Confirm the university requirement
Check the programme's latest official requirement and set the target score and test date.
TOEFL preparation
TOEFL preparation, planned from the goal.
We start with your level, target score and test date.
All four TOEFL iBT skills, with online lessons available
- One-to-one lessons
- Online or in person
- No enrolment fee, no material fees in most cases
Tell us your level and target university first.
What we consider when planning TOEFL preparation
The right preparation depends on the university requirement and the student's score profile. We check the current level first, then focus on what matters most.
- Confirm the target score and test date from the university requirement
- Assess Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking separately
- Give more time to weaker sections and set priorities
2026 TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT: four skills, about two hours, 1-6 scores.
For tests from 21 January 2026, section and overall scores use a 1-6 scale. During the transition, reports also show a comparable 0-120 overall score.
Readingabout 30 min
Listeningabout 29 min
Writingabout 23 min
Speakingabout 8 min
Who it is for
Useful for students who...
We shape the preparation around the university requirement and the student's score profile.
Are preparing for overseas university applications
We start from the programme's TOEFL requirement and test date, then set the schedule and priorities.
Have uneven scores across the four skills
Lessons spend more time on the section holding the overall score back.
Know school English but are unfamiliar with TOEFL
We practise the current task types, timing and responding to academic English efficiently.
Are deciding between TOEFL and IELTS
We compare accepted tests, the student's strengths and how well each format fits.
Study plan
Plan around the student, not all four skills equally.
Start from the section profile, the university requirement and the time left.
Identify the section profile
Look at each skill separately to find the bottleneck.
Set priorities
Balance general improvement with targeted work on weaker sections.
Practise, review and adjust
Use mistakes to find why points were lost, then adjust the next practice.
Four skills
Each TOEFL skill needs a different type of practice.
Reading
Vocabulary, meaning in context, main ideas and academic texts.
Listening
Following conversations and academic talks: key points, purpose and structure.
Writing
Accuracy, relevant content, organisation and reasoning within the time limit.
Speaking
Organising an answer quickly and speaking clearly under time pressure.
Tutor matching
We check fit with the student as well as TOEFL expertise.
We weigh TOEFL and academic-English experience alongside the student's school year, goal, level, schedule and lesson format.
Tutor availability changes, so we cannot promise a particular tutor or slot. In-person lessons in Tokyo depend on area and availability.
See how Petra tutor matching worksFAQ
TOEFL tutoring for students
Is TOEFL iBT still scored out of 120?
No. From 21 January 2026, sections and overall score use a 1-6 scale. During the transition, reports also show a comparable 0-120 overall score.
What TOEFL score should a student aim for?
It depends on the university and programme. Check the official requirement, including minimum section scores, before setting the target.
Can a secondary school student start TOEFL preparation before they are advanced?
Yes. We start from the current level and, where needed, build academic vocabulary and core skills before intensive TOEFL practice.
Can lessons cover all four sections?
Yes. All four sections can be covered, with the balance set by the student's weaknesses and goal.
Are lessons online or in person?
Online lessons are available. In-person lessons in Tokyo can be arranged when area, time and tutor availability align.
Petra tutors who can support TOEFL
Each name links to the tutor's own profile.
Sophia University · Faculty of Liberal Arts
IELTS, TOEFL & academic English
Hazel focuses on exam preparation and academic English, working back from the target score and deadline to identify the areas that need strengthening.
Keio University · Faculty of Economics
English, maths, German & TOEFL/SAT
From primary to university level, Toru covers English, maths and German, as well as support with overseas university and secondary school applications.
Sophia University · SPSF
IB English, economics & IELTS/TOEFL/SAT
Tina focuses on the IB, English examinations and essay writing, identifying what to strengthen even when the available preparation time is limited.
International Christian University
Conversation, EIKEN, IELTS/TOEFL & school English
Nikko covers everything from everyday conversation to EIKEN, IELTS/TOEFL preparation, school English and essay writing. With Japanese explanations when helpful, he supports students in building confidence.
Free trial
Start by clarifying the TOEFL target and current level.
Before the trial, tell us the school year, university goal, test date and any existing scores. We will then suggest a suitable tutor and plan.