TOEFL

Introduction

TOEFL, which stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a widely recognized computer-based exam designed to assess English language proficiency. This exam is crucial for students aspiring to study in English-speaking countries and is accepted by thousands of academic institutions and universities around the world.

For admission to most English-speaking universities, a valid TOEFL certificate is often required. It is acknowledged globally, making it an essential qualification for international education.

The TOEFL exam evaluates your English skills in four key areas: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It measures how well you can understand and use English in an academic environment.

Types of TOEFL Exams

TOEFL - iBT (internet based test)

The PTE Academic Exam is a globally recognized English proficiency test designed for international students to assess their command of the English language. Many top universities and colleges worldwide accept PTE scores as valid proof of English fluency for academic admissions.

Additionally, the Australian and New Zealand immigration authorities recognize PTE Academic as an approved English language test for visa and migration purposes.

TOEFL - PBT (paper based test)

PTE General includes a comprehensive written exam and a face-to-face interview. This internationally recognized English language assessment is designed for academic and professional growth, rewarding individuals for their language proficiency. However, it is important to note that this test is not accepted by immigration authorities for visa applications.

TOEFL Syllabus

The TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT exams are structured around four key components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These sections are essential for assessing an individual’s overall proficiency in the English language. The TOEFL iBT test typically lasts about 3 hours, while the TOEFL PBT has a duration of around 2.5 hours, both designed to evaluate English language skills in academic settings.

TOEFL - iBT Exam Format

Listening

41 - 57 questions

28 - 39 min

Writing

2 questions

50 minutes

Reading

54 - 72 questions

35 minutes

Speaking

4 questions

17 minutes

TOEFL - PBT Exam Format

Listening

50 MCQs

30 min

Writing

40 MCQs

25 minutes

Reading

50 MCQs

55 minutes

Listening Format

The listening module structure for both the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) and TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) differs slightly in terms of format and duration

Module Structure (iBT Edition)

  • The listening section is divided into 4–6 audio lectures or conversations.
  • Each listening passage is followed by a set of 6–9 questions.
  • Questions test the ability to understand main ideas, details, inferences, and the speaker’s purpose.
  • The format includes conversations between two people (e.g., student and professor) and lectures delivered by professors.

Module Structure (PBT Edition)

  • The listening comprehension section consists of 2–3 conversations and 4–5 lectures.
  • The conversations are typically between two people, and the lectures are often academic topics.
  • Each passage is followed by 5–6 multiple-choice questions testing the ability to understand the general idea, specific information, and inferences.
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Preparation Tips

  • Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, and news broadcasts to get familiar with different accents.
  • Watch English movies and lectures with subtitles, then gradually remove them.
  • Write down keywords and main ideas while listening to improve summarization skills.
  • Use abbreviations and symbols to take quick and effective notes.
  • Learn academic vocabulary and phrasal verbs commonly used in the test.

Reading Format

The TOEFL Reading module is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to understand and analyze academic texts. The structure differs slightly between the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) and the TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test).

Module Structure (iBT Edition)

  • Duration: 54-72 minutes (depending on the number of passages)
  • Number of Questions: 36-56 questions
  • Number of Passages: 3-4 academic reading passages
  • Types of Questions:
    • Multiple-choice questions
    • Inference-based questions
    • Vocabulary in context questions
    • Main idea and detail questions
    • Purpose and function questions

Module Structure (PBT Edition)

  • Duration: 55 minutes
  • Number of Questions: 50 questions
  • Number of Passages: 5 academic reading passages
  • Types of Questions:
    • Multiple-choice questions
    • Detail and inference questions
    • Vocabulary and understanding the meaning of words in context

The TOEFL PBT Reading section assesses similar skills to the iBT, but with a focus on reading comprehension and the ability to understand academic texts in written form.

 

Preparation Tips

  • Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, and news broadcasts to get familiar with different accents.
  • Watch English movies and lectures with subtitles, then gradually remove them.
  • Write down keywords and main ideas while listening to improve summarization skills.
  • Use abbreviations and symbols to take quick and effective notes.
  • Learn academic vocabulary and phrasal verbs commonly used in the test.

Writing Format

TOEFL iBT Writing module includes two tasks with a focus on both integrated and independent writing, whereas the TOEFL PBT only includes one essay task.

Module Structure (iBT Edition)

Task 1 -Integrated Writing Task:

(20 minutes) ( 150 -225 words)

You will read a passage on an academic topic and listen to a related lecture. Then, you must write a response that summarizes the points from the reading and listening material, highlighting how they are connected.

Task 2 – Independent Writing Task:

(30 minutes) ( 300 words min)

You will write an essay expressing your opinion or choice on a given topic. You need to provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint.

Module Structure (PBT Edition)

You are required to write a well-organized essay on a given topic, presenting an argument or discussing a particular issue. The time is 30 minutes and the word count between 250 – 300 words.

Preparation Tips

  • Practice writing structured essays with clear arguments.
  • Learn how to analyze graphs and data representations.
  • Manage time effectively, prioritizing Task 2, which carries more weight.

Speaking Format

The TOEFL Speaking module assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English in academic settings. Here’s a breakdown of the TOEFL Speaking module for both the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT formats

Module Structure (iBT Edition)

The TOEFL iBT includes a dedicated Speaking section, lasting about 20 minutes, with 4 tasks that require responses based on a combination of listening and reading materials. The structure is as follows:

  1. Task 1: Independent Speaking (15 seconds preparation, 45 seconds response)
    • The candidate expresses their opinion on a familiar topic.
  2. Task 2: Integrated Speaking (30 seconds preparation, 60 seconds response)
    • The candidate listens to a conversation and responds to a question about it.
  3. Task 3: Integrated Speaking (30 seconds preparation, 60 seconds response)
    • The candidate reads a passage, listens to a conversation, and answers a question.
  4. Task 4: Integrated Speaking (20 seconds preparation, 60 seconds response)
    • The candidate listens to a lecture or conversation and provides a summary or opinion

Module Structure (PBT Edition)

The TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) does not have a Speaking section. Instead, it evaluates speaking skills indirectly through the other components, such as Listening and Reading.

Preparation Tips

  • Practice writing structured essays with clear arguments.
  • Learn how to analyze graphs and data representations.
  • Manage time effectively, prioritizing Task 2, which carries more weight.

TOEFL - iBT Score Chart

ScoreSkills
118 - 120Excellent
110 - 117Very Good
94 - 109Good
60 - 93Fair
< 60Limited Proficiency

TOEFL - PBT Score Chart

ScoreSkills
627 - 677Excellent
560 - 626Very Good
460 - 559Good
300 - 459Fair
< 300Limited Proficiency

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