TOEFL Exam - Overview
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Latest TOEFL Updates
- ETS is no longer offering TOEFL exams for UK visa.
- Indian students can use their Aadhaar to appear for the TOEFL test.
- TOEFL exam is not required for doctors and nurses to practice in the UK.
- India will likely have its own version of the TOEFL exam for overseas students.
- TOEFL iBT test time would be reduced by 30 minutes, making it a total of 3 hours. There will be no changes in the overall test format or question types.
What is TOEFL?
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and is owned by ETS (Educational Testing Services). It is widely accepted all over the world, and students are graded on various parameters such as reading, listening, speaking and writing. TOEFL test scores are recognised internationally by many countries and universities. Moreover, students have the option to choose their exam dates and exam centre at their convenience.
TOEFL is an English exam that international students primarily take to evaluate their English competency. TOEFL exams are available to students from the comfort of their homes, which is the TOEFL Home Edition exam. They also released a second version of their exam known as the TOEFL Essential test, which is a shorter but equally effective version of the primary exam.
TOEFL Accepted Countries
Canada - All universities in Canada accept TOEFL scores, which over 80% of graduates prefer.
Australia - All institutions in Australia recognise TOEFL scores, including for the purpose of immigration.
New Zealand - All universities in New Zealand accept TOEFL scores. The TOEFL scores are also accepted from individuals applying for permanent residency.
United States - Over 90% of the universities in the USA accept TOEFL scores.
United Kingdom - All universities in the UK accept TOEFL scores, and UK immigration accepts TOEFL iBT scores.
Ireland - All universities in Ireland accept TOEFL scores, including the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, with some terms and conditions.
Europe - TOEFL is preferred mainly in France and Germany. Besides, leading institutions in other European countries also accept TOEFL.
For the Rest of the Countries - TOEFL tests are accepted by the leading institutions and immigration of the respective country.
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Advantages of Taking TOEFL
Faster Official Scores - You can get your entire official score within 4-8 days of taking your test, and it takes 11-13 business days for a paper edition test.
TOEFL is Preferred for Various Purposes - TOEFL scores can be used for a variety of purposes to prove English proficiency, such as studies, work and immigration.
Availability of Test Centres is Abundant - The TOEFL test centres are available in over 200 countries and territories.
Many Testing Options are Available - You can choose where, when and how to take the test. Flexible options are available, such as writing the exam at a test centre or at home. A significant number of countries offer a paper edition of the exam as well.
Accepted and Preferred Globally - Universities worldwide regard the TOEFL applicants as knowledgeable individuals who are exemplary in their English language. Over 11500 institutions in over 160 nations accept TOEFL.
How to Register for TOEFL Exam
For the TOEFL iBT Test
The easiest method to register for the TOEFL iBT Test is from your ETS account. You can also register by Phone or Email. Moreover, as mentioned above, you can use the TOEFL iBT Registration Form (PDF) and refer to “How To Register” from the TOEFL iBT® Information Bulletin. Ensure that your name and date of birth mentioned in the ETS account match the ID you bring to the test centre.
For the TOEFL Essentials Test
You can register for TOEFL Essentials Test through an ETS account and also through Phone or Email by filling out the Registration form. Check out “How to Register” from the TOEFL Essentials Information Bulletin for clear instructions. Before registering, you need to have the basic requirements, such as a reliable internet connection, a computer and a testing space with appropriate equipment.
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TOEFL Exam Eligibility Criteria
There aren’t any specific eligibility criteria set by the ETS to appear for the TOEFL exam. Aspirants from all age groups and all non-English speaking countries can take the test. You can also retake the test as many times as you want.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Eligibility
There isn’t any specific eligibility with regard to qualifications and age to appear for the home edition exam. But, there are a few environmental and equipment conditions. Ensure that your computer and testing room meet the appropriate requirements.
Document Required For TOEFL Exam
The following proof is required to register for the TOEFL exam.
- Signature
- Photograph
- A valid Passport
TOEFL Exam Pattern
TOEFL test comprises four sections such as Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The exam pattern of the test reflects how the English language is used in everyday academic settings. It also has integrated tasks with 100% academic content.
TOEFL iBT Exam Pattern
The TOEFL iBT Exam Pattern is segregated into 4 sections such as Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. It would take 3 hours to complete the test.
Reading: It consists of 3-4 passages of around 700 words with multiple focus passages and 10 questions for every passage. The time allotted for this section is 54-72 minutes, with a score scale of 0-30.
Listening: It has 3-4 lectures, including some classroom discussions with a time limit of 3-5 minutes, having 6 questions each. The next part has 2-3 conversations with a time allotted of 3 minutes and having 5 questions each. The total time allocated for this listening section is 41-57 minutes, with a score scale of 0-30.
Speaking: It contains 4 tasks with an independent task to state an opinion on a familiar topic and 3 integrated tasks based on what you have read and listened to. You have 30 seconds to prepare the response and up to 1 minute to respond. The total time allocated for this speaking section is 17 minutes, with a score scale of 0-30.
Writing: It consists of 2 tasks with a 20-minute integrated task based on what you have read and listened to. Another 30-minute independent task requires you to support an opinion on a topic. This writing section has a time limit of 50 minutes with a score scale of 0-30.
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TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus
TOEFL Exam Fee and TOEFL Exam Date (India)
TOEFL Exam Fee and TOEFL Exam Date (Nepal)
TOEFL Exam Fee and TOEFL Exam Date (Philippines)
TOEFL Essentials Exam Pattern
TOEFL Essentials test consists of 4 sections such as Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing, including a 5-minute Personal Video Statement.
|
Section |
Time |
Questions |
Tasks |
|
Listening |
21-34 minutes |
30-45 |
Respond to questions on conversations and discussions in multiple sections |
|
Reading |
22-33 minutes |
30-45 |
Respond to questions on nonacademic and short academic content |
|
Writing |
24-30 minutes |
14-18 Questions with 2 Tasks |
Structure sentences and write down responses for academic and everyday situations. |
|
Speaking |
13 minutes |
3 Tasks with 19 Responses |
Repeat the spoken and written information given to you and talk to a simulated interviewer |
|
Personal Video Statement |
5 minutes |
2 |
Respond to questions about yourself and your opinions (not scored) |
TOEFL Exam Preparation
You can prepare faster with the TOEFL preparation materials. The practice test supports closed captioning, transcripts and screen readers. People with disabilities can contact ETS Disability Services for an alternate format to prepare for the test.
Practice Tests
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Know how the test is evaluated, scored and how the scores are reported.
- Learn the types of questions and what type of answers they will consider in each section of the test.
- Gather tips from experts to help yourself prepare for the test, including tips for specific types of questions.
TOEFL Exam Duration
|
Section |
Time Limit |
|
Reading |
54–72 minutes |
|
Listening |
41–57 minutes |
|
Break |
10 minutes |
|
Speaking |
17 minutes |
|
Writing |
50 minutes |
TOEFL Scores and Results
TOEFL scores will expire after two years, and you can check your TOEFL score in 6-7 business days. The validity of the TOEFL exam starts from the day you take the test and not from the day results are published.
TOEFL Score Range
|
S.No |
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) |
TOEFL Exam Dates
TOEFL exam dates vary from country to country, and it is mentioned on the official ETS website. The exams are conducted over 60 times a year and organised weekly at various testing centres globally. Students can easily choose the time and date of their exam during registration. You can book your examination slot by phone, email or online.
TOEFL Exam Fees
|
TOEFL Exam Fee Type |
Fees |
|
TOEFL Registration Fee |
Fees vary from centre to centre |
|
TOEFL Late Registration Fee |
US$40 |
|
TOEFL Rescheduling Fee |
US$60 |
|
Reinstatement of Cancelled Scores |
US$20 |
|
TOEFL Extra Score Reports (Per Institution or Agency) |
US$20 each |
|
TOEFL Speaking or Writing Section Score Review |
US$80 |
|
TTOEFL Speaking and Writing Section Score Review |
US$160 |
|
TOEFL Returned Payment |
US$30 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Aspiring test takers can retake TOEFL as many times as they wish, though a 12-day waiting period applies between attempts.
In comparison to other exams like the SAT, ACT, and GRE, the TOEFL is generally thought of as simpler (providing you have a good command of the English language). It concentrates on assessing your English capabilities instead of testing your knowledge of math equations or complex writing.
When you take your TOEFL test, fees can fluctuate depending on your location. Generally, it is between USD $180 to $325. Moreover, it covers registering for your exam, obtaining your score report, and four additional score reports sent to the colleges of your preference.