TOFEL : What is TOFEL exam
A standardised exam called the TOEFL measures the English language skills of non-native speakers who want to enrol in schools or universities in English-speaking nations. More than 110000 reputable institutions in more than 100 countries recognise it. There are two different TOEFL test formats: the computer-based TOEFL iBT exam and the paper-based TOEFL exam. Most students who want to pursue higher education overseas take the TOEFL.
The largest economies in the world, including the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany, accept and respect TOEFL test results. The exam lasts for three hours, and registration costs USD $200. (INR 16,000).
A candidate may register on the ETS website, over the phone, or by email. More than 50 times a year, or 4–5 times a month, the TOEFL is given. The test is valid for two years after the results are announced. There are 4,500 test centres in 100+countries. . There is no academic qualification or age-bar for TOFEL applicants . The exam. It is designed for those who do not speak English as their first language. You may take the TOEFL test once every three days.
Parts of TOFEL test
There are four test components in the TOEFL: writing, reading, speaking, and listening. These portions are structured so that the applicant’s command of the English language is thoroughly evaluated. You must be thoroughly familiar with all four of the TOEFL test types if you want to qualify the TOFEL test.
TOEFL Speaking section
The speaking test is intended to gauge how well you can communicate in academic English. The speaking portion of the exam consists of a total of four activities that mirror real-world scenarios that candidates will face both inside and outside the classroom.
The speaking portion lasts for a total of 17 minutes. The TOEFL examiner conducts a face-to-face informational interview for this part. Since the first question will be about you, your thoughts, experiences, and opinions from the past, it will be independent & unique for each individual. The second series of exercises, numbered 2–4, will need you to integrate all of your English-language abilities, exactly like you would in a real classroom, in order to talk. Your ability to speak English fluently, clearly, and with a neutral accent is put to the test.
The speaking portion of the exam consists of a total of four activities that reflect circumstances that candidates will face in both the classroom and outside of it.
a) Single independent task (prep time: 15 sec; response time: 45 sec)
b) Three interconnected tasks: read, listen, and speak (prep time: 30 sec; response time: 60 sec)
The total number of questions is four.
Time: 17 minutes in total.
TOEFL Writing section
The writing component is created in such a way that the applicant’s ability to write in an academic context is examined. The candidates are requested to provide a thorough essay with correct and well-organized ideas, opinions, grammar, fluency, and vocabulary. The independent writing work is fully reliant on the candidate. They must summarise their prior knowledge and viewpoints on a writing subject. The second activity involves writing a summary after listening to a brief excerpt or lecture to assess the candidates’ integrated writing abilities. Your TOEFL score includes a 25% writing component. You will be scored in the writing portion on your capacity to organise, manage, and arrange your thoughts as well as the standard of your grammar and language use.
The essay should discuss a subject effectively. The essay has to be produced with all the necessary elements and material, and it needs to be arranged correctly. To get a good writing grade, you must complete the write-up activities flawlessly, without any grammar mistakes.
a) One integrated task — Read/Listen/Write (20 minutes) (reading time: 3 min; listening time: 2 min; writing: 15 min)
time: 2 seconds; writing: 15 seconds)
c) A single independent job (30 minutes)
Total number of questions: 2.
Time : 50 minutes
TOEFL Reading section
The goal of the TOEFL reading section is to gauge how effectively candidates can read, comprehend, and then present in their own words from the kind of academic content that is often academically presented. Each section will have 10 questions for a 700 words long passage. The readings come from a variety of college- and university-level textbooks and modules that may be used to define a field or a specific subject. Even if you don’t know the passage, it’s okay because the answers to the questions will be in the passage. If you need definitions for any unfamiliar terms, a glossary option is provided. This component tests the student’s reading comprehension, skimming abilities, and ability to identify the author’s point of view, attitude, logic, and argument. It evaluates students’ ability to comprehend key points, viewpoints, and specifics in a reading material.
The listening section will have short lectures and conversations.
a) 3–4 lectures (about 500–800 words, 3–5 minutes long), 6 questions each; 30 questions (approximately)
b) 2–3 conversations (about 12–25 exchanges, 3 minutes long), 5 questions each; 12 questions in total (approximately)
Total no. of questions: 40
Total time: 41–57 minutes
TOEFL Speaking section
Your ability to comprehend conversations and lectures in English will be evaluated and measured on the TOEFL listening section of the test. This test assesses the candidates’ ability to listen to and comprehend the lectures that will be given in the classroom during the course. In this part, it’s crucial to have a basic grasp of English as well as pragmatic understanding. There will be lectures and discussion audio snippets used as the questions, and the candidates will be required to respond on the same.
The speaking portion of the exam consists of a total of four activities that reflect circumstances that candidates will face in both the classroom and outside of it.
a) One independent task (prep time: 15 sec; response time: 45 sec)
b) Three integrated tasks — Read, listen & speak (prep time: 30 sec; response time: 60 sec)
Total no. of questions: 4
Total time: 17 minutes
How are TOEFL scores calculated?
The TOEFL iBT test is scored on a scale of 0 to 120 points. Each section of TOEFL has a score range of 0–30.
TOEFL examination tips
- Understand the TOEFL test format. The four test portions matter the most. You must be well familiar with the format, the sorts of questions in each segment, and ultimately, the different kinds of questions asked.
- Always set a timer when you practice at home. TOFEL questions need to be answered in a limited timeframe. Time is always a concern for test-takers.
- Put your energy into expanding your vocabulary. You must be proficient with terms that are not often used in everyday life. When you compose the essay using a strong vocabulary, you get an outstanding grade.
- Make sure when you submit your work, it is free from grammatical errors (major or minor)
- Before taking the exam, make sure you practice writing on a variety of academic & general themes. You will get excerpts from these themes. So make sure, you practice a lot.
