A comprehensive TOEFL or IELTS preparation program is entirely possible using free and affordable online resources. This complete guide shows you exactly how to achieve your target score without expensive tutoring or in-person classes.
Understanding Your Test: Which One?
Before diving into preparation, clarify which exam serves your goal:
IELTS:
- Best for: UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand universities and immigration
- Format: Listening (40 min), Reading (60 min), Writing (60 min), Speaking (11-14 min live with examiner)
- Scoring: Band 1-9 (continuous scale)
- Cost: ~$215-300
TOEFL iBT:
- Best for: US universities and some international organizations
- Format: Reading (54-72 min), Listening (41-57 min), Writing (50 min), Speaking (offline, recorded)
- Scoring: 0-120 (composite)
- Cost: ~$245
Key difference: IELTS includes live speaking with an examiner; TOEFL uses AI-scored recorded responses.
Complete Free Resource Map
IELTS: The Three-Resource Strategy
1. Practice Tests (Most Critical)
IELTS Online Tests (ieltsonlinetests.com) – FREE
- 30+ full mock tests mimicking real exam conditions
- Real audio files for listening practice
- Immediate band score estimates for Reading/Listening
- Completely free, no premium required
- Track progress across unlimited attempts
- Realistic exam simulation essential for confidence
British Council Official Resources (britishcouncil.pe) – FREE
- Official IELTS preparation materials
- Videos, podcasts, mobile apps
- Free online courses
- Specifically available for Peru-based learners
IELTS Liz (ieltsliz.com) – FREE
- 100+ lesson videos covering all band levels
- Model answers for writing and speaking tasks
- Strategy explanations for each section
- Topic-based vocabulary and essay samples
- Particularly valuable for Band 7-9 preparation
2. Section-Specific Training
For Listening:
- Use IELTS Online Tests for practice audio
- Listen at natural speed (many students underestimate this)
- Take notes while listening (core skill)
- Review incorrect answers to understand why
For Reading:
- IELTS Online Tests provides full passages
- Practice time management: 60 minutes for 3 passages
- Learn to skim for main ideas, scan for specific information
- Identify question types and appropriate strategies
For Writing:
- IELTS Liz has extensive model answers with examiner feedback
- Learn Task 1 (letters/descriptions) and Task 2 (essays) separately
- Practice timed writing (20 minutes Task 1, 40 minutes Task 2)
- Get writing reviewed by AI tools (Grammarly) for feedback
For Speaking:
- No free recording/feedback available online
- Use ChatGPT voice mode (as discussed previously)
- Record yourself answering questions, review for fluency
- Prepare common topics in advance
3. Vocabulary and Grammar
Exam English (examenglish.com) – FREE
- Practice questions for all exam types
- Grammar and vocabulary exercises
- Mobile-friendly interface
- Organized by difficulty level
YouTube Channels:
- “IELTS Liz” channel has comprehensive video lessons
- “IELTS Simon” provides authentic test-taking strategies
- Both free and excellent quality
TOEFL: The Comprehensive Online Approach
1. Official ETS Resources (REQUIRED)
TOEFL TestReady (ets.org) – FREE + PAID OPTIONS
- Completely from the test creators
- Free sample questions for each section
- Free interactive study plan generator
- AI-powered feedback on Speaking and Writing
- Paid plans ($79-199) for full practice tests
- Performance insights specifically designed by TOEFL test writers
TPO Tests (TOEFL Practice Online) – PAID
- 40+ full-length official practice tests
- Most realistic practice available (actual past tests)
- Individual purchase or book bundle
- Essential for serious test-takers
2. Free Full Practice Tests
BestMyTest (bestmytest.com) – FREE TRIAL + PAID
- 1 free full-length practice test
- Immediate score estimates
- 7-day free trial with no commitment
- 20+ additional tests available in trial period
- Speaking/Writing feedback essential for improvement
- Quality comparable to official tests
Magoosh (toefl.magoosh.com) – PAID
- $109-129 per month (excellent value)
- 700+ practice questions with video explanations
- Comprehensive video lessons
- Tutor access for questions
- Frequently recommended for online-only prep
PrepScholar TOEFL – FREE + PAID
- Free section practice questions
- Personalized study plans
- Paid courses $187-385 for full program
- Good middle-ground option
3. Section-Specific Resources
For Reading:
- Practice with authentic academic passages
- Time yourself: 54-72 minutes for 3-4 passages
- Learn question types and strategies
- Use TestReady free samples
For Listening:
- Authentic academic lectures (available on YouTube from universities)
- Note-taking practice while listening
- Replay lectures multiple times
- Focus on understanding lectures, not just isolated vocabulary
For Speaking:
- Record yourself answering prompts
- Use ChatGPT voice mode for practice and feedback
- Sample speaking tasks on TOEFL TestReady
- Compare your responses to sample responses
For Writing:
- Integrated Writing: Practice summarizing lectures + reading materials
- Independent Writing: Essay writing practice
- Get AI feedback on grammar and structure (Grammarly)
- Compare your essays to sample high-scoring responses
The Complete Free Preparation Strategy
Phase 1: Diagnostic Testing (Week 1)
Objective: Identify your current level and weak areas
IELTS:
- Take one full practice test from IELTS Online Tests
- Record your band scores
- Identify sections where you scored lowest
- Note question types that troubled you
TOEFL:
- Take free sample test from TOEFL TestReady
- Note which section types require most work
- Record baseline scores
- Identify grammar/vocabulary gaps
Time: 3-4 hours
Phase 2: Skill Development (Weeks 2-4)
Focus entirely on your weakest skill first:
If Reading/Listening weak:
- Daily 30-minute practice on specific question types
- Use IELTS Online Tests or BestMyTest sample questions
- Track which question types you get wrong most
- Learn strategies specific to each type
If Speaking/Writing weak:
- Record daily practice responses (15-20 minutes)
- Use ChatGPT for immediate feedback
- Use Grammarly for writing corrections
- Compare your responses to model answers
If Vocabulary/Grammar weak:
- Daily 20-minute targeted vocabulary study
- Use Exam English resources organized by topic
- Focus on academic vocabulary (often tested)
- Learn grammar patterns in context
Time: 1-2 hours daily, 4 weeks
Phase 3: Full Test Practice (Weeks 5-8)
Now practice full-length tests under real conditions:
IELTS:
- Take 2 full practice tests weekly from IELTS Online Tests
- Time yourself strictly (2 hours 45 minutes)
- Grade immediately, analyze mistakes
- Identify recurring error patterns
- Continue targeted practice on weak areas based on results
- Week 8: Practice another full test
TOEFL:
- Take full practice tests (4+ hours) from TestReady or free BestMyTest
- Time yourself strictly
- Record scores and analyze performance
- Focus remaining time on weakest section
- Repeat weekly throughout Phase 3
Time: 1-2 tests weekly = 4.5-9 hours weekly
Phase 4: Final Polish (Week 9)
Last-minute strategy refinement:
IELTS:
- Take 1-2 final practice tests under real conditions
- Review tricky question types one more time
- Practice stress-management and pacing
- Verify test center location and arrival time
TOEFL:
- Take final practice test to verify score
- Review Speaking/Writing feedback
- Identify any remaining weak points
Time: 4-5 hours
Budget-Conscious Timeline
| Resource | Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Online Tests | Free | Full practice (30+ tests) |
| IELTS Liz | Free | Lessons + model answers |
| British Council | Free | Official materials |
| Exam English | Free | Grammar/vocab |
| ChatGPT (free tier) | Free | Speaking/writing feedback |
| Grammarly (free) | Free | Writing correction |
| TOTAL COST | $0 | Complete preparation |
Optional upgrades if budget allows:
- TOEFL TestReady premium ($79-199): Better feedback on Speaking/Writing
- Magoosh TOEFL ($109-129): Comprehensive lessons if self-teaching difficult
- BestMyTest 7-day trial ($0 upfront, evaluate before paying): 20+ practice tests included
Most serious test-takers can reach target scores using entirely free resources; paid options simply accelerate the timeline.
Implementation Timeline
8-12 Week Comprehensive Preparation (Realistic):
- Weeks 1: Diagnostic + light skill work (5-7 hours)
- Weeks 2-4: Skill development (10-14 hours weekly)
- Weeks 5-8: Full test practice (8-12 hours weekly)
- Week 9: Final review (5 hours)
- Total time investment: 100-150 hours
Most people see:
- 1-2 point improvement per week of consistent practice (IELTS band scale)
- 5-10 point improvement per week on TOEFL (0-120 scale)
- Better results if combining study with real English exposure (reading articles, watching lectures)
Critical Success Factors
1. Speaking and Writing Require External Feedback
The biggest mistake test-takers make is practicing speaking and writing without feedback:
Solution:
- Use ChatGPT voice mode for speaking feedback
- Use Grammarly for writing corrections
- Compare your responses to model answers systematically
- If possible, have native speaker friends review (and offer them something valuable in return)
2. Take Full Practice Tests Under Real Conditions
Don’t cheat yourself by taking tests casually:
- Time yourself strictly
- Minimize distractions
- Take complete sections consecutively
- Review immediately after, noting patterns
3. Analyze Wrong Answers, Not Just Practice More
Better than: Taking 50 practice tests randomly
Is: Carefully analyzing 5 wrong answers and understanding why
For each mistake:
- Identify the question type
- Understand why your answer was wrong
- Learn the strategy for this question type
- Practice similar questions until mastered
4. Test-Specific Strategies Matter
Each test has particular patterns. Invest time learning:
IELTS:
- Time management (spend less time on easy questions)
- Prediction strategies for listening
- Paraphrasing for writing (essential for Band 7+)
- Common band descriptor patterns
TOEFL:
- Note-taking during lectures
- Integrating information from reading + listening
- Speaking fluency prioritized over perfection (unlike IELTS accent focus)
- AI scoring preferences (clarity, professionalism)
Realistic Score Expectations by Preparation Level
| Study Hours | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| 50 hours | Band 5-5.5 | 65-75 |
| 100 hours | Band 6-6.5 | 80-90 |
| 150+ hours | Band 7-7.5 | 95-105 |
| 200+ hours | Band 8+ | 110+ |
Note: Starting level dramatically affects timeline. Native-like speakers need 20-30 hours; beginners need 150+ hours. Most learners start at B1-B2 and aim for C1 (Band 7-7.5 IELTS; 95-105 TOEFL).
The Bottom Line
Comprehensive TOEFL/IELTS preparation requires zero paid resources but demands consistent effort and strategic practice:
Free resource stack:
- Full practice tests (IELTS Online Tests or BestMyTest free trial)
- Lesson videos (IELTS Liz, YouTube)
- AI feedback tools (ChatGPT voice, Grammarly)
- Time management + disciplined execution
Most effective approach:
- Diagnostic test → identify weak areas → targeted skill practice → full test practice → final review
- 10-12 weeks, 100-150 hours total
- 8-12 hours weekly, manageable for working professionals
The limiting factor isn’t tools—it’s consistency. Those who practice strategically 10 hours weekly for 12 weeks achieve significantly better results than those practicing 5 hours weekly for 24 weeks.
Start today with a free diagnostic test. The resources exist; success depends on your execution.