The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities. The test is accepted by more than 11,000 universities and other institutions in over 190 countries and territories. TOEFL is one of several major English-language tests worldwide, including IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge Assessment English, and Trinity College London exams.
What is the TOEFL format?
The TOEFL test is offered in two formats, and they are the Internet-based Test (iBT) and the paper-based Test (PBT). The iBT is the more common format and is offered at test centers around the world. The PBT is only offered in limited areas where the internet is not available.
- TOEFL iBT: This is the most common format of the TOEFL test and is administered on a computer. The TOEFL iBT consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 30, and the total score is the sum of the scores for all four sections.
- TOEFL Paper-delivered Test (PDT): This is a paper-based test that is only offered in limited areas where the TOEFL iBT or internet is not available. The TOEFL PDT consists of three sections: Listening, Reading, and Writing. Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 677, and the total score is the sum of the scores for all three sections.
- Home Edition: Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition allows test-takers to complete the exam remotely, with a human proctor monitoring via webcam. Technical issues have been reported, but successful tests are widely accepted.
So, What is the TOEFL iBT Test?
The TOEFL iBT test is the most popular version of the TOEFL test. It replaced computer-based and paper-based tests, offering flexibility in test-taking locations and durations. Candidates create accounts on the official website to locate nearby test centers.
What are the TOEFL iBT Test sections?
TOEFL is available in various formats, with the Internet-based test (iBT) being the most widely adopted. Introduced in 2005, iBT measures four essential academic English skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
| Section | Description | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Consists of 3-4 passages, around 700 words each, focusing on academic topics. Requires understanding rhetorical functions like cause-effect, compare-contrast, and argumentation. | – Questions about main ideas, details, inferences, essential information, vocabulary, and rhetorical purpose. |
| Listening | Comprises 5-7 passages, each 3-5 minutes long, involving academic lectures and conversations. Requires comprehension of main ideas, details, implications, relationships between ideas, speaker purpose, and attitude. | – Answering questions based on conversations involving students and professors. – Responding to academic lectures. |
| Speaking | Contains 4 tasks: 1 independent and 3 integrated. – Task 1: Answering opinion questions on familiar topics. – Tasks 2 and 4: Combining information from passages and lectures to answer questions. – Task 3: Responding to a question after listening to an academic lecture. | – Speaking spontaneously, synthesizing information from reading and listening material. |
| Writing | Involves 2 tasks: 1 integrated and 1 independent. – Integrated task: Reading a passage, listening to a speaker, summarizing key points, and relating them. – Independent task: Writing an essay stating an opinion and explaining it. | – Summarizing listening passage points. – Expressing opinions clearly in an essay format. |
What is the TOEFL iBT Test Format?
The TOEFL iBT test is approximately 3 hours long. Each section of the test is timed, and the total amount of test time is 170 minutes. There is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Listening sections.
How is the TOEFL iBT Test Scored?
The TOEFL iBT test is scored on a scale of 0 to 120 points. Each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) receives a scaled score from 0 to 30. The scaled scores from the four sections are added together to determine the total score.
How to Prepare for the TOEFL iBT Test?
There are several ways to prepare for the TOEFL iBT test. Some popular methods include:
- Taking a TOEFL preparation course: There are many TOEFL preparation courses available online and in person. These courses can help you learn the test format, improve your English skills, and develop test-taking strategies.
- Using TOEFL preparation materials: There are many TOEFL preparation materials available, including textbooks, practice tests, and online resources. These materials can help you familiarize yourself with the test content and practice your English skills.
Effective Preparation Tips for Taking the TOEFL iBT Test:
Here are a few tips for taking the TOEFL iBT test:
- Start preparing early: The earlier you start preparing, the more time you will have to improve your English skills.
- Take a practice test: This will help you to get familiar with the format of the test and the types of questions that will be asked.
- Focus on your weaknesses: Identify the areas where you need the most improvement and focus on studying those areas.
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you will become at taking the test.
- Get enough sleep and eat healthy foods: Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you stay focused and motivated during your studies.
MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. What is the TOEFL score range?
The TOEFL iBT score range is 0 to 120. The TOEFL PDT score range is 0 to 677.
2. What is the TOEFL passing score?
There is no official passing score for the TOEFL. However, most universities and colleges require a minimum TOEFL score of 80 to 100.
3. How to register for the TOEFL?
You can register for the TOEFL online or by phone. The registration fee is US$185.
4. How much score is required in the TOEFL iBT Test for admission to colleges?
Most colleges use TOEFL scores as only one factor in their admission process, with a college or program within a college often setting a minimum TOEFL score required. The minimum TOEFL iBT scores range from 64 to 110.
5. How to send your TOEFL scores to schools?
You can send your TOEFL scores to schools electronically or by mail. You can also request that your scores be sent to schools automatically when you register for the test.
6. What is a good TOEFL iBT Test score?
The minimum TOEFL iBT test score required for admission to an English-speaking university varies depending on the university. However, a good TOEFL iBT test score is generally considered to be 90 or higher.
7. Is TOEFL harder or IELTS?
The answer to this question lies in your preference, taste, and the country you want to pursue. However, you can find your answer after reading this: TOEFL V/s Ielts Which one to choose?
Final Thoughts:
The TOEFL serves as a gateway for non-native English speakers to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries. Understanding its format, scoring, and equivalents empowers individuals seeking academic opportunities abroad.
As TOEFL continues to evolve, staying updated with changes and adapting to the test’s requirements becomes essential for aspirants worldwide.
I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Also Read: TOEFL V/s Ielts Which one to choose?
