The practice tests are, in fact, the best, most recent official material. They are the same quality as tests in Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1, 2nd Edition.
The quality of software is the same as the CD that comes with the Official Guide, unfortunately. It’s SIMILAR to the real TOEFL software, but not exactly the same.
Volume 1 was updated recently, with a second edition. That book also has computer tests, now, not only audio on the CD. So “volume 2” and “volume 1, 2nd edition” are equally good—they just have different material.
I’ve been waiting for this day for years! Well, the day hasn’t actually come yet, but Amazon says this book will be released on December 11th of this year, 2015. And that will be a great day for TOEFL students, because there will finally be a resource for recent, official TOEFL practice tests, in full length, on an inexpensive CD.
No more paying $45 for a single TPO test. Instead, you will be able to pay only $25 for a set of five full-length tests. The book itself is fine—helpful for teachers who want to make copies—but the really exciting part is that CD!
The Official Guide’s CD had much older tests, and there were fewer. The first two practice tests in the Official Guide date back to 2009. There is only one test in that book that is somewhat current, and even that “newer” test is from 2012.
Software that’s more like the real TOEFL. Admittedly, both TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 2 and the Official Guide have some different software from what’s on the real TOEFL. It’s similar, but not exactly the same. In both books, the clock in the listening section, for example, isn’t quite right. And in the software for both books, between every section, you have to choose the next section you will do. On the real TOEFL, it just continues and continues—you cannot choose. Still, it seems likely that the software in Official TOEFL iBT Tests Vol. 2 must be updated in some way, to make it more current than previous official TOEFL simulation software from ETS.
If all three differences are right, then this will be the best source for TOEFL practice tests. We’ll have to wait a few more months before it is released, but until then, my hopes are high!
If you’d like to complement the official practice material with an online TOEFL preparation course, make sure to check out Magoosh TOEFL!
Hi! I just watched some of your videos on youtube and I have a few questions about the book (Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 2).
As you know, a part of the writing section is to write an essay…is it possible to practice that on the book? and how is it scored?
Another thing: I read a review in Amazon about a guy that complains about the DVD/Software because it doesn’t work fine (the software freezes, it needs to be constantly reinstalled and it’s not user friendly)…so, what’s your opinion about it?
Glad you’ve been enjoying our videos, Mario! It’s definitely possible to practice essays in this book, in the sense that the book includes sample essay questions. There are also some explanations of how to write the best possible answer for each TOEFL Writing question in this volume. There’s no exact way to score your essays within the book or software, but you can self-score using TOEFL’s official Writing rubrics as a guide.
Regarding software problems– so far I’ve only briefly seen and used the software, but it really does seem to be the exact same software that comes with The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test. I haven’t heard stories form any students about the software having a lot of problems. But like any software, there will always be some users who face software problems and compatibility issues n their computers.
please name them because its so confusing reading all these suggestions.
please make it easy for me.
From there, if you want more practice tests, then we recommend the Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 2. Unlike the Official Guide, this book is composed of practice tests and answers (without explanations).
I hope this clears up your doubts. 🙂 Happy studying!
Hi.. I am new to the TOEFL test. Could you please suggest the books for my preparation?
The official books are a must have. Those would be the Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 2 book in this post, Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1, and the Official Guide to the TOEFL Test. There are a number of other books you may find useful as well. For a complete list of recommended books for TOEFL prep, see Lucas’s post, Best TOEFL books, 2016-2017.
I have a Q regarding the differences between the tests. I had the 1st and 2nd test 4 months ago and for example, in the reading i got then 55%-67% and now i did the 3rd test and got in the reading 71%, which i am very glad of it.
my Q is: is it that i have improved or the test is easier than the others.
moreover, i didn’t struggle with the time, i managed to finish each passage 1-2 minutes earlier.
Hi I’m preparing for toefl examination fr the first time so these books are all new to me…I did buy dis official toefl ibt volume 2 book though but m having a few doubt…. exhibit A – all dese questions dat are asked along wid d passage..where do we compare if we are answering them correctly….coz m not able to find any answer keys or anything at the end so how do we evaluate our attempts…plz help!!
Hey does this come with an answer key…?? How r we supposed to find out if we answered correctly and evaluate our answers…?? Help…!!
Yes, an answer key appears at the end of each practice test in the book. In this end section after every test, you can also listen to sample Speaking responses on the CD and read sample Writing responses. These sample Speaking and Writing answers come with scorer commentary.