Read every question two times. Even if you think, "That was easy. I know the answer right away," read it again. No matter how good you think your English is, reading the question two times helps ensure you do not miss important information. Also read through all of the answers before you choose one. More than one answer may be right, but it is important to select the best one based on the content of the question.
You are not penalized for an incorrect answer on the TOEFL, so make the best guess you can by eliminating answers that are obviously incorrect. Watch out for answers with absolutes, such as "always, never, must, greatest" as they are usually incorrect. Cover the word "except" when you read a question that contains it as this word can make the question confusing. Then, look at the answers to find the one that does not belong. Also watch the time when you take the test. If you have a half hour to answer 15 questions, that means you have two minutes per question. If you have extra time, go back and check your answers. However, stick with your first answer choice as it is usually the right one, unless you made an obvious mistake that must be corrected.
The test has four parts: writing, reading, listening and speaking. Practice listening to as much English as you can. Watch movies in English with subtitles at first and then watch them without subtitles. Focus on the main idea of what the speaker is saying in news broadcasts in English and on examples the speaker mentions to help you understand the general idea. Jot notes down when you hear the main ideas of paragraphs, as you can do this on the listening part of the TOEFL exam as well. You will only hear the paragraph once, so listen carefully. On the speaking part of the test, you will have to respond to questions about a lecture and about a conversation you hear by speaking out loud. Practice recognizing main ideas in your writing and reading, understanding how ideas are connected and organized logically, and how to find information in a passage. Also practice using details in your writing to support your ideas.
Become familiar with the test structure. The reading section has between three and five passages with 12 to 14 questions each. You will have 60 to 100 minutes to complete this section. The listening section consists of lectures and conversations and is 60 to 90 minutes long. The speaking section is 20 minutes long. The writing section has two tasks that are 50 minutes total in length. Also learn what types of questions are on the test to help you better prepare. The TOEFL is computer-based, and you will have to speak in response to a spoken question; read, listen and then speak in response to a question; or read, listen and then write a response to a question.
Read through the free 72-page practice guide available from ETS, the publisher of the TOEFL. This is available on the TOEFL website. Free practice questions and guides are available from ETS on the TOEFL website as well. Some resources are only available after you register. Work through them all to get a good understanding of the test and its contents. ETS also has guides you can pay for on its website if you want extra practice.