Test Advice - TOEFL
The essential exam for entry to universities in the United States.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understandNorth American English as it is spoken, written and heard in college anduniversity settings. Most people who take the TOEFL test are planning to studyat colleges and universities where instruction is in English. In addition, manygovernment agencies, scholarship programs, and licensing/certification agenciesuse TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency.
Versions of theTOEFL® test
You can do the test on paperor on a computer, dependingwhere you live. The test comes in two formats:
paper-based test (PBT)
next generationcomputer-based test (iBT)
The iBT is not yetavailable at every test centre. If it is available at your local centre thenyou will have to do it. If not you will do the PBT.
The next generation TOEFL® iBT test has four sections:
Reading(60-100 minutes)
3-5 passages, 12-14questions each
Listening(60-90 minutes)
4-6 lectures, 6 questionseach
2-3 conversations, 5 questions each
Speaking(20 minutes)
6 tasks, 2 independent and2 integrated
Writing(50 minutes)
1 integrated task
1 independent task
An integrated task is one where you have to use more than oneskill. For example, you readabout something, listen to alecture, and then write aboutwhat you have heard and read.
Do the test at a test centre in your country. The test isorganised by the Educational Testing Service. You can register for the TOEFL® iBT online.
Writing Test Advice
The writing section of the TOEFL exam evaluates your ability tocommunicate in an academic environment. You will have 20 minutes towrite your response—most responses are 150–255 words. The question willbe based on your ability to compare a short passage you will read witha related lecture you will listen to. As with the speaking section ofthe TOEFL exam, you can take notes during the reading and listeningsegments to help you prepare to write your essay.
Speaking Test Advice
The speaking section of the iBT TOEFL exam is conducted over the phone.You will be asked to demonstrate your English speaking skills byanswering a short series of questions. Some questions will be personalin nature (such as “describe the city that you live in”), while otherswill ask you about a brief passage you will read as well as a shortconversation you will listen to. You are allowed to take notes fromyour reading and listening to help you answer questions. You are alsogiven 15–30 seconds to gather your thoughts before answering eachquestion.
Listening Test Advice
The listening section of the TOEFL exam measures your ability tounderstand both lectures and two-way conversations in English. You willhear two or three listening segments and then, similar to the readingsection, answer multiple-choice questions about each one.
Reading Test Advice
This reading portion of the TOEFL exam measures your English readingcomprehension abilities. It requires you to read three passages andanswer multiple-choice questions about each passage.
