Test Overview
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) assesses the
English proficiency of people who speak English as a non-native
language. The test was developed for international students who
plan to study at colleges and universities in the United States
and Canada. Many educational institutions outside the USA and
Canada that use English may also use TOEFL scores. In addition,
some government agencies, professional agencies, and scholarship
programs may be interested in TOEFL scores.
Sections on the TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based
Test)
There are three sections on the TOEFL: Listening Comprehension,
Structure and Written Expression, and Reading Comprehension. You
will also have to take the Test of Written English (TWE).
Listening
Comprehension
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Time: |
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30-40 minutes |
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Format: |
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50 questions based on taped conversations |
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Topics Tested: |
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Understanding spoken English |
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This section measures ability to understand English as it is
spoken in North America. You will listen to taped conversations
and talks and answer questions that test how well you understood
what you heard. The section consists of three parts. In part A,
you will hear 30 short conversations and answer a question about
each one. In part B, you will hear 3 or 4 longer conversations
and answer a few questions bout each one. In part C, you will
listen to 3 or 4 talks or lectures of about one minute each.
Then, answer several questions about each one.
Structure and
Written Expression
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Time: |
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25 minutes |
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Format: |
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40 questions |
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Topics Tested: |
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Complete sentences
Identify errors |
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This section measures your ability to recognize correct
grammar in standard written English. The first 15 questions are
sentence completion. You will see a sentence with a blank space.
You will need to choose which of the 4 answer choices best
complete the sentence. The next 25 questions are error
identification. Each sentence will contain four underlined words
or phrases. You must choose the one that is incorrect.
Reading
Comprehension
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Time: |
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55 minutes |
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Format: |
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50 questions based on 5 or 6 passages |
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Topics Tested: |
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Understanding what you read |
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This section measures ability to read and understand short
passages. The readings are similar in topic and style to those
North American college and university students encounter in their
courses. This section contains reading passages and questions
about the passages. You will be asked about what you read and the
meanings of the words as they are used in the passage.
Test of Written
English
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Time: |
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30 minutes |
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Format: |
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Write an essay based on a given topic |
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Topics Tested: |
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Ability to write in English |
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This section measures your ability to write a clear,
coherent essay in English on an assigned topic. The essay will be
scored based on grammar and writing style, as well as your ideas
and your ability to support those ideas with examples.
Understanding Your
Score
The total number of correct answers you get on the paper-based
test is known as your raw score. There is no penalty for wrong
answers. Your raw score is then converted to a scaled score. You
will receive a scaled score for each section of the test. These
scores will range from 31-68. The total score on the paper-based
TOEFL will range from 310 to 677.
What about my essay
scores?
Good question. Your TWE score is reported separately and is not
part of your total TOEFL score. Your essay will be reported on a
scale of 1 to 6.
What is a good score?
There is no "passing" or "failing" score on the TOEFL. The test
only measures your English language proficiency. Individual
colleges and universities set their own TOEFL score standards for
admission. Scores can range from a low of 450 to a high of 630 or
more. A score of 677 is considered perfect.
What does my TOEFL score
mean?
Your TOEFL score measures your English proficiency level. The
chart below shows what various scores mean.
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TOEFL PBT Scores and Proficiency |
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Score |
Proficiency
Level |
Description |
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380 |
Elementary |
basic, simple conversations |
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450 |
Intermediate |
-initiates conversation
-emerging grammar skills
-can read simple texts |
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550 |
Working |
meet routine social demands |
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630 |
Advanced |
approaching native proficiency |
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How long are TOEFL scores
valid?
ETS keeps TOEFL scores on file for two years, although university
admissions officers may require or prefer a recent exam taken
within the last six months to a year. After two years, you won't
be able to order official score reports for a test from ETS.
Test Registration
To register to take the TOEFL, you need to fill out the form
in the Information Bulletin. Copies of the bulletin are
available at many United States educational commisions, United
State Information Service (USIS) offices and libraries, and
binational centers.
You will be charged a fee of $110 USD to take the test. Check
the bulletin or contact ETS for more information. If you cannot
get a copy of the Information Bulletin locally, you can
order a copy online at www.toefl.org
or contact:
TOEFL/TSE Publications
P.O. Box 6154
Princeton, NJ 08541-6154
Phone: 609-771-7100
Fax: 609-771-7500
e-mail: toefl@ets.org
WWW: www.toefl.org
Test Dates
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In the USA and Canada |
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Exam Date |
Register by: |
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August 20, 2005 |
July 18, 2005 |
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October 15, 2005 |
September 12, 2005 |
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November 19, 2005 |
October 17, 2005 |
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January 14, 2006 |
December 12, 2005 |
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March 10, 2006 |
February 6, 2006 |
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May 13, 2006 |
April 10, 2006 |
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Outside the USA and Canada |
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Exam Date |
Register by: |
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August 20, 2005 |
Passed |
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October 15, 2005 |
August 29, 2005 |
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November 19, 2005 |
October 3, 2005 |
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January 14, 2006 |
November 28, 2005 |
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March 10, 2006 |
January 23, 2006 |
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May 13, 2006 |
March 27, 2006 |
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