The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a highly recognized English language certification test for non-native speakers. Over 11,000 educational institutions and agencies accept it in more than 150 countries. The TOEFL is commonly required as part of college application and admission criteria. It distinguishes itself by providing a comprehensive measure of one's ability to succeed academically without needing further proof from university professors.
Whether applying to institutions in Canada or New Zealand, a good TOEFL score significantly enhances your enrollment prospects. The test is administered through computer-based exams covering reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, closely replicating real classroom scenarios. With over 35 million test-takers globally, a strong TOEFL score is crucial for employment abroad and mandatory for many immigration processes.
The TOEFL test's widespread availability in authorized centers worldwide makes it convenient without worrying about transportation. As the de facto standard for language proficiency, TOEFL opens many doors for both professional careers and academic opportunities.
- TOEFL is the preferred language test for over 80% of Canadian graduate programs, where it is often a mandatory part of the admission process.
- Achieving a high TOEFL score dramatically improves your chances of acceptance in the United States.
- All British universities, including the prestigious Russell Group, accept it.
- TOEFL is the preferred English language test in the E.U., particularly in France and Germany.
- TOEFL is a critical requirement for migration visas in Australia and New Zealand.
- It is also the standard language test in mainland China, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea.
In summary, a strong TOEFL score boosts your chances of university acceptance and demonstrates your academic English proficiency and readiness to meet classroom demands.
TOEFL Preparation Guide: Key Aspects of the TOEFL Test
One of the TOEFL test's notable advantages is its logical structure and specific scoring system. The test generally lasts about four hours, including thirty minutes for check-in procedures, so it's recommended that you allocate at least 4 1/2 hours to the testing facility.
The TOEFL is crucial for international students who must prove their English proficiency in a foreign language to study or work in English-speaking countries.
The TOEFL evaluates your individual skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening and your ability to integrate these skills. The exam is divided into four sections, each assessing a different skill set.
How to Register for the TOEFL
Before registering for the TOEFL test, you must ensure you can read, comprehend, write, and speak English. You can register online, by phone, or by mail.
Online TOEFL Registration: Visit the TOEFL iBT registration website to create a profile, choose your test center location and date, select score recipients, and pay for your registration.
TOEFL Phone Registration:
- Call the Regional Registration Center.
- Ensure your registration form is complete online, and your payment information is ready.
- Enter your TOEFL registration codes and related information manually.
Payment can be made via debit/credit card, PayPal, or electronic check transfer.
TOEFL Mail Registration: Download and complete a paper registration form in advance. Ensure the spelling of your name is consistent. The center must receive the form at least four weeks before your chosen test date. Send the completed form and approved payment information to:
ETS-TOEFL iBT Registration Office
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151
ETS administers the TOEFL and provides a searchable database of TOEFL testing locations. The exam is offered 50 times yearly, with dates varying by testing center, so check local registration times.
TOEFL iBT Test Components
The TOEFL test comprises the following sections:
Reading (60 to 100 minutes): This section assesses your reading comprehension skills. Passages are similar to academic texts found in English textbooks, covering subjects ranging from Sociology and Literature to Psychology and Science. Practice exercises can significantly improve your reading comprehension skills. A practice test can help identify weaknesses and improve your reading comprehension.
Listening (60 to 90 minutes): This section evaluates your understanding of English conversations, including introductory lectures and dialogues. These conversations typically relate to subjects such as the Arts, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Full-length practice tests of the speaking section are crucial to prepare for the listening component.
10-minute Break: A short break to prepare for the speaking test. Use this time to relax and hydrate.
Speaking (20 minutes): This section tests your ability to communicate in an educational environment. You will read several passages aloud, answer 2-5 questions based on the readings, discuss a provided prompt, answer questions, and respond to questions about various conversations.
Writing (50 minutes): Often considered the most challenging part of the TOEFL, this section assesses your writing ability effectively in academic settings. It tests your English mechanics, organization, grammar, spelling, argument development, and structure. You will write two essays: one based on a reading passage and the other on writing responses to an individual prompt.
Understanding Your TOEFL Scores
After completing the TOEFL test, you will receive an individual score report that includes a total score and scores for each section: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Your score report will be available online about ten days after your test date. You can download your score report from your TOEFL online account, and ETS will provide a PDF copy of your report within three days of your online score release.
Your test scores will be sent to the institutions you selected during registration approximately two weeks after you receive your score. In the United States, this process usually takes 7 to 10 days. ETS provides up to four official TOEFL score reports free of charge, chosen at the time of registration. You can request more score reports or a paper copy for an additional fee.
Your TOEFL test scores are valid for two years from the test date. Taking practice tests can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, which is crucial for improving your test scores. Test takers can use their score reports to identify areas for improvement.
The Scoring Scale
The TOEFL exam uses automated and human raters to determine your final scores. Human raters evaluate the writing and speaking sections, while computers score the others. Here is an overview of the scoring scale:
Reading:
- High: 22-30
- Intermediate: 15-21
- Low: 0-14
Listening:
- High: 22-30
- Intermediate: 15-21
- Low: 0-14
Speaking:
- Sound: 26-30
- Fair: 18-25
- Limited: 10-17
- Weak: 0-9
- Additionally, a rating from zero to four is given.
Writing:
- Sound: 24-30
- Fair: 17-23
- Limited: 1-16
- Each essay is scored on a scale of zero to five.
Rescheduling or Canceling
If you need to reschedule your test, you must do so at least four days before your original test date. Rescheduling can be done by phone or online. In the United States, call +1-800-468-6335 or log in to your TOEFL account to cancel or schedule a new test date.
TOEFL Limitations
You can retake the TOEFL test as often as you wish to improve your score, but you must wait at least twelve days between test dates. This means that if you have a scheduled test, you cannot register for another test within 12 days of that test day or date.
Assistance for Disabled Individuals & Health Considerations
If you have a disability or health-related issue, you can request special testing accommodations before registration. Approved accommodations may include:
- Specialized assistance (e.g., sign language interpreter, test readers, oral interpreter)
- Technical accommodations (e.g., ergonomic keyboard, screen magnifier, touchpad keyboard)
- Adaptive tools (e.g., extended testing time, Braille test, additional breaks)
To request accommodations, provide an application form, testing accommodations request, and a certificate of eligibility or disability documentation.
TOEFL Fees
All TOEFL fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. The cost of the exam varies by country. In the United States, the standard fee is $190, with an additional $40 scheduling fee. Payments can be made using credit/debit cards, electronic or paper checks, and PayPal.
You can receive a refund if you cancel your test at least four full days before your test date, in which case you will receive half the original fee. Cancellations made less than four days before the test date are non-refundable. You can reschedule your test for an additional $60 fee.
If you need to reinstate a canceled score, there is a $20 fee. This fee prevents the cancellation report from being sent to your institution. You can request a review of your speaking and writing scores for $80 each up to 30 days after the test date. Note that they cannot be reviewed if you have already sent your scores to an institution.
TOEFL Financial Assistance
ETS offers a TOEFL Fee Reduction Service for eligible individuals. You may qualify if you:
- Are you a non-native speaker in your senior year of high school in the U.S.?
- Have a family member receiving public assistance
- Live in federally subsidized public housing
- Are enrolled in a program supporting economically disadvantaged learners
Discuss this option during registration and consult your academic advisor for more information.
TOEFL Test Preparation
Here are ten essential tips to help you prepare for the toefl get ready for the TOEFL exam:
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is critical. The more you practice, the better your score will be. Use detailed answer explanations to understand the reasoning behind correct answers. Taking TOEFL practice tests is crucial to identifying weaknesses, improving speaking and writing skills, reducing stress, and gaining confidence.
- Follow Test Instructions: Always read and understand the test instructions carefully. Could you not rush through them?
- Manage Your Time: Develop time management skills to complete each section within the allotted time. Test-taking strategies can help improve your speed and accuracy.
- Review Grammar and Vocabulary: Focus on using words you are confident about and avoid those you are unsure of.
- Take Notes: Take notes to improve your listening skills while listening to English audio or watching videos.
- Practice Speaking: Engage in conversations in English with friends or use apps like HelloTalk to practice speaking with native speakers.
- Focus on Writing Accuracy: Practice writing with an emphasis on accuracy and proofreading to avoid errors.
- Build Confidence: Use test simulation resources to familiarize yourself with the test format and boost your confidence. TOEFL practice tests are essential to gauge performance and improve test-taking skills.
- Get Feedback on Pronunciation: Have English-speaking friends help you with pronunciation and practice dialogues for the speaking test.
- Proofread Essays: Always proofread your essays before submission to catch and correct mistakes.
Essential Tip: Start preparing early and maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation.
Helpful TOEFL Practice Tests & Prep Resources
Taking practice tests is crucial for identifying weaknesses, improving speaking and writing skills, reducing stress, and gaining confidence in achieving your target scores. The following online resources include various practice tests to help you prepare:
Take time to explore these valuable TOEFL preparation resources:
- Testden: An educational platform offering various TOEFL preparation materials and reviews.
- Learn4Good: Provides free interactive sample test questions similar to the TOEFL test, helping you check your grammar and skills.
- 4Tests: Offers a wide range of practice questions for reading, listening, and writing.
- Purdue Online Writing Lab: A resource to help you review English grammar rules and punctuation. Practicing TOEFL vocabulary through flashcards and interactive exercises is crucial.
- TOEFL TV: The official YouTube channel with tips on exam preparation, registration, and more. TOEFL practice is essential to identify weaknesses and improve test-taking skills.
Remember to familiarize yourself with all the rules and prepare for practice exams well in advance. This will boost your confidence and readiness for the TOEFL exam. Preparing for the TOEFL can be challenging, but with the right resources and assignment help support, you can enhance your study plan and improve your chances of success.
