Recognized
around the world, the TOEFL is an assessment designed to evaluate one's
proficiency in the English language. It evaluates the proficiency of
individuals who are not native English speakers in comprehending and utilizing
English within academic contexts. The test includes four language skills:
Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Universities, colleges, and institutions all over the world widely recognize the TOEFL test as a standard for measuring English language proficiency. For admission into English-speaking academic programs and certain visa applications, it is often a requirement.
International Students
- University
Admission: Admission
to many universities and colleges, particularly in English-speaking nations,
necessitates providing evidence of English language proficiency.
- Visa
Requirements: Proof
of English proficiency may be required by certain countries for student visa
applications from international students.
- Academic
Readiness: Listening to lectures, reading academic texts, writing essays,
and participating in classroom discussions are among the key academic tasks
that the TOEFL test evaluates a student's readiness for.
- Scholarships
and Funding Opportunities: English
language proficiency is a crucial aspect considered by numerous scholarships
and funding programs for international students.
- Career Opportunities: Fluency in English is greatly appreciated in the international employment industry. International students who excel in the TOEFL test can present evidence of their language competency to prospective employers, positioning themselves ahead in their professional pursuits.
Here's an overview of the different sections and their
durations in the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test):
Reading
Section (54-72 minutes): Each
passage in this section is followed by several multiple-choice questions. There
are typically between 3 to 4 passages. To prove their proficiency in
understanding written content, test takers are expected to peruse through the
passages and address the corresponding inquiries.
Listening
Section (41-57 minutes): This
section includes lectures and conversations, followed by multiple-choice
questions. The evaluation of test takers' listening comprehension skills
involves attentive listening and accurate responses to questions.
Speaking
Section (17 minutes): This
section evaluates the speaking skills of test takers through 6 tasks. Tasks of
this nature might include sharing opinions, condensing information, or actively
participating in conversations. Test takers respond orally to a microphone.
Writing Section (50 minutes): The writing section comprises two tasks. Test takers must summarize information from a reading passage and a lecture in the first task. The second task entails composing an essay in answer to a given prompt.
and TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test)
Here are the main
differences between these two formats:
TOEFL iBT
(Internet-based Test)
- Sections: The
TOEFL iBT assessment covers all four parts: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and
Writing.
- Structure: The
examination is taken using a computer, with every section being done
electronically.
- Speaking Section:
Recorded responses in the Speaking section are obtained through a microphone
and forwarded to ETS (Educational Testing Service) for evaluation.
- Content:
Reading passages, listening to audio, and speaking tasks are delivered via
computer.
- Score Delivery:
Test scores are available online and are typically accessible within 6-10 days
after the test date.
- Availability:
Most test centers worldwide provide the TOEFL iBT, which is the format that is
typically administered.
TOEFL
PBT (Paper-based Test)
- Sections: The
TOEFL PBT incorporates the sections of Listening, Structure and Written
Expression, Reading, and Writing.
- Structure: The
test is in a paper format, and candidates fill in their answers on the provided
answer sheets.
- Speaking Section: The
TOEFL PBT format does not consist of the Speaking section. The Structure and
Written Expression section takes over, testing grammar and language skills.
- Content: The
cassette player is utilized to play the listening audio, and the writing tasks
are manually completed.
- Score Delivery:
Test scores are commonly sent by mail to test takers and could take several
weeks to be delivered.
- Availability:
TOEFL PBT, which has lesser availability than the TOEFL iBT, can mainly be
taken in regions where internet accessibility is restricted.
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TOEFL Scoring and Score Interpretation
The
scale for scoring the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test is 0
to 120. The scoring system is designed to provide an accurate assessment of an
individual's English language proficiency across the four sections: Reading,
Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Here's how the scoring works:
- Section Scores: For
every section (Reading, Listening, Speaking Writing), a range of points from 0
to 30 is assigned. The scores demonstrate the test taker's performance in that
specific section.
- Total Score:
Adding up the individual scores of each section yields a total score that can
vary between 0 and 120. The test taker's overall English language proficiency
is indicated by it.
- Score Validity: Two
years is the duration for which TOEFL scores remain valid after the test date.
- Score Reporting:
Test takers can select up to four institutions or agencies to receive their
official score reports. Requesting additional score reports may require
payment.
- Score Interpretation: TOEFL scores offer an indication of a person's ability in the English language. Generally speaking, higher scores suggest a greater level of English proficiency, while lower scores point out areas where improvement is needed.
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TOEFL Preparation
Here are some recommended strategies for effective TOEFL
preparation:
Understand
the Test Format: Acquaint
yourself with the TOEFL test structure, encompassing different components,
question varieties, and allocated timeframes.
Assess
Your Current English Level: Gain
insight into your strengths and weaknesses in every section of the TOEFL by
completing a diagnostic test or practice exam.
Develop
English Language Skills: To
develop your skills in the English language, dedicate time for extensive
reading, listening to English podcasts, watching movies or TV shows in the same
language, and having meaningful discussions with native speakers of the language.
Practice
Regularly: Devote
consistent study sessions to practicing all sections of the TOEFL. Utilize
official TOEFL practice materials and sample tests to get accustomed to the
question types, develop time management skills, and enhance your overall
performance.
Take
Mock Exams: Experience
the exam setting by undertaking complete practice tests with timing
restrictions.
Review
and Analyze Mistakes: After
completing practice tests or sections, thoroughly review your answers and
analyze your mistakes.
Utilize
TOEFL Prep Resources: Benefit
from official TOEFL preparation materials, which encompass books, online
resources, and sample tests.
Seek
Professional Guidance: You
could think about enrolling in a TOEFL preparation course or working with a
tutor who can provide expert guidance, personalized feedback, and targeted
practice exercises.
Time Management: Employ effective time management strategies during your preparation so that you can accomplish every section within the specified time.
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during the TOEFL Test
Here are some tips to help you manage
your time and avoid common pitfalls:
- Familiarize
yourself with the test format: Before the test day,
thoroughly understand the structure, number of questions, and time limits for
each section of the TOEFL test.
- Practice
time management: When preparing, replicate test conditions
and practice finishing sections within the given timeframe.
- Read
instructions carefully: To prevent wasting time on unnecessary
actions or mistakes, be sure to comprehend the instructions for each section.
- Use
your planning time wisely: In the Speaking and Writing sections
maximize the provided planning time by structuring your response beforehand.
- Pace
yourself: Monitor your advancement throughout each section and
alter your tempo as needed.
- Skip
and return strategy: When faced with a challenging question, it
is best to skip it and revisit it later if there is time left.
- Skim
passages and questions: In the Reading section, quickly skim
the passage to get an overview before diving into the questions.
- Use
effective note-taking: In the Listening section, develop a
shorthand note-taking system to capture important details while listening.
- Answer
easier questions first: In the Reading and Listening sections
start with the easier questions to build confidence and accumulate points.
- Be
cautious with time-consuming tasks: In the Writing section, be
mindful of the time spent on planning, writing, and editing.
- Practice under timed conditions: Regularly practice timed TOEFL tests to enhance your time management skills and improve your ability to work efficiently under pressure.
Here
are some key points regarding accommodations for TOEFL test-takers with disabilities
or special needs:
- Requesting
accommodations: Test-takers
who require accommodations must send a request and provide appropriate
documentation to ETS. Including details about the disability or special need,
its impact on the test-taker, and specifying the requested accommodations are
important aspects that should be part of the documentation.
- Types
of accommodations: Additional accommodations
might consist of additional time, extended pauses, technology for reading
screens aloud, interpreters for sign language, test materials in large print or
Braille, devices that aid in hearing, and others.
- Documentation
requirements: Authorized
professionals, like qualified medical practitioners or educational
psychologists, expect test-takers to furnish appropriate documentation. Recent and comprehensive documentation is necessary, which should clearly
outline the type of disability or special need and justify the need for
specific accommodations.
- Review
and approval process: Accommodation
requests are examined individually by ETS. The review process evaluates whether
the requested accommodations are necessary and fitting, considering the
documentation provided. A specific period is typically assigned to approved
accommodations to make them valid.
- Timing of accommodation requests: Test-takers should submit their accommodation requests well in advance of their intended test date. To ensure enough time for review and processing, ETS suggests submitting the request no later than six weeks before the preferred test date.
procedures, and deadlines
Here are the general steps to register for
the TOEFL:
- Create
an ETS account: To
enroll for the exam, test-takers must establish a profile on the ETS website
and input their personal particulars like name, contact information, and date
of birth.
- Select
a test date and location: Upon
registration, individuals taking the test can decide on their preferred test
date and location from the provided alternatives.
- Provide
identification information: Providing
identification details, like a valid passport or national ID, is necessary for
test-takers during the registration process.
- Pay
the registration fee: Test-takers
must cover the registration fee, which may differ depending on the country and
test center.
- Receive confirmation and admission ticket: After successfully registering and making payment, test-takers will be sent a confirmation email that includes their admission ticket.
Here
are the links to the official TOEFL registration pages for a few countries:
United States: LINK
United Kingdom: LINK
Canada: LINK
Australia: LINK
- Exam English TOEFL: Link
- TOEFL Resources: Link
- Good Luck TOEFL: Link
- Magoosh TOEFL Blog: Link
- EnglishClub TOEFL: Official Link
TOEFL
Practice by ETS (Official App):
- iOS: LINK
- Android: OFFICIAL LINK
YouTube
Channels
