TOEFL

The exam explained

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is another widely recognized English language proficiency test. Like IELTS, it is used to assess the English language skills of non-native English speakers who wish to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries. The TOEFL test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

The TOEFL test assesses four language skills:

Reading: (35 minutes) Test takers read academic passages and answer questions to demonstrate their ability to understand and analyse written content.

Listening:(36 minutes) Test takers listen to academic lectures, discussions, and conversations, and then answer questions based on what they've heard.

Speaking: (16 minutes)The speaking section involves expressing opinions, summarizing information, and participating in discussions on familiar topics. It is a completely computer-based exam. Therefore, students do not interact personally with the examiners. Test takers record their responses, which are later evaluated by an examiner.

Writing: (29 minutes) The writing section consists of two tasks. In the first task, test takers are required to read a passage, listen to a lecture, and then write a response that synthesizes both sources. In the second task, they write an essay expressing their opinion on a given topic.

The TOEFL test is available in two formats:

TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test): This is the most common format and is administered online. It measures all four language skills and is widely accepted by universities and institutions around the world.

TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test): This format is administered in areas where the internet-based test is not available. It assesses reading, listening, and writing skills, but not speaking you'll take the Speaking section on a computer at home.

TOEFL scores are reported on a scale of 0 to 120, with separate scores for each of the four sections. The total score is the sum of the four section scores.

The TOEFL test is commonly required by universities in the United States and Canada, but it's also accepted by institutions in other English-speaking countries and around the world. Like with other language proficiency tests, it's important to check the specific requirements of the institutions you're interested in.