Test of English as a Foreign Language is a standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native speakers. It is taken by citizens of countries where English is not the common or official language. TOEFL is recognized by more than 9,000 higher education institutions and many professional and academic institutions in 130 countries. It is the most widely used test in the world, along with IELTS.
TOEFL Preparation
For those who are building their future. TOEFL preparation course with AP Courses exam center
What is TOEFL and why is it needed?
TOEFL iBT
In Ukraine, the test is taken remotely, using the online version, the Internet-based Test. There are two options for taking the test: from home (Home Edition) under the supervision of a proctor or at a test center in Kyiv.
Opportunities: education
Applicants take the test to enter educational institutions in the US, Canada, and many other countries where English is taught.
Opportunities: academic mobility
A test certificate is obtained in order to participate in international exchange programs. The need for a TOEFL certificate is always specified in the requirements for specific programs.
Opportunities: relocation
Some companies require job applicants to provide the results of this test, in which case it is necessary for immigrants to find employment.
What TOEFL looks like and its structure
The testing process takes 3 hours with a 10-minute break. All 4 parts of the exam, which correspond to basic language skills, are calculated for this time.
Structure and assessment
The test consists of 4 parts: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing, each of which is worth a maximum of 30 points, and the total result is converted to a scale from 0 to 120 points. The assessment is carried out by ETS (Educational Testing Service), an American non-profit organization.
Reading: 54–72 minutes
You need to read 3–4 texts from popular science literature and choose the correct answers to 10 multiple-choice questions for each text. In terms of difficulty, these texts correspond to the literature used in educational institutions in English-speaking countries.
At this stage, the following skills are tested:
- understanding academic-style texts;
- correctly recognizing ideas and drawing conclusions;
- analyzing and logically interpreting meanings;
- determining the truthfulness of statements.
Writing: 50 minutes
Consists of 2 parts. 20 minutes are allocated for the first part. You need to read a short text and listen to a lecture where the speaker comments on it. Based on what they have learned, the test taker must write a text. In the second part, candidates write an essay based on a specific given statement, for which they are given 30 minutes.
In addition to spelling, the following writing skills are assessed:
- the ability to apply vocabulary and grammar knowledge;
- the ability to fully demonstrate overall language proficiency;
- the ability to structure and logically express one’s own opinion;
- convey the accuracy of information according to sources.
Listening: 41 – 57 minutes
In this part, you must listen to 3 or 4 audio recordings: 2–3 academic lectures and 1–2 formal conversations. Students are given 1 attempt and the opportunity to take notes, and the process takes up to 35 minutes. The rest of the time is spent answering questions about what they have heard, such as the topic of the lecture, the main idea of the dialogues, the emotions of the speakers, details or conclusions from the conversation.
This is how examiners check how well a person:
- recognizes English by ear;
- understands the language in different contexts;
- is able to interpret what they hear.
Speaking: 17 minutes
4 tasks recorded via microphone.
1 – Independent Speaking Task
Examiners give a topic — a specific question, usually everyday, which the student has 15 seconds to prepare for and 45 seconds to answer.
2 – 4 – Integrated Speaking Tasks
These are combined tasks where you have to read and listen to recordings for a certain amount of time, then prepare for 20-30 seconds and answer the questions for 1 minute.
This part is assessed on:
- clarity and pronunciation;
- ability to organize the structure and style of the answer;
- ability to demonstrate vocabulary and grammar knowledge orally;
- consistency of the answer with the question.
About the exam
For more information on the conditions and dates of the exam, more opportunities offered by the TOEFL certificate, and the cost of registration, please visit the official website.
Individual TOEFL preparation classes
Effective TOEFL preparation
Personalization
Fully personalized training program
Focus on what is important
Additional attention to current issues in the process
Flexible class schedule
No strict schedule, but respect for time
Cost of individual lessons
from 558 to 640 UAH/lesson
The price depends on the selected level and number of lessons
Group TOEFL preparation
Classes are structured according to our innovative Close to You format. Instead of the traditional group approach, we offer blended learning that combines the advantages of individual lessons with group practice. There is no room for toxic competition in our groups — each student receives individual attention, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Cost per class
from 279 UAH/lesson
Why choose TOEFL preparation with AP Courses?
Achievements that speak for themselves
Experience: 6+ years
Graduates: 9,000+
Language Cert candidates: 500+
Record: 96 hours, 41 seconds.
Independence gained through cooperation
We have been awarded the title of Platinum Partner by Cambridge English Assessment. This is part of the University of Cambridge, which develops English exams for more than 5 million people in 130 countries every year. They are recognized by more than 25,000 universities, employers, and organizations as a reliable standard for testing language proficiency.
Teachers who were once students
Our specialists also took international exams, experienced the fear of the commission, overcame the language barrier before the speaking part, and prepared for several months. Therefore, they care not only about the knowledge of students, but also about their confidence.
Innovation woven from tradition
When the teacher says “attention,” the students immediately look at the board and prepare their notebooks for notes. This instinct is as old as the English language itself, but we almost lost it during distance learning. We had to pull the teacher out of the window in the corner of the screen and create our own class — AP Studio, our own blackboard — AP Desk, and our own notebook — AP Note.
Uniqueness found in comparison
We keep a scoreboard for practical classes. It is so that students can see their own progress and the reason why they should continue learning. But next to their own scores, they see the results of others. It’s like sports: an athlete always gets lost in a team of players, but stands out among ordinary people.
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Frequently asked questions about AP Courses
What level of English is required to start preparing for TOEFL?
To start preparing for the exam, you don’t need to have a specific level, but you need to provide the teacher with a clear request so that they can assess your abilities and determine the preparation period. It all depends on your expectations. If you are starting from scratch, it will take up to a year of preparation to achieve a high TOEFL score (levels B2–C1). We prepare people with different levels of prior knowledge for exams, and each person is assigned a specific period of time and different methods.
How long does the TOEFL preparation course last?
The duration of preparation depends on the student’s prior knowledge and the expected test score. We offer intensive and standard formats. Based on our experience, we have determined the average duration of courses: preparation usually takes from 1 to 9 months for students with different levels of knowledge.
How long is the TOEFL valid?
The TOEFL certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of completion. During the validity period of the certificate, the student has the opportunity to submit it to the admissions committee, show it to an employer during an interview, participate in an exchange program, get a job abroad, and use it for other career purposes. After this period, the test results will be considered invalid. They will not be suitable for proving English proficiency, and the participant will not be able to use them in official educational and work situations.
Is it possible to prepare for the TOEFL on your own?
It is possible to prepare on your own, but it is difficult. Without a teacher, it is more difficult for candidates to understand the cumbersome test format, improve their speaking skills, and get feedback. Such preparation takes more time. Only students with extensive prior access or those who are satisfied with a low score or the mere fact of participating in the exam successfully complete this task. For those who want to get a high score, we recommend contacting a specialist.
How much does the TOEFL preparation course cost?
The cost of the course depends on the package you choose, which includes different formats, number of lessons, duration of training, and services. Packages are available above on this page. For more detailed information, please leave a request for our managers, and they will be sure to advise you.
Can I take the TOEFL online?
Yes, an online version is available to candidates. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is taken at home on a computer under the supervision of a proctor — an expert who ensures that the rules are followed. Students must ensure that the exam runs smoothly. It is important to have a stable internet connection, a quiet room, and several technical requirements: a working camera, microphone, sound playback device, and the ability to print, hear, and see the examiners.