TOEFL Test

The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, measures the ability of individuals whose native language is not English to speak, write and understand English that would be used in institutions of higher learning. Typically, applicants take the TOEFL sometime after their junior year of high school before applying to colleges or universities or graduate programs where English is the principal language. The TOEFL results are accepted at over 6000 universities and licensing agencies in 110 countries, and the test can be taken worldwide.
TOEFL is primarily administered as an internet-based test (iBT) given at Thompson Prometric Centers, although a paper-based test is still being utilized at some other sites. In the United States, most sites offer the iBT. The internet-based TOEFL consists of 4 different sections and is about 4 hours long. The first two parts consist primarily of multiple choice responses to questions about statements you have either read or listened to. The Reading section has between 36 and 70 questions to be completed in 60 to 100 minutes. The Listening section contains 34 to 51 questions to be answered in 60 to 90 minutes. Note taking is allowed to help you answer these questions. Some unidentified questions may not be scored, and are used to equalize test administrations or evaluate new questions for later use. A scaled score for each part can range from 0 to 30 (best).

TOEFL Practice Tests

TOEFL Test Study Guide

TOEFL Exam Flashcards

After an optional 10 minute break, the iBT resumes with two portions that examine your ability to develop and present ideas in English in either spoken or written form. In the Speaking portion, up to 20 minutes long, the examinee is given 6 topics and asked to speak about each. In the Writing section, you are asked to write about two different topics in a 50 minute time period. The essays will be evaluated for your use of correct grammar and vocabulary as well as your ability to develop and organize your thoughts in English. Each of these sections is scored by trained human scorers. The average scaled score of each task is calculated. Possible scores are 0 to 30 on each section. The highest total score for the iBT is 120.

The paper-based TOEFL is shorter than the iBT and slightly different in composition. The paper TOEFL consists entirely of multiple choice questions except for one essay at the end. The multiple choice sections include (1) Listening Comprehension, 50 questions in 30 to 40 minutes, similar to the iBT, (2) Structure and Written Expression, 40 questions in 25 minutes, evaluating your ability to recognize correct standard English, and (3) Reading Comprehension, 50 questions in 55 minutes, looking at your skill in reading and understanding short passages. Each of these is graded as a scaled score. At the end, you will be given 30 minutes to write an essay on one topic. The total scaled score for the paper-based TOEFL can range from 310 to 677.
A candidate can register for the TOEFL online at www.ets.org/toefl/, by mail, or in the U. S. by phoning Thompson Prometric TOEFL registration directly at 1-800-468-6335. The website for the ETS, or Educational Testing Service, which develops the TOEFL, also lists the contacts for international Regional Registration Centers for overseas registration. The cost for the iBT TOEFL registration in the United States is $150, and for the paper-based test usually $140 although prices can vary by country. This cost entitles the examinee to one personal score report and official reports sent to up to 4 institutions or agencies. You can pay by credit card, electronic check drawn on a U. S. bank, check, money order or in some cases Eurochecks.

The iBT is given about 30 to 40 times a year at one of the many Prometric Centers, www.Prometric.com, and you can normally register up to 7 days before the test. Scores are posted online in 15 business days and then sent. The paper-based test is only given 6 times a year, and one should register by 4 to 6 weeks (online or mail) before the test. Score reports are generally sent within 4 weeks after test administration. In either case, a candidate must bring the registration number they have been assigned to the test site. A valid identification showing your photograph and signature is also required; generally a valid passport is the best form of ID.

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