TOEFL
ABOUT THE TEST
It is test that measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand the English language as it is heard, spoken, read and written in the university classroom. More than 9,000 colleges and universities in 130 countries accept TOEFL scores.
There are two types of TOEFL TEST.
- TOEFL iBT
- TOEFL PBT.
The TOEFL iBT test is administered via the Internet, and the TOEFL PBT test is administered in a paper-delivered format.
- The TOEFL iBT test measures reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It is offered more than 50 times a year and is administered online at testing sites around the world.
- The TOEFL PBT test measures reading, listening, grammar and writing skills and is currently offered only in locations where testing via the Internet is not available.
TEST CONTENT
TOEFL iBT Test Sections
| Section | Time Limit | Questions | Tasks |
| Reading | 60–80 minutes | 36–56 questions | Read 3 or 4 passages from academic texts and answer questions. |
| Listening | 60–90 minutes | 34–51 questions | Listen to lectures, classroom discussions and conversations, then answer questions. |
| Break | 10 minutes | — | — |
| Speaking | 20 minutes | 6 tasks | Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on reading and listening tasks. |
| Writing | 50 minutes | 2 tasks | Write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks; support an opinion in writing. |
| Section | Description | Time Limit | No. of Questions |
| Listening Comprehension | Measures the ability to understand spoken English | 30-40 minutes | 50 |
| Structure and Written Expression | Measures the ability to recognize language appropriate for standard written English | 25 minutes | 40 |
| Reading Comprehension | Measures the ability to understand non-technical reading material | 55 minutes | 50 |
| TWE® Test | Measures the ability to write in English | 30 minutes | 1 topic |
The TOEFL iBT test is given on fixed dates. You can appear for the test more than 50 times a year.
All the sections are completed in one day. It takes 4 hours to complete the test. The test can be taken more than once in a period of 12 days.
This test is:
- Widely accepted
- Most accurately measured
- Most fair and unbiased
- Most convenient
The test fee depends on the test location you choose.
It is advisable to decide where you want to take the test before you register yourself to appear for the test.
You need to enter your identification information before you can register for the test. It is important that you carry the same identification information to the test centre.
We recommend you to register at least 3 to 4 months prior you wish to take the test. Your test date should be 2 to 3 months before your earliest admissions application or other deadline.
Details of the test sections
What is the Reading section like?
- The Reading section includes 3 or 4 reading passages. There are 12 to 14 questions per passage. You have from 60 to 80 minutes to answer all the questions in the section.
- TOEFL iBT Reading passages are excerpts from university-level textbooks that would be used in introductions to a discipline or topic. The passages cover a variety of different subjects. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with the topic of a passage. All the information you need to answer the questions will be included in the passage.
What is the Listening section like?
The Listening section includes questions about academic lectures and longer conversations in which the speech sounds very natural. You can take notes on any audio material throughout the entire test. The Listening section is composed of:
- 4 to 6 lectures, each 3 to 5 minutes long, 6 questions per lecture, 60 to 90 minutes
- 2 to 3 conversations, each 3 minutes long, 5 questions per conversation, 60 to 90 minutes
What is the Speaking section like?
The Speaking section is approximately 20 minutes long and includes 6 questions.
- The first 2 questions are called “Independent Speaking Tasks”. You are required to express your own ideas, opinions and experiences.
- The other 4 questions are called “Integrated Speaking Tasks”. You are required to integrate your English-language skills — listening and speaking or listening, reading and speaking — just as you would in or out of a classroom.
You will speak into the microphone on your headset and your responses will be recorded and sent to ETS, where they will be scored by certified human raters.
What is the Writing section like?
There are two writing tasks.
An Integrated Writing Task (20 Minutes) – you are required to read a short passage and listen to a short lecture. Then you are asked to write in response to what you read and listened to.
An Independent Writing Task (30 minutes) — you are required to write an essay in response to a writing topic.