TOEFL - Whys and Wherefores
What does
TOEFL stand for?
TOEFL stands for the Test of English as
Foreign Language. The test is developed by the Education Testing
Services (ETC) and is currently used by over 6,000 academic
institutions in more than 110 countries.
What is the TOEFL?
Simply put, TOEFL is an English
proficiency test. In this test, you must read, listen, speak and
write in English.
What is TOEFL used
for?
Universities use it as proof of a student's English proficiency -
it helps determines how well you will be able to understand and
learn with instruction in the English language. TOEFL an important part of your application process
if you want to study abroad.
Is the TOEFL
necessary for me?
Students take the TOEFL to prove that
they have the English skills necessary to study at the school they
wish to enroll in. If English is not your native language, schools
are likely to ask for your most recent TOEFL score. This is to help them determine
your academic and language background. If English is not your
native language, but you have spent at least the last 5 years
studying at an institution where English was the main language of
instruction, you are likely to be exempted from TOEFL testing. It is important to check the
admissions requirements of your school you are applying to!
Why should I take the TOEFL?
Taking this standardized test and showing your TOEFL score on a school application proves that your
sutdies in the university will not be hampered by the lack of
language skills. A high TOEFL score shows
that you will be able to understand the concepts given to you in
English. Please note that schools only consider your most recent
score.
How
many times can I re-take the TOEFL?
You may take the retake the TOEFL as many
times as you wish, but no more than one time in seven days. For
example, if you take the test on July 1, 2008, you have to wait
until July 8, 2008, to try again. Schools only consider your most
recent score.
Does the TOEFL have any
prerequisites or qualifications?
No, not officially. But you should be comfortable with speaking and
understanding English. You can also prepare by having a tutor or
going to English classes. On the day of the test, make sure you
bring valid identification with your name, signature and
photograph, as well as your registration number or admission
ticket.
Testing
and Scoring
You can take the test as a Paper-based test (PBT) or as an
Internet-based test (iBT).
An iBT is the most common method used. Paper is only used if the other option is not available. A description of both types of tests are explained below.
How will I be scored on the Paper-based test?You will get a combined score and a separate essay score. The combined score based on your percentages in the first 3 sections: listening, structure and written expression and reading and will range from 310 to 677. The written essay score will lie between 0 and 6.
How will I be scored on the Internet-based test?
Each section of the Internet-based test has a score range from 0 to 30. Therefore, the 4 sections are combined to give you a total possible score of 120. This new scoring method
allows test takers to note areas of strength and areas of needed improvement.
How do I prepare for the TOEFL?
- A number of lessons which cover the TOEFL curriculum
- Lessons providing further information on preparing for the test
- Discussions where community members clear doubts and help users with their queries
- Tests for helping members judge their level of preparation
- Question bank with a huge number of practice questions and a timing tool
All these resources are a testament to LearnHub's commitment to
provide students with the worlds best, online and free test prep
resources. Accessing them is extremely simple - all you have to do
is to
Sign Up!
List of TOEFL Prep Resources available on LearnHub
| TOEFL - The Basics |  |
| Registering for the TOEFL | |
| TOEFL iBT in Depth: Reading | |
| TOEFL Overview | |
| TOEFL-iBT Delivery, Scoring & Results | |
| TOEFL iBT: Speaking Scoring Rubric | |
| TOEFL-PBT Delivery, Scoring & Results |
Access
these lessons by joining the
TOEFL Community now!
Access
these lessons by joining the
TOEFL Community now!
Image Credits: Menlophoto, Discola, Cristic, phoosh, margauxv, thecuttingroom
