What is TOEFL Exam
(Test Of English As A Foreign Language) TOEFL is an examination that is conducted to measure the proficiency of speaking English for a non-native speaker who wants to study, work or wants to immigrate to an English speaking country. It shows the ability of a person to read, speak, write and understand English.
TOEFL is accepted by a large number of universities, colleges and organizations around the world, and as of today, it is a compulsion in many universities and academic programmes countries like (USA, Canada, Australia and UK) have made it a requirement for international students. This exam is conducted in 2 formats: TOEFL IBT (internet based test) TOEFL PBT (paper based text), TOEFL IBT which is more of an internet based test it is one of the most common and applied versions of this examination and mostly accepted.
Read More: 10 Ways to Study Abroad
Eligibility for TOEFL
As of now there is no specific criteria for applying in TOEFL examination. Generally the examination is taken by –
Non-native English speaker – a person who wants to learn, write, understand English and wants to migrate to an English speaking country.
- Students – this is commonly conducted for students only who are applying for universities or colleges which have English as their common medium of language.
- Job seekers and professionals – looking to demonstrate english proficiency for getting employment in an English-speaking country.
- Individuals – who are applying for visa, scholarships and professional certificates that have English as a compulsion.
How to Register for TOEFL Examination
You can apply for TOEFL examination by various online websites and the official ETS
(educational testing service) websites. Here is a step-by-step guide for registration :
- Visit the official TOEFL website
- Then click on create account and then you have to fill required detail that are required
- one you have completed this, you have to verify your email
- After logging in select the “register/find test centers” option
- Choose your best and preferred test type (TOEFL IBT OR TOEFL PBT)
- Now, search for available examination dates and location of exam centers near you. Choose a convenient test center and date.
- Then you have to provide some additional details such as native language, country and identification details.
- Then pay the registration fees varies from countries to countries ranges between $180- $250
- Then complete your payment as the most suitable way of payment for you
- Now, once the payment is completed the procedure is completed now, after a few minutes you will receive a confirmation in your email. That will include your examination details, examination center address and your reporting time.
Read More: Why the TOEFL Exam is Essential for Studying Abroad
Duration of the TOEFL Examination
The duration of this examination is approximately about 3 hours, there is also a 10 minutes of break in between –
- Reading : 54-72 minutes, 30-40 questions
- Listening : 41-57 minutes, 28-39 questions
- A breaktime of 10 minutes
- Speaking : 17 minutes, 4 tasks
- Writing : 50 minutes, 2 tasks
Question Patterns in TOEFL Examination
The TOEFL examination consists of four sections : reading, listening, speaking and writing.
The Reading section :
Format : there are 3-4 passages, each about 600 to 800 words long
Questions : 30-40 questions in total
Types of question : there are multiple types of questions passed on the passages that are given above.
Questions about the main ideas, details, interference, vocabulary and sentence insertion.
Listening section :
Format : there are 4 to 6 lectures that are of (3 to 5 minutes) each and there are 2 to 3 conversions (2-3 minutes) each
Questions : 28-39 questions in total
Types of question : multiple choice question based on audio
Your main focus should be on understanding the main points, details, speaker, and purpose.
Speaking section :
Format : there are 4 tasks that you have to complete
Types of task : there will be 1 independent task (expressing your opinions on a familiar topic)
There will be another 3 integrated tasks (responding to reading, listening prompts and summarizing)
Writing section :
Format : 2 tasks
Types of task : 1 integrated task (read a passage, listen to a lecture and writing a summary)
1 independent task (writing an essay stating your opinion on a topic)
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Importance of TOEFL Examination
TOEFL examination is important that’s why it is conducted by almost every university because it servers as a standard measure of english language proficiency for non-native speaker, that is very important for various academic and professional aspects –
- University admission – most English speaking universities (USA, UK and Canada) require TOEFL scores for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Work opportunities – in multinational companies, they look for candidates that have high English speaking, writing, and understanding skills. A high TOEFL score can enhance your job prospects and your role in international jobs.
- Visa and immigration – TOEFL scores are sometimes required for immigration and visa applicants, depending on their needs and roles some of them may want jobs and some are there for educational purposes.
- Scholarships and grants – high TOEFL score can help you in securing a rank in scholarships and achieving many financial aids from many institutions, proficiency in English can provide you with many kinds of benefits like this.
- Global recognition – TOEFL is widely recognised and accepted over more than 11000 institutions.
Conclusion
TOEFL conclusion plays a vital role for non-native English speakers aiming to pursue education, work or immigration in English speaking countries. So in this blog we have discussed the various aspects of the TOEFL exam about what is TOEFL, how to apply for it, eligibility criteria, how to register for this examination, duration and question patterns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is TOEFL examination for?
TOEFL exams are conducted for the international students who want to complete their higher studies in countries like (USA,UK, Australia and Canada) this exam is conducted for knowing that a person who is a non-native english speaker is able to learn, understand, read and write english.
2.Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?
There is no absolute easier test between IELTS and TOEFL despite people believing that it depends very much on the personal preference of person and what kind of certification you desire for.
