TOEFL

What is TOEFL?

The TOEFL  is the test attempted by students who want to pursue higher education in countries that have English as their native language. The full form of TOEFL is "Test of English as a Foreign Language". The test assesses a student’s ability to use and understand English language at a level that is spoken, heard or used within an educational institution like colleges and universities abroad. 

The English test assess the English skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing abilities of the attempting student. Clearing the 4 criteria with acceptable marks will increase the student`s chances for admission into their preferred university or college abroad.

Educational Testing Service (ETS) is in charge of conducting the TOEFL, as well as producing questions and distributing test scorecards. The level of the English exam will be to the language level which is used in a classroom.

What is TOEFL iBT® and TOEFL® PBT tests?

TOEFL is available over the internet and in Paper format as TOEFL iBT(Internet based Test) and TOEFL PBT (Paper-delivered Test) respectively.

TOEFL iBT is the most commonly attempted mode of test with almost 98% of all the TOEFL test in the world being held through this mode. The test is conducted online and is preferred majorly due to its convenience. This test includes all the four criteria of testing including speaking, reading, writing and listening.

TOEF PBT is conducted for students who can’t access TOEFL iBT due to technological limitations. This mode of test is made for locations with no internet testing facilities. The exam tests the communication skill of the student through reading, writing and listening abilities. It is worth noting that that due to the lack of tech for capturing spoken responses, the TOEFL Paper-delivered Test will not be conducting the Speaking section of the test. Most countries follow iBT while very few countries follow the paper test model.

What is TOEFL Test Format?

TOEFL test comprises of four sections including Writing, reading, speaking and listening. Four separate scores given to the four criteria adds up to a final score and constant practice will go a long way to crack this test.

• TOEFL test starts with the Reading test lasting for about 54- 72 minutes and has 30 to 40 questions. This is followed by a Listening test lasting for 41 to 57 minutes with 28- 39 questions to be answered.
• Candidates may take a scheduled break of 10-minutes after the first two tests, which is very uncommon in any other language assessment test.
• The Speaking test checks your ability to properly speak English in an academic environment. The test is made of 4 tasks and the test lasts for 17 minutes. 
• The writing test is the last test made of 2 tasks with a total duration of 50 minutes. The two tests are divided as an integrated writing test and Independent writing test. On the whole, the test assesses the applicant`s ability to present one`s ideas in an organized, clear manner in English in an academic environment.
• It is worth noting that the writing test is designed to check the individual`s English proficiency and not on how specialized or deep knowledge the individual has pertaining to the language. Therefore, the raters recognize the essay as a first draft and hence, the student has the chance of scoring high despite having made a few errors in the essay.

What should be the TOEFL Test Score?

• TOEFL Test Scores are provided after each section has been individually evaluated. ETS will send a mail to the candidates after six days from the day of the exam, informing them on when their scores will be available. The candidates will receive the printed score reports after 11 days from the day of the exam.
• There is no good or bad score concerning the TOEFL test
• TOEFL score requirement is based on what the individual institutions require a student to clear to gain admission to that particular institution
• Scoring above the requirement of a particular university will increase their chances of gaining admission to the institution 
• Scoring below the requirement can be a major hindrance to gaining admission.
• However, the average TOFEL score is 90 and can vary between 85 and 95. 
• A good TOEFL score is anything above 100.

Why students prefer TOEFL?

TOEFL is accepted globally by several countries and educational institutions. It is accepted in Asia and Europe as well as in the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Many students prefer TOEFL because more of its score are sent to the United States of America and Canada in comparison n to all the other English proficiency tests put together. It also holds true to countries in Europe as well like France, Germany and others.

TOEFL: Additional Points to note

• TOEFL has no age limit. 
• TOEFL does not require a minimum educational qualification and all one needs to know is the language before attempting the test. 
• TOEFL can be attempted by anyone, as many times as they like regardless of race, nationality, gender, religion, or age
• Students are advised to ascertain the specific requirements of the university, college or educational institution they are attempting to gain admission into.