ALL ABOUT TOFEL(EXAM PATTERN,TIPS,EXAM DATES....)

ETS TOEFL is an English language test conducted by ETS - Educational Testing Service. The exam is an essential requirement taking up studies in the English speaking countries of the world. As many as 8,500 colleges across more than 130 countries accept and recognize TOEFL score. Primarily the exam is conducting in two formats:

• Paper Based Test or PBT
• Internet Based Test or iBT

REGISTER for TOEFL here!

Location of the preferred test center is an important consideration for deciding on the test format. Mostly TOEFL is conducted in the iBT format. Paper based test is conducted only in places where Internet is not available.

The main idea of conducting the test is to asses the English speaking, listening and comprehension abilities of the candidates who wish to go abroad for their UG & PG studies. Besides assessing the speaking, listening and comprehension abilities, there are two more section in the paper that test a candidates English reading and writing skills. The time allotted for taking the test is 4 hours 30 minutes. And the pattern of questions for each section, is as shared below.

TOEFL Test Score

TOEFL scores are available 10 days after the test is taken. Although the score is mailed to each candidates taking the test, but scores are also available online. iBT TOEFL test is scored on a scale of 0 to 120 points and any score above 90 is considered to be a good score. The TOEFL score is valid for two years. Colleges and universities usually consider only the most recent score.

TOEFL Test Format

Different sections of the test focus on different abilities. For example the listening comprehension section is for testing a candidate’s ability to understand American English. Similarly grammar & written test is to check the writing abilities and reading section for gauging any problem in the reading ability.

Section	Type of Question	No. of Question	Duration
Reading	3-4 passages with 12-14 questions per passage.	36-70	60-80 minutes
Listening	4-6 lectures. 6 questions each, 2-3 conversations, 5 questions each	34-51	60-90 minutes
Speaking	6 tasks: 2 tasks to express an opinion on a familiar topic; 4 tasks to speak based on what is read and listened to.	6 tasks	20 minutes
Writing	1 task to write based on what is read and listened to; 1 task to support an opinion on a topic.	2 tasks	50 minutes (20 and 30 minutes respectively)
Total score	-	-	0-120

PBT TOEFL

Paper based format is conducted over the duration of 3 hours 30 minutes. The focus of the paper is on testing listening abilities and grammar, reading & writing skills. The test can be taken 6 times a year at test centers where TOEFL iBT is not available.

Section	No. of Question	Approx. time	Score Range
Listening Comprehension	50	30-40 minutes	31 to 68
Structure and Written Expression	40	25 minutes	31 to 68
Reading Comprehension	50	55 minutes	31 to 67
Writing (Test of written English)	1 topic	30 minutes	-
Totel	-	-	310 to 677

• Listening Comprehension tests your ability to understand North American English.
• Structure and Written Expression tests your ability to identify language that is appropriate for standard written English.
• Reading Comprehension tests your ability to understand non-technical reading material.

iBT TOEFL

iBT format is the more popular format for taking the exam. Most of the test centers have access to internet and conduct the exam in the internet based format only. To excel in the iBT test, it is important to take online TOEFL practice tests regularly. This is helpful in improving the test taking speed.

TOEFL Registration

There is no rigid timeline for the test registration. One can register for the test as late as 7 days before the test. Late registration is also possible with the payment of a late fee of US$ 35. TOEFL registration can be made either online or by phone or post.

TOEFL Exam Dates

The test is conducted at numerous dates throughout the year. While registering for the exam the candidates can choose their preferred exam date. The list of exam dates is given on the official website.