TOEFL Exam, To enroll successfully at a foreign university, you must showcase your adequate English language proficiency to engage with course materials effectively. Demonstrating your language skills is typically achieved through one of several standardized English language tests, with two of them being the most widely recognized:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): This test assesses your ability to communicate in English across four key language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It uses a nine-band scale to measure your proficiency, with a higher score indicating a higher level of English proficiency.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): TOEFL evaluates your English proficiency through four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It employs a scoring system that provides a numerical representation of your language skills.
By excelling in one of these tests, you can prove your English language proficiency, which is crucial for a successful admission into a foreign university. On this page, our focus will be primarily on TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
TOEFL MEANING
TOEFL stands for “Test of English as a Foreign Language.” It’s a test for people who don’t speak English as their first language. It checks how well you understand and use English in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Many Foreign schools and employers in English-speaking countries use TOEFL scores to evaluate your English skills.
The TOEFL iBT, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is indeed widely recognized and accepted by universities and institutions around the world. It’s essential for international students to understand the recognition and acceptance of TOEFL scores in different countries.
Here are some key points regarding TOEFL recognition:
- Global Recognition: TOEFL iBT is recognized in more than 130 countries across the globe, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to study or work in English-speaking environments.
- United Kingdom: TOEFL is accepted by 100% of universities in the UK, demonstrating its high level of recognition and relevance in British academic institutions.
- Australia and New Zealand: Similarly, TOEFL is widely accepted by universities in Australia and New Zealand, providing international students with a viable option for English language proficiency assessment.
- Canada: Approximately 80% of universities in Canada accept TOEFL scores. However, it’s advisable to verify the language proficiency requirements of the specific Canadian institution you’re interested in.
- United States: TOEFL is accepted by the majority of universities in the United States, with approximately 9 out of 10 institutions recognizing TOEFL scores as part of their admission requirements.
What is the TOEFL test for?
The TOEFL test is primarily used to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It serves several purposes, including:
- Academic Admissions: Many universities and colleges in English-speaking countries require TOEFL scores as part of their admissions process to ensure that international students have the necessary language skills to succeed in their academic programs.
- Visa and Immigration: Some countries, such as the United States, use TOEFL scores as part of visa and immigration applications to assess an individual’s English language ability for purposes like study, work, or immigration.
- Employment: Certain employers, especially those with international operations or roles requiring English proficiency, may require TOEFL scores as part of their hiring process to assess a candidate’s ability to work in an English-speaking environment.
- English Language Learning Programs: TOEFL scores are used by English language learning programs and schools to determine a student’s language proficiency and to place them in appropriate courses.
TOEFL EXAM FEE – How Much Does a TOEFL Cost?
If you’re asking any of the questions, kindly know that the fee for the TOEFL exam can vary depending on your location and the specific type of TOEFL test you are taking. Here is a breakdown of all the TOEFL Exam types which are
| TOEFL Exam Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) | $160 to $300 |
| TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) | $180 to $300 |
| TOEFL Essentials | $80 to $120 |
| TOEFL Junior | $120 to $150 |
TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is the most common version of the TOEFL. The registration fee typically ranges from $160 to $300, with some variations based on your location. Additional services, such as score reporting, might incur extra charges.
Here’s a comparison of different TOEFL exam types, including their formats and purposes.
| TOEFL Exam Type | Format | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) | Internet-based (4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) | Academic admissions, visa applications, employment, English language learning programs |
| TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) | Paper-based (3 sections: Listening, Structure and Written Expression, Reading) | Academic admissions in areas where iBT is not available |
| TOEFL Essentials | Internet-based (2 sections: Listening and Reading) | General English language proficiency assessment for informal purposes |
| TOEFL Junior | Paper-based (3 sections: Listening Comprehension, Language Form and Meaning, Reading Comprehension) | Designed for younger students to assess English language skills |
TOEFL SCORE – How Is a TOEFL Exam Scored?
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is scored on a scale, and the scoring system may vary slightly between the different TOEFL exam types. The most common version, TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test), has a score range as follows:
- Reading Section: Scored from 0 to 30 points.
- Listening Section: Scored from 0 to 30 points.
- Speaking Section: Scored from 0 to 30 points.
- Writing Section: Scored from 0 to 30 points.
Each of these four sections is scored separately, and then the scores are added together to give you a total score, which falls within a range of 0 to 120. This total score is what most institutions and organizations consider when evaluating your English proficiency.
Here’s a breakdown of the TOEFL iBT score scale:
- Total Score: 0 to 120
- Reading and Listening Sections: 0 to 30 each
- Speaking Section: 0 to 30
- Writing Section: 0 to 30
In addition to the sectional and total scores, you will also receive a score for the independent speaking and writing tasks on the TOEFL iBT, which helps institutions evaluate specific language skills.
How Long Does it Take to Get Your TOEFL Results?
You can expect to receive your TOEFL results within 6 to 10 days after taking the test. You’ll be notified by email when your scores are available in your ETS account.
Your scores will include individual section scores (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) as well as a total score. Delays are possible during busy periods, so plan accordingly for application deadlines or other requirements.
TOEFL Practice Test – TOEFL Practice Test Online
To prepare for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), you can use official TOEFL practice materials provided by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization that administers the TOEFL. Here are some options for TOEFL practice tests:
- Official TOEFL Practice Test: ETS offers official TOEFL iBT practice tests on their website. These tests closely resemble the actual TOEFL exam, providing an excellent way to simulate test conditions and assess your readiness.
- TOEFL Test Preparation Books: ETS has published official TOEFL test preparation books that include practice tests. These books provide a comprehensive overview of the TOEFL and include sample questions and full-length practice tests.
- TOEFL Preparation Courses: Consider enrolling in TOEFL preparation courses, either online or in person. These courses often include practice tests as part of the curriculum.
- TOEFL Preparation Apps: There are TOEFL preparation apps available that offer practice tests and exercises. Some of them are official ETS products, while others are developed by reputable test prep companies.
- Third-Party TOEFL Books and Resources: You can also find TOEFL preparation books and materials from various publishers and test prep companies. These often include practice tests and exercises.
When using practice tests, be sure to simulate test conditions as closely as possible, including timing yourself and taking the test in one sitting.
Where can I take the TOEFL iBT test?
- Visit the official TOEFL website, which is managed by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization that administers the TOEFL: TOEFL Official Website.
- Create an ETS account if you don’t already have one. This account will allow you to register for the test, view your scores, and access other important information.
- Use the TOEFL Test Center Search tool on the ETS website to find a test center near your location. You can search for centers based on your country or city.
- Once you’ve identified a test center that suits your needs and location, you can proceed with the online registration process. You’ll select your preferred test date and pay the test fee during this process.
- After you’ve registered, you’ll receive a confirmation with test day details and instructions.
Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?
The difficulty level of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) can vary from person to person, and it often depends on individual strengths and weaknesses.
Both tests are widely accepted for academic and immigration purposes, but they have some differences in format and content:
TOEFL (iBT):
- Focuses on American English.
- Test-takers often find it challenging in the reading and listening sections because of the academic and somewhat complex language used.
- The speaking section includes tasks like expressing an opinion and summarizing information, which can be challenging for some.
- The writing section requires test-takers to write essays on academic topics.
- The test is entirely computer-based.
IELTS:
- Designed to be more international and focuses on both American and British English.
- Some find the speaking section of IELTS more challenging due to face-to-face interviews with examiners.
- IELTS includes both Academic and General Training modules, making it suitable for a wider range of purposes.
- The writing section includes both academic and general topics, making it more versatile.
In Conclusion
When practicing, mimic real test conditions, time yourself, take it in one go, and analyze your results to target areas for improvement in your study.
