A simple guide to the TOEFL exam!

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the most widely used English-language standardized examinations for non-native English speakers. TOEFL results are used as part of the application and admissions criteria at over 9,000 higher education institutions and organizations in 130 countries. The exam is designed to measure three primary competencies: reading comprehension and vocabulary, structure and written expression, and listening comprehension, with test parts on reading, writing, listening and speaking. This guide will provide you with all the information you need about the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL- Eligibility

The basic TOEFL eligibility requirements are that the student is 16 years old or older and be able to present valid identification with a recognizable photo. These requirements differ depending on where you take the test. As a result, it is important to check with your testing center before scheduling a test date.

What Is the TOEFL Exam Pattern?

The TOEFL is a four-hour computerized test that is divided into four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Each segment will require you to employ one core skill, with certain questions or assignments requiring the usage of multiple skills. Every section is timed. There will always be 20 minutes for speaking and 50 minutes for writing. The Reading and Listening parts, on the other hand, vary in duration due to unscored, experimental questions. Reading time ranges from 60 to 80 minutes while listening time spans from 60 to 90 minutes. Finally, there will be a 10-minute break between the Listening and Speaking components of the test. Each section is graded out of 30 points, and the total TOEFL score is out of 120.

Section	Order	Time	Number Of Questions	Details
Reading	1	60-80 mins	36-56 questions	Read 3-4 passages and answer questions
Listening	2	60-90 mins	34-51 questions	Listen to 4-6 lectures and 2-3 conversations and answer questions
Break	3	10 mins	–	–
Speaking	4	20 mins	6 tasks	Answer prompts about familiar topics, campus situations, and academic course content
Writing	5	50 mins	2 tasks	Compare a passage and a lecture; write about your opinion
TOTAL	–	4 Hours	–	–

Where are TOEFL scores accepted?

TOEFL results are accepted by over 11,500 universities and higher education institutes in over 160 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and countries throughout Europe and Asia.

• US: The TOEFL test is preferred by 9 out of 10 universities in the United States above other English-language assessments. Furthermore, institutions in the United States obtain more TOEFL iBT scores than all other English-language tests combined.
• Canada: The TOEFL test is preferred by more than 80% of graduate schools in Canada above other English-language assessments.
• Australia and New Zeeland: All Australian and New Zealand universities, as well as all Australian and New Zealand immigration offices, recognize TOEFL scores.
• France and Germany: Universities in France and Germany favor the TOEFL and receive more TOEFL iBT results than any other English-language test.
• UK: TOEFL scores are accepted by 100% of universities in the United Kingdom, including the renowned Russell Group universities, giving a fair and unbiased alternative.

Where can I take the TOEFL test?

The traditional TOEFL exam is conducted on a computer at an ETS-approved test center. There are over 3,000 TOEFL test centers worldwide, and you can find one near you by visiting the official TOEFL website. The TOEFL Home Edition exam is administered on a computer at home. Test appointments are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In some countries, the TOEFL Paper Edition is accessible. The Reading, Listening, and Writing sections are completed on paper at a testing center, and the Speaking section is completed on a computer at home within three days following the testing session.

When you register for a test, you can select the option that is most convenient for you. Registration opens around 5-6 months before each test date. It is strongly advised that you register early to ensure that you secure a spot for your preferred date and location.

How much does the TOEFL test cost?

The test fee varies depending on where you take it, but it usually runs from USD $180 to $325. This includes your registration cost, score report, and four score reports mailed to institutions of your choice. Late enrollment, rescheduling, and canceling a test all incur additional expenses.

How is the TOEFL test scored?

Each of the four categories (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) is scored from 0 to 30, giving a total score of 0 to 120. At the end of the test, you can view your unofficial Reading and Listening scores. Your official test results will be accessible 6 days after you take the test and will be valid for 2 years.

Your score report will also include MyBest scores, which are the sum of your highest scores for each section from all valid tests taken in the last two years.

If you receive a score that does not meet the requirements of your preferred institution, or if you just wish to improve your score, you can repeat the test as many times as you like – retakes are limitless. There is a three-day waiting time between tests.

Additionally, as part of your test registration, you can choose up to four universities to get your TOEFL test results instantly. This is especially important if the test was taken close to the deadline for university applications – it can assist speed up the process.

So, go forth with confidence, equipped with this simple guide to the TOEFL exam, and unlock doors to new opportunities, connections, and adventures. Remember, your English fluency knows no bounds, and the TOEFL is just another stepping stone on your remarkable language journey. Like this post? Don’t forget to check out our other short stories in our Quick Read section