Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL)

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The Test of English as a Foreign Language or commonly known as TOEFL is a standardized test, conducted by the US based Educational Testing Service, used to assess the English language ability of a candidate desirous of studying or working in an English speaking country or applying to a study program where the language of instruction is English.

Who should take the TOEFL test??

There are two kinds of TOEFL tests: Paper-based and Internet-based. Most of the locations across the globe offer internet-based (TOEFL iBT) testing services, although some places still offer paper-based (TOEFL PBT) services.

To know what kind of test is offered in your desirous location,  click here.

TEST CONTENT:

The TOEFL iBT test lasts for four and a half hours including check-in at the test location.

The TOEFL iBT consists of four sections:

• Reading
• Listening

10 MINUTES BREAK

• Speaking
• Writing

Reading:

• This section measures one's ability to read and comprehend academic texts at the University/classroom level. 
• During the test, 3 to 4 short and long passages will be provided and questions based on them will be asked at the end of each passage. 
• Candidates will be required to read through the passages and answer the questions.

Listening:

• This section measures your ability to listen to lectures, classroom discussions and conversations.
• The candidate will be provided with audio transcripts consisting of academic lectures and non academic conversations, such as a discussion between two students about the parking policies of the university. 
• The candidate is required to listen to the lectures and conversations and answer the questions at the end of each transcript.

Speaking:

• This section assesses one's ability to speak in an academic/classroom as well as non academic contexts. 
• The section has three kinds of questions: (i) only speaking, (ii) read, listen and speak and (iii) listen and speak.

Writing:

• This section measures one's ability to write essays or prepare academic notes. 
• The section is provided with two kinds of question: (i) essay writing and (ii) read, listen and write.
• The essay writing part is more generic than academic. For instance, one may be asked to write about choosing a wide range of courses for the undergrad study program v/s single subject course. The essay is expected to consist of words ranging from nos 150 to 300. Here, the structure and presentation of the essay, use of complex words and presentation of proper justification to the topic is assessed.
• In the second part, the test taker is required to read through an academic excerpt, listen to an academic lecture or conversation related to the same topic and then answer the question asked. Here, usually the test taker is asked to express the professor's view about something or throw light upon how the lecture supports or contradicts the reading excerpt.

SCORES AND SCORE REPORT:

The total maximum score that can be obtained is 120 with each section weighing 30 marks. The score report can be viewed online in the My TOEFL iBT Account. A paper score report is also mailed to the test taker's mailing address, within 10 days to one month depending on the location of the test taker. Score reports can be sent directly to the universities of your choice by simply ordering them via your TOEFL iBT account.

PREP MATERIAL:

ETS' Official guide to TOEFL test is a must since it is published by ETS itself and has detailed explanation about the test format, test content and practice tests too. This book also comes with a CD containing multiple sets of practice tests and model answers of all the four sections of TOEFL iBT sections.

In addition to this, ETS offers various online practice tests and value-added packs, that can be purchased through the ETS store. For more details click here.

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In addition to the above, one can use BARRON's as a reference material. This book contains various study plans and tips and more number of practice tests.

What does it cost?

The current price of the TOEFL iBT is $170 and may change with location. To know the exact cost, click here. This cost includes the test fee as well as score reports for up to 4 universities/institutes. To order additional test score reports an amount of $18 per report will be charged.

Who accepts the TOEFL score?

TOEFL scores are accepted by wide range of universities worldwide. To know whether your choice of universities accept the TOEFL scores, search through the TOEFL Destination Search.

    ETS also provides provisions for test takers with disabilities and health-related needs. For more details visit the official TOEFL website.