TOEFL Exam
Are you dreaming of studying abroad? Search no more – the TOEFL exam is your gateway to global education! Nomad Credit invites you to embark on an exciting journey filled with TOEFL insights, updates, resources, and guidance.
What is the TOEFL exam?
TOEFL, or TOEFL full form Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardized examination designed to evaluate the linguistic prowess of non-native English speakers seeking admission to educational institutions in English-speaking nations.
This assessment garners acceptance at more than 11,000 distinguished universities spanning over 150 countries, and its administration and oversight lie within the purview of the Educational Testing System (ETS).
TOEFL is a test for people who speak English as a second language. It checks four things:
- reading,
- listening
- speaking,and
- writing
What is the purpose of the TOEFL exam?
These four things show how good you are at English. When people want to go to a country where they speak English, like the USA or Canada, they look at TOEFL scores. It helps them decide if they can study or work there.
TOEFL Test Formats
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers types of TOEFL assessments, namely, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL PBT, and TOEFL Essentials
- TOEFL iBT,conducted via the Internet and accessible at authorized test centers, encompasses four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
- TOEFL PBT is a Paper-Based Test delivered in print, catering to regions with limited internet access. It encompasses three sections: Reading, Writing, and Listening, omitting a speaking segment due to technological constraints. It’s important to note that this test ceased to be offered after April 11, 2022, although scores remain valid for two years from the test date.
- Recently introduced, TOEFL Essentials closely resembles TOEFL iBT, with a shorter duration of 1.5 hours. An intriguing feature is the option for students to submit a Personal Statement video, though it is not scored and primarily serves institutions to gain deeper insights into candidates. The convenience of taking this exam from the comfort of one’s home adds to its appeal.
Listening section
This section assesses your listening skills in diverse contexts, preparing you for real-world situations where you must comprehend spoken English. It is crucial to practice and become familiar with various accents and types of discourse to perform well in this part of the TOEFL exam.
The TOEFL exam’s Listening section typically consists of 28 to 39 questions, assessing a candidate’s ability to comprehend spoken English. This section is further divided into two main categories: Lectures and Conversations.
Additionally, there are several other TOEFL tests tailored for different age groups:
- TOEFL Primary:Designed for individuals aged 8 and above.
- TOEFL Junior:Geared towards those aged 11 and above.
- TOEFL ITP:Tailored for candidates aged 16 and older.
TOEFL Highlights:
| Sections | |
|---|---|
| Fees iBT | $ 190 |
| TOEFL Essential | $ 100 |
| Score Validity | 2 Years |
| Format – iBT | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | Time | Score Range | |
| Reading | Read passages and answer 20 questions | 35 minutes | 0-30 |
| Listening | Listen to classroom lectures/discussions and answer 28 questions | 36 minutes | 0-30 |
| Writing – 2 tasks | 1. Read a passage, listen to a recording, type your response. 2. State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion. | 29 minutes | 0-30 |
| Speaking – 4 tasks | Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard. | 16 minutes | 0-30 |
| Total | 2 Hours Approx | 0-120 |
How to register for TOEFL?
- Visit ETS’s official website for ETS TOEFL login and set up your profile.
- Complete all the required information, including your name, address, email, and more.
- Ensure that the details you provide match those on your passport, emphasizing an exact name that matches your ID
- Choose your preferred TOEFL test date and test center
- Double-check your choices and confirm them.
- Make the payment for the application fee.
- Don’t forget to print the acknowledgment form for future reference.
Other Details about the TOEFL Exam
Applicants have a few ways to sign up for TOEFL: they can use the official ETS website, make a call, or send an email. The whole process is smooth, and it’s easy to register, cancel, or change the test date.
TOEFL happens around 50 times a year, 4-5 times monthly. Your TOEFL score is good for two years from when you get the results.
You don’t need to meet special requirements to take the TOEFL test. Anyone can do it, whether you’re a student testing your English skills or planning to study in an English-speaking place. There’s no age limit, either.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I take the TOEFL exam?
Universities, colleges, and employers in English-speaking countries widely accept TOEFL scores. It's a prerequisite for admission to many academic programs and helps in visa applications.
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Can I retake the TOEFL exam if I'm unsatisfied with my score?
You can retake the TOEFL exam as often as you wish, but there must be at least a 12-day gap between consecutive attempts.
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Does the TOEFL syllabus change frequently?
The TOEFL syllabus does not change drastically or frequently. However, checking the official website for updates and any minor adjustments to the test structure is a good practice
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Can I request additional score reports to be sent to more institutions after I've taken the TOEFL exam?
Yes, you can request additional score reports for a fee through your ETS account, and they will be sent to the institutions you specify
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Can I cancel or reschedule my TOEFL exam?
Yes, you can reschedule or cancel your test, but it must be done at least four days before the scheduled test date, and you may be required to pay a rescheduling fee
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Can I use a dictionary during the TOEFL exam?
No, you cannot use dictionaries or any outside resources during the exam. You must rely on your own language skills.
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What Constitutes a Good TOEFL Score?
A "good" TOEFL score is subjective, as each university sets its own TOEFL score cutoff. Students must attain scores that meet or exceed the university's requirements. It's important to understand that higher TOEFL scores can enhance your university admission chances and position you as a strong candidate for any available scholarships.
