Toefl EXAM

TOEFL Exam

The Test of English as a Foreign Language, better known as TOEFL is a globally accepted standardized test to measure English competency in non-native speakers. Many universities mandate this exam for international students and it is widely accepted across the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK. The test is divided into four sections, namely:

  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking

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IELTS Exam Details
Particulars Details
Name of the Exam TOEFL
TOEFL Full Form Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL Exam Fees ₹16,900 INR
Conducting Body ETS (Educational Testing Service)
Score Range Reading: 0–30 , Listening: 0–30 , Speaking: 0–30 , Writing: 0–30
Official Website https://www.ets.org/toefl
Accepted Countries United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland
TOEFL Helpline Numbers 1-609-683-2008

Who is Eligible for TOEFL?

  • If you are below the age of 18 , You would need your parents or guardians to sign up for you.
  • There is no age bar to sit for TOEFL. Anyone can take the exam, But there are two simple points to remember.
  • This is an exam widely accepted by universities, hence, the universities would expect you to have finished high school (10+2) .

Exam Pattern

The TOEFL Exam Pattern is majorly designed to test the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. The exam pattern is as follows:

Section Duration Description No. of Questions
Reading 35 Minutes Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. 20
Listening 36 Minutes Listen to the classroom discussions and lectures, and answer the questions. 28
Speaking 16 Minutes Talk about a familiar topic, in order to testyour speaking skills. 4 Task
Writing 29 Minutes After reading a topic, or listening to class discussions, type in your response and state and support your opinion 2 task

Syllabus

The TOEFL iBT syllabus covers four sections described below:

1. Listening
  • This section involves 3-4 academic lectures that are about 4-6 minutes long each, and and 2-3 conversations that are around 2-3 minutes long. The test lasts around 41-57 minutes and is an MCQ-based test. It is designed to measure the ability to understand spoken English in the academic context.
2. Reading
  • This is an MCQ-based test, involving reading comprehension. It involves a passage of 700 words (3-4 pages). The test is about 54 - 72 minutes long. It tests the ability to understand arguments, organization, as well as vocabulary. The syllabus comprises of:
3. Writing
  • This section is 50 minutes long and involves two tasks namely:
  • Integrated task: You are required to read a passage and then listen to a lecture on the same topic, and then write a response integrating both.
  • Independent task: Write an essay on a given topic expressing your opinion or sharing your viewpoint.
4. Speaking
  • This section contains 4 sections and is around 17 minutes long.
  • 3 Integrated tasks Involve reading a passage, listening to a lecture or conversation, and then responding.
  • 1 Independent task involves you giving your opinion on a familiar topic.

Best Books for TOEFL Preparation

Have a look at some of the best books to prepare for TOEFL:

  1. The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Publisher/Author
    ETS (Educational Testing Service) Approximate Cost: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000
  2. Kaplan's TOEFL iBT Prep Publisher/Author
    Kaplan Test Prep Approximate Cost: ₹1,500 - ₹2,500
  3. Barron’s TOEFL iBT Publisher/Author
    Barron’s Educational Series Approximate Cost: ₹800 - ₹1,500
  4. Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test Publisher/Author
    Cambridge University Press Approximate Cost: ₹1,500 - ₹2,500
  5. Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep Publisher/Author
    The Princeton Review Approximate Cost: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000
  6. TOEFL iBT Prep Plus Publisher/Author
    Kaplan Test Prep Approximate Cost: ₹1,500 - ₹2,000
  7. Delta’s Key to the TOEFL iBT Publisher/Author
    Delta Publishing Approximate Cost: ₹2,000 - ₹3,000
  8. Cracking the TOEFL iBT Publisher/Author
    Princeton Review Approximate Cost: ₹1,200 - ₹2,000
  9. TOEFL iBT Interactive Sampler Publisher/Author
    ETS (Educational Testing Service) Approximate Cost: Free or low cost (available online)

FAQs

What is the difference between the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT?

The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is the most commonly taken version, administered online, and covers Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) is only available in areas where internet testing is not possible and does not include a Speaking section. The iBT is more widely accepted and is the preferred test format.

How is the TOEFL scored, and what is a good score?

The TOEFL iBT is scored out of 120 points—with each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) scored out of 30. A good score depends on the requirements of the institution you’re applying to. Generally, a score above 90 is considered good, while top universities may require scores above 100.

How long is my TOEFL score valid?

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. After two years, the scores expire, and you will need to retake the test if needed for applications or other purposes.