TOEFL® (The Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Who should take it: TOEFL may be required for university application and admission for students whose first language is not English.

Where to apply: Educational Testing Service
Rosedale Road
Princeton, NJ 08541
Phone: +1 (609) 921-9000
TOEFL - Go anywhere from here

“The TOEFL® test can take you anywhere.”

Regardless of which university you plan to attend, postgraduate programs will require you to present test scores that demonstrate your readiness for study. The TOEFL ® (Test of English as a Foreign Language TM) test is the most widely required for U.S. admissions and has been taken by more than 20 million students worldwide.

The TOEFL test is accepted by more than 6,000 institutions in 110 countries. So, by scoring well on the TOEFL test, you’ll be eligible for admission to virtually any school in the world. You can view the list of universities and register for the test by clicking here.

The TOEFL test:

• Measures the English-language skills you’ll use when you study abroad
• Demonstrates your academic readiness
• Is a name you know and trust — because TOEFL scores are objective, unbiased and fair, you know you can compete equally with other students

The TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) test consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. All four sections are taken on the same day, and the entire test is about four hours long. What is most unique about the test is that it asks you to combine, or integrate, more than one language skill, just like you do every day. For example, sometimes you read a passage, listen to a short lecture about a topic, and then speak or write a response. And you can take notes throughout the entire test just like you would in a real academic class.

The following chart shows the range of questions and the timing for each section. The time limit for each section varies according to the number of questions.

Test Section	Number of Questions	Timing	Score Scales
Reading	3-5 passages, 12-14 questions each	61-100 minutes	0-30
Listening	4-6 lectures, 6 questions each, 2-3 conversations, 5 questions each	60-90 minutes	0-30
BREAK		10 minutes
Speaking	6 tasks, 2 independent and 4 integrated	20 minutes	0-30
Writing	1 integrated task 1 independent task	20 minutes 30 minutes	0-30
Total		4 hours	0-120

Language heard on the TOEFL iBT is designed to sound like real-life conversations from university lectures and classes, labs, professors’ discussions with students, study groups and everyday situations. The reading passages are taken from real textbooks and course materials. This method of testing replicates real university classrooms and life, proves you can communicate your ideas and confirms you are prepared to begin your academic studies.

Practice for the TOEFL test

TOEFL ® Practice Online is the official test preparation website for the TOEFL iBT. It not only simulates the real testing experience, but it also provides instant scores and feedback so you know if you are ready for test day. If you need to focus on a particular skill, such as speaking, you can take advantage of the targeted practice available at the website.

The Official Guide to the New TOEFL® iBT is also available for study . a test preparation book published by ETS and McGraw-Hill. The book can be purchased at www.ets.org/toefl/guide/susa, or in bookstores.

Register for the TOEFL test

When you register for the test, you can designate which universities you want to receive your scores. Or, you can wait until you receive your scores before sending them to your selected universities. You will be able to view your scores online 15 business days after you take the test. Your score report will even give you feedback on additional ways to improve your skills. In addition, ETS will send you a paper score report for your records.

It’s important to get started soon, since test centers fill up quickly. Register now! For more information about the TOEFL test, click here.

See also the article TOEFL® iBT Study Tips.

Copyright © 2008 by Educational Testing Service. All rights reserved. ETS, the ETS logo, TOEFL and LISTENING. LEARNING. LEADING. are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the United States of America and other countries throughout the world.

See also the article TOEFL® iBT Study Tips.