Preparing for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is challenging, especially for non-native English speakers.
While many resources are available online, nothing quite compares to a good old-fashioned book.
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth investing in.
That’s why I have compiled a list of the best TOEFL preparation books to help you ace the exam and achieve your academic or professional goals.
These books offer comprehensive guidance and practice to help you master the four sections of the TOEFL test: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top TOEFL preparation books that you should consider adding to your study arsenal.
Top 8 TOEFL Preparation Books: In A Nutshell (2024)
Before we go into details, here is a quick list of the eight best TOEFL preparation books.
| Sr. No. | TOEFL Preparation Books | Price | Rating |
| 1. | The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test, 6th Edition | $33.79 | 4.8/5 |
| 2. | Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus, 2020-2021 | $49.89 | 4.7/5 |
| 3. | Barron’s TOEFL iBT, 17th Edition | $34.49 | 4.9/5 |
| 4. | Barron’s “Essential Words for the TOEFL, 7th Edition.” | $16.29 | 4.7/5 |
| 5. | Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1, 4th Edition.” | $34.82 | 4.7/5 |
| 6. | Test Prep Books’ “TOEFL Preparation Book, 2020 and 2021” | $21.01 | 4.6/5 |
| 7. | Mometrix’s “TOEFL Preparation Book, 2021-2022” | $24.99 | 4.7/5 |
| 8. | Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test, 4th Edition | – | 4.6/5 |
8+ Best TOEFL Preparation Books
Here is a detailed overview of the best TOEFL preparation books.
1. The Official Guide To The TOEFL iBT Test, 6th Edition
| Pricing | Amazon Price – $33.79 |
| Publisher/Author | ETS |
| Rating | 4.8/5 |
Created by ETS, this book is the perfect guide for students to build their English proficiency on the TOEFL.
It is the most reliable guide that covers English-language proficiency requirements used at more than 10000 institutions worldwide.
With this book, you get four full-length practice tests, more than a hundred authentic TOEFL test questions, and essay topics to help you prepare. Plus, you will be provided with various test-taking strategies to help you manage your time and accuracy during exams.
Other than that, you also have answer keys and self-scoring guides for all four test sections.
Key Learnings:
- Learn how to build a correct answer.
- Demonstrate college-level English proficiency.
- Score high using test-taking strategies.
- Build your vocabulary.
2. Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus, 2020-2021
| Pricing | Amazon Price -$49.89 |
| Publisher/Author | Kaplan Test Prep |
| Rating | 4.7/5 |
Next on our list is Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus, which is the most popular among students.
This book offers everything that you need to excel in your TOEFL skills. They have super easy explanations that help students to score high.
It includes four full-length practice tests with detailed answers and explanations. Each section covers more than 450 practice questions to familiarize you with the main exam’s difficulty level.
You will also be provided a CD covering more than 95 minutes of audio listening, speaking, and writing sections.
Along with the strategies to crack the test, you have effective study tips from Kaplann’s test experts.
Key Learnings:
- Learn all the important strategies to succeed in the test.
- Build fluent language skills.
- Master the complete English abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
3. Barron’s TOEFL iBT, 17th Edition
| Pricing | Amazon Price- $34.49 |
| Publisher/Author | Pamela J. Sharpe |
| Rating | 4.9/5 |
This concrete book reflects the new TOEFL trends and offers key skills that are essential for the exam.
Barron’s TOEFL iBT, 17th Edition, is the best among the competition, as it satisfies the complete criteria needed to pass the TOEFL exam.
This book stands out from others because it not only describes the answers to questions but also it provides practical strategies to best each section of the test.
You get eight full-length tests that are designed to be completed within 1 hour. You will be able to build excellent strategies for all TOEFL sections.
Plus, you get access to the online material that is valid for two years. This online material contains video lectures and presentation slides that explain concepts discussed in the book.
This book is an absolute gem; it has everything you need to prepare for TOEFL.
Key Learnings:
- Build a strong vocabulary.
- It covers comprehensive strategies and tips needed to pass the exam.
- Learn the key concepts behind each test section.
- Study with over 200 digital flashcards.
- Learn with the full-length diagnostic test.
4. Barron’s “Essential Words For The TOEFL, 7th Edition.”
| Pricing | Amazon Price – $16.29 |
| Publisher/Author | Steven J. Mattiensen |
| Rating | 4.7/5 |
Essential Words for the TOEFL book is designed to build vocabulary and improve grammar. This basic-level book is perfect for anyone who is preparing for TOEFL and wants to clear their basics.
With this book, you will encounter a wide array of phrases and words essential for TOEFL. It has more than 500 examples of general TOEFL vocabulary words.
This book’s main highlight is that it assists readers in maximizing their understanding of words. The author has also provided some tips on understanding the meaning better and how to use them.
Overall, this book will undeniably help you evaluate your progress and build up your English skills and vocabulary.
Key Learnings:
- Learn new words and phrases.
- Get covered with the 500 must-to-know words, definitions, and practice exercises.
- Understand how to cover the reading section.
- Apply different strategies and tips while studying.
- Learn with interactive exercises.
- Track your progress.
5. “Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1, 4th Edition”
| Pricing | Amazon Price – $34.82 |
| Publisher/Author | ETS |
| Rating | 4.7/5 |
Published by ETS, this book focuses on many comprehensive practice tests to provide a thorough understanding.
You will get more than five full-length official tests from past years. With these tests, you will have a general idea of the actual exam and the difficulty level of it.
Plus, with this book, you get an access code by which you can download the audio files for the test and install the visual version of practice tests from the book.
With real TOEFL essay topics provided in this book, you can practice and sharpen your essay skills.
Key Learnings:
- Get covered with the actual essay writing prompts.
- Learn with the sample responses for speaking and writing test sections.
- Apply your skills with downloadable audio for speaking and listening sections.
- Get covered with the various full-length TOEFL tests.
6. Test Prep Books’ “TOEFL Preparation Book, 2020 and 2021”
| Pricing | $21.01 |
| Publisher/Author | TPB Publishing |
| Rating | 4.6/5 |
Now coming to the top-rated book, the TOEFL Preparation book lays out the various proven strategies for reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Its detailed explanations will make you understand each concept and detail about vocabulary and grammar.
This comprehensive study guide includes various test-taking strategies, practice questions, and detailed answers.
Plus, this book has the latest test-taking strategies that will provide you with a complete guide to save time while attempting the exam.
My personal experience with this book was good. It really helped me to excel in my skills. Overall, it has everything that you need for success.
Key Learnings:
- Get covered with detailed answer explanations.
- Understand and implement various test-taking strategies.
- Learn with the comprehensive study guide.
- Solve and understand full-length practice tests to save time.
7. Mometrix’s “TOEFL Preparation Book, 2021-2022”
| Pricing | $24.99 |
| Publisher/Author | Matthew Bowling |
| Rating | 4.7/5 |
With this book, you will be provided with practice test questions with detailed explanations. Along with the step-by-step video tutorials, you will get various tips and strategies to help you get your best performance during the exam.
The book reviews the TOEFL test section on reading, speaking, writing, and listening. Another highlight is that this guide includes links to various online review videos where you can learn the topics taught by expert instructors.
So no doubt, TOEFL Preparation Book 2021-2022 is an excellent investment in your future.
Key Learnings:
- Learn how to succeed in listening, reading, speaking, and writing sections.
- Review the high-quality practice questions.
- Get covered with high-quality practice questions.
- Learn various TOEFL exam concepts, principles, and vocabulary.
- Apply various tips for each section.
8. Cambridge Preparation For The TOEFL Test, 4th Edition
| Pricing | |
| Publisher/Author | Gear |
| Rating | 4.6/5 |
The “Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test, Fourth Edition” is a comprehensive guidebook designed to help students prepare for the TOEFL exam
The book is organized into seven chapters, each covering one of the four sections of the TOEFL exam. It includes a variety of practice exercises and sample tests that allow students to assess their progress and identify areas for improvement.
It focuses on academic English. The reading and listening sections include a range of texts and lectures that are similar in style and complexity to those encountered in college and university courses.
This means that students who use this book will not only improve their language skills but also develop the academic literacy necessary for success in higher education.
Key Learnings:
- Understand the complete format of the TOEFL exam.
- Improve your language skills.
- Develop your academic literacy.
- Learn the various strategies for answering questions.
- Improve your speaking skills.
Tips To Prepare For TOEFL
Here are some of the tips to prepare for TOEFL.
Familiarize Yourself With The Test Format
Before you start preparing for the TOEFL, it’s important to know the exam format. This will help you understand what to expect on test day and how to approach each exam section.
Develop Your English Language Skills
EFL is a test of your English language skills. Therefore, you should focus on developing your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This can be done by reading English books and articles, practicing writing, watching English movies and TV shows, and speaking with native English speakers.
Use Official Preparation Materials
The official TOEFL preparation materials provided by ETS are the most reliable and accurate resources for test preparation. You can find them on the ETS website or purchase them from bookstores.
Practice
The key to success in the TOEFL exam is practice. Make sure to practice with the official TOEFL practice tests and other resources, such as online practice tests and sample questions.
Time Management
Time management is crucial during the TOEFL exam. You will have limited time to complete each section, so it’s important to practice time management skills during your preparation.
Take Care Of Yourself
Make sure to get enough rest, eat well, and exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself will help you stay focused and perform well on test day.
By following these tips and putting in the dedicated effort, you can prepare effectively for the TOEFL and achieve your desired score. Good luck!
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Conclusion: Best TOEFL Preparation Books (2024)
Selecting the best TOEFL preparation book is critical to achieving success in the TOEFL exam.
However, by considering factors such as the level of the material, quality of practice tests, and overall user experience, you can narrow down your options and find the book that suits your needs best.
Remember, the key to success in the TOEFL exam is practice, and the best preparation books offer ample opportunities to practice and hone your skills.
In addition, make sure to supplement your studies with other resources such as online practice tests, language exchange programs, and tutoring if necessary.
So, take the first step towards success today by selecting the best TOEFL preparation book for your needs and start your journey towards achieving your dreams!