TOEFL Exam: What is TOEFL Exam

When planning to study abroad, other than finances, another important thing you should take care of from the beginning is documentation. 

Study abroad aspirants must submit several documents to be considered for admissions, such as their high school transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, or the ACT and SAT scores if needed. 

However, this list does not end for students who must submit their English language proficiency scores.

To demonstrate your English language skills, taking the TOEFL exam is a viable option that can help you get a seat at your preferred educational institution. 

This article explores the TOEFL exam and its vital aspects – exam pattern, syllabus, fees, acceptance, preparation tips, and more. 
 

What is TOEFL Test

TOEFL, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), is a standardized English language proficiency test conducted by the Education Testing System (ETS). The test assesses the test taker’s ability to undertake classes in English at a college or university in popular English-language study destinations. 

The test is divided into four sections - Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking to check their overall competency in English before they move to an English-speaking country for academic or professional purposes.  

It is to be noted that the TOEFL on-paper test has now been discontinued, and only the TOEFL iBT (computer-delivered test) is available in India. Indian students can take the TOEFL iBT at home or an authorized test center.

TOEFL Acceptance Around World

According to ETS, the TOEFL test scores are accepted by 100% of universities in the USA, the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, where English is the primary language of instruction. The TOEFL test scores are accepted by more than 13,000 institutions and 160+ countries.

Overview of TOEFL Exam

Exam name	TOEFL
Full form	Test of English as a Foreign Language
Examination mode	Internet-based test
Test sections	Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking
Total exam duration	116 minutes
Exam fee	INR 16,900
Overall score range	0-120
Score validity	Two years

Why Take TOEFL

Here are some reasons that make TOEFL a good choice for an English language proficiency test:

1. It is accepted across over 13,000 universities and other institutions worldwide.
2. It is also a commonly taken proficiency test to study, work, or migrate overseas.
3. You can take the TOEFL iBT at 3000+ centers available in more than 200 countries and territories.
4. You have the flexibility to choose how you want to take the test - at your home or a test center.
5. Enough resources and study materials are available online to take the test. Hence, even if you want to self-prepare, there will be no crunch to prepare for the TOEFL.
6. The exam offers a short test duration, fast score delivery, simple registration, and in-depth score reports, providing an enhanced testing experience.

Eligibility Criteria for TOEFL

Let us now look at who is eligible to take the TOEFL exam. While below are some common eligibility criteria to take the TOEFL, it is also imperative to check the individual requirements of your preferred universities or institutions, as they might require some additional academic qualifications.

• There are no age restrictions, but you must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.
• You must have a valid passport and a confirmation letter from ETS with the registration number, test date, and test location.

How is TOEFL Structured & Timed

The TOEFL exam is divided into four sections - Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Here is a breakdown of how each of the TOEFL sections is structured and timed.

TOEFL Section	Estimated Timing	No. of Questions/Tasks	Score Scale
Reading	35 minutes	20 questions	0-30
Writing	29 minutes	2 tasks	0-30
Listening	36 minutes	28 questions	0-30
Speaking	16 minutes	4 tasks	0-30

Syllabus for TOEFL 2024

Reading

This section tests your ability to read and understand materials used in an academic environment. It has two reading passages, each accompanied by ten questions each. You might be required to recognize the information provided in the text, understand its inferences, and understand why an author wrote something.

Additionally, you should have a strong vocabulary, be able to simplify a sentence, insert a text question in a paragraph correctly, and summarize the prose with the main ideas in the reading passage. 

Listening

This section tests your ability to understand lectures in English. It assesses how well you can connect information and understand the speaker’s attitude and degree of certainty. The listening section includes three lectures (with six questions each for one) and two conversations (with five questions for each).

During the test, you need to identify the gist of the content and its purpose and the speaker's attitude towards something, pay attention to details from the conversation or lecture, and understand the reason behind structuring the lecture in a particular way.

Lastly, you would have to conclude by predicting its outcome and catching the inference of the information that is stated indirectly.

Speaking

The speaking section of the TOEFL consists of four tasks that test your ability to communicate effectively in an academic setting. These tasks resemble real-life situations from inside and outside the classroom.

The first question is an independent speaking task in which you must express your opinion and support it by choosing between two options. The remaining questions form an integrated speaking task that requires you to show your understanding of a campus-related or academic topic.

Writing

The TOEFL Writing section tests your ability to write and present your ideas in an organized way in English in an academic setting. It includes two writing tasks - an integrated writing task and a writing for an academic discussion task.

In the first task, you must read a passage and listen to a lecture. Then, write a response based on what you read and heard. In the second task, you have to state your opinion in an online discussion and support the same in front of a professor and other students.

Documents Required for TOEFL

How to Prepare for TOEFL

TOEFL Exam Preparation Tips

TOEFL Results & Scores

Candidates are marked on a score range of 0-120. Once you have taken the test, you can view your scores within four to eight days after the test date by logging into your ETS account. You will receive an email informing you about the exact date on which the results will be ready. 

Your TOEFL scores are valid for two years, and you can download your score reports two days after you receive your scores electronically through your ETS account. You can request a paper copy of your score report, which will be mailed to you 11–15 days after your test date. Or you can opt for an express shipping option and get your score reports delivered within two to five business days after the test scores are confirmed. 

How to Register for TOEFL Exam 2024

Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can register for the TOEFL exam:

• Create an ETS account online and fill out all the mandatory information.
• Select your test date and location.
• Review the registration details before proceeding.
• Pay the registration fee online through a debit card or credit card.
• You will receive a confirmation about the test date, location, and other relevant information over email.

What is TOEFL Exam Fees for 2024  

The TOEFL exam fee varies from one country to the other. The TOEFL registration fee for Indian students is INR 16,900. Additionally, INR 3,900 has to be incurred in case of late registration, and INR 5,900 has to be paid if you want to reschedule your test. 

TOEFL Eligibility Criteria	TOEFL Syllabus	TOEFL Exam Dates
TOEFL Exam Pattern	TOEFL Exam Fee	How to Register for TOEFL

TOEFL Test Fees Country Wise

Listed below are the TOEFL exam fee details in some of the most popular study abroad destinations.

Country	Test Fee
USA	$255
UK	$250
Canada	$240
Germany	$265
Australia	$273
Ireland	$240

What are Available Test Dates for TOEFL 2024

The TOEFL computer-based test is conducted six days a week around the world at authorized test centers, while ‘at home’ testing is available 24 hours a day, four days a week. When you register, you will have to choose if you want to take the test from the center or at your home. 

Being able to take the test at your preferred test location is subject to availability. Hence, if you wish to take the exam at a specific test center, you must book your test well in advance to get your preferred slot and city. 

How to Prepare for TOEFL Test

Now that you know what a TOEFL exam is, here are some strategies you can employ to ace it.

1. Aim for a specific score, take practice tests, and assess if and how you are inching close to your goal with each test.
2. Build your vocabulary by developing a habit of reading every day. This would also develop your comprehension skills.
3. Make note-taking a habit to master the speaking section of the test. This will help you not to miss on what the speaker is saying. While practicing at home, try listening to a variety of audio clips with different lengths and levels of complexity, and then check how accurately you were able to take notes by listening to the clip again. 
4. Many English-language podcasts are available online; listen to them and start watching movies or TV shows in English. This will help you enhance your listening abilities. 
5. You would have to type your answer for the writing section of the test. Hence, you must practice typing to avoid difficulty handling an unfamiliar computer with a QWERTY keyboard.

Country	Test Fee
USA	$255
UK	$250
Canada	$240
Germany	$265
Australia	$273
Ireland	$240

What are Available Test Dates for TOEFL 2024

The TOEFL computer-based test is conducted six days a week around the world at authorized test centers, while ‘at home’ testing is available 24 hours a day, four days a week. When you register, you will have to choose if you want to take the test from the center or at your home. 

Being able to take the test at your preferred test location is subject to availability. Hence, if you wish to take the exam at a specific test center, you must book your test well in advance to get your preferred slot and city.

How to Prepare for TOEFL Test

Now that you know what a TOEFL exam is, here are some strategies you can employ to ace it.

1. Aim for a specific score, take practice tests, and assess if and how you are inching close to your goal with each test.
2. Build your vocabulary by developing a habit of reading every day. This would also develop your comprehension skills.
3. Make note-taking a habit to master the speaking section of the test. This will help you not to miss on what the speaker is saying. While practicing at home, try listening to a variety of audio clips with different lengths and levels of complexity, and then check how accurately you were able to take notes by listening to the clip again. 
4. Many English-language podcasts are available online; listen to them and start watching movies or TV shows in English. This will help you enhance your listening abilities. 
5. You would have to type your answer for the writing section of the test. Hence, you must practice typing to avoid difficulty handling an unfamiliar computer with a QWERTY keyboard.

 

Conclusion

To conclude, anyone who wishes to assess their English language proficiency or study abroad can take the TOEFL exam. There are no set eligibility criteria nor a minimum passing mark set by the ETS. Academic institutions set the cut-off. This makes it important to stay updated with the TOEFL score requirement at your preferred institution and prepare accordingly for the test. 

Considering the difficulty of the test, we recommend you should start preparing at least six months before the exam date. Also, remember to schedule your exam two to three months before your preferred university’s application deadlines. Prepare well and get ready to embark on your study abroad journey!

Disclaimer: All information has been taken from the official website of ETS, and is subject to change per its guidelines at any time.