The TOEFL exam tests four skills you will need to demonstrate competence in before enrolling at an English-speaking university: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Students can take courses that focus specifically on each of these skills. Practicing your English skills in all four of these areas is very important when preparing for the TOEFL. In addition, students should also become familiar with the structure of the exam. For example, the reading section requires students to read an academic passage and respond to a series of questions about the text. The speaking section will ask you to discuss an opinion on a familiar topic and respond verbally to a prompt such as an excerpt from a lecture. Taking English vocabulary and grammar courses can help students improve their skills and boost confidence in all four testing areas.