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TOEFL Exam

TOEFL Full Form - Test of English as a Foreign Language.

The TOEFL test is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency exams at American and Canadian colleges and educational institutions across the world. TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, and the exam assesses overseas students’ knowledge and understanding of English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. ETS (Educational Testing Services), the TOEFL exam’s administering organisation, is in charge of administering the TOEFL exam, delivering the TOEFL iBT test, and emailing each examinee their scorecard.

Given the epidemic, the TOEFL exam is now available to students from the comfort of their own homes, thanks to the introduction of the TOEFL at Home edition of the TOEFL test. ETS has also released the TOEFL Essential Test, a shorter but equally effective version of the TOEFL test that will be accessible to students beginning August 21, 2021. ETS has just decided to accept Aadhar Cards as student ID for individuals enrolling for the TOEFL exam from India. As you read on, you’ll learn about these recent changes and more.

Students who desire to study abroad can pick from a variety of TOEFL Test Dates accessible throughout the year, as well as test centres situated in key cities, or test remotely at home with the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test. As they read, candidates preparing to take the TOEFL exam will learn about the most significant TOEFL exam subjects.

TOEFL Exam Details

Exam
TOEFL
Full-Form
Test of English as a Foreign Language
Purpose
English language proficiency test
Conducting Body
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Level of Exam
International
Mode of Exam
Internet-based and Paper-based
Sections
Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
Duration
Around 3 hours 30 minutes
TOEFL Fee

TOEFL iBT fee: $185 (INR 13,652)

TOEFL PBT fee: $180 (INR 13,283)

Score Range

Reading: 0–30

Listening: 0–30

Speaking: 0–30

Writing: 0–30

TOEFL Test Centers
4500 across the world
Official Website
TOEFL Helpline

1-609-771-7100

1-877-863-3546

Fax
1-610-290-8972

TOEFL Exam: Latest Update 2023

1. Following the acquisition of IDP IELTS by AAERI, AAERI will promote TOEFL in India.

Following concerns expressed by agents over IDP Education’s purchase of IELTS India, the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) TOEFL. Members of AAERI speculated that the revelation would increase competition because IDP also operates as an agency and uses testing data for student recruiting initiatives.

2. From July 1, Aadhaar cards will be accepted as ID proof for TOEFL.

Indian students can now take the TOEFL using their Aadhaar card as identification. ETS, the exam tool’s administrator, considered the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic and the large number of students who were having difficulty obtaining passports.

3. ETS Launches a New English Language Test Called ‘TOEFL Essentials’

TOEFL Essentials is a new 90-minute English language test from ETS that focuses 50% on academic English content derived from university-level academic literature and 50% on general English. This is in contrast to the TOEFL iBT test, which is entirely based on academic English material. The exam, which is planned to be accessible in August 2021, will also assess four communication skills that are useful in both academic and non-academic settings, such as interviews or internships.

4. Home Edition of iBT TOEFL says it is widely accepted.

According to a recent webinar, the TOEFL BT Home Edition is now approved by over 11,000 colleges and organisations throughout the world. It was also said that all colleges who take TOEFL BT accept the home version as well because both examinations are equivalent.

5. TOEFL iBT at Home as a Post-Pandemic Option

Given the students’ resolve to pursue their study abroad aspirations and the overwhelming reaction to the TOEFL BT at home, the ETS has chosen to keep the exam running post-pandemic.

TOEFL Accepted Universities

Name of the University
TOEFL Minimum Score
Ohio State University–Columbus
71
Golden Gate University
71
Indiana State University
61
Cleveland State University
65
East Tennessee State University
61
University of Tulsa
70
Bowling Green State University
61
Arizona State University
61
Oregon State University
53
Lehigh University
75

University of Pacific

53-70
Clark University Worcester
60-69

Pittsburg State University

60
The University of New Mexico
68
The University of Montana
70

TOEFL Prerequisites Eligibility Criteria

TOEFL eligibility criteria are solely concerned with individuals who have successfully completed their 10+2 from a recognised Indian board in order to take the exam. To put it another way, the candidate just has to have completed grade 12 or an equivalent degree to be eligible to take the exam. You can even take the exam while still in high school.

Here are the list of documents that are required: 
  • Any temporary ID card
  • Birth certificate
  • Credit/debit card of any kind
  • Diplomatic, consulate, or embassy ID card
  • Draft classification card
  • Employee ID card
  • International driver’s license
  • International student ID
  • Notary-prepared letter or document
  • School or college or Library IDs
  • Social Security card

TOEFL Eligibility Age

In terms of age, there are no specific TOEFL eligibility requirements. Despite the fact that most exam takers are under the age of 18, ETS does not establish eligibility based on the candidate’s age.

TOEFL Eligibility Score

The TOEFL eligibility score is entirely contingent on the colleges that the candidate chooses. Most elite colleges demand a high TOEFL score in addition to a great GPA, high grades in previous academic credentials, and, in some cases, job experience. As a result, eligibility is entirely dependent on the university and the degree of study pursued by the candidate. A higher TOEFL score requirement is predicted for a humanities programme than any other.
For entrance reasons, a TOEFL score of 65 to 110 is required. The greater the university’s rank, the higher the TOEFL score needed.

TOEFL Preparation

Preparing for the TOEFL exam is a highly individual process. To make this experience even more memorable, we have offered TOEFL study material, section-by-section TOEFL preparation suggestions, TOEFL preparation books, and TOEFL online preparation modules for our broad readership. Many times, students might forego the TOEFL self-study regimen (described below) in favour of expert assistance. As a result, individuals seeking a high TOEFL score should continue reading as we put together the top TOEFL study material and TOEFL preparation books for our TOEFL seekers.


Candidates are well aware that the TOEFL exam is divided into portions, which make up the overall TOEFL test. We will begin with basic TOEFL exam preparation suggestions and then move on to section-specific TOEFL preparation study resources.

How to Prepare for TOEFL? (Section wise)

As previously stated, the TOEFL exam is made up of several portions that join together to form the TOEFL test. Continue reading for key section-by-section preparation recommendations for applicants preparing for the TOEFL exam.

How to Prepare for TOEFL Reading Section?

  • Candidates are strongly recommended to read as much as possible in English. The primary goal behind this activity is to keep the student’s attention engaged with the English language at all times.
  • Reading brief paragraphs and transforming them into question and answer format to completely comprehend the idea behind the piece is a tried and established way of practising the discipline of reading.
  • Newspapers, magazines, and articles in English are excellent resources for learning new terms and comprehending the written language.
  • Exchanging articles and literary work for grading or self-rating your work may also serve as a guideline for calculating your success rate.
  • If a candidate wishes to perform well on the TOEFL Reading Section, he must increase his vocabulary. Candidates should engage in regular vocabulary development exercises as this will only help them flourish in their TOEFL Reading Section.

TOEFL Reading Tips

  • Regularly read university textbooks or other texts written in an academic style that span a wide range of topic areas (e.g., sciences, social sciences, arts, business, etc.). There is a vast range of academic literature available on the Internet, as well as in periodicals and journals.
  • Instead of attentively reading each word and sentence, practise skimming a chapter to gain a basic sense of the primary concept.
  • After scanning a section, reread it carefully and jot down the primary concept, major ideas, and key details.
  • Increase your reading velocity and fluency by practising regularly.
  • Select several unfamiliar terms from the passage and deduce their meaning from the context (surrounding sentences). Then check them up to find out what they imply.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the full form of one of the most common English assessment examinations for candidates planning to study in the United States, Canada, or any other major English-speaking country. ETS administers the TOEFL exam, which is now offered in three formats: TOEFL iBT (Internet-based format), TOEFL at Home (home-based TOEFL test), and TOEFL Paper delivered test (held at both the TOEFL test centre and at home). In this article, we’ll look at the TOEFL exam syllabus for the year 2023.

TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus (2023)

The TOEFL syllabus was created to evaluate candidates’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in a university setting. The TOEFL exam and syllabus were created to evaluate candidates’ diverse skills and determine their English language competency. The TOEFL syllabus covers all aspects of the exam, including writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

 

Sections

Duration

No. of Questions

Description 

Reading

60-80 minutes

36-56 questions

three to four reading passages to answer questions.

Listening

60-90 minutes

34-51 questions

Audio clips containing 4-6 short lectures and 2-3 lengthy conversations.

Break

10 minutes

Speaking

20 minutes

6 Tasks

It is necessary to speak on familiar topics or on any academic-related issues.

Writing

50 minutes

2 Tasks

After comparing a reading passage to a classroom lecture, express your opinion, logic, and argument.

TOEFL Exam Pattern: Writing Section

Writing a proper answer or report is required to excel in the university or the workplace. English-speaking countries are also very strict about English writing. As a result, the TOEFL writing pattern focuses not only on testing through an essay but also on similar cross-functional tasks such as integrated writing.
 
A few more points to consider about the TOEFL 2023 and 2024 writing patterns:

  • Test takers are required to write two essays in 50 minutes. 
  • The test taker is given a time limit of 20 minutes for Task 1, and a total time limit of 30 minutes for Task 2. 
  • For each essay, test takers will be graded on a scale of 0 to 5. 
  • The number will be converted to a scale of 30 after two essay scores. 
  • A score of more than 25 on the TOEFL is considered a good score. 
  • Test takers will have 3 minutes to read an academic text of around 300 words for the Integrated writing task. 
  • It will be followed by a two-minute audio clip of the lecture.
  • After reading and listening, test takers must explain how an audio clip from a lecture and a passage will help them articulate any opinion or logical argument. 
  • Task 1 will take 20 minutes to complete in 150-225 words. 
  • While writing the answer, test takers can keep an eye on the reading passage on the side. 
  • Task 2 is an independent writing assignment in which there will be no reading passages or audio clips to listen to. 
  • In this section, test takers have to write on a particular opinion on their own 
  • Within 30 minutes, test takers have to complete Task 2 in 300 words 
  • Typically, for Task 2, test takers are given familiar topics to write about in order to express their opinions.

TOEFL Score

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test, administered by ETS, is one of the most extensively utilised English proficiency exams for Indian students wishing to study in other countries. TOEFL scores are required as part of the university admission process. Candidates can consult our comprehensive TOEFL guide for students preparing to take the TOEFL test.

In light of the pandemic, ETS, the TOEFL exam’s administering authority, has established the TOEFL at Home for applicants who want to take the TOEFL exam from the comfort of their own homes during the epidemic. ETS has also reintroduced TOEFL paper-delivered exams in India in order to give more students with access to the TOEFL exam. Candidates who intend to take the TOEFL test must pay US$190 for all three versions of the test, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL at Home, and TOEFL paper-delivered.

TOEFL Score Range

To understand the TOEFL results you obtain for each TOEFL component, you must first understand how the TOEFL exam is assessed.

SNo

Section

TOEFL Score Range

1

Reading

Advanced (24–30)

High-Intermediate (18–23)

Low-Intermediate (4–17)

Below Low-Intermediate (0–3)

2

Listening

Advanced (22–30)

High-Intermediate (17–21)

Low-Intermediate (9–16)

Below Low-Intermediate (0–8)

3

Speaking

Advanced (25–30)

High-Intermediate (20–24)

Low-Intermediate (16–19)

Basic (10–15)

Below Basic (0–9)

4

Writing

Advanced (24–30)

High-Intermediate (17–23)

Low-Intermediate (13–16)

Basic (7–12)

Below Basic (0–6)

How long do TOEFL Results Take

In general, applicants can have their TOEFL scores submitted to their desired colleges in one of three methods. The table below lists the same TOEFL Score reporting methods and the length

Method

Duration

ETS® Data Manager

6–8 days

Scorelink® Service

8–10 days

Postal Mail

9–11 days plus mailing time

FAQs

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an English language assessment test. This is primarily used by non-native English speakers while applying to colleges abroad, where English is the standard mode of communication.
 
Both IELTS and TOEFL examinations require consistent practice. However, many test takers have found TOEFL relatively harder.
 
 

Yes, the candidate must possess a valid passport at the time of taking the exam

 

Candidates can receive the results electronically between 6 and 10 days from the actual test date. The physical report will be sent to the candidates within 11 days.

 
 

Students who prefer to take up the test at home instead of going to the test centre can take up TOEFL iBT. The test content is similar to that of the pen-and-paper format, and the candidates will be proctored by a human proctor online through Proctor.

 
 

Candidates can receive the results electronically between 6 and 10 days from the actual test date. The physical report will be sent to the candidates within 11 days.

 
 
 

There is no minimum passing score for TOEFL. However, each university has a specific requirement. If you fail to meet your chosen university/college standards, you will have to retake the examination.

 
 

There are no restrictions on the number of times you can take this test.

 

The TOEFL certification is considered valid in more than 11,000 institutions and over 150 countries. It is acknowledged by countries like the UK, US, Australia and Canada.

 

An overall band score above 100 is considered a good TOEFL score.

When the scores are available, the candidate will be informed via mail. The candidate can view the score either via their account online or using the TOEFL app.

The TOEFL exam consists of four categories: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.

 

The TOEFL exam consists of four categories: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.

 
  • Understand the test format
  • Make a study plan
  • Make use of all online resources 
  • Be consistent with your preparation
  • Join a coaching centre for better guidance and assistance
 
 
 

Both IELTS and TOEFL examinations require consistent practice. However, many test takers have found TOEFL relatively harder.

 

With consistent practice and hard work, it is possible to ace the TOEFL exam in just 15 days.

 
 
 

The TOEFL exam has 4 significant parts:

  • Reading: 54–72 minutes
  • Listening: 41–57 minutes
  • Speaking: 17 minutes
  • Writing: 50 minutes
 
 
 

There is no fixed passing grade as each university has its own minimum grade for this test.

The TOEFL examination is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS)

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