TOEFL- Test of English as Foreign Language

Introduction

The purpose of the TOEFL test is to evaluate proficiency in English writing and reading of people whose native language is not English, focusing mainly on international students planning to study in the United States and Canada. The scores are required for purposes of admission by colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

TOEFL Test Structure

Paper and Pencil Test: Approximate 3 hours                     

Listening Comprehension-- Measures ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America.Contains 50 questions on taped conversations; time duration: 30 minutes.

Structure -- Measures ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English.Contains 40 questions focusing on correct sentence structure and sentence completion; time duration: 25 minutes.

Reading -- Measures ability to read and understand short passages. Contains 60 questions based on several short passages; time duration: 55 minutes.

Test of Written English -- Measures ability to write an essay in English on an assigned topic. This includes the ability to generate and organize ideas, to support those ideas with examples or evidence, and to compose in standard written English in response to an assigned topic. Time duration: 30 minutes 

Computer based test or (CBT): Approximate 3 ½ to 4 hours

Listening- 30-50 multiple-choice questions; time duration-30 minutes.

Structure/ Written- Written Expression includes 25 multiple-choice questions; time duration- 15 minutes

Reading Comprehension- 45-55 multiple-choice questions; time duration- 70 – 90 minutes  

Essay- One 30-minute essay

 Note: The computer-based test only displays one question at a time, so applicants cannot skip around and answer easy questions first. Once the "Confirm Answer" button is clicked, applicants cannot go back and change an answer as on the paper-based test.

 TOEFL Score

The computerized or (CBT) TOEFL uses a different scoring scale than the paper and pencil test. On the paper-based test, score is determined by the total number of correct answers whereas, On the Listening Comprehension and Structure sections of the CBT, questions given are based on skill level therefore applicants reaching difficult level correct answers are given higher score. The minimum score required for admission depends on which version of the TOEFL the applicant takes. In the CBT TOEFL scores can range from a low of 133 to a high of 267 or more. The total score on the paper-based TOEFL can range from a low of 310 to a high of 677. Individual colleges and universities set their own TOEFL score standards for admission.  A TOEFL score is valid for two years.

 Registration

To register to take the TOEFL, applicants need to fill out the form in the Information Bulletin. Copies of the bulletin are available at many United States educational commissions, United State Information Service (USIS) offices and township libraries. Applicants are charged a fee of $110 USD to take the test.

More Information about the TOEFL can be obtained by calling 1-800-GO-TOEFL (1-800-468-6335) or 1-609-771-7100, fax 1-609-771-7500, sending email to toefl@ets.org, or writing to TOEFL, PO Box 6152, Princeton, NJ 08541-6152 USA.

Test Dates

Students can schedule an appointment at a local test center for a time and date that's convenient for them. Test takers can make appointments by calling 1-800-GO-TOEFL (1-800-468-6335).For more information visit: http://www.ets.org/toefl/

Test Locations

The test is given at more than 1,260 centers in 180 countries and is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).