The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is used in college and university settings. Scores on the test are required by more than 4,300 two- and four-year colleges and universities, professional

schools and sponsoring institutions in the United States and Canada, as well as in other countries where English is the language of instruction. TOEFL scores also might be requested for employment in some companies where advanced English language skills are needed.

The TOEFL program provides English proficiency testing services for international students planning to study in the United States, Canada, or other countries where English is the language of instruction.

Educational Testing Service (ETS) develops the test under the direction of the TOEFL Board, a board comprised of professionals drawn from the higher education community.

Important things you must know about TOEFL iBT

The Internet-based TOEFL test (iBT)

The TOEFL Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The test helps students demonstrate that they have the English skills needed for success.

 

What is the benefit of an Internet-based test?

TOEFL iBT emphasizes integrated skills and provide better information to institutions about students' ability to communicate in an academic setting and their readiness for academic coursework. With Internet-based testing, ETS can speech and score responses in a standardized manner.

 

How can I learn more about TOEFL iBT?

Visit the official ETS web site www.ets.org/toefl  and

  • Take the TOEFL iBT Tour

  • Read the TOEFL iBT Frequently Asked Questions

  • Join the TOEFL Practice Online Community for free and get access to:
       - a free practice test;
       - speaking sample questions and responses;
       - listening and reading practice questions;
       - discussion boards;
       - daily study tips;

 

TOEFL iBT has Begun!

The first administration of the official TOEFL iBT test in Ukraine took place in March 2006. Since that time TOEFL CBT is no longer administered. TOEFL PBT is conducted only as an Institutional test for some academic exchange programs.

 

TOEFL iBT Structure

  Reading 

- 3 academic reading passages followed by comprehension questions that measure the ability to understand and analyze the meaning of the passages
   - Familiar question types from the computer-based TOEFL test;
   - New question types in which test takers;
      * demonstrate they have learned what they have read, either by filling out a table or completing a narrative summary;
      * choose a correct paraphrase of a reading;
   - New features that make the testing experience easier for test takers, including a glossary and review feature.

Listening 

- 2 conversations that include 2 or more speakers in each
   - 4 lectures, which include classroom dialogue;
   - Opportunity to take notes while listening;
   - Familiar question types from the computer-based TOEFL test;
   - New question types that measure test takers' ability to understand a speaker's attitude or meaning;
      * short talk (These are shorter than those in the Reading and Listening sections.);
      * Questions require test takers to combine information from both the reading and the listening material in the responses;
      * One task is based on a campus-related situation, and the other is based on academic classroom material;
      * Test takers can take notes and use them to respond;
   - 2 tasks based on Listening material, including a short lecture or conversation;
      * Questions require test takers to summarize key ideas from the talks in the responses;
      * One task is based on a campus-related situation, and the other is based on academic classroom material;
      * Test takers can take notes and use them to respond.
   - Trained raters evaluate test takers' ability in:
      * topic development - show they understand and can make connections, and convey relevant information;
      * delivery - use clear, smooth, sustained speech for overall intelligibility;
      * language use - demonstrate control of grammar and word choice, and respond coherently;

  Writing 

- 1 Reading/Listening/Writing task;
      * Academic reading and lecture;
      * Test takers must answer a question explaining the relationship among key points in a lecture and explain how they are different from those in the reading passage;
      * Reading passage appears first, then is removed from the screen during the lecture. Test takers can view the passage again while responding the question;
      * Test takers can take notes and use them to respond;
   - 1 independent task about a familiar topic.

Test takers state, explain and support their response using personal knowledge and experience. This task is similar to the writing task on the former computer-based TOEFL test and the Test of Written English - TWE.

 

TOEFL CPT and PBT formats

There are two versions of the TOEFL test: one version is taken on computer (CBT), and the other is a paper-and-pencil (or paper based test - PBT). The test is offered on computer throughout most regions of the world. In areas where access to computer-based testing is limited, a supplemental paper-and-pencil version of the test is administered. 

 On both versions of the TOEFL, the listening sections test your ability to understand English as it is spoken in the United States and Canada. The structure sections test your ability to recognize standard written English. The reading sections test your ability to understand reading passages on nontechnical subjects. The writing section and the TWE test your ability to write standard academic English.

 

COMPUTER-BASED TOEFL TEST

 PAPER-BASED TOEFL TEST
Listening Section Listening Comprehension

1. 30-50 questions

1. 50 questions

2. Overall time: 40-60 minutes (15-20 minutes for answering questions, self-paced)

2. Overall time about 30 minutes (10-12 seconds to answer each question)

3. Part A = short conversations
    Part B = long conversations and talks

3. Part A = short conversations
    Part B = long conversations
    Part C = talks

4. Test includes charts, diagrams, and pictures of the speakers

4. There are no pictures, charts, or diagrams

5. Test taker hears and sees the questions

5. Test taker hears but cannot see the questions

6. Each question must be answered before going on to the next; test taker cannot go back

6. Test-taker can go back to previous answers

Structure Section

Structure and Written Expression

1. 20-25 questions

1. 40 questions

2. Time limit: 15-20 minutes

2. Time limit: 25 minutes

3. Sentence Completion and Error

3. The first part has 15 Sentence Completion questions; the second part has 25 Error identification questions

Reading Section Reading Comprehension

1. 44-55 questions

1. 60 questions

2. Time limit: 70-90 minutes

2. Time limit: 55 minutes

3. Some questions have two or more answers

3. All questions have one answer

Writing Section

 Test of Written English (TWE)

1. 1 question

1. 1 question

2. Time limit: 30 minutes

2. Time limit: 30 minutes

3. Essay can be written on the computer or by hand

3. Essay must be written by hand

 
In Ukraine you can take computer-based TOEFL in Kiev or paper-based test in Kharkiv, Lviv and Odessa.

How to register for TOEFL?

Test Preparation for TOEFL

You can register for TOEFL iBT online, by phone or by mail. The fastest and most reliable way of registration is registration online: you can do it anytime, anywhere, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; just go to the ETS web site www.ets.org/toefl .
You can also register by phone through your Regional Registration Center – Prometric Center in Lelystad, the Netherlands. Registration Phone is 8-10-31-320-239-540, Fax: 8-1031-320-239-541. Review the Registration Form (PDF) before you call.
To register for TOEFL iBT by mail, first download and fill out a Registration Form (PDF). Send the form with your payment to the address on the form or to your Regional Registration Center – Prometric Center in Lelystad, the Netherlands. Courier Address:
   Prometric
   ATTN: PTC Registration
   Noorderwagenplein 6
   8223AL - Lelystad
   The Netherlands
   E-mail: euregs@prometric.com 

If you want to improve your chances for success, learn about the test. It's always better to know as much as possible about what to expect before you arrive at the test center. Once you know what to expect on your test, it's time to practice. Pace yourself: