The TOEFL test assesses non-native English speakers’ ability to use and understand English as it is read, written, heard, and spoken in a university classroom. It is intended to assist you in succeeding by preparing you to express yourself confidently in English in a university setting. TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is widely recognised by over 11,000 universities and academic institutions in over 150 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, as well as Asia and Europe. Previously, there were two types of TOEFL exams: TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT.
TOEFL iBT is a computer-delivered test that is administered online, whereas TOEFL PBT is a paper-based test that is exclusively administered in regions where the internet is not available. However, beginning April 11, 2021, the official authorities- ETS- have stopped TOEFL PBT. So TOEFL is now only available in iBT, or computer-based test centre format, and the new TOEFL iBT Home Edition (also computer-based).
IN THIS BLOG:
1. TOEFL iBT Home Edition
2. The TOEFL iBT Exam Pattern
3. TOEFL Examination Scoring
4. TOEFL Exam Centres and Dates
5. TOEFL iBT Fees
TOEFL iBT Home Edition
ETS created a unique version of the TOEFL test – TOEFL iBT Home Edition – during the 2020 lockdown period. This version of the exam allows you to take it from the comfort and privacy of your home as long as you have all the necessary equipment. Some important information regarding TOEFL iBT Home Edition are listed below:
- Except for Mainland China and Iran, all countries offer this test format.
- The content structure and the testing experience are the same as test centre TOEFL.
- It is a remotely proctored exam, which means it is supervised online by a human protector through ProctorU.
It is available 24 hours a day, four days a week, and you can schedule an appointment as soon as 24 hours after registering. Here are some of the prerequisites you must have before appearing for this format:
- A PC or a laptop
- Speaker
- Microphone
- Camera
- Seating and tabletop
- ETS Test browser (Download and Install)
- Run ProctorU equipment check
The TOEFL iBT Exam Pattern
The TOEFL iBT is a three-hour computerised test that is divided into four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Every section is timed.
The Reading and Listening parts vary in duration due to unscored, experimental questions. During the test, between the Listening and Speaking sections, you will take a 10-minute break. This break is mandatory, which means you have to take it. For a better understanding of the structure of the test, go through the format described below-
Section | Time | No. of Questions | Overview |
Reading | 54—72 minutes | 30—40 questions | Read passages, then answer the questions |
Listening | 41—57 minutes | 28—39 questions | Listen to lectures or a classroom discussion, then respond to questions |
BREAK | 10 minutes | ||
Speaking | 17 minutes | 4 tasks | Speak into a microphone about familiar topics and discuss material you read about and listened to |
Writing | 50 minutes | 2 tasks | Read a passage, listen to a recording, and then type your written response |
TOEFL Examination Scoring
The TOEFL Exams have a simple scoring system. Each section receives a score ranging from 0 to 30. The sectional scores are combined to yield the Total Score, which is a score out of 120. In addition, the score you receive in a particular segment determines your competency in that skill. The following is a reference chart that correlates TOEFL section scores to skill levels:
Skills | Level | Score Range |
Reading | Advance | 24–30 |
High-Intermediate | 18–23 | |
Low-Intermediate | 4-17 | |
Below Low-Intermediate | 0-3 | |
Listening | Advanced | 22-30 |
High-Intermediate | 17-21 | |
Low-Intermediate | 9-16 | |
Below Low-Intermediate | 0–8 | |
Speaking | Advanced | 25-30 |
High-Intermediate | 20-24 | |
Low-Intermediate | 16-19 | |
Basic | 10-15 | |
Below basic | 0–9 | |
Writing | Advanced | 24-30 |
High-Intermediate | 17-23 | |
Low-Intermediate | 13-16 | |
Basic | 7-12 | |
Below basic | 0-6 |
TOEFL Exam Centres and Dates
There are around 4500 TOEFL exam centres scattered throughout 165 countries. Test takers in 59 locations throughout India can register for available exam centres based on their preferences. Registration opens five to six months before the exam date, on a rolling basis, which means you can register online up to two days before the test date. However, it is advised that you register early to secure your seat and check for convenient afternoon sessions that have been added to chosen test dates. To take the TOEFL exam, test takers must register ahead of time based on the availability of TOEFL exam dates.
TOEFL iBT Fees
The test fee varies depending on where you take it, however, it normally ranges from US$180 to $325. This includes your registration cost, score report, and, four score reports mailed to institutions of your choice. Late enrolment, rescheduling, and cancelling a test all incur additional charges.
We hope this blog resolves all your queries required related to TOEFL & its pattern. Still, you have any dilemma or question, our counsellors at Jamboree will readily help you. Visit your nearest Jamboree’s center or talk to a consultant over the phone to know about TOEFL, and how can you reach your target TOEFL score.