Test of English as a Foreign Language
What is the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL exam is an internationally recognized standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It assesses the test-takers’ abilities in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, and is commonly used for academic and professional purposes. The TOEFL exam plays a crucial role in assessing English language proficiency for academic and professional purposes. Whether you’re a student aiming to study abroad, a professional seeking career opportunities, or an individual looking to improve your English skills, the TOEFL exam offers a comprehensive evaluation and certification of your language abilities.
Test Sections
Reading: This section evaluates the ability to understand academic passages. Test-takers answer questions based on the content, main ideas, supporting details, vocabulary, and rhetorical purpose of the texts.
Listening: Test-takers listen to lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations, and then answer questions based on the audio recordings. This section assesses the ability to understand spoken English in academic settings.
Speaking: In this section, test-takers express their opinions and ideas on familiar topics and academic tasks. They respond to prompts by speaking into a microphone, and their responses are recorded and scored by trained raters.
Writing: Test-takers write essays in response to specific prompts. They must effectively communicate their ideas, support their arguments with relevant examples and details, and demonstrate their ability to organize and express their thoughts coherently.
Test Formats
TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test): The most commonly administered format, where the entire test is taken via computer, including the speaking section.
TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test): Offered in areas where internet-based testing is not available. This format includes listening, reading, and writing sections, but the speaking section is conducted through recorded responses.
Scoring
- Each section (reading, listening, speaking, writing) is scored separately, and scores range from 0 to 30.
- The total score is out of 120 for the iBT, while for the PBT, the total score is out of 677.
- Scores are valid for two years.
Importance
- The TOEFL exam is widely accepted by universities, colleges, and institutions around the world as proof of English proficiency for admission purposes.
- It is also used by governments, scholarship programs, and employers to assess language skills for immigration, scholarship eligibility, and employment opportunities.