The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. It evaluates the potential success of an individual to use and understand standard American English at a college level.
TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 6,000 colleges, universities, and licensing agencies in 110 countries. Every test center is open to everyone who is properly registered, regardless of race, color, creed, or national origin (subject to U.S. sanctions programs and embargoes).
Format of TOEFL |
Section |
Questions |
Time(min.) |
Listening Comprehension
Structure |
30-49
20-25 |
40-60
15-20 |
|
REST BREAK |
5 |
Reading Comprehension
Essay Writing |
44-55
1 Topic |
70-90
30 |
Total |
200 approx |
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iBT
The iBT TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) evaluates all four language skills that are important for effective communication: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.
iBT TOEFL emphasizes integrated skills and provides better information to institutions about students’ ability to communicate in an academic setting and their readiness for academic coursework.
Online registration and Online Score reporting make it easier for students to register for iBT TOEFL and receive their test scores.
iBT TOEFL Test Details
The test is changing to better measure what colleges and universities need to know: a prospective student’s ability to use English in an academic setting. The content is based on a collection of spoken and written language that ETS obtained from educational institutions throughout the United States. The iBT makes it possible to capture and score a test-taker’s speech in the most efficient, standardized, and objective manner.
The test includes four sections and takes about 31/2 – 4 hours to complete:
iBT TOEFL Test Structure
Section |
Content |
No. of Questions |
Approx. Time |
Reading |
3 passages |
36-42 |
60-100 minutes |
Listening |
2 Conversations
4 Lectures |
34-51 |
60 minutes |
Speaking |
2 independent tasks
4 integrated tasks |
6 |
20 minutes |
Writing |
1 integrated task
1 independent task |
2 |
60 minutes |
Difference between CBT/iBT
a. Note taking is allowed throughout the test.
b. Speaking skills are evaluated.
c. The Structure Section is no longer there. Knowledge of Grammar is not tested separately but is tested indirectly in all the Sections of the test.
d. Some questions involve integrated skills such as reading-listening-speaking-writing .
e. The Writing Section requires typing. There is an integrated task in addition to the current Independent (Essay) Task.
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