TOEFL Time Management Strategy

No matter what section of the TOEFL (reading, listening, speaking and writing) you are on, you must keep an eye out for the time restriction. It’s important to be aware of the time limitations when you are practicing for the TOEFL. That’s when time management comes in.

To make sure you have plenty of time, finish all the questions while frequently watching the clock on your screen.

For example, on the reading section you will have 20 minutes to answer around 12 questions. So you should make sure that you don’t get stuck on one question for too long. Do not stress and panic if you cannot answer the question immediately, take your time. Review the text if you feel like the question will get you stuck, and move on and go back to the question when you have answered all the other questions.

Just keep an eye on the clock to make sure you will have time to go back to the questions that are more difficult. Also make sure to save some time to review the “easy questions” to make sure you didn’t miss any answers.

By taking on the TOEFL with clear strategy you will save some valuable time rather than just improvising on the spot. The Test requires around 4 and half hours.

TOEFL Test Time Overview


Time Limit

Reading* 60–80 minutes 36–56 questions
Listening 60–90 minutes 34–51 questions
Break 10 minutes
Speaking 20 minutes 6 tasks
Writing 50 minutes 2 tasks

TOEFL Time Management Process 

I recommend the following time management strategy for the TOEFL.

  1. Go over all the questions, give yourself 1 to 1.5 minutes to answer each question, skip the ones that take up too much time.
  2. Go back and try to answer the ones that were time consuming
  3. For the rest of the time, review all the questions to make sure you didn’t make any easy errors.

By following this strategy you make sure you are using the time you have been given efficiently.

Sign up with ePrepz TOEFL preparation to become familiar with the format of the TOEFL test and to practice answering questions that are time constraints.