What is the fee of registering for the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

Applicants who choose to take the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition must pay an amount of INR 16,900 for registering, which is the same for TOEFL iBT.

How many times is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition conducted in a month?

The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is offered once or twice every month.

As the TOEFL iBT exam is conducted in two sessions, do I have to book two dates or one?

You need to schedule two appointments when you register: one at your neighbourhood testing facility and the other at your house.

In some places, why is the duration of the first session of TOEFL iBT Paper Edition written as three and half hours? What is the actual duration?

The test duration at a centre is three hours. An additional thirty minutes is allocated for test administration tasks, such as admitting examinees, allowing them to input identifying information, and managing test materials.

Are there any special requirements for the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

As the Speaking section is conducted from home, please ensure that you have the required setup for both the equipment and environment before registering. You will get the details from the official website.

Boost Your TOEFL Listening Skills With These 7 Real-Life Resources

Home Blog TOEFL iBT

Akanksha Tripathi

3 min read

Updated On February 13, 2025

"Improve TOEFL Listening with real-life resources like TED Talks, NPR, BBC Radio, and more. Boost your skills with authentic accents and diverse topics."

Key Highlights

7 Real-Life Resources to Enhance TOEFL Listening Skills

Preparing for the TOEFL Listening section involves getting used to various English accents, real-life situations, and academic conversations. Fortunately, there are great resources available, such as TED Talks, NPR, BBC Radio, TOEFL Prep, and the TOEFL Practice Online platform. These tools provide authentic listening experiences that cover a wide range of topics and accents, similar to what you’ll face on the test. By utilizing these resources, you can boost your comprehension, refine your note-taking abilities, and feel more at ease with different speaking styles. Let’s explore how these resources can help improve your TOEFL listening skills!

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7 Real-Life Resources to Enhance TOEFL Listening Skills

Here are ten valuable real-life resources to boost your TOEFL listening skills, each tailored to help you practice understanding a wide variety of accents, topics, and conversational settings similar to what you'll encounter on the test:

1. TOEFL Practice Online

The official ETS TOEFL platform provides both paid and free resources that include listening exercises closely aligned with the actual TOEFL format, featuring academic lectures and everyday conversations. Using these resources will give you a feel for real test conditions and enhance your accuracy in answering test-specific questions. Consistent practice here helps you become familiar with the timing and pacing of the TOEFL listening section.

2. TED Talks

TED Talks showcase speakers from around the world, discussing a wide range of topics. This makes it a fantastic resource for getting accustomed to different English accents and presentation styles. By listening to TED Talks, you can improve your understanding of complex ideas and enhance your note-taking skills, which are crucial for grasping TOEFL’s academic lectures and discussions.

3. NPR (National Public Radio)

NPR covers a wide array of topics, from science to politics and culture, featuring speakers from various backgrounds. Regularly tuning in to NPR helps you become comfortable with authentic American English and different regional accents, which boosts your ability to understand diverse spoken English and strengthens your TOEFL listening skills.

4. BBC Radio

BBC Radio features programs such as "Science Hour" and "Global News," which introduce you to British accents and a wide range of academic and general topics. Engaging with this resource will enhance your ability to comprehend English spoken at various speeds and with different accents, an essential skill for the TOEFL listening section. Familiarity with diverse accents can significantly improve your understanding of different speakers during the exam.

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5. TOEFLtesprep.com

TOEFL Test Prep offers realistic listening practice tests that mimic the official TOEFL listening section, including academic lectures, conversations, and a variety of speaker accents. These tests familiarise you with the question types and timing of the actual test. By practicing with these realistic tests, you can enhance your listening comprehension and boost your preparedness for the exam.

Try expert-curated TOEFL Listening Practice Tests now!

6. Podcasts like “The English We Speak” (BBC Learning English)

The "English We Speak" podcast provides short lessons on idiomatic expressions and slang that are commonly found in English conversations. Getting accustomed to casual English and recognising the subtleties of informal language will aid you in performing better in TOEFL’s conversational listening sections, where these elements often appear.

Check Out: Best Podcasts and Audio Resources for TOEFL® Listening Practice

7. VOA (Voice of America) Learning English

VOA Learning English presents news reports in slower-paced English, making it suitable for beginner and intermediate learners. The structured format of the programs helps you build vocabulary and understand current events, which will make it easier to comprehend spoken English in both formal and casual TOEFL listening scenarios.

By incorporating these 7 real-life resources, you can boost your TOEFL Listening skills and enhance your ability to understand different accents, topics, and conversation styles. This will not only prepare you for the exam but also strengthen your overall English comprehension.

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