What is TOEFL exam and when to take TOEFL?

In this article you can find TOEFL exam details, TOEFL format, types of TOEFL test and when to take the TOEFL exam? All the important information regarding TOEFL can be found in the following paragraphs.

What is TOEFL and its types?

TOEFL is short form of Test Of English as a Foreign Language. It is basically a test which tests your ability to understand and use English language and a proof that you can comfortably complete your education in English. It is required by non-native and international students who wish to study in US Universities. It is a measure of English language proficiency of the test taker. It has become of the most widely taken tests along with GRE. Universities not only in US, but also in other countries such as UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Germany mention TOEFL test as a mandatory requirement for admissions. Many Universities also mention a TOEFL cut-off and students who secure a score above the cut off are only eligible for admission to these Universities.              

There are two types in which one can take TOEFL:

      a)      Paper based test pBT – Score range: 310-677     

      b)      Internet based test iBT – Score range: 0-120

Paper based test is only for those countries and areas where Internet based test is not available. In India, there is an IBT test centre in almost every major city and town. So, there is no need for you to worry about paper based test. You need to understand all details regarding TOEFL iBT i.e. Internet based test.

Format of TOEFL Internet based test

TOEFL Internet based test consists of 4 sections as follows. The total time required for TOEFL completion including breaks is about 4 hours.

      a)      Reading section – Approx. 1 hour, 3-5 passages, 0-30 score scale  

      b)      Listening section – Approx. 1 hour, 7 -9 passages, 0-30 score scale

      c)      Speaking section -  Approx. 30 minutes, 6 tasks, 0-30 score scale

      d)      Writing section – Approx 1 hour, 2 tasks, 0-30 score scale

1. Reading section: The Reading section of TOEFL consists of 3–5 passages requiring a total time of approximately 1 hour. These are simple reading comprehension passages which test the students’ ability to interpret the passage and answer the questions based on the passages. The questions are all multiple choice questions where only one of the multiple answers is correct. Compared to GRE, the time allotted for these reading comprehension passages is much more. Hence, these passages are relatively easier to answer and score.
2. Listening section:  The Listening section consists of 7-9 passages. Every passage is about 5 minutes in duration. After hearing the passages, questions are asked about the passage which are simple questions and test your ability to listen and understand English language. The test taker can take down notes when the passage is being read out. The passages asked are generally student conversations or lectures or discussions.
3. Speaking section:  The Speaking section consists of six tasks which require a total time of about 30 minutes for completion. The six tasks are split into groups of 2 as follows:
1. 2 tasks - Based on academic lectures or discussions in the form of text followed by audio. The test takers are supposed to understand the context and answer in the form of speech in about 45 seconds.
2. 2 tasks - Based on general situations or personal experiences. It requires the test taker to express their opinion based on the topic given in the question. The test takers are supposed to convey their views and opinions in the form of speech in about 45 seconds on that given question.
3. 2 tasks – Again based on academic lectures or discussions but completely in the form of audio. The test takers are supposed to understand the audio and answer questions based on that audio in the form of speech in about 45 seconds.
4. Writing section: The Writing section consists of two tasks which require a total time of about 1 hour for completion. The two tasks are split as follows:
1. Tasks 1- Based on academic lectures or discussions in the form of text followed by audio. The test takers are supposed to understand the context and write a summary about the lecture or discussing covering all the major key points in the audio and text.
2. Task 2 - Based on general situations or personal experiences. It requires the test taker to express their opinion based on the topic given in the question. The test takers are supposed to convey their views and opinions in writing stating all the necessary facts.

TOEFL preparation methods and tips
If you prepare well for GRE, almost 70% of your TOEFL preparation is already over. You only have to concentrate on the speaking section and prepare well for this section. Rest all the sections are relatively very easy for Indian test takers. For TOEFL preparation and tips read this article: How to study for speaking section of TOEFL and important TOEFL tips



What is the best time to take TOEFL?

TOEFL is an exam which tests your English language proficiency. If you have passed out from an English medium school and your English speaking and writing skills are well developed, then you can take TOEFL any time. You will surely score more than 100 which is higher than most cut-offs of the Universities. If you are not confident about your English skills, then a preparation time of about 1 month is more than sufficient to help you score well for TOEFL.

The best time to take TOEFL is immediately after GRE. You can book the test dates for GRE and TOEFL at the same time. It is advisable to keep a gap of about 1-2 weeks between your GRE and TOEFL dates. Since you are already in the flow of preparing for GRE, 2 sections – reading and writing are completely covered during your GRE preparation. You need to practice and prepare well only for the listening and speaking sections. Plan your TOEFL test date according to your GRE date.

For more information about how to plan your higher education and when to take GRE click on this article: When to take GRE and how to plan your higher education