The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardised exam that assesses the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the TOEFL exam is crucial for those seeking to study or work in English-speaking environments.
It is widely recognized by over 11,000 universities and institutions in more than 150 countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
There are two main types of TOEFL tests: the internet-based test (iBT) and the paper-based test (PBT). The TOEFL iBT, which is the most common, evaluates reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills through an online platform.
Due to its accessibility, the iBT Home Edition has become popular, allowing candidates to take the test from home under remote supervision. The TOEFL PBT, while less common, is available in locations where internet access is limited and measures similar skills.
Obtaining a TOEFL certification can significantly enhance opportunities for academic and professional advancement.
It serves as a key requirement for university admissions, job applications, and visa processes, demonstrating a candidate’s ability to use and understand English effectively.
Table of contents
Structure of the TOEFL Exam
The TOEFL iBT and PBT exams are designed to assess non-native English speakers’ proficiency in the English language, particularly in an academic setting.
It consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Each section evaluates specific language skills essential for effective communication and academic success.
In total, the TOEFL iBT exam lasts for 1 hour and 56 minutes, and the total time allocated for the TOEFL Paper-Based Test (PBT) typically ranges between 3 and 3.5 hours, depending on the specific test administration.
1. Reading Section
The reading section aims to measure your ability to understand and analyse university-level texts. It assesses comprehension of main ideas, details, inferences, and vocabulary. This section includes 20 questions to be answered in 35 minutes.
In the TOEFL Paper-Based Test (PBT), the reading section typically consists of around 50 questions, which candidates are required to complete within a time frame of 54 to 72 minutes.
The types of questions include factual information, inference-based, vocabulary, sentence addition, and summary questions.
For more, refer to our blog about TOEFL Reading
2. Listening Section
The listening section evaluates your ability to understand spoken English in academic and conversational contexts. It checks your understanding of main points, details, the speaker’s intent, and attitudes.
This section of the iBT exam includes 28 questions, which need to be completed in 36 minutes, and the listening section in the PBT version of the TOEFL exam includes around 50 questions to be answered within 41 to 57 minutes. The questions are based on lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations.
For more, refer to our blog about TOEFL Listening
3. Speaking Section
The speaking section tests your ability to express yourself clearly and logically in spoken English. It assesses your fluency, coherence, and ability to articulate ideas.
This section for the iBT type comprises four tasks to be completed in 16 minutes, and for the PBT exam, candidates typically encounter approximately six tasks that they need to complete within about 20 minutes.
The tasks include independent speaking on familiar topics and integrated speaking tasks that involve listening to audio clips and reading passages before responding.
For more, refer to our blog about TOEFL Listening
4. Writing Section
The writing section measures your ability to write in English in an academic context. It evaluates your skills in constructing logical, well-organised essays with clear arguments and supporting details.
This section for the iBT has two tasks to be completed in 29 minutes, whereas the TOEFL PBT involves two tasks that candidates must complete within around 50 minutes. The tasks include an integrated writing task, where you listen to a lecture and read a passage before writing, and an independent writing task that requires you to write an essay based on a given prompt.
For more, refer to our blog about TOEFL Writing
Scoring System of the TOEFL Exam
The TOEFL iBT scoring system evaluates language proficiency across four key sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Each section scores on a scale of 0 to 30, with a total maximum score of 120. Each section of the TOEFL iBT exam carries equal weight, contributing 25% to the total score. This system structures proficiency levels from basic to advanced, providing a comprehensive assessment of English language skills.
In the reading section, test-takers receive scores based on their ability to comprehend academic passages. Scores are categorised as advanced (24–30), high-intermediate (18–23), low-intermediate (4–17), or below-low-intermediate (0–3).
The listening section evaluates spoken English comprehension, including lectures and conversations. Scores are classified as advanced (22–30), high-intermediate (17–21), low-intermediate (9–16), or below-low-intermediate (0–8).
In the speaking section, test-takers demonstrate effective communication in English. Scores range from advanced (25–30) to below-basic (0–9), reflecting proficiency levels in spoken language.
The writing section evaluates writing skills through essay tasks. Scores are classified as advanced (24–30), high-intermediate (17–23), low-intermediate (13–16), or below-basic (0–6).
The TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) has a total scoring range of 310 to 677. Each of the three main sections—listening, reading, and grammar—has its own scoring scale. Your raw score on each section, based on the number of correct answers, is then converted into a scaled score. In the listening section, for example, your raw score of correct answers translates to a scaled score between 31 and 68.
Similarly, the reading section has scaled scores ranging from 31 to 67. Additionally, the Test of Written English (TWE) is scored separately from the total score, with scores ranging from 1 to 6 in half-point increments.
These scores together provide an overall assessment of your English language proficiency across listening, reading, writing, and grammatical skills.
Understanding these score ranges helps universities and institutions determine your language proficiency level for admission purposes, as different score ranges correspond to different levels of proficiency in English.
Understanding the importance of overall and individual section scores is crucial. A high total score indicates advanced proficiency, which is beneficial for admission to prestigious universities and job opportunities.
Individual section scores provide insights into specific strengths and areas for improvement, guiding targeted skill development. Institutions often have specific score requirements for admission, highlighting the significance of achieving desired scores for academic and professional success.
TOEFL Exam Preparation Tips
Preparing for the TOEFL exam requires careful planning and effective strategies. Here are some essential tips to help you succeed:
1. Start Early
Begin your TOEFL preparation well in advance to allow ample time for practice and improvement. A consistent study schedule can help you cover all the necessary topics thoroughly.
2. Understand the Exam Format
Familiarise yourself with the structure of the TOEFL exam, including the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing), question types, time limits, and scoring criteria. This understanding will help you approach each section confidently on exam day.
3. Focus on English Skills
Work on improving your English language skills in all areas, including reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking fluency, and writing proficiency. Practise regularly to build confidence and accuracy.
4. Use Official TOEFL Materials
Utilise official TOEFL study materials, such as practice tests, sample questions, and study guides provided by ETS (Educational Testing Service). These materials are designed to reflect the actual exam format and content.
5. Take Practice Tests
Practice tests are crucial for assessing your progress, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and getting familiar with the exam environment. Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual test experience.
6. Analyse Your Performance
After taking practice tests, review your answers and analyse areas where you need improvement. Focus on refining your skills in those areas through targeted practice and study.
7. Manage Your Time Effectively
Develop time management strategies to ensure you complete each section within the allotted time. Practice pacing yourself during practice tests to avoid running out of time on exam day.
8. Seek Feedback and Guidance
Consider seeking feedback from teachers, tutors, or study partners to identify areas for improvement and receive guidance on effective study techniques. Participating in study groups or online forums can also provide valuable support and resources.
Common Challenges in TOEFL Exam Preparation
1. Anxiety and nervousness
Test anxiety and nervousness are common challenges faced by many TOEFL test-takers. The pressure to perform well, especially in a timed and high-stakes exam like the TOEFL, can lead to anxiety.
To overcome this challenge, candidates can practise relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualisation, and positive self-talk. Setting realistic goals and maintaining a positive mindset can also help in managing test anxiety effectively.
2. Time Management
Time management is crucial during the TOEFL exam, as each section has a specified time limit. To tackle this challenge, test-takers should practise with timed mock tests to improve pacing.
They can also prioritise questions based on difficulty level, ensuring they allocate more time to complex tasks while quickly completing easier ones. Practising under timed conditions helps in developing efficient time management strategies.
3. Fluency and coherence in communication
The speaking section of the TOEFL exam requires candidates to express their thoughts clearly and coherently within a limited time frame.
To achieve high scores, candidates must organise their responses logically, use appropriate transitions, and maintain a steady pace while speaking.
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7. Limited time frame
To address this challenge, applicants can practise speaking regularly in English, focusing on articulating ideas logically and fluently. Engaging in conversations, participating in group discussions, and recording and reviewing spoken responses can enhance fluency and coherence.
8. Vocabulary and grammar skill
A strong vocabulary and solid grasp of grammar are essential for success in the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections of the TOEFL exam.
Test-takers can improve their vocabulary by reading extensively, learning new words in context, and using vocabulary-building apps or flashcards.
Similarly, practising grammar exercises, identifying common grammatical errors, and seeking feedback on writing samples can enhance grammar skills significantly.
9. Test Strategy and Familiarity with Exam Format
Understanding the TOEFL exam format and developing effective test strategies are keys to performing well. Test-takers should familiarise themselves with the structure of each section, types of questions, and scoring criteria.
They can benefit from official TOEFL preparation materials, online resources, and guidance from experienced instructors to master test strategies such as skimming passages, previewing questions, and utilising the process of elimination for multiple-choice questions.
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