provide a comprehensive practice to the students. There are sets of practice questions created by the experts in line with the TOEFL exam pattern. The readers of this book will learn about listening, reading, speaking and writing English as per the TOEFL requirements. They will be able to understand the concepts through step-by-step instructions with explanations. The students also get access to online resources and simulated tests for better practice in an online environment.

Published by: Manhattan Prep

Authored by: Manhattan Prep – started by Zeke Vanderhoek, is a leading company in test preparations offering a variety of test preparations and study materials crafted by the best of educators. Its goal is to impart the best knowledge to the seekers through expert faculty. In addition to the TOEFL preparation books, the publication has course materials for GMAT, GRE, LSAT, ACT, and SAT as well.

11. Exam Sam TOEFL Reading Practice Book (2018)

Paperback price: INR 1440

Buy here

Overview

This book ranks number eleven on our list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books. It mainly covers the reading section of the TOEFL exam with three tests for reading practice. There are three passages in each test of this book which is the same as the actual TOEFL exam format which makes it a total of nine passages for speaking skills. The topics taken for the passages are also selected based on the actual TOEFL test. There are various questions in the practice test on topics like finding the main idea, making inferences, language coherence, the meaning of words, the definition of key terms, rephrasing sentences, opinion of the author, summary etc. The book specifies the format of the test and what kind of reading questions may come in the exam. It also provides answer sheets with detailed explanations to help the readers with correct answers.

Published by: Exam Sam

Authored by: Exam SAM Study Aids and Media – a publisher of guides and tests for standard examinations. There are various categories under their publication for exams like teacher certification, placement tests, mathematics tests, etc. They have many study materials and practice test books authored and published by them.

12. Barron’s TOEFL Superpack (2020)

Paperback: INR 3948

Buy here

Overview

Last but not least this book is number twelve on our list of the top 12 TOEFL preparation books. It is a combination of three books with practice tests and audio files. Hence, it is called a TOEFL Superpack and is one of the best-selling TOEFL preparation books. This package offers comprehensive preparation for the TOEFL exam which includes three books namely – TOEFL with Online Tests & Online Audio, TOEFL Essential Words, and Writing for the TOEFL iBT.The first book provides eight complete model tests, a detailed review of the exam content, and access to audio lessons. The second book is for building vocabulary with more than 500 words with a practice test for vocabulary. And, the third one is to prepare the learners for writing skills with four tests and audio lessons. There is an offer price of 30% discount for the package too.

Published by: Barron’s Educational Services

Authored by: Dr Pamela Sharpe – a globally known test preparation instructor who has authored more than twelve test prep books. Her books published under Barron’s are bestseller TOEFL preparation books.

Five things you should know about TOEFL
1. TOEFL is conducted 50 times a year.
2. The test can be retaken with a gap of 12 Days.
3. TOEFL scores are received within 6 days of the test.
4. Scores are valid for 2 years from the date of the test.
5. It has 4 Sections - Listening, Reading, Speaking & Writing.

TOEFL Preparation Courses

While books are our best friends; teachers are our best guides too. Hence, in your journey of making the best effort in scoring high in a TOEFL exam, a word of experience and tips for clearing the exam can be imperative for you. TOEFL preparation books are an integral part of your TOEFL exam preparation. However, TOEFL preparation courses provided by reputed institutes like Henry Harvin can pave the way for you to a bright future at a recognized university.

Henry Harvin TOEFL Preparation Course

In addition to buying the TOEFL preparation books, TOEFL preparation courses benefit you through expert hand-holding, practice tests, and guidance with tips and strategies to give you an edge in the exam. Henry Harvin is an ISO-certified education company which is one of the best institutes for TOEFL preparation courses. It caters to more than 400 training courses with certifications affiliated with UKAF, UK Cert, American Association of EFL, MSME & Project Management Institute (PMI).

The TOEFL preparation course from Henry Harvin helps students in scoring more than 100 out of 120 marks. The expert trainers provide an overall knowledge of the necessary skills like vocabulary, language, and time management. The syllabus includes mock tests and study material from Cambridge. Mentioned below are some of the key highlights of this course.

Course Highlights

Group sessions with intensive preparation for the test.
Hands-on practice through mock tests.
Get study material from Cambridge press.
Guidance by an expert coach through 32 hours of live sessions.
Access video lessons, doubt sessions, assessments, etc.
Membership to the Henry Harvin’s Elite Study Abroad Academy.
Certificate on completion of the course.

FAQs

Who is eligible to take TOEFL?

TOEFL is mainly a standard assessment test for students aiming to study in an English-speaking country. Though, people intending to migrate to an English-speaking country also need to take the TOEFL exam.

What is TOEFL IBT and TOEFL PBT?

TOEFL IBT stands for the online exam, namely, Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test. TOEFL PBT means Test of English as a Foreign Language – Paper Based Test.

What is the total score and duration of TOEFL?

The total score for TOEFL is 120 marks divided into four sections of 30 marks each. The duration of the test is 4 hours for TOEFL IBT and 3 hours for TOEFL PBT.

What are the four sections of the TOEFL IBT exam structure?

The four main sections of the TOEFL exam are Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing English.