A Guide to TOEFL

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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.
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.

This allows ETS to capture speech and score responses in a standardized manner, and makes it possible to increase the number of testing centers to meet demand.

ETS has made several changes to the test with the goal of making the TOEFL a more accurate gauge of the English skills needed for academic success. The test material has a more integrated context and is designed to more closely mimic the academic environment. For example, a test taker might read a passage of text and listen to a lecture, and then respond to it verbally or in writing.

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Demonstrate your English-language skills.

The TOEFL iBT measures how well you read, listen, speak and write in English and use these skills together in the university classroom. For example, you might read a passage or listen to a lecture, and then write or speak about what you learned.

Following are the structure of the TOEFL iBT

• Section : Reading
• Description : 3-5 passages from academic texts; approximately 700 words long; 12-14 questions per passage.
• Testing Time : 60-100 minutes
• Question : 36-70 questions
• Score Scale : 0-30

• Section : Listening
• Description : 4-6 lectures, some with classroom discussion; each 3-5 minutes long; 6 questions each. 2-3 conversations; each 3 minutes long; 5 questions each.
• Testing Time : 60-90 minutes
• Question : 34-51 questions
• Score Scale : 0-30

• Section : Break
• Description : N/A
• Testing Time : 10 minutes
• Question : N/A
• Score Scale N/A

• Section : Speaking
• Description :2 tasks to express an opinion on a familiar topic; 4 tasks to speak based on what is read and listened to.
• Testing Time : 20 minutes
• Question : 6 tasks
• Score Scale : 0-4 points converted to 0-30 score scale

• Section : Writing
• Description : 1 task to write based on what is read and listened to; 1 task to support an opinion on a topic.
• Testing Time : 50 minutes
• Question : 2 tasks
• Score Scale : 0-5 points converted to 0-30 score scale

• Section : Total score
• Description : N/A
• Testing Time : N/A
• Question : N/A
• Score Scale0-120

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How Test Questions Are Created

Language specialists prepare TOEFL test questions and follow rigorous, standardized procedures to ensure that test material is of consistent high quality. Each question is reviewed by several ETS staff members. The TOEFL Committee of Examiners — an independent group of professionals in the fields of linguistics, language testing and language teaching that reports to the TOEFL Board — establishes guidelines for test content.

After test questions have been reviewed and revised, they are administered in trial situations and assembled into tests. Tests are reviewed according to ETS and TOEFL program procedures to ensure that all tests are free of cultural bias. Statistical analyses of individual questions ensure that all items provide appropriate measurement information.


How to Earn a Score

To earn a score on the TOEFL test, you must do all of the following:

• Answer at least 1 question in the Reading section
• Answer at least 1 question in the Listening section
• Write at least 1 essay in the Writing section
• Finish at least 1 task in the Speaking section

You will receive a score on each section and a total score for the entire test. You will also receive feedback on your performance and a description of tasks that test takers can do within the score range for each level.

Understand Your TOEFL iBT Scores

1. Skill : Reading
2. Score Range : 0-30
3. Level :
   
   • Low (0-14)
   • Intermediate (15-21)
   • High (22-30)

1. Skill : Listening
2. Score Range : 0-30
3. Level :
   
   • Low (0-14)
   • Intermediate (15-21)
   • High (22-30)

1. Skill : Speaking
2. Score Range : 0-4 points converted to 0-30 score scale
3. Level :
   
   • Weak (0-9)
   • Limited (10-17)
   • Fair (18-25)
   • Good (26-30)

1. Skill : Writing
2. Score Range : 0-5 points converted to 0-30 score scale
3. Level :
   
   • Limited (1-16)
   • Fair (17-23)
   • Good (24-30)

1. Skill : Total
2. Score Range : 0-120
3. Level : N/A

[Masters]

On Test Day

What to Bring on Test Day

You must bring valid identification and your registration number on test day. You cannot take the test without them.

Valid ID with your name, signature and photograph must have:

• the same name you used when you registered
• your entire first/given name and entire last/family name
• a clear, recent photo

Changes will not be made unless your name is misspelled. Expired documents and copies will not be accepted.

Your registration number You will get this number when you register. Log in to your online profile, print your registration confirmation with the number on it and bring it to the test center.

1. Valid IDs for testing in your country of citizenship. You must bring one of these:
   
   
   • Passport or driver's license with name, photo and signature
   • State ID issued by the motor vehicle agency with name, photo and signature
   • Military ID with name, photo and signature
   
   
   
2. Valid IDs for testing outside your country of citizenship. You must bring one of these:
   
   
   
   • Passport with name, photo and signature
   • U.S. Military ID card with name, photo and signature
   
   
   
3. Valid IDs for testing in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan:
   
   
   • Only valid passports with name, photo and signature are accepted.
   
   
   
4. Valid IDs for testing in European Union/Schengen Zone countries:
   
   • You may use your valid national or European identify card
   • The card must contain your photograph, date of birth, and signature

Your ID may be verified at the test center by:

• thumb printing
• signature comparison
• photographing/videotaping
• other forms of electronic ID confirmation

What to Expect on Test Day

1. The following information will help you understand test center guidelines, policies and procedures.
   
   • Test center administrators cannot make schedule changes.
   • Friends or relatives are not allowed in the test center during the test.
   • You should dress comfortably for any room temperature.
   • You are required to write (not print) and sign a confidentiality statement at the test center. You cannot test without it. Your fees will NOT be refunded.
   • Your picture will be taken and placed at your assigned station and on your score report.
   • Scratch paper is provided and must be returned at the end of the session.
   • Raise your hand if you need assistance or have a problem with your computer.
   • Testing premises are subject to videotaping.
   • Admittance to the test center does not mean that your ID is valid or that your scores will be reported.
   • All cases of questionable ID are subject to review and approval by the ETS Office of Testing Integrity.
   
   
   
2. How to Earn a Score on the Test
   
   You must answer at least 1 question in each Reading and Listening section, write at least 1 essay, and complete at least 1 Speaking task to receive an official score report.
   
   
3. Timing
   
   
   • The TOEFL iBT takes about 4½ hours.
   • You may pace yourself with your own watch, but the computer is the official timekeeper.
   • Alarms on watches or other devices are not permitted.
   • You will not be permitted to test beyond the time limit.
   
   
   
4. Taking a Break, Leaving Your Seat
   
   
   • There is a mandatory 10-minute break midway through the test.
   • If you take more than 10 minutes, you may be dismissed or your score may be canceled.
   • Raise your hand if you need to leave your seat for any reason.
   • If you must leave the room, you must show the administrator your identification document(s) before you leave and when you return.
   • You cannot use your cell phone during the test or during breaks.