Are you looking to go to a university in the United States, France, Germany or even Canada? Are you from a non-English speaking country and need to take the TOEFL to get into the university of your dreams? Regardless of the reason you are taking the test, this list will provide you with the best TOEFL review books and study guides to kick start your exam preparation.
A number of individuals need the TOEFL exam. These individuals include scholarship candidates, individuals applying for a visa, and generally students who are looking to attend a particular college or university. More than 35 million people have taken the TOEFL and demonstrated that they are proficient in the English Language. Imagine failing the TOEFL test and missing out on the scholarship or the college experience of a lifetime. This list will help you to ensure that that person will not be you.
If you want to just get back to studying, get our top choice for TOEFL books here.
Keep reading to ensure you have the best TOEFL study guides to help you get the scores you need.
Last update: 2024-05-03
Our Favorites for the Best TOEFL Books
The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test with DVD-ROM, Fifth Edition by Educational Testing Service
The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test comes directly from the source, the Educational Testing service. It has the latest and most up to date information with regard to any changes which have been made on the exam. For this reason, this text provides the most accurate descriptions for the test and is one of the most reliable options that is offered.
Though several individuals rave about how helpful the book, others have found some issues. Although they love the descriptions of the text, some readers have complained about the writing portion. It is commonly known that there have been some accuracy issues with some of the integrated writing questions within the text. Many find that though there are some pitfalls with the book, it is still one of the best options for accuracy in relation to the test.
What Makes It Unique:
- The book contains large amounts of information for test-takers. This information includes test questions to get users acclimated with the format of the test and even detailed explanations on test answers.
- The Official Guide to the TOEFL also contains four full-length practice tests as well as essay prompts and hundreds of sample test questions.
Why Choose this TOEFL Book:
- If you are looking to gain a realistic idea of what to expect from the TOEFL test, this book is your best bet. The examples and tests within the book provide the same structure, as you will find on the exam. Though some test-takers say they will speak faster during the test than the CD-ROM, it is still a significant investment.
- The Official Guide to the TOEFL also provides tips and strategies for how to make the test easier for you and perform at your highest capacity.
- The guide comes with an audio CD that can be used to aid students in improving their listening vehicles.
- Educational Testing Service (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 747 Pages - 12/13/2017 (Publication Date) - McGraw-Hill Education (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-03
TOEFL iBT Prep Plus 2020-2021: 4 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Audio (Kaplan Test Prep) by Kaplan Test Prep
Kaplan is known for being a leader in providing test preparation materials for a wide array of subjects and exams. Each year they produce a number of books that can be used for self-study, used as references, or utilized within the classroom. The TOEFL exam is no different, and Kaplan focuses on providing grade-A content that will aid users in passing the exam.
What Makes It Unique:
- This Kaplan test prep book offers all of the guidance you need to pass the test with flying colors. Readers even have the ability to access review materials on the go. The online login interface allows you to listen to audio lessons, take tests, and also watch video lessons. The practice exams have even been optimized to work on your mobile phone.
- Aside from the ability to access materials anywhere, users get the physical copy of the book. The book is segmented into four sections: listening, speaking, writing, and reading. Each chapter is also placed in the same order, which can be found on the exam.
- TOEFL iBT Prep Plus includes ample practice material, sample passages, and even practice activities to ensure readers are comfortable with what they are learning.
Why Choose this TOEFL Book:
- If you are someone who loves to interact with technology, this the perfect package for you. The practice exams are not in the text but instead delivered electronically via your mobile or web device.
- The text provides strategies and tips from experts at Kaplan.
- With the text and the other supplemental materials, there are 12 self-paced video lessons for each section of the exam.
- Kaplan Test Prep (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 324 Pages - 09/03/2019 (Publication Date) - Kaplan Test Prep (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-03
The Runner-Ups for the Best TOEFL Review Books
Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep with Audio/Listening Tracks, 2022: Practice Test + Audio + Strategies & Review (2022) (College Test Preparation) by The Princeton Review
Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep with Audio CD is a product of the Princeton Review team. It comes highly recommended by many test takers and instructors. The text is accompanied by an MP3 audio CD, which includes the audio sections of the book.
What Makes It Unique:
- Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep not only provides subject reviews for each of the four sections but grammar reviews. These grammar reviews ensure individuals have grasped the basics and even guidance on how to score high on the essay portion of the exam.
- The text drills into an overview of not only what will be on the exam, but provides an overview of the two types for you to determine which one is best for you. It also goes into how the tests are scored and ensures that you understand the scoring. The Princeton Review team also issues a small warning to its users. This warning states that if it is hard for you to read and understand the beginning pages of the book, it may not be the best time for you to take the exam.
Why Choose this TOEFL Book:
- Previous users were impressed with the accuracy of the writing questions. The Princeton Review has done an excellent job of providing questions that are helpful and similar to the exam; something many books have failed to get right.
- Other test-takers feel that the book provides excellent advice and strategies for doing well on the exam. However, this is not a text that you should attempt to cram with. Users will need to spend the time reading through the information in order to see any significant benefits.
- The Princeton Review (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 608 Pages - 02/01/2022 (Publication Date) - Princeton Review (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-04
” /] by Test Prep Books
Test Prep Books is still relatively new to the test prep world in comparison to companies like Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Barron. However, they have been consistently delivering material that students are proud to use and fond of. That sentiment holds true with the TOEFL iBT Preparation Book.
What Makes It Unique:
- Each section of TOEFL iBT Preparation Book: Test Prep for Reading, Listening, Speaking, & Writing on the Test of English as a Foreign Language book offers a full review of all the material which is likely to be on the actual TOEFL exam.
- The text provides a detailed explanation of the practice questions listed throughout the book to ensure that students not only know the answer but understand why it is wrong or right.
- Test prep books have sifted through its arsenal of test-taking tips in order to provide readers with the most useful and practical test-taking tips and strategies.
Why Choose this TOEFL Book:
- Users of TOEFL iBT Preparation Book: Test Prep for Reading, Listening, Speaking, & Writing on the Test of English as a Foreign Language raved about the simplicity of the language used as well as the favorable format. The text is structured in a way that first introduces the content, provides examples, and subsequently gives problems to practice with.
- If you are looking for explanations of the various writing types, as well as techniques on how to use them, this is the text for you.
- TOEFL iBT Preparation Book gives the right amount of detail and summary. It adequately summarizes essential information that provides ample amounts of practice material.
![TOEFL Preparation Book 2020 and 2021: TOEFL iBT Prep Book Covering All Sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) with Practice Test ... [With Audio Links for the Listening Section]](https://www.conqueryourexam.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TlRGMWRYTjVRVlk0Y1V3dWFuQm58MTcxNTAzOTgyMg=)
- Test Prep Books (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 123 Pages - 06/05/2020 (Publication Date) - Test Prep Books (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-03
The Value Picks for the Best TOEFL Review Books
TOEFL iBT: with 8 Online Practice Tests (Barron's Test Prep) by Pamela Sharpe Ph.D.
The Barron’s book is our value pick when it comes to the best TOEFL study guides. Here’s why…
What Makes It Unique:
- Barron’s TOEFL iBT review book comes with a host of resources and information to ensure that users do more than just pass the exam. Regardless of the book’s format, ebook (CD-ROM), or a physical book, it includes 2 MP3 CDs.
- This bundle of information will provide students with an overview of what to expect from the test, sample spoken responses, and answers with in-depth explanations.
- Outside of general information about the test, the book provides a review of a variety of skills needed to do well with the English language. These skills include academic functions like note-taking, summarizing, synthesizing, and paraphrasing. Other language-related skills include writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
- Supplemental information like video lessons is also included with your purchase.
Why Choose this TOEFL Book:
- The book offers several opportunities for students to gauge their competency in the various sections and practice areas where they are lacking.
- Many users praised the addition of the CDROM, which includes a variety of practice activities and eight exams.
- Sharpe Ph.D., Pamela J. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 768 Pages - 04/07/2020 (Publication Date) - Barrons Educational Services (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-04
FAQ for the Best TOEFL Books
What’s the Best TOEFL Book for the Reading Section?
KALLIS' iBT TOEFL Pattern Reading 1: Explorer (Volume 1) by Kallis
TOEFL Pattern Reading is a book that focuses on the various reading question types you will encounter when taking the TOEFL exam. Within the text, there are ten different types of questions. The book aims to show test-takers how to answer these questions and develop strategies for getting through them. Kallis’ Pattern Reading is part of a series of three books. All three of these books are aimed at providing aid for the TOEFL exam but on varying levels. The second step from this explorer book is book two, TOEFL Pattern Reading 2: Analyst. The final publication is TOEFL Pattern Reading 3: Specialist. Though serving various levels of users, all of the books follow the same format and theme. Kallis is known for creating test prep materials for standardized tests like the TOEFL, TOEIC, and the IELTS.
What Makes It Unique:
- TOEFL Pattern Reading 1: Explorer uses a strategy referred to as the Hacking strategy. This strategy provides a way for users to visualize how to solve the problem in a number of steps.
- Each chapter within the book focuses on a different type of question. This includes a vocabulary question, a coherence question, an inference question, and several others. Each chapter starts by defining the kind of question and going deeper into the strategy.
Why Choose this TOEFL Book:
- If you are looking for help with answering reading-related questions, this is the perfect guide.
- Not only does each chapter go into depth on how to solve the variety of question types, readers all receive 12 actual practices to apply what they have learned. There are also a number of pop quizzes and quick practice exercises to put the hacking strategy to use.
- Users of the text agree that the book offers excellent explanations and useful examples. This book is excellent for the beginning level of the TOEFL exam.
- This text is excellent for teachers to introduce to their students. It can be beneficial for helping them to understand difficult concepts and questions.
- Kallis (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 200 Pages - 01/29/2014 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-03
What’s the Best TOEFL Book for Grammar Practice?
English Grammar in Use Book with Answers: A Self-study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English by Raymond Murphy
English Grammar in Use is a widely popular and best-selling grammar book for TOEFL test takers. It is excellent for B1-B2 level learners. This is an excellent book for self-study as it contains ample practice questions and grammar information. The Grammar in Use family has books or each of the varying levels of your English comprehension. These include Advanced Grammar in Use as well as Essential Grammar in Use.
What Makes It Unique:
- Many readers love the structure of this book. It has a great flow and is easy to understand. It provides readers with how to pronounce words a certain way and also supplements that instructs with the reasoning behind it.
- Each lesson is clearly outlined and includes drills to ensure its proper retention. It is able to simplify words and phrases that make it easy for someone learning English as a second language to understand. The examples in the units steadily increase in difficulty as the uni progresses.
- This text is highly recommended for individuals beginning to study for the TOEFL. The book’s package also includes a CD to help users with hearing and understanding what is being spoken to them.
Why Choose this TOEFL Book:
- This book is recommended and trusted by teachers from all over the globe and often used within the classroom. This text is a favorite for several teachers and often used to supplement their classroom teachings.
- The text also comes in ebook format and can easily be downloaded mobile devices and tablets.
- The text would serve as an excellent resource for students writing college-level papers or essays.
- Many using this text say that it is great for individuals who are looking to self-study but still can easily be paired with another book. It provides several examples, sample questions, and practice.
- Murphy, Raymond (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 396 Pages - 01/24/2019 (Publication Date) - Cambridge University Press (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-03
What’s the Best TOEFL Book for Vocabulary?
Essential Words for the TOEFL Seventh Edition by Steven J. Matthiesen
Essential Words for the TOEFL is another great Barron's Test prep book. This time instead of featuring a full TOEFL review, this text covers the vocabulary test-takers will need to pass the exam.
What Makes It Unique:
- Essential Words are divided into several chapters, which are aimed at giving test takers and understanding of the test as well as various strategies for expanding their English vocabulary.
- Beginning with Chapter 5, the book goes into a series of lessons. These lessons provide definitions for the words most likely to appear on the exam, sample sentences, and several practice exercises for retention. The text contains roughly 500 words.
- Purposeful phrases and words are also included in the text, which is commonly found in writing or general speech.
Why Choose this TOEFL Book:
- Many of the words listed in this text were recognized as being apart of the actual TOEFL exam.
- This is an excellent book if you are looking to expand your vocabulary, and it even includes useful passages for the reading section of the exam.
- Some users refer to this text as a companion guide to aid in improving your vocabulary rather than attempting to memorize everything within the text.
- The book provides up to date information, helpful exercises, and extensive vocabulary reviews.
- Matthiesen, Steven J. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages - 04/01/2017 (Publication Date) - Barrons Educational Services (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-03
What’s the Best TOEFL Book for Practice Tests?
Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1, Third Edition 3rd Edition by Educational Testing Service
If you’re getting ready to take the TOEFL test and have exhausted all of your other options, this is perfect. Once you’ve finished studying, the only thing left to do is practice. What better way to practice than with previous TOEFL exams? This text comes directly from the Educational Testing Service, who are also the creators of the TOEFL test.
What Makes It Unique:
- Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1 will give readers not one or two but five previously administered TOEFL exams. These retired exams will include all sections: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
- Aside from directly receiving the text, users will also get an accompanying DVD, which includes all five of the interactive exams. An audio file is also available with sample responses for the speaking and listening portions of the exam. It will focus on helping you craft the “perfect” answer and do so with the other sections in mind.
- After receiving all of this helpful information, users will also receive answer keys and even scoring guides to gauge their competency. These guides and answers allow them to see what areas need improvement before the official test day.
Why Choose this TOEFL Book:
- Though there are several books that offer practice tests, these are the only official practice tests that you will find.
- Aside from receiving the actual tests and questions, users will receive transcripts of all audio passages used.
- Educational Testing Service (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 458 Pages - 10/22/2018 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)
Last update: 2024-05-03
Summary of the Best TOEFL Books
Putting everything together, in this guide we reviewed the following:
Last update: 2024-05-03
This list contains a number of books to aid users in passing the TOEFL exam. This includes books with full reviews like The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test and Barron's TOEFL iBT.
There are four sections on the TOEFL exam; these include speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Each of these four sections has been represented in this list with the most recommended option. For example, if you are looking for a more specialized review, books like Essential Words for the TOEFL and English Grammar in Use are two great options for expanding your vocabulary and ensuring that you know what is needed in the grammatical realm.
Regardless of what book you choose, there is an option on this list for everyone. The TOEFL exam isn’t impossible to pass, and the right book is a must for ensuring that you receive a high score. There are a number of things you can do to ensure you are prepared for each section of the TOEFL exam. However, the most important thing you can do is practice until you are confident.
This practice can be achieved in a number of ways. It can be done through the use of one of the best TOEFL study guides on this list or through practical application and reading. How you choose to study is up to you. All you have to do is pick the perfect book for you and go pass that test!
Did you enjoy this post? Then you may like our guide to the best GED review books, or ACT review books or SAT review books here.
