The TOEFL exam serves as a valuable tool for individuals looking to demonstrate their English language proficiency and pursue academic or professional opportunities in English-speaking environments. Find out more about TOEFL test below.
What is TOEFL Exam ?
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam is a widely recognized English language proficiency test that assesses the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand English in academic settings. It is commonly used for admission purposes by universities and colleges in English-speaking countries, as well as for immigration, scholarship applications, and employment opportunities.
The TOEFL exam measures the four key language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The reading section assesses your ability to comprehend academic texts, while the listening section measures your understanding of spoken English in academic and everyday contexts. The speaking section evaluates your ability to express your thoughts and opinions on various topics, and the writing section assesses your ability to write coherent and well-structured essays.
TOEFL exam is available in two formats: the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) and the TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test). The TOEFL iBT is the more commonly administered format and is conducted online, while the TOEFL PBT is administered in areas where internet-based testing is not available.
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, integrated tasks that require combining different skills, and independent tasks that assess your ability to express your own thoughts and opinions. The content of the exam includes academic reading passages, lectures, conversations, and writing prompts.
Preparing for the TOEFL exam often involves practicing with sample questions, taking practice tests, and familiarizing yourself with the test format and question types. Official TOEFL preparation materials, online resources, and test preparation courses are available to help test takers improve their language skills and enhance their performance on the exam.
How Does the TOEFL Exam Work ?
The TOEFL exam is an internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) that assesses the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. TOEFL Exam is widely accepted by universities, colleges, and organizations around the world as an indicator of an individual's ability to understand and use English in academic settings. Here's a general overview of how the TOEFL exam works:
1) TOEFL exam pattern :
The TOEFL test consists of following four sections and each section assesses different language skills and has its own format and question types :
a) Reading Section:
The Reading section presents you with academic passages, and you will answer multiple-choice questions based on the information in the passages.
b) Listening Section:
In the Listening section, you will listen to academic lectures, conversations, and discussions. You will answer multiple-choice questions and select the correct responses based on what you hear.
c) Speaking Section:
The Speaking section assesses your ability to express your thoughts and opinions verbally. You will complete various speaking tasks, such as providing your opinion on a topic or summarizing information from reading and listening materials.
d) Writing Section:
In the Writing section, you will write essays based on given prompts. This section includes both an integrated task, where you read a passage, listen to a lecture, and then write a response, as well as an independent task, where you express your opinion on a topic.
2) Test Day:
On the day of the exam, arrive at the designated test center with your identification document (passport or national ID) and the confirmation email you received upon registration.
3) Check-in:
Complete the check-in process, which may include identity verification and fingerprinting. Follow the instructions provided by the test center staff.
4) Test Section Instructions:
Once you are seated at the test center, you will receive instructions for each section of the exam. Pay close attention to the instructions and follow them carefully.
5) Test Completion:
Once you have completed all the sections of the TOEFL exam, you can submit your answers. Ensure that you have answered all the questions within the allotted time for each section.
6) Score Reporting:
Your TOEFL scores will be available online approximately 6 to 10 days after the test date. You can access your scores through your ETS account. You can also choose to send your scores to institutions or organizations of your choice during the registration process or after receiving your scores.
TOEFL Exam Eligibility
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam is open to individuals of all ages, nationalities, and educational backgrounds who want to demonstrate their English language proficiency. It is primarily taken by non-native English speakers who plan to study at an English-speaking university or college, or individuals seeking employment or professional opportunities that require English language skills.
There are no specific eligibility requirements or educational qualifications necessary to take the TOEFL exam. However, it's important to consider the purpose of taking the exam and the requirements set by the institution or organization you intend to apply to. Some universities and programs may have specific score requirements for admission, and certain professional organizations or immigration authorities may accept the TOEFL exam as proof of English proficiency.
It's recommended to check the specific requirements of the institution or organization you plan to apply to, as they may have their own score requirements or other language proficiency exams that they accept.
TOEFL Exam Fee
The cost of the TOEFL exam can vary depending on your location. The standard registration fee for the TOEFL iBT exam is typically around $195 to $270 USD. However, please note that prices may change over time and can vary based on factors such as the country in which you are taking the exam and any additional services you may choose, such as score reporting or rescheduling.
It's essential to visit the official TOEFL website or contact the TOEFL test center in your region to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on registration fees for the exam. They will provide you with the specific pricing details for your location and any additional services you may require.
How Long is the TOEFL Exam ?
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) exam takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete. Here's a breakdown of the approximate time allocation for each section of the TOEFL test:
1) Reading Section:
The Reading section consists of 3-4 academic passages with a total of 36-56 questions. The time allotted for this section is typically 60-80 minutes.
2) Listening Section:
The Listening section includes 4-6 lectures and 2-3 conversations, with a total of 34-51 questions. The time allotted for this section is typically 60-90 minutes.
3) Speaking Section:
The Speaking section consists of 4 tasks that require you to express your thoughts and opinions verbally. The time allotted for this section is typically 17 minutes.
4) Writing Section:
The Writing section includes 2 tasks: an integrated task that requires you to read a passage, listen to a lecture, and write a response, and an independent task that requires you to write an essay expressing your opinion on a given topic. The time allotted for this section is typically 50 minutes.
Keep in mind that there may be additional time for check-in, distribution of materials, breaks, and other administrative procedures. The total duration of the test session may vary slightly based on the test center and specific instructions provided on the test day.
How is the TOEFL Exam Scored ?
TOEFL scores are reported on a scale of 0-120, with each section (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) receiving a score of 0-30. Each section is scored separately, and the scores are then combined to give the overall score. Here is a breakdown of the scoring system for each section:
1) Reading Section:
The Reading section consists of 30 to 40 questions. Each question is worth 1 point, so the maximum score for this section is 30 to 40 points.
2) Listening Section:
The Listening section also has 30 to 40 questions. Similarly, each question is worth 1 point, so the maximum score for this section is also 30 to 40 points.
3) Speaking Section:
The Speaking section is scored on a scale of 0 to 30. It is evaluated based on the test-taker's ability to speak English fluently, coherently, and accurately. Six tasks are included in this section, and each task is rated on a scale of 0 to 4 by human raters. The individual task scores are then converted into a scaled score of 0 to 30.
4) Writing Section:
The Writing section is also scored on a scale of 0 to 30. Two tasks are included in this section: an Integrated Writing task and an Independent Writing task. The Integrated Writing task assesses the test-taker's ability to read, listen, and write in response to an academic passage and a lecture. The Independent Writing task requires the test-taker to write an essay expressing their opinion on a given topic. Both tasks are rated on a scale of 0 to 5 by human raters, and the scores are then converted into a scaled score of 0 to 30.
After scoring each section individually, the scores from the Reading and Listening sections are added together to give the "Reading and Listening" score, which ranges from 0 to 80. The Speaking and Writing scores are kept separate. Finally, the "Reading and Listening" score is added to the Speaking and Writing scores to obtain the overall TOEFL score, which ranges from 0 to 120.
It's important to note that TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date, and each institution or organization sets its own minimum score requirements for admission or other purposes.
TOEFL Exam Syllabus
Here's an overview of the syllabus and content for each TOEFL test section:
1) Reading Section:
- Reading comprehension of academic passages from various disciplines.
- Understanding main ideas, details, vocabulary, and rhetorical purposes of the passages.
- Making inferences, identifying relationships, and understanding organization and discourse features.
2) Listening Section:
- Comprehending academic lectures, conversations, and discussions.
- Understanding main ideas, supporting details, and speaker attitudes.
- Identifying organization and discourse features, including transitions, examples, and comparisons.
3) Speaking Section:
- Expressing an opinion on a familiar topic.
- Speaking based on reading and listening tasks, summarizing information, and making connections.
- Discussing and expressing preferences and choices, and providing reasons and explanations.
- Integrated tasks that require listening and reading, and speaking based on the provided information.
4) Writing Section:
- Writing an essay on a given topic.
- Presenting a clear and well-organized response with appropriate development, coherence, and cohesion.
- Demonstrating good control of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
- Integrated task that requires reading and listening, and writing based on the provided information.
TOEFL Exam Dates
The TOEFL exam is administered throughout the year, and specific exam dates can vary depending on the location and test center. The best way to find available TOEFL exam dates is to visit the official TOEFL website or contact the TOEFL test center in your region.
On the official TOEFL website, you can use the "Find Test Centers and Dates" tool to search for upcoming exam dates and locations. This tool allows you to select your country, city, and preferred date range to see available options. It provides a list of test centers in your area and the corresponding test dates.
It's important to plan ahead and register for the TOEFL exam well in advance, as test dates can fill up quickly, especially during peak periods. Additionally, be aware that some test centers may have limited availability or specific test dates for the paper-based TOEFL exam, which is less common than the internet-based TOEFL iBT.
How to Register for the TOEFL Exam ?
To register for TOEFL exam, create an ETS (Educational Testing Service) account on the official TOEFL website and complete the registration process. You can follow these general steps to book TOEFL test :
1) Create an ETS account:
Visit the official TOEFL website (ets.org/toefl) and create an account. This account will be used for registration, accessing your scores, and managing your TOEFL profile.
2) Select a test date and location:
Once you have created an account, log in and navigate to the "Register for the Test" section. Use the "Find Test Centers and Dates" tool to search for available test dates and locations in your area.
3) Complete the registration form:
Fill out the registration form with your personal information, including your name, contact details, and identification document details (passport or national ID).
4) Choose score recipients:
During the registration process, you will have the option to select up to four institutions or organizations to which your TOEFL scores will be sent for free. Additional score reports can be requested for a fee.
5) Pay the exam fee:
Submit the required payment for the exam. The registration fee can be paid using various methods, such as credit/debit cards or PayPal. The fee amount may vary based on your location and any additional services you choose.
6) Confirm and review your registration:
Once you have completed the registration process and made the payment, review your registration details carefully to ensure accuracy. Double-check the test date, location, and score recipients before confirming your registration.
7) Receive confirmation:
After confirming your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with your test date, reporting time, and test center location. Keep this email for reference and ensure you have all the necessary information for test day.
It's important to note that specific information regarding registration process, test dates, fees, and other details may vary depending on the region and test center. It is recommended to visit the official TOEFL website or contact the TOEFL test center in your region for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
How to Get TOEFL Exam Result ?
To obtain your Test of English as a Foreign Language exam results, you can follow these steps:
1) Wait for the score release:
After taking the TOEFL exam, you will need to wait for the official score release date. Typically, scores are available online approximately 6 to 10 days after the test date.
2) Access your ETS account:
Log in to your ETS (Educational Testing Service) account, which you created during the registration process for the TOEFL exam. You can access your account on the official TOEFL website.
3) Check your scores:
Once you have logged in to your ETS account, navigate to the section where your TOEFL scores are displayed. Look for the section specifically labeled "TOEFL Scores" or "My Scores."
4) View and download your score report:
On the TOEFL Scores page, you will be able to view and download your official score report. This report will include your scores for each section of the TOEFL exam (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) as well as your overall total score. Additionally, you may find information about score validity and other relevant details.
5) Send your scores (optional):
If you need to send your TOEFL scores to institutions or organizations, you can do so directly through your ETS account. There may be a fee associated with sending additional score reports to institutions beyond the initial free reports you selected during registration.
It's important to note that TOEFL scores are available online, and you will not receive a physical score report by mail unless specifically requested during the registration process for an additional fee.
Contact
To contact the TOEFL exam administrators, you can reach out to ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization responsible for conducting the TOEFL exam. Here are a few options for contacting ETS:
1) ETS TOEFL Website:
The official website for the TOEFL exam is a valuable resource for information and support. You can visit the website at ets.org/toefl. It provides comprehensive information about the exam, registration, scores, preparation materials, and frequently asked questions.
2) ETS TOEFL Customer Support:
ETS provides customer support for inquiries related to the TOEFL exam. You can reach out to ETS Customer Support through the "Contact Us" section on the official TOEFL website.
3) Regional ETS Offices:
ETS has regional offices located worldwide. Depending on your location, you may find a specific ETS office that handles TOEFL-related inquiries. The official TOEFL website provides information on regional offices and their contact details.
4) Social Media Channels:
ETS TOEFL maintains social media presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Following their social media accounts can be a way to stay updated on the latest news, announcements, and interact with the TOEFL community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TOEFL exam used for?
The TOEFL exam is known for its academic focus and is designed to reflect real-life academic situations, such as lectures and readings found in university settings. It aims to evaluate the English language proficiency of test takers and provide a standardized measure of their abilities.
Who accepts TOEFL scores?
The TOEFL scores are accepted by over 11,000 universities, colleges, and institutions in more than 150 countries worldwide. It is recognized by English-speaking academic and professional organizations.
How soon can I retake the TOEFL exam?
You can retake the TOEFL exam as many times as you wish, but you must wait at least three days before taking the test again. There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the exam, but it's important to check the retake policy of the test center or institution where you plan to send your scores.
How long are TOEFL scores valid?
TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. After the two-year period, the scores expire, and you would need to retake the exam if you wish to submit more recent scores.
Can I cancel my TOEFL scores?
Yes, you have the option to cancel your TOEFL scores. However, you must make the decision to cancel immediately after completing the test. Once you leave the test center, you cannot cancel the scores. Additionally, canceled scores will not appear on your score report, and no refund will be issued.
What is the benefits of TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL exam offers a standardized assessment of English language proficiency, recognized and accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. It provides individuals with access to a wide range of educational opportunities globally, as many universities and colleges require TOEFL scores for admission. Achieving a high TOEFL score enhances employability, as employers often consider it when evaluating English language skills. The exam's comprehensive evaluation of reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills helps individuals develop effective communication abilities in real-life situations. Finally, performing well on the TOEFL exam may open doors to scholarships and financial aid for international students.
Can I send my TOEFL scores to multiple institutions?
Yes, you can send your TOEFL scores to multiple institutions or organizations. However, additional fees may apply for each score report you send beyond the initial four free reports you can select during the registration process.