Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Test of English as Foreign Language or TOEFL is conducted to assess the English
proficiency of students who want to study abroad. The TOEFL test is most widely
accepted and respected English language test in the world. It is recognized by more
than 8,000 colleges, universities, and agencies in more than 130 countries. TOEFL
is registered and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). TOEFL is taken
by students planning to study abroad as well as professionals applying for a work
Visa. Those seeking scholarships and certification programmes are also required
to take the TOEFL exam.
Eligibility criteria for TOEFL
Any student who has passed 10+2 level of any recognized Indian Board of University
is a suitable qualification to take the TOEFL. Standard from a recognized educational
institution or board can appear for this exam. Generally this test is taken by a
candidate who wants to study outside his/her native country especially where English
is not the native language.
Application Procedure
There are four means of applying for the TOEFL
» Online: Students can fill a registration
form on official website of College Board. Examination fee can be paid online through
credit/ debit card. Payment can also be made using a registration voucher obtained
from a local TOEFL IBT Test Resource Center. professional registration.
» Phone: Students can call the designated
number (which can be acquired from the Regional Registration Centre) and apply.
Examination fee can be paid online through credit/ debit card. Students can also
pay the fee using TOEFL voucher by phone.
» Mail: Download and fill the form available
on the official website and send the form with the payment to the address on the
form or to your Regional Registration Center (PDF). I f you register by mail you
will need to enter certain codes manually that are input automatically online. If
you do not receive a confirmation, call the location where you mailed your paperwork
at least three business days before your registration deadline.
» TOEFL IBT Test Resource Center: In some
areas, students can purchase test registration vouchers with local currency and/or
register in person at a TOEFL iBT Test Resource Center. If that is not an option
that you want to consider, you can use a registration voucher online from any computer
or on the phone.
Fee Structure
» TOEFL Computer Based Test: US$140 (includes
1 examinee score record and 4 score recipients)
» TOEFL Paper Based Test: US$140 (includes
1 examinee score record and 4 score recipients)
There are two types of TOEFL exams.
Internet Based Testing
This test is administered via the internet. The TOEFL IBT test measures your ability
to use and understand English at the university level. The total time for TOEFL
IBT is approx 3 hours divided between the following four sections of the exam.
» Reading: Measures the ability to understand
academic reading. It consists of 3-5 academic reading passages followed by comprehension
questions.
» Speaking: Measures the ability to speak
English. It consists of 6 open-ended speaking questions, which require test-takers
to speak into a microphone. Responses are recorded and scored by human graders.
» Writing: Measures the ability to write
in a way that is appropriate for college and university course work. The TOEFL IBT
contains an added 20 minute essay.
Paper-Based Testing
Paper based testing is also known as institutional TOEFL. This test is administered
by English language institutions around the world and is evaluated in a paper based
format. The TOEFL PBT is a paper based test that measures your ability to use and
understand English in a classroom in a college or at a university level. It measures
how you can listen, read and write English. The duration of TOEFL PBT is approx
2.5 hours, with specific timings for each section.
TOEFL Paper based test is offered six times a year. In areas where the IBT is not
available, a paper-based test (PBT) is the best option. The PBT TOEFL test comprises
of three sections, listening comprehension, grammar and reading comprehension. Correct
answers should be marked by pencil. Max points are 677. Except for TOEFL , you could
pass one or two additional tests TWE (Test of Written English, composition) and
TSE (Test of Spoken English) , plus 30-minute writing test (an English test).
The TOEFL test is offered in more locations around the world than any other English-language
test. The TOEFL Internet Based Test is given 30-40 times in a year around the globe.
Likewise the TOEFL Paper Based Test is offered in areas where the TOEFL Internet
Based Test is not available. This test is given six times in a year.
Scoring Pattern
Your scores are based on your performance in the test. You must answer at least
one question each in reading and listening section, write at least one essay and
complete at least one speaking task to receive an official score.
The breakup of the marks is a follows:
» Reading Section: ( Score of 0-30)
» Listening Section: ( Score of 0-30
» Speaking Section: ( Score of 0-30)
» Writing Section: ( Score of 0-30)
Total Score: 0-120
For a better understanding lets understand what 0-30 means:
» 0-14 = low
» 15-21 = intermediate
» 22-30 = high
In addition to your scores, your score includes performance feedback that is a brief
report on your performance level and a description of the kinds of tasks that test
takers like you to perform.
TOEFL is a tough nut to crack, so you should start your preparations early. You
can study using educational CDs, which contain different strategies of passing the
test, test variants and variety of grammar exercises. Also solving a lot of test
papers will help.
There is no passing or failing TOEFL. Higher education institutes and agencies set
their own score requirements. The score is valid for 2 years after the test date
and there is no limit to the number of times you can take the test.
TOEFL score is accepted by more than 8,000 colleges, universities, and licensing
agencies in 110 countries. In Canada and US alone, TOEFL score is accepted by approximately
2400 institutes.
Institutions include: Colleges and universities, Scholarship providers, Community
colleges, Government agencies, Technical institutions, Professional association.
» University of Cambridge
» Imperial College of London
» London School of Economics
» London Business School
» University of Bradford
» University of Warwick
» University of Glasgow
» Arizona State Universities (minimum score required is 83)
» Auburn University (score: 80, 20 in each section)
» Case Western Reserve University
» School of Graduate Studies (score: 79)
» ANU College, Canberra
» Australian International Hotel School, Canberra
» International College of Management, Sydney
» Raffles College of Design and Commerce, North Sydney
» Sydney Film School, Waterloo
» Columba College
» Otago Polytechnic
» Unitec Institute of Technology
» Lincoln University
» Wellington Business School
» Victoria University of Wellington