TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a globally recognized exam that measures English proficiency for non-native speakers. It’s your ticket to studying or working in English-speaking countries. Administered by ETS, the TOEFL Exam tests reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in an academic context. Over 13,000 institutions in 160+ countries accept it. Whether you’re aiming for a top university or a visa, the TOEFL Exam opens doors with its rigorous, fair assessment.
TOEFL Exam Syllabus
The TOEFL Exam Syllabus is designed to evaluate your ability to thrive in an academic environment. It covers four key areas: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Each section tests skills you’ll need in university classrooms. The syllabus focuses on academic English, with tasks like understanding lectures or writing essays. ETS updates the syllabus to reflect real-world academic demands, ensuring you’re ready for success.
Practice Test Questions
Practice Test Questions mirror the TOEFL Exam Syllabus to prepare you for the real deal. Reading questions involve analyzing passages, like identifying main ideas. Listening tasks include answering questions about lectures. Speaking prompts ask for opinions or summaries, while writing questions require essays based on texts or lectures. Free samples are available on ETS’s website to get you started.
Try an official 40-minute sample test with a variety of questions.
Practice Tests online
Practice Tests Online are a game-changer for mastering the TOEFL Exam Syllabus. ETS’s TestReady platform offers free and paid mock tests that simulate the actual exam. You’ll tackle all four sections under timed conditions, with instant feedback to spot weaknesses. Other sites like GeeksforGeeks also provide free TOEFL Practice Tests Online for extra prep.
Pattern of TOEFL Exam
The pattern of TOEFL Exam is straightforward but demands focus. The TOEFL iBT, the most common format, lasts about 2 hours and includes four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section has specific tasks, scored from 0-30, totaling 0-120. Integrated tasks combine skills, like reading and then speaking. You can take it at a test center or via the Home Edition.
Pattern of Listening
The pattern of TOEFL Exam for the Listening section involves 28 questions over 36 minutes. You’ll hear 3-4 lectures (3-5 minutes each) with classroom discussions and 2 conversations (3 minutes each). Questions test comprehension, speaker intent, and connections. You listen once, then answer multiple-choice questions. Accents vary, including North American and British.
Pattern of Reading
The pattern of TOEFL Exam for the Reading section includes 20 questions over 35 minutes. You’ll read two academic passages (about 700 words each) and answer 10 questions per passage. Questions test comprehension, vocabulary, and inferences. You need to spot key details and understand text structure to ace it.
Pattern of Writing
The pattern of TOEFL Exam for the Writing section involves two tasks over 29 minutes. The Integrated Writing task (20 minutes) requires reading a passage, listening to a lecture, and writing a response. The Academic Discussion task (10 minutes) asks you to state and support an opinion. Both are typed and scored 0-30.
Pattern of Speaking
The pattern of the TOEFL Speaking section includes four tasks over 16 minutes. Task 1 is an independent task where you express an opinion. Tasks 2-4 are integrated, combining listening, reading, and speaking (e.g., summarizing a lecture). Responses are recorded, scored 0-30 by AI and human raters.
IELTS of TOEFL for USA?
Choosing between IELTS or TOEFL for USA depends on your goals. Most U.S. universities accept both, but TOEFL is often preferred for its academic focus. IELTS offers academic and general versions, while TOEFL iBT is purely academic. Check your target university’s requirements, as some prefer one over the other.
Why is TOEFL preferred?
TOEFL is often favored because it’s tailored to academic English, mimicking university tasks like lectures and essays. Its computer-based format suits tech-savvy students. U.S. admissions teams trust TOEFL’s rigorous scoring for assessing classroom readiness.
In addition, IELTS and PTE are British tests and TOEFL is an American test. This results in most US universities preferring the TOEFL though they may accept IELTS and PTE too.
How widely accepted is TOEFL in USA and others?
When deciding on IELTS or TOEFL for USA, you must understand that TOEFL is widely accepted, with over 4,000 U.S. institutions recognizing it. Globally, 13,000+ institutions in 160+ countries, including Canada, UK, and Australia, accept TOEFL. It’s also valid for visas in Canada and Australia. Always confirm with your institution.
The TOEFL Score Guide
Your Score ranges from 0-120, with each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) scored 0-30. Scores are valid for two years and sent to up to four institutions for free. A good TOEFL Score depends on your university’s requirements, often 80-100 for top schools.
Why is TOEFL preferred?
TOEFL is often favored because it’s tailored to academic English, mimicking university tasks like lectures and essays. Its computer-based format suits tech-savvy students. U.S. admissions teams trust TOEFL’s rigorous scoring for assessing classroom readiness.
In addition, IELTS and PTE are British tests and TOEFL is an American test. This results in most US universities preferring the TOEFL though they may accept IELTS and PTE too.
How widely accepted is TOEFL in USA and others?
When deciding on IELTS or TOEFL for USA, you must understand that TOEFL is widely accepted, with over 4,000 U.S. institutions recognizing it. Globally, 13,000+ institutions in 160+ countries, including Canada, UK, and Australia, accept TOEFL. It’s also valid for visas in Canada and Australia. Always confirm with your institution.
The TOEFL Score Guide
Your Score ranges from 0-120, with each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) scored 0-30. Scores are valid for two years and sent to up to four institutions for free. A good TOEFL Score depends on your university’s requirements, often 80-100 for top schools.
What scores do you need?
The Score you need varies by institution. Top U.S. universities like Harvard often require 100-110, with sub-scores above 25. Mid-tier schools may accept 80-90. Check your university’s website for specific minimums, as requirements differ by program.
How to ensure a good TOEFL Score
To secure a strong Score, practice regularly with ETS’s TestReady platform. Focus on weak areas, like speaking fluency or reading speed. Simulate test conditions, review answers, and seek feedback from tutors. Consistent prep boosts confidence and performance.
TOEFL in India
This test is popular in India for students aiming to study abroad. The TOEFL iBT is offered at test centers in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, or via the Home Edition. It’s widely accepted for U.S., Canadian, and Australian university admissions and visas.
Cost of TOEFL Exam in India
The cost of the Exam in India is INR 16,900 for the TOEFL iBT, covering test center or Home Edition. Additional fees include INR 3,900 for late registration, INR 5,900 for rescheduling, or INR 1,950 per extra score report.
Exam test dates
Exam test dates are available year-round at over 39 test centers in India, like Chennai and Hyderabad. The Home Edition offers slots four days a week. Book early via ETS’s website, as slots fill fast during peak seasons.