TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

The TOEFL is one of the globally recognized English language exams, to check the proficiency of the non-native English speakers (test givers), by evaluating the language skills based on Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. TOEFL is accepted by over 12,500 universities and higher education institutes based in 150 countries worldwide. This is a test which is crucial for the test givers seeking admissions to English speaking Universities, Colleges higher education institutions throughout the globe.

Importance and Benefits of the TOEFL exam

  • Globally Accepted

    Top universities in the US, Canada, UK and Australia accepts TOEFL as one of the English proficiency tests for eligibility criteria.

  • Admissions to the Universities

    The test givers, qualifying TOEFL to get admitted to global universities, can handle their respective university’s academic rigor with ease. 

  • Career Opportunities

    The test givers can build strong confidence to secure eligible career opportunities and possible scholarships, through the results of the TOEFL test.

  • Comfortable Testing Options

    The TOEFL exam can be taken either in the designated test centers or at home with virtual proctoring.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus

The TOEFL iBT exam, which evaluates the English language proficiency of the test givers, basically comprises of four sections namely Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The test as per schedule is for approximately 2 hours.

Section Duration Number of Questions or Tasks Description
Reading 35 minutes 20 questions There will be 2-4 academic passages, where the test givers will have to comprehend the 700 words or so passage and carefully answer them with detailed clarity, pertaining to vocabulary, main content ideas and details with the inference of the passages content.
Listening 36 minutes 28 questions The test givers must listen to the lecture or conversations and there by answer the multiple -choice questions by understanding the speaker’s intent of communication.
Speaking 16 minutes 4 tasks This section evaluates the test giver’s communication skills, by responding to the topics pertaining to listening and reading.
Writing 29-30 minutes 2 tasks This section evaluates the test giver’s skills in writing, by asking them to express in written format through an essay based on listening and reading passages.

Frequently Asked Questions

The TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language, is an English language proficiency test, which is administered by the ETS also known as the Educational Testing Service. The test evaluates the test giver’s ability to communicate in English through the four sections, namely Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. TOEFL is widely used in English speaking universities worldwide, for scholarship purpose and is also accepted for immigration purpose.

TOEFL can be taken by students whose first language is not English and at the same time who wants to apply to English speaking universities, or higher education institutes worldwide. TOEFL is also helpful for the test giver’s visa application and for scholarships as well.

There are three major TOEFL formats that could be taken by the test givers, namely:

  1. TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test): In this format of the TOEFL, the test givers have to be present at a test center and take the test online. This is the most preferred format taken by the test givers. 
  2. TOEFL iBT (Home Edition): This format is the same as the TOEFL iBT, but the only difference is that it is taken from home.
  3. TOEFL Paper Based: This format of the TOEFL test can be only taken from certain locations or centers. Here the Speaking section must be taken separately on a computer.

The test duration is approximately 2 hours for the TOEFL iBT test.

The TOEFL iBT test consist of four sections such as:

  1. Reading: 35 minutes
  2. Listening: 36 minutes
  3. Speaking: 16 minutes
  4. Writing: 30 minutes

Each section of the TOEFL test is of 30 points, with a total score of 120 points.

The TOEFL test can be taken after a gap of 3 days from the previous attempt.

The TOEFL score is valid for a period of 2 years from the date of taking the test.

The TOEFL score results will be available within 4 to 8 days from the date of taking the test.

While registering, you can choose 4 Universities to send your TOEFL scores for free.

The average TOEFL score required for Universities is in the range 80 -100 through the TOEFL iBT test format.

Typically a good score to secure an eligibility varies upon the respective universities. 

ScoreAcceptance
80 – 89 scoreGenerally accepted to many English-speaking Universities.
90-100 scoreAcceptable to competitive Universities.
100 + scoreAcceptable to the top Universities.

 

There is no negative scoring for attempting the wrong answer. It is advisable to attempt all the question with at most accuracy to score higher.

As TOEFL English language test basically evaluates the test giver’s communication and comprehending skills; each of the TOEFL sections answered by the test givers, analyzes the following parameters such as grammar, vocabulary, fluency, pronunciation and task fulfillment activities.

The test givers can:

  1. Take as much as mock test as they can.
  2. Use the official TOEFL preparation materials.
  3. Give more focus on the weaker section or specific skills required for scoring higher.
  4. Practice the TOEFL test in a time bound manner, so that the test givers can prepare with proper time management and at the same time do well in each section, hence minimizing stress.

At Meleth Academy, through our online TOEFL coaching, we guide our students through strategic techniques, hence helping them to secure a higher TOEFL score.