What's different about the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based testing)?
The
new TOEFL includes a Speaking Section.
This section consists of 6 open-ended speaking questions, which
require test takers to speak into a microphone. Responses are
recorded and scored by human graders.
There
are more writing questions.
The TOEFL iBT contains an added 20-minute essay along with the
current 30-minute essay, for a total of two essays.
The
TOEFL iBT is longer.
Some questions on the TOEFL iBT focus only on reading, listening,
speaking, or writing skills, while other questions require test
takers to integrate these skills.
The
new exam includes both independent and integrated skills
testing.
The new test is approximately 4 hours long—an increase of about
one hour over the current exam.
The
new test has a different scoring system.
Test takers receive a score on each of the four skill areas
(Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing) tested on the TOEFL,
as well as an overall score.
| TOEFL iBT Scoring Chart |
| Listening: |
 |
0-30 |
| Reading: |
|
0-30 |
| Speaking: |
|
0-30 |
| Writing: |
|
0-30 |
| Total Score: |
|
0-120 |
What You Need to Know
Q. Why
TOEFL iBT?
The TOEFL PBT/CBT are largely multiple-choice exams that test
listening, grammar, reading, and writing skills. Test takers who
have a broad vocabulary and strong English grammar skills usually
do well on the test; however, the TOEFL PBT/CBT does not measure
a person's ability to use spoken English or to learn and
integrate information from more than one source. For years,
colleges and universities have wanted an exam that would assess a
prospective student's ability to use spoken English in an
academic setting.
Q. How
is the new Speaking Section scored?
Test takers receive a score between 0-30 for overall performance
on the 6 speaking questions. The Speaking Section accounts for
one-fourth of the total score. Human graders will assess and
score both essays.
Q. Is
grammar still tested?
The TOEFL iBT does not have a stand-alone Structure Section.
Grammar skills are incorporated into all sections of the
test.
Download Kaplan's TOEFL Comparison Page.
For more information on the TOEFL iBT, click
here.
