TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) tests the English language skills of non-native students who want to study or work in countries where English is the language of communication. It is an exam developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service). More than 6,000 institutions and agencies in 110 countries rely on TOEFL scores to select students with the English skills needed to succeed.
TOEFL tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: speaking, listening, reading and writing. There are three versions of the TOEFL: paper-based, computer-based (CBT) and internet-based (iBT). The majority of test centers now use the Internet Based TOEFL (iBT).
Students who are going particularly to the USA and Canada are advised to take this test. However, TOEFL is accepted by most institutions around the world. There are three versions of TOEFL tests and students can prepare and register for any version available as per their interest and availability of the test in test centers located within the country. Various banks in the capital assist students to perform an on-line registration.
The TOEFL has the following format.
|
Internet Based Next Generation Toefl
|
|
Paper-Based Toefl
|
Test Time
|
4 hours
|
3.5 hours |
3 hours |
Integrated Task
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
| Note Taking |
Yes |
No |
No
|
Computer Tutorials
|
No |
Yes |
NA |
Computer Adaptive
|
No |
Listening and Structure are computer-adaptive
|
NA |
Listening
|
4 – 6 lectures, some with classroom discussion (each 3 – 5 minutes long, 6 questions each)
2 -3 conversations
(each 3 – 5 minutes long,5 questions each)
Introduction of additional native English accents
Time: 6 to 90 minutes |
11 – 17 dialogues
(1 question each)
2 – 3
short conversations
(each up to 1 minute long, 2 – 3 questions each)
4 – 6 mini-lectures and discussions (each upto 2 minutes long, 3 – 6 questions each)
Time: 40 – 60 minutes
|
3 – 4 mini talks (each 60 – 90 seconds long, 3 – 5 questions each)
2 – 3 extended conversations (each 60 – 90 seconds long, 3 – 5 questions each)
30 – 40 dialogues (each 5 – 15 seconds long, 1 question each)
Time: 30 – 40 minutes
|
| Speaking |
6 Tasks
2 independent tasks – express an opinion on a familiar topic
4 integrated tasks – speak based on what is read and heard
Up to 30 seconds to prepare the response and up to 1 minute to respond
Time: 20 minutes
|
None |
None |
| Reading |
3 – 5 passages from academic texts
Approximately 700 words long
Includes multiple-focus passages (compare/ contrast, cause/ effect)
12 – 14 questions for each passage
Time: 60 – 100 minutes
|
4 – 5 passages from academic texts (250 – 350 words long)
11 questions per passage
Time: 70 – 90 minutes
|
5 passages from academic texts (250 – 350 words long)
10 questions per passage
Time: 55 minutes
|
Writing
|
2 Tasks
1 integrated task – write based on what is read and heard
1 independent task – support an opinion on a topic
Typing required
Rating: 0 – 5 points
Time: 50 minutes (20 minutes for integrated task and 30 minutes for independent task)
|
1 Tasks
1 independent task – support an opinion on a topic
Typing optional
Rating: 0 – 6 points, combined with Structure
Time: 30 minutes
|
1 Tasks
1 independent task (Test of Written English)
Rating: 0 – 6 points, reported separately on score report
Handwriting only
Time: 30 minutes
|
Structure (Grammar)
|
No grammar section, although grammar is evaluated in Speaking and Writing responses
|
20 -25 questions
Time: 15 – 20 minutes |
40 questions
Time: 40 minutes
|
| Total Score |
0 – 120 |
0 – 300 |
310 – 677
|
|
