Introduction
And you have the option to choose between a test center edition or an at-home edition. TOEFL iBT lasts for 1 hour and 56 minutes, however, expect 2.5 hours because check-in at a test center may take 30 minutes. Requirements for the iBT home edition include specific requirements regarding equipment and environment. The operating system must be Windows 10 or higher, and Mac OS X 10.13 or higher.
TOEFL iBT test is composed of four sections; reading, speaking, writing, and listening. Each section score ranges from 0 to 30 and will add up to calculate the total score, which will be on a scale of 0 to 120. The TOEFL test in India costs USD 205, which is equivalent to INR 17,109. Your score report is two years valid.
Overview for TOEFL ibt
- Global Acceptance More than 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries accept the TOEFL iBT score for admission or immigration purposes.
- Focus on Academic Communication: TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to communicate effectively in English in academic contexts such as classrooms and lectures.
- Official Resources: Registration to sit the TOEFL iBT requires one to establish an ETS account. Official ETS resources include practice tests, scoring, and test preparation information.
- Multiple Test Dates and Locations: TOEFL iBT is administered throughout the year at numerous testing centers around the world, so you can test at a time that works for you.
TOEFL iBT Highlights
The pattern for the home version of the TOEFL test is largely the same as that of the test-center-based exam. TOEFL exam includes Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. This at-home option is available all over the world where TOEFL test center exams were held, except in the following cases – Mainland China and Iran. The test pattern of TOEFL iBT consists of reading, listening, speaking, and writing, but these are monitored by ProctorU. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition enrollments are available 24 hours a day and 4 days a week. The following are key features of the TOEFL exam pattern of iBT:
| TOEFL iBT full form | TOEFL internet-based test |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | ETS |
| Meant for | International students willing to study abroad |
| Sections tested | 4 – reading, listening, speaking, and writing |
| Exam Pattern | Reading: 35 minutes to answer 20 questions. Listening: 36 minutes to answer 28 questions. Speaking:16 minutes to answer 4 tasks. Writing: 29 minutes to answer 2 tasks. |
| Duration | 1 hour and 56 minutes |
| Score range | 0-120 |
| Average score obtained in India | 91 |
| Average score accepted | 65-115 |
TOEFL iBT Vs IELTS
Both TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are widely recognized tests for assessing English language proficiency. While they serve similar purposes, they differ in format, structure, and acceptance criteria. Choosing between the two depends on your goals, strengths, and preferences. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:
1. Purpose and Acceptance
- TOEFL iBT:
- Primarily used for admissions to universities in the United States, though it’s widely accepted globally.
- Also accepted for visa applications in countries like the US and Canada.
- IELTS:
- Commonly used for academic purposes (IELTS Academic) and immigration (IELTS General Training).
- Preferred in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand for both study and migration.
2. Test Format
- TOEFL iBT:
- Entirely computer-based, including the speaking section.
- Four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing.
- Focuses more on academic English, with integrated tasks combining multiple skills.
- IELTS:
- Available in paper-based and computer-based formats.
- Four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing.
- The speaking section involves a face-to-face interview with an examiner.
3. Scoring System
- TOEFL iBT:
- Total score: 0–120 (30 points for each section).
- Provides detailed feedback for each skill.
- IELTS:
- Overall band score: 0–9, calculated as an average of the four sections.
- Each section is scored on a 9-band scale.
4. Test Duration
- TOEFL iBT:
- Approximately 3 hours.
- Includes a 10-minute break.
- IELTS:
- Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- No breaks between sections.
5. Speaking Section
- TOEFL iBT:
- Speaking is done via a computer microphone, and responses are recorded.
- Graded by AI and human examiners.
- IELTS:
- Conducted in person with a certified examiner.
- Involves a conversational approach, testing natural communication skills.
6. Content Style
- TOEFL iBT:
- Emphasis on academic English, suitable for university lectures and discussions.
- Includes integrated tasks (e.g., listening and speaking).
- IELTS:
- Covers both academic and general English.
- More diverse content, including day-to-day scenarios.
7. Cost
- TOEFL iBT:
- Generally ranges from $180 to $250, depending on the location.
- IELTS:
- Typically ranges from $215 to $250, depending on the test type and location.
8. Acceptance Regions
- TOEFL iBT:
- Widely accepted in the USA, Canada, and some European countries.
- IELTS:
- Preferred for admissions and migration in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Which Test Should You Choose?
- Choose TOEFL iBT if:
- You’re applying to U.S.-based universities.
- You prefer a computer-based test and are comfortable with academic English.
- Choose IELTS if:
- You’re migrating to the UK, Australia, or Canada.
- You prefer face-to-face interaction for the speaking section.
- You need a test that covers both academic and general English.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on the test requirements of your target institution or country and your personal test-taking preferences. Both TOEFL iBT and IELTS are excellent options to demonstrate your English proficiency.
IELTS vs TOEFL iBT Score Conversion
TOEFL and IELTS are widely accepted tests for checking English language proficiency around the world. You can refer to the IELTS vs TOEFL score comparison for better understanding of both. The following tables indicate the conversion of IELTS to TOEFL iBT score:
| TOEFL iBT score | IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| 118-120 | 9 |
| 115-117 | 8.5 |
| 110-114 | 8 |
| 102-109 | 7.5 |
| 94-101 | 7 |
| 79-93 | 6.5 |
| 60-78 | 6 |
| 46-59 | 5.5 |
| 35-45 | 5 |
| 32-34 | 4.5 |
| 0-31 | 0-4 |
TOEFL Essentials vs TOEFL iBT
The TOEFL essential test has academic and general contexts. The TOEFL essential test takes 1.5 hours with 4 sections. For better understanding, refer to the table given below, that brings out a contrast between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials.
| Parameters | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL Essentials Test |
|---|---|---|
| What it Measures | Language skills in an academic setting | Fundamental language skills in academic and non-academic contexts |
| Language Proficiency | 100% academic English setting | 50% general and 50% academic English |
| Sections | Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing | Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking + 5-minute personal video statement |
| Who’s likely to take it | Students applying for UG/PG/PhD courses abroad | International students applying to universities (limited acceptance) and high schools |
| Exam Duration | 1 hour and 56 minutes | 1.5 hours |
| Main Test Design Principle | Designed to be the most effective assessment of applied English communication in academic contexts, with a range corresponding to CEFR B1 to C2. | Designed to be a highly efficient, multi-stage adaptive test that measures the entire range of English proficiency (from CEFR A1 to C2) precisely with fewer test items and in just 1-1/2 hours. |
| Delivery | At a test centre or at-home | At-home (same procedure as TOEFL iBT) |
| Cost | USD 205 INR 17,109 | USD 120 (INR 10,013) |
| Score Reports and Additional Cost |
First 4 reports: free Additional: USD 25 (INR 2,086) per university |
Free, unlimited score reports |
| Scale Score | 0 – 120 | 1 to 12 |
TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT
Note that TOEFL iBT is the only option test format. TOEFL PBT the paper-based exam is not available. You can refer to the table below to undestand difference between of these two formats are :
| Section | Estimated Timing | Questions/Tasks | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 35 minutes | 20 questions | Read passages and respond to questions. |
| Listening | 36 minutes | 28 questions | Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions. |
| Speaking | 16 minutes | 4 tasks | Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard. |
| Writing | 29 minutes | 2 tasks |
Read a passage, listen to a recording, type your response. State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion. |
TOEFL iBT Score
TOEFL iBT score range is 0-120 and each section has a score range of 0-30. The following table describes the raw score range of each section and how TOEFL iBT score are calculated:
| Section | Raw Score range | TOEFL Score Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading | 0-45 | Based on the number of correct answers |
| TOEFL Listening | 0-34 | Based on the number of correct answers |
| TOEFL Speaking | 0-24 (each speaking task carry equal points) | Based on the quality of the answer, fluency, and range of vocabulary |
| TOEFL Writing | 0-10 (each writing task carry equal points) | Based on the structure of essays, usage of relevant examples, words, and connecting words |
TOEFL iBT Score Calculation
To verify your score report you have to log into your account for TOEFL iBT. Then, you have to go to the score section in order to get your improved score report. When the scores are calculated for TOEFL, raw scores are translated into scaled scores. You can refer to this table to get the scaled score that would correspond to the raw points obtained:.
| Reading Raw Score | Listening Raw Score | Speaking Raw Score | Writing Raw Score | Scaled Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45, 44 | 34 | 16 | 10 | 30 |
| 43, 42, 41 | 33 | — | — | 29 |
| 40, 39 | — | 15 | 9 | 28 |
| 38, 37 | 32 | — | — | 27 |
| 36 | 31 | 14 | — | 26 |
| 35, 34 | 30 | — | 8 | 25 |
| 33 | 29 | 13 | — | 24 |
| 32 | — | 12 | — | 23 |
| 31 | 28 | — | 7 | 22 |
| 30 | — | 11 | — | 21 |
| 29 | 27 | — | 6 | 20 |
| 28 | 26 | 10 | — | 19 |
| 27 | 25 | — | — | 18 |
| 26 | 24 | 9 | 5 | 17 |
| 25 | 23 | — | — | 16 |
| 24 | 22 | 8 | — | 15 |
| 23 | 21 | — | 4 | 14 |
| 22 | 20 | 7 | — | 13 |
| — | 19 | — | 3 | 12 |
| 21 | — | 6 | — | 11 |
| 20 | 18 | — | — | 10 |
| 19 | 17 | 5 | — | 9 |
| 18 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| 17 | 15 | — | — | 7 |
| — | 14 | 3 | — | 6 |
| 16 | 13 | — | 1 | 5 |
| 15 | 12 | 2 | — | 4 |
| 14 | 11 | — | — | 3 |
| 13, 12 | 10 | 1 | — | 2 |
| 11, 10 | 9 | — | — | 1 |
| 9 and below | 8 and below | 0 | 0 | 0 |
TOEFL iBT Preparation
Preparing for TOEFL iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language-Internet-Based Test is one of the major qualifications for students and professionals to get entry into a country in order to be eligible for any sort of academic or career opportunity abroad. It tests reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills and, therefore, deserves proper preparation. Here is the guide to help you through the process.
1. Familiarization with the Format of TOEFL iBT
Familiarize yourself with the test format:
- Reading: 3-4 passages with comprehension and analytical questions.
- Listening: Conversations, lectures, with understanding and attention is tested.
- Speaking: 4 tasks that require clear and organized answers to questions or prompts.
- Writing: 2 tasks that test writing logically and cohesively about a topic presented.
Knowing the format helps you manage your time in the test.
2. Create a Study Plan
- Assess Your Starting Level: Take a diagnostic test to get an idea of your strengths and weaknesses.
- Set Goals: Decide the score you require based on the requirement of your preferred institution or program.
- Allocate Time: Devote regular time each day or each week for practice, putting more effort on weaker areas .
3. Strong English Skills
- Reading: Read academic texts, newspapers and journals to increase comprehension and vocabulary.
- Listening: Listen to podcasts, lectures, and English TV programs for better listening skills.
- Speaking: Practice your speaking skills on different topics while focusing on the pronunciation, fluency, and coherence of your speech.
- Writing: Enhance your ability to write essays and summaries with proper grammar, organization, and style.
4. Use Reliable Preparation Resources
- Official TOEFL Prep Materials: Use the guides, practice tests, and sample questions from ETS.
- Online Platforms: Use the applications and websites offering structured courses, mock test, and feedback.
- Study Groups: Join groups or forums where you can practice with other test-takers.
5. Practice Tests
Have full-length practice tests in actual testing conditions. This helps you:
- Get accustomed to the time constraints.
- Prepare for the test day by building stamina.
- Understand where you are going wrong through performance analysis.
6. Test Strategies
- Time Management: Understand how to spend time at each section to avoid rushing through and leaving unanswered questions.
- Note Taking: Acquire the skill of taking quick effective notes both in the listening and speaking tests
- Answer Structure: For both speaking and writing exercises, adopt clear structures like introduction, body, and conclusion.
7. Be Relaxed and Self-Confident
- Sleep Soundly: Take full rest the night before the test date.
- Reach on Time: Do not worry. Get to the test center well ahead of time.
- Be Positive: After all, practice is the best. Believe in your hard work.
Conclusion
The TOEFL iBT test is a doorway to those wanting to pursue further studies or gain employment and relocate into English-speaking environments. It measures your ability to communicate effectively in English, providing a trusted benchmark for institutions and organizations worldwide. Effective preparation and insight into test design can open doors to the realization of goals and possibility to take opportunities around the globe.
For further assistance or queries students can contact us, study abroad consultancy and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Study in USA, study in UK, study in Singapore , study in Switzerland , study in Australia, study in New Zealand and many other countries.
FAQs
1. How long does the TOEFL iBT test take?
A. The test lasts approximately 3 hours with reading, listening, speaking, and writing tasks included.
2. What is the passing score for TOEFL iBT?
A. There is no such thing as one single passing score for this test. Requirements would range between 70-110 according to the institution or organization.
3. How many times can I take the TOEFL iBT?
A. You may take the test as often as you want, but must wait 12 days between each attempt.
4. How long are TOEFL iBT scores valid?
A. TOEFL iBT scores are valid for 2 years from the date the test is taken.
5. Where can I take the TOEFL iBT?
A. You can take the TOEFL iBT at one of our authorized test centers or at home as part of the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, depending on your location.
6. How much does the TOEFL iBT cost?
A. The price varies by country, but is approximately $180 to $250.
7. How long will it take for me to receive my TOEFL iBT scores?
Results are typically available within 6 days following your test date and will be sent directly to institutions of your choice.
8. Can I cancel my TOEFL score?
A. Yes, you may cancel your score at any time prior to the release of your score to the institution. In this case, the score will not be reported.
For more information, please check the official ETS TOEFL website or your institution’s requirement.
