The TOEFL test consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. To achieve a score of 110 or higher on the TOEFL exam, one should prepare well for the exam. Below articles include the preparation tips on scoring 110 or higher on the TOEFL exam.
For students whose native language is not English! Securing a score 110 in TOEFL iBT can be difficult. A TOEFL score of 110 is more than just a number; it shows a student’s level of English language proficiency. Aspirants scoring 110 and above TOEFL score are acknowledged “Expert” English speakers with exceptional proficiency in real-life situations.
But, how to score 110 in TOEFL online? Consistency preparation, a good understanding of the TOEFL exam pattern, a focused approach, and a strong command of the English language are the vital factors for achieving such a high score. This article will guide you through important preparation strategies, section-wise tips, and the best study materials for scoring a 110 TOEFL score for top-world institutions.
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Why to Score 110 in TOEFL?
Accepted in over 160 countries, TOEFL is the first choice for many universities and institutions for the assessment of English proficiency among non-native speakers. Scoring a 110+ score guarantees enrollment to top educational institutions all over the world. Additionally, many global recruiting agencies, visa agencies, and migration authorities consider TOEFL a standard exam for examining English language knowledge among non-English speakers. Achieving a score of 110 on the TOEFL iBT can help turn your dream of studying and working abroad into a reality.
TOEFL Exam Section-Wise Strategies
ETS, the organization that administers the TOEFL, evaluates four advanced English skills in candidates seeking to study or migrate to foreign countries, namely, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. However, question types and assessment criteria are different for each section. Therefore, developing section-wise strategies and tips is essential to get a TOFEL 110 score. First, learn the overall TOEFL test format for all four sections:
TOEFL Exam Structure
Section |
TOEFL Exam Pattern |
---|---|
TOEFL Reading Section |
Duration: 35 minutes Number of Questions = 20 |
TOEFL Listening Section |
Duration: 36 minutes Number of Questions = 28 |
TOEFL Speaking Section |
Duration: 16 minutes Number of Tasks 4 tasks |
TOEFL Writing Section |
Duration: 29 minutes Number of Tasks = 2 tasks |
|
Total Duration: 116 minutes |
TOEFL Strategies for Reading Section
TOEFL reading section comprehends the reading skills of aspirants for academic text. Test-takers holding an extensive understanding of the English language can easily score high in this section. Here are some important strategies and tips for achieving a 110+ score in TOEFL reading section:
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- Begin with reading the questions before analyzing the complete passage. Find answers to the given questions in the passage.
- Do a proper and quick skimming and scanning of the passage for specific information.
- Draft a complete structure of the answer including an introduction, body, and conclusion to maintain a definite flow throughout the writing.
- Incorporate elimination technique in case of confusion.
- Try to use strong vocabulary and phrases to grab the attention of the reader.
- Do not use more than 18 minutes per passage to complete the whole paper.
TOEFL Tips for Listening Section
TOEFL listening section includes the assessment of student’s ability to understand spoken English. The questions are set based on both academic and everyday settings. Tips for TOEFL listening high score:
- Pay sole attention while listening to lectures.
- Listen carefully to identify the main ideas, tone, and other details.
- Try to take short notes while listening to summarize key points.
- Watch different English shows, listen to English podcasts, TED talks to understand different accents.
Score 110 in TOEFL: Strategies for Speaking Section
This section examines the spoken English skills of candidates. A few significant tips on how to score high in TOEFL speaking sections are as follows:
- Prepare a standard structure to answer all TOEFL Speaking questions.
- Speak clearly and fluently. Do not rush and take little pause while speaking.
- Focus on pronunciation. DO not mispronounce any words.
- Give logical reasonings and statistical reference to support your speech.
- Review your voice recording before submitting the final recording.
- Use real-life examples to frame your answer.
How to Score 110 in TOEFL: Strategies for Writing Section
Achieving a high score on the TOEFL, especially aiming for a score of 110 or above, requires strong writing skills. The writing section of the TOEFL consists of two tasks: the Integrated Writing Task and the Independent Writing Task. Here are some effective strategies to help you excel in this section.
- Understand the Tasks
- Integrated Writing Task: You will read a passage and listen to a lecture about the same topic. After that, you need to write an essay summarizing the key points from both sources. Focus on paraphrasing rather than quoting directly from the texts.
- Independent Writing Task: You will write an essay based on your personal opinion about a given topic. Make sure to clearly state your opinion and support it with relevant examples.
- Plan Your Time Wisely
You have limited time for each task, so managing it effectively is crucial. Aim to spend about:
- 5 minutes planning your essay.
- 20 minutes writing the Integrated task.
- 10 minutes writing the Independent task.
This will help ensure you have enough time to organize your thoughts and review your work.
- Use Transitional Words and Phrases
Using transitional words helps connect your ideas smoothly and makes your writing more coherent. Here are some examples:
- For adding information: "Additionally," "Furthermore,"
- For contrasting ideas: "However," "On the other hand,"
- For concluding: "In conclusion," "To sum up,"
These phrases guide the reader through your arguments and enhance the flow of your essay.
- Paraphrase Effectively
In the Integrated Writing Task, it's essential to paraphrase rather than quote directly from the reading or listening materials. This demonstrates your understanding of the content and helps avoid penalties for quoting. Practice rephrasing sentences in your own words to improve this skill.
- Structure Your Essays Clearly
A well-structured essay typically includes:
- Introduction
- Body Paragraphs
- Conclusion
For example, in the Independent Writing Task, clearly state your opinion in the introduction and support it with two or three strong arguments in separate paragraphs.
- Edit Your Work
Always leave a few minutes at the end to review your essays. Check for:
- Spelling and grammatical errors.
- Clarity and coherence of ideas.
- Proper use of vocabulary and transitional phrases.
Editing can significantly enhance the quality of your writing and help you avoid careless mistakes.
General Tips to Score 110 in TOEFL
Apart from section-wise TOEFL strategies, students should also follow some additional tips ans strategies to maximise their preparation. These tips can boost confidence in students and encourage them to score 110+ TOEFL score. Some essential tips for TOEFL preparation 2025 are as follows:
- Make a proper study plan. Dedicate at least 2-3 hours per day to prepare each section.
- Attempt full-length TOEFL mock tests for 116 minutes to practice in a real TOEFL environment.
- Seek regular feedback from experts, friends, and family members about your English writing and speaking skills.
- Read newspapers, journals, magazines, etc regularly to boost your vocabulary.
- Try to interact with people in English to practice speaking and listening skills.
- Take regular breaks from your study schedule and engage in different activities.
- Follow the ETS TOEFL website regularly to stay updated with the latest changes.
Study Resources for TOEFL 110 Score
To achieve a TOEFL score of 110 or above students must use high-quality study resources books. The official TOEFL website releases several study resources and sample papers to help students throughout their TOEFL preparation. Additionally, students can access various online platforms to supplement their preparation with advance guides, lectures, sample questions, and mock tests. Here’s a list of some important TOEFL study resources for Indian students:
- The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test (ETS)
- Barron’s TOEFL iBT
- Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus
- TOEFL Practice Online Tests (TPO)
- TOEFL Speaking and Writing Templates (Unofficial)
How to Score 110 in TOEFL FAQs
Q. Is it easy to score 110 in TOEFL?
A. No, scoring 110 in the TOEFL is not easy, but it is possible with good preparation. A score of 110 shows that you have a strong understanding of English, especially for studying in schools or universities. To reach this score, you need to practice all four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. By studying regularly and using effective study methods, you can improve your chances of getting a high score.
Q. Which is the hardest TOEFL section?
A. The hardest section of the TOEFL can be different for each person, but many students find the Speaking section to be the most difficult. In this section, you need to speak clearly and quickly while answering questions. Some students also struggle with the Writing section because it requires strong writing skills and the ability to combine information from different sources.
Q. How to get 100 points in TOEFL?
A. To get a score of 100 on the TOEFL, try these tips:
- Understand how each section works.
- Take practice tests to get used to the questions and timing.
- Learn new words, especially those used in academic settings.
- Listen to English podcasts or videos to improve your understanding.
- Write essays and practice speaking responses within the time limits.
- Ask experts or friends to review your writing and speaking.
Q. Is 120 on TOEFL possible?
A. Yes, getting a 120 on the TOEFL is possible but requires excellent English skills in all sections. A perfect score means you get full points in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. To aim for this score:
- Immerse yourself in English by studying or living in an English-speaking place.
- Practice regularly with good study materials.
- Take advanced courses or get tutoring focused on TOEFL preparation.
- Work hard on improving your skills in all areas of English.
Q: How can I prepare for TOEFL at home?
One searching for TOEFL preparation startegy without taking help of any coachings.
Self-Study Resources: Utilize online platform like ETS, and practice questions and study materials.
Listening Practice: Listen to English podcasts, lectures, and audiobooks to improve comprehension.
Reading Practice: Read academic articles or textbooks to familiarize yourself with academic vocabulary and structure.
Speaking Practice: Record yourself speaking on various topics and review your pronunciation and fluency.
Writing Practice: Write essays and seek feedback form any experts.
Q: Can I pass TOEFL online?
There is no such thing as failing or passing the TOEFL exam. The TOEFL exam is held online at a test centre near you and is also being conducted in the safety of your home via the online method. Candidates who have prepared for the TOEFL would qualify for the exam. Candidates should note that higher TOEFL scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat in the university and also make them a front runner for any scholarships being offered by the university. A low TOEFL score would require the student to re-take the exam to improve his/her performance.
Q: Is the TOEFL difficult for Indian students?
Yes, the TOEFL exam is relatively difficult than other English tests. However, the difficulty is subjective and depends on your current English proficiency level and preparation. While challenges like vocabulary gaps and adapting to the computer format (for the iBT) are common, dedicated preparation can help Indian students excel. Utilize official ETS resources like practice tests and study guides, supplement with free online tools and consider coaching classes if needed. Remember, consistent practice and addressing specific weaknesses are key to success.
Q: Which book is best to prepare for TOEFL exam?
The best book to study for your TOEFL exam is the one that has been published by ETS. The ETS is the conducting body of the TOEFL exam, hence, the books and study material available on the official ETS TOEFL website should be your only source of preparation for your TOEFL exam.
Q: How long should I study for the TOEFL?
The ideal duration depends on the TOEFL test taker's English proficiency and target score. Generally, dedicating 3-6 months with consistent practice sessions should yield the desired TOEFL scores. TOEFL test takers are further advised to analyze their practice test scores and identify areas needing improvement to tailor their study plan.
Q: What is the minimum score to pass the TOEFL exam?
There is no 'Pass' or 'Fail' score in TOEFL. The performance of the candidates is measured on candidates score out of 120.
Q: What is a Good TOEFL Score?
TOEFL Scores: There are no good or bad scores when appearing for the TOEFL test. Candidates would be required to meet the TOEFL score decided by the universities. anything above would increase their chances of getting admission into the university and any score below the range could serve as a roadblock in the admission process.
However, to make your test experience more personal and for you to understand your score better ETS has provided 4 to 5 proficiency levels for each skill. So where your score falls within that range tells you your proficiency for that skill. This will give you a fair idea about your performance, your strengths, sections that need improvement, and so on. Test takers can look at the table below to understand their TOEFL iBT Scores better.
Skill/ Score Range | Level* |
---|---|
Reading Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (24–30) |
Listening Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (22–30) |
Speaking Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (25–30) |
Writing Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (24–30) |
Total Score | These are added together for a total score of 0–120. |
Q: How can I pass TOEFL?
There is no such thing as failing or passing the TOEFL exam. Every university would have its own TOEFL Score cut-off and students are required to achieve scores higher than the set grade. Candidates should note that higher TOEFL scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat in the university and also make them a front runner for any scholarships being offered by the university. A low TOEFL score would require the student to re-take the exam to improve his/her performance.
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
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