Skill: ivangdavila/toefl (version 1.0.0)

--- name: TOEFL slug: toefl version: 1.0.0 description: Prepare for the TOEFL iBT exam with progress tracking, weak area analysis, score prediction, and university targeting. --- ## When to Use User is preparing for TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Agent becomes a comprehensive study assistant handling scheduling, tracking, practice, score management, and university/immigration planning. ## Quick Reference | Topic | File | |-------|------| | Exam structure and scoring | `exam-config.md` | | Progress tracking system | `tracking.md` | | Study methods and practice | `study-methods.md` | | University and immigration targets | `targets.md` | | User type adaptations | `user-types.md` | ## Data Storage User data lives in `~/toefl/`: ``` ~/toefl/ ├── profile.md # Goals, target score, test date, target schools ├── sections/ # Per-section progress (reading, listening, speaking, writing) ├── sessions/ # Study session logs ├── practice/ # Practice test results and analysis ├── vocabulary/ # Academic vocabulary tracking └── feedback.md # What works, what doesn't ``` ## Core Capabilities 1. **Test scheduling** — Find optimal test dates based on application deadlines, track registration 2. **Progress tracking** — Monitor scores, time spent, mastery levels across all sections 3. **Weak area identification** — Analyze errors to find high-ROI question types 4. **Score prediction** — Estimate current level and readiness to test 5. **University research** — Look up TOEFL requirements, MyBest acceptance, waivers 6. **Score sending management** — Track where to send scores, deadlines, costs ## Decision Checklist Before study planning, gather: - [ ] Test date and days remaining - [ ] Target universities/programs (each has different requirements) - [ ] Current estimated score range - [ ] User type (student, professional, tutor, retaker) - [ ] Time available for study per week - [ ] Previous TOEFL attempts (if any) ## Critical Rules - **Deadlines first** — Work backwards from application deadline → score delivery → test date - **Track everything** — Log sessions, scores, errors to `~/toefl/` - **Adapt to user type** — Students need university research; professionals need immigration info; tutors need multi-student - **Score is composite** — Each section 0-30, total 0-120; some schools require minimums per section - **MyBest matters** — Some schools accept best scores across multiple tests; others require single-sitting

path: exam-config.md
content: # TOEFL iBT Exam Configuration

## Test Format

| Section | Duration | Questions | Score |
|---------|----------|-----------|-------|
| Reading | 35 min | 20 questions (2 passages) | 0-30 |
| Listening | 36 min | 28 questions (3 lectures, 2 conversations) | 0-30 |
| Speaking | 16 min | 4 tasks | 0-30 |
| Writing | 29 min | 2 tasks | 0-30 |
| **Total** | ~2 hours | — | **0-120** |

## Section Details

### Reading (35 minutes)
- 2 academic passages (~700 words each)
- 10 questions per passage
- Question types: vocabulary, inference, factual, insert text, prose summary

### Listening (36 minutes)
- 3 lectures (6 questions each)
- 2 conversations (5 questions each)
- Question types: main idea, detail, inference, attitude, organization

### Speaking (16 minutes)
| Task | Type | Prep | Response |
|------|------|------|----------|
| 1 | Independent (opinion) | 15 sec | 45 sec |
| 2 | Integrated (campus) | 30 sec | 60 sec |
| 3 | Integrated (academic) | 30 sec | 60 sec |
| 4 | Integrated (lecture) | 20 sec | 60 sec |

### Writing (29 minutes)
| Task | Type | Time |
|------|------|------|
| Integrated | Read + Listen + Write | 20 min |
| Academic Discussion | Forum post response | 10 min |

## Score Interpretation

| Score Range | Level | Description |
|-------------|-------|-------------|
| 0-42 | Below Basic | Minimal English proficiency |
| 43-71 | Low Intermediate | Basic communication skills |
| 72-94 | High Intermediate | Functional academic English |
| 95-113 | Advanced | Strong academic English |
| 114-120 | Superior | Near-native proficiency |

## Section Score Levels

| Range | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|-------|---------|-----------|----------|---------|
| 24-30 | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced |
| 18-23 | High-Inter | High-Inter | High-Inter | High-Inter |
| 12-17 | Low-Inter | Low-Inter | Low-Inter | Low-Inter |
| 0-11 | Below Basic | Below Basic | Below Basic | Below Basic |

## Key Dates & Logistics

- **Registration**: Opens 6 months before test date
- **Score release**: 4-8 days after test
- **Score validity**: 2 years from test date
- **Score sends**: $20 per report (6-10 days delivery)
- **Reschedule fee**: $60 (4+ days before) / Full fee (less than 4 days)
- **Cancel fee**: $0 (get partial refund) / varies by timing

## MyBest Scores

ETS automatically calculates "MyBest" scores combining best section scores across all tests in past 2 years.

**University policies vary:**
- Some accept MyBest (check specific program)
- Many require single-sitting scores
- Some accept either (MyBest gives flexibility)

## Test Versions

| Version | Where | Notes |
|---------|-------|-------|
| TOEFL iBT | Test center | Standard, most accepted |
| TOEFL iBT Home Edition | Home | Same format, online proctored |
| TOEFL Essentials | Home | Shorter, adaptive, less accepted |
| TOEFL Paper Edition | Limited locations | Being phased out |

Most applications refer to "TOEFL iBT" — verify which versions your target institutions accept.


path: feedback.md
content: # Feedback & Self-Improvement System

## Feedback Loop

### Track What Works
```markdown
## Effective Strategies
- Speaking: Recording self and listening back improved fluency
- Writing: Using specific academic transitions (furthermore, conversely)
- Reading: Skimming first then question-driven reading
- Listening: Note-taking with symbols, not full words
```

### Track What Doesn't Work
```markdown
## Ineffective Approaches
- Speaking: Memorized templates sounded robotic, scored low
- Writing: Trying to use "impressive" vocabulary I don't control
- Listening: Trying to write everything (miss the audio)
```

### Patterns to Update
```markdown
## Evolving Insights
- Academic Discussion: Shorter, clearer responses score better than long rambling
- Speaking Task 4: Missing third example is worse than brief third example
- Reading: Vocabulary questions are free points, don't overthink
```

## User Corrections

When human overrides agent advice, log:
```markdown
## Corrections Log
- [02-13] Suggested full practice test, user said they needed targeted Speaking only → respect limited time
- [02-10] Recommended 2 weeks more prep, user said deadline is firm → adjust strategy to maximize with constraints
```

## Score Prediction Calibration

### Track Predictions vs Actual
```markdown
## Prediction Accuracy
| Date | Predicted | Actual | Difference |
|------|-----------|--------|------------|
| 02-01 | 95 | 92 | -3 |
| 02-15 | 98 | 99 | +1 |
```

Adjust future predictions based on consistent over/under estimation.

## Resource Effectiveness

### Track Which Materials Help
```markdown
## Resource Ratings
| Resource | Section | Effectiveness | Notes |
|----------|---------|---------------|-------|
| TPO 50-60 | All | ★★★★★ | Most realistic |
| TED Talks | Listening | ★★★★ | Good but easier than test |
| ETS Writing Guide | Writing | ★★★★★ | Official rubrics helpful |
| Random YouTube | Speaking | ★★ | Quality varies wildly |
```

## Timing Optimization

### Session Length Effectiveness
```markdown
## Study Session Analysis
- 30 min sessions: Good for single section focus
- 60 min sessions: Optimal for full section practice
- 90+ min sessions: Diminishing returns, fatigue sets in
- Best time of day: Morning (user-specific)
```

## Progress Stalls

### Plateau Detection
If score hasn't improved in 2+ weeks:
1. Check if practicing is targeted (not random)
2. Verify error analysis is being done
3. Look for unaddressed weak areas
4. Consider technique change, not more volume

### Breaking Plateaus
```markdown
## Plateau Interventions
- Speaking plateau at 22: Switched from scripted to conversational style → 25
- Writing plateau at 20: Focused on organization over vocabulary → 24
- Listening plateau at 24: Practiced at 1.25x speed → 27
```

## Exam Day Insights

### Pre-Test Routine
```markdown
## What Worked
- Light review night before, not cramming
- Good sleep (7+ hours)
- Arrived 30 min early
- Skipped coffee (too jittery)
```

### Post-Test Reflection
```markdown
## Exam Day Notes
- Testing center was cold — bring layers
- Headphones were uncomfortable — practice with similar
- Break was short — use bathroom efficiently
- Speaking section felt weird with others talking nearby
```


path: study-methods.md
content: # Study Methods

## Daily Schedule Templates

### Full-Time Student (3+ hours/day)
| Time Block | Activity |
|------------|----------|
| Morning (1h) | Reading or Listening practice |
| Afternoon (1h) | Speaking tasks + recording review |
| Evening (1h) | Writing practice + vocabulary |

### Working Professional (1-1.5 hours/day)
| Time Block | Activity |
|------------|----------|
| Commute | Vocabulary app / Listening clips |
| Lunch (30min) | One section practice |
| Evening (30min) | Speaking or Writing task |

### Weekend Intensive
| Time Block | Activity |
|------------|----------|
| Morning (2h) | Full Reading + Listening section |
| Afternoon (2h) | Speaking all 4 tasks + Writing both tasks |
| Evening (1h) | Review errors + plan next week |

## Section-Specific Strategies

### Reading
1. **Skim first** — Read intro, first sentence of each paragraph, conclusion (2 min)
2. **Question-driven** — Read questions before deep-reading passage
3. **Time budget** — 17-18 min per passage, not 20
4. **Prose summary** — Eliminate details, keep main ideas only
5. **Insert text** — Look for transition words and referents

### Listening
1. **Active note-taking** — Main ideas, examples, transitions
2. **Don't write everything** — Keywords and relationships
3. **Predict questions** — Intro = main idea Q, examples = detail Q
4. **Stay focused during lectures** — 5-6 minutes is a long time
5. **Attitude questions** — Listen for tone words and hedging

### Speaking
| Task | Key Strategy |
|------|--------------|
| Task 1 | Clear opinion + 2 reasons with examples |
| Task 2 | Summarize reading point + lecture response |
| Task 3 | Summarize campus situation + student's preference |
| Task 4 | Summarize academic concept + examples from lecture |

**Universal speaking tips:**
- Speak clearly, not fast
- Use transitions: "First," "However," "For example"
- Don't memorize — it sounds robotic
- Record and listen to yourself daily

### Writing

**Integrated Task (20 min):**
1. Read passage carefully (3 min)
2. Take notes during lecture
3. Write response showing how lecture relates to/challenges reading
4. Structure: Intro → Point 1 → Point 2 → Point 3
5. Target: 250-300 words

**Academic Discussion (10 min):**
1. Read professor's question and student responses (1 min)
2. Take a clear position
3. Add new point OR disagree with nuance
4. Target: 100-150 words

## Practice Resources

### Official (Most Accurate)
- ETS TOEFL Practice Online (TPO) — Paid, most realistic
- Free Practice Test from ETS — One free test
- Official TOEFL iBT Prep Course — EdX/Coursera

### Supplementary
- Academic word lists (AWL) — Vocabulary building
- TED Talks — Listening practice (lecture style)
- Scientific American / The Economist — Reading practice
- Speaking recordings — Self-review

## Error Analysis Method

### 1. Categorize Error Type
| Type | Description | Fix |
|------|-------------|-----|
| **Content** | Didn't understand material | More exposure to topic |
| **Question** | Misread what was asked | Practice question types |
| **Time** | Rushed or ran out | Practice pacing |
| **Careless** | Knew but made mistake | Slow down, verify |
| **Vocabulary** | Didn't know key word | Build academic vocab |

### 2. Error Tracking
For each error, log:
- Section and question type
- Why you got it wrong (the actual reason)
- What you'll do differently
- Review date

### 3. Spaced Review
Wrong questions return for review:
- Day 3: Same question type, different content
- Day 7: Similar difficulty
- Day 14: Mixed practice including this type

## Score Improvement Prioritization

### Where to Focus First
| Current Score | Focus Area |
|---------------|------------|
| Below 80 | Basics in all sections — vocabulary, comprehension |
| 80-95 | Identify weakest 2 sections, intensive practice |
| 95-105 | Fine-tune weakest question types, polish speaking fluency |
| 105+ | Perfect weak spots, maintain strong sections |

### ROI by Section
- **Reading** — Easiest to improve, most predictable
- **Listening** — Moderate, requires consistent practice
- **Writing** — Learnable structure, grammar can be improved
- **Speaking** — Hardest for many, requires active practice

## Mock Test Protocol

### Frequency
- Full mock test: Every 2 weeks
- Section practice: Daily
- Question type drills: 2-3x per weak type per week

### After Each Mock
1. Score immediately
2. Review all errors same day
3. Categorize error types
4. Update weak area priorities in ~/toefl/sections/
5. Adjust study plan if needed


path: targets.md
content: # University & Immigration Targets

## University Score Requirements

### General Guidelines
| Program Type | Typical Minimum |
|--------------|-----------------|
| Top 20 US MBA | 100+ |
| Top 50 US Graduate | 90-100 |
| Most US Undergrad | 80-90 |
| UK Universities | 90-100 (Russell Group) |
| Canadian Universities | 86-100 |

### MyBest Score Acceptance

**Accept MyBest scores:**
- Yale School of Management
- NYU Stern
- Some state universities

**Require single-sitting:**
- MIT
- Stanford Graduate School of Business
- Most PhD programs

**Always verify current policy** — Requirements change frequently.

### Section Minimums
Some programs require minimum scores per section:
- Speaking minimum: Common for TA-ship positions
- Writing minimum: Common for research programs
- Examples:
  - Berkeley EECS: Speaking 26
  - Columbia Business: No minimum but "24+ preferred per section"

## Immigration Requirements

### United States
| Visa/Status | TOEFL Requirement |
|-------------|-------------------|
| H1B | Not required (employer decides) |
| EB-1, EB-2 | Not required (some cases benefit from it) |
| Student Visa (F-1) | Required by university, not visa |

### Canada
| Program | TOEFL Requirement |
|---------|-------------------|
| Express Entry | Not accepted (use IELTS or CELPIP) |
| Provincial Nominee | Varies by province |
| Student Visa | University-dependent |

**Note:** Canada immigration strongly prefers IELTS/CELPIP over TOEFL.

### United Kingdom
| Purpose | Accepted |
|---------|----------|
| Student Visa | Yes (if university accepts) |
| Skilled Worker | IELTS/PTE preferred, some accept TOEFL |

### Australia
| Purpose | Accepted |
|---------|----------|
| Student Visa | Yes (79+ overall for most) |
| Skilled Migration | Points-based; IELTS/PTE more common |

## Score Sending Strategy

### Timeline
- Scores available: 4-8 days after test
- Score delivery: 6-10 business days
- Plan test date: At least 4 weeks before application deadline

### Cost Optimization
- 4 free score sends if selected on test day
- Additional reports: $20 each
- Score sends are per-university, not per-program

### What to Send
| Application Type | What to Send |
|------------------|--------------|
| US Graduate | Official ETS score send required |
| US Undergrad | Often self-reported initially, official later |
| UK/Canada | Varies — check each university |

## Waivers & Alternatives

### TOEFL Waiver Eligibility (Common Criteria)
- Native English speaker
- Completed degree in English-speaking country
- Studied X years in English-medium school
- Citizen of English-speaking country

**Always apply for waiver if eligible** — saves $200+ and stress.

### Alternative Tests
| Test | Common Acceptance |
|------|-------------------|
| IELTS | Very wide — sometimes more than TOEFL |
| Duolingo English Test | Growing acceptance, cheaper |
| PTE Academic | Popular for Australia/UK immigration |
| Cambridge (C1/C2) | Less common for US, good for Europe |

### Score Equivalency (Approximate)
| TOEFL iBT | IELTS | Duolingo |
|-----------|-------|----------|
| 120 | 9.0 | 160 |
| 110 | 8.0 | 145 |
| 100 | 7.0 | 125 |
| 90 | 6.5 | 110 |
| 80 | 6.0 | 100 |

## Decision Framework

### Should I Retake?
```
If target_score - current_score > 5:
    Definitely retake (if time permits)
    
If target_score - current_score <= 3:
    Consider: Can other application components compensate?
    
If current_score > target_score:
    Don't retake unless aiming for scholarships
```

### Which Test to Take?
```
If target = US universities only:
    TOEFL iBT (most accepted)
    
If target = UK/Australia/Canada immigration:
    IELTS (more accepted for visas)
    
If target = multiple countries/purposes:
    Check overlap, might need both
    
If budget-constrained:
    Duolingo ($59 vs $200+)
```


path: tracking.md
content: # Progress Tracking System

## File Structure in ~/toefl/

### profile.md
```markdown
# TOEFL Profile

## Basic Info
- Name: [Name]
- Test Date: 2025-04-15
- Days Remaining: 60

## Target Scores
- Overall Goal: 100
- Minimum per Section: 25 (some programs require minimums)

## Target Schools
| University | Program | Required | Min per Section |
|------------|---------|----------|-----------------|
| MIT | MS CS | 100 | None |
| Stanford | MBA | 100 | None |
| Berkeley | PhD EECS | 90 | Speaking 26 |

## Current Status
- Latest Practice Score: 85
- Section Breakdown: R28 L24 S18 W15
- MyBest Potential: N/A (first attempt)

## User Type
- [ ] Student (university application)
- [x] Professional (immigration/visa)
- [ ] Tutor (managing students)
- [ ] Retaker (improving previous score)
```

### sections/{section}.md
```markdown
# Reading Progress

## Current Status
- Latest Score: 28/30
- Mastery: 85%
- Trend: → stable

## Weak Question Types (sorted by frequency)
| Type | Accuracy | Priority |
|------|----------|----------|
| Prose Summary | 60% | ★★★★★ |
| Insert Text | 65% | ★★★★ |
| Inference | 75% | ★★★ |

## Strong Areas
- Vocabulary in Context: 95%
- Factual Information: 90%

## Error Log (last 10)
| Date | Passage Type | Question Type | Error Reason |
|------|--------------|---------------|--------------|
| 02-13 | Biology | Inference | Missed qualifier |
| 02-12 | History | Prose Summary | Wrong main idea |

## Time Analysis
- Average per passage: 18 min (target: 17.5 min)
- Rushed questions: 2/10
```

### sessions/{date}.md
```markdown
# Study Session: 2025-02-13

## Focus Areas
- Speaking Task 3: 45 min (integrated campus situations)
- Listening: 30 min (lecture comprehension)
- Vocabulary: 15 min (academic word list)

## Practice Results
- Speaking Task 3 attempts: 4
- Average score estimate: 22/30
- Key issue: Not capturing all lecture details

## Total Time: 1.5 hours
## Energy Level: 7/10
## Key Win: Finally got Task 3 structure down
```

### practice/{date}-{test_name}.md
```markdown
# Practice Test: 2025-02-10 Official Practice 1

## Scores
| Section | Score | vs Last | vs Target |
|---------|-------|---------|-----------|
| Reading | 28/30 | +2 | +3 |
| Listening | 24/30 | +0 | -1 |
| Speaking | 22/30 | +2 | -3 |
| Writing | 21/30 | +1 | -4 |
| **Total** | **95/120** | **+5** | **-5** |

## Error Analysis
### Speaking
- Task 3: Missed transition between reading and lecture points
- Task 4: Ran out of time, didn't complete third point

### Writing
- Integrated: Good summary but weak organization
- Academic Discussion: Response was too short (78 words vs 100+ target)

## Action Items
1. Speaking Task 3 — Practice note-taking for lectures
2. Writing — Time 10 min task strictly, aim for 120 words
3. Listening — Focus on detail questions (missing specific numbers/dates)
```

## Update Triggers

| Event | Action |
|-------|--------|
| Study session ends | Update sessions/{date}.md |
| Practice test taken | Create practice/{date}.md, update sections/* |
| Section improved | Update mastery % in section file |
| Weekly | Summarize week's progress, adjust plan |
| Score received | Add to profile, recalculate readiness |

## Metrics to Track

### Daily
- Minutes studied per section
- Practice questions completed
- Error count and types
- Vocabulary words reviewed

### Weekly
- Total study hours vs target
- Score trends by section
- Weak areas addressed
- Full practice tests completed

### Monthly
- Practice score trajectory
- University target feasibility check
- Test date evaluation (ready or postpone?)


path: user-types.md
content: # User Type Adaptations

## Detecting User Type

Ask early or infer from context:
- "I'm applying to grad school" → Student
- "I need TOEFL for my visa" → Professional
- "I teach TOEFL" → Tutor
- "I got 85 last time, need 100" → Retaker

## Student (University Application)

### Focus Areas
1. University requirements research
2. Application deadline coordination
3. Score sending logistics
4. Study schedule around classes
5. MyBest score strategy

### Key Capabilities
- **Deadline calculator** — Work backwards from app deadline to test date
- **University lookup** — Check requirements for each target school
- **Score comparison** — "Am I competitive for Program X?"
- **Timeline management** — Track registration, test, score release, score send, deadline

### Interaction Style
- Connect everything to application outcomes
- Help with school research, not just test prep
- Balance test prep with other application components (essays, etc.)

### Key Metrics
- Days until application deadline
- Target vs current score gap
- Number of schools requiring scores

## Professional (Immigration/Visa)

### Focus Areas
1. Immigration-specific requirements
2. Time-efficient study (busy schedule)
3. Test center vs Home Edition options
4. Quick score improvement strategies
5. Alternative test evaluation

### Key Capabilities
- **Immigration lookup** — What does my visa category actually require?
- **Micro-study sessions** — 15-30 min blocks that fit work schedule
- **ROI analysis** — Where can I gain points fastest?
- **Alternative assessment** — Should I take IELTS instead?

### Interaction Style
- Respect limited time
- Focus on efficiency over comprehensiveness
- Practical, results-oriented advice

### Key Differences
- May not need as high a score as university applicants
- Home Edition often acceptable for immigration
- Time is premium — optimize ruthlessly

## Tutor (Managing Students)

### Focus Areas
1. Multi-student progress tracking
2. Practice material generation
3. Score analysis across students
4. Parent/student reporting
5. Lesson planning

### Key Capabilities
- **Student dashboard** — Status of all active students
- **Material generation** — Create practice questions by type/level
- **Pattern analysis** — "3 of my 5 students struggle with Task 4"
- **Report generation** — Progress reports for parents/students
- **Curriculum planning** — What to cover in next session

### Data Structure
```
~/toefl-tutor/
├── students/
│   ├── student-a/
│   │   ├── profile.md
│   │   └── progress.md
│   └── student-b/
├── materials/
│   └── generated/
├── reports/
└── curriculum.md
```

### Key Differences
- Track multiple profiles simultaneously
- Generate materials, not just consume them
- Reporting is part of the job
- Compare students to identify common issues

## Retaker (Improving Previous Score)

### Focus Areas
1. Previous score analysis
2. Targeted improvement (not full curriculum)
3. Pattern detection (what keeps failing?)
4. Readiness assessment before rebooking
5. Psychological support

### Key Capabilities
- **Gap analysis** — Exactly which question types cost you points
- **Pattern detection** — Recurring errors across attempts
- **Targeted drills** — Only weak areas, skip mastered content
- **Score prediction** — "Are you ready to retake?"
- **Motivation tracking** — Prevent frustration burnout

### Additional Data
- Previous score report (section breakdown)
- Previous practice test history
- Known weak areas from past attempt

### Key Differences
- Skip basics — they know the format
- Higher efficiency expectations
- More targeted, less comprehensive
- Emotional component is real (failure is frustrating)

### Mindset Support
- Reframe: First attempt was a learning experience
- Track progress from previous score, not from zero
- Celebrate incremental gains
- Set realistic expectations based on time available

## Switching Modes

If user context changes:
```
"Actually I'm helping my student" → Switch to Tutor mode
"I took it before and got 75" → Add Retaker context
"I need this for my H1B" → Switch to Professional mode
```

Always confirm mode switch:
"I'll adjust my approach for [tutor/retaker/professional] support. Let me know if I should switch back."


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: clean | SkillSpector: clean (LOW)