TOEFL Test Overview

The TOEFL Exam

 

Ever wonder the difference between these prominent English tests for university admittance?  The TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC & the new PTE are the most common English tests administered at this time and prospective test-takers might wonder the differences between them.  Here’s a quick 101 on the differences between each.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): This exam is currently the most common for non-native English speakers.  The TOEFL is often a requirement at most colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada and other English-speaking countries.  In addition, government agencies, licensing bodies, businesses or scholarship programs might also require the TOEFL.  At this time, an individual’s TOEFL score is valid for two years and then subject for re-evaluation after the two-year period.
The TOEFL itself was first administered in 1964 and has been taken by more than 23 million students since then.  There are two types of TOEFL tests, the iBT (Internet Based Test) and the PBT (Paper Based test). In February of 2012, ETS announced that they will be phasing out the PBT—in many areas the last PBT was administered May 2012.

    TOEFL iBT Format

           
      Total Sections: 4 Sections:

    •Reading
    •Listening
    •Speaking
    •Writing    		  
      TOEFL Reading Question Type:
    3-5 passages (about 700 words each)
    12-14 questions each

    Total No. of Questions: About 50

    Total Time: 60-100 minutes    		  
      TOEFL Listening Question Type:
    a) 4–6 lectures (3-5 minutes long, about 500-800 words)
    6 questions each
    about 30 questions in total
    b) 2–3 conversations (about 3 minutes long, about 12-25 exchanges)
    5 questions each
    about 12 questions in total

    Total No. of Questions: 40+

    Total Time: 60-90 minutes    		  
      TOEFL Speaking Question Type:
    a) 2 independent tasks
    (prep time: 15 sec; response time: 45 sec)
    2 integrated tasks – Read/Listen/Speak
    (prep time: 30 sec; response time: 60 sec)
    c) 2 integrated tasks – Listen/Speak
    (prep time: 20 sec; response time: 60 sec)

    Total No. of Questions: 6

    Total Time: 20 minutes    		  
      TOEFL Writing Question Type:
    a) 1 integrated task – Read/Listen/Write (20 minutes)
    (reading time: 3 min; listening time: 2 min; writing: 15 min)
    b) 1 independent task (30 minutes)

    Total No. of Questions: 2

    Total Time: 50 minutes    		  
      Time: Approximately 4 hours  
      Summary New integrated-skills questions test ability to learn, to integrate information across multiple tests

    They are more difficult and more reflective of actual academic English    		  
     

    TOEFL Reading Section Details

     

    In this section you will read 3-5 passages and answer 12-14 questions about each passage. The section is scored based on the number of correct reading comprehension responses. Each passage is around 700 words and the entire section lasts 60 - 80 minutes. Test takers are able to view the entire passage while answering. In addition, the test allows you to click on some special purpose words and phrases in the reading passages to view a definition or explanation.

     

    TOEFL Writing Section Details

     

    What is a good written response on the TOEFL? The essay should effectively address a topic. The response should be well-organized and well-developed using relevant explanations and detailed support. Furthermore, it should also display unity, progression, and coherence. If you want to achieve a high writing score, make sure that you demonstrate syntactic variety and appropriate word choice with minor grammatical errors.

     

    TOEFL Listening Section Details

     

    You will listen to 4-6 recorded academic lectures (6 questions each) and 2-3 recorded conversations (5 questions each). Then you will answer questions regarding the information you hear. The more correct responses you give, the higher your score will be.

     

    TOEFL Speaking Section Details

     

    For you to earn the highest scores in the Speaking Section, your responses must fulfill the demands of the task given with only minor mistakes or lapses. The test graders are looking for a highly intelligible and sustained conversation. There are three main factors that comprise scoring for the Speaking Section.

     

    The IELTS Exam


    IELTS (International English Language Testing System): The IELTS is administered by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council & IDP Education.  There are two primary versions of the IELTS: the academic version & the general training version.  Basically, the academic version is meant for students who want to enroll in universities and other higher education institutions, as well as for medical professions, such as doctors or nurses who need to work or study in an English-speaking country.  The general training version is meant for those looking to gain work experience or for purely immigration purposes.

     

    The PTE


    The New Pearson Test of English (PTE) was launched in October 2009. It is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council, the same company that administers the GMAT. Similar to the TOEFL test, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) tests in all four sections: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Scores range from 10 to 90.
     The test is computer based and takes about three hours to complete. Its main differences from the TOEFL include:

     

    The TOEIC Exam

     

    TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication): As quoted from the TOEIC website, “The TOEIC is an English language test designed specifically to measure the everyday English skills of people working in an international environment.”  The point system ranges from 10 to 990 points and the test itself is two hours in length, multiple choice, testing listening comprehension and reading comprehension.The TOEIC gives certificates to those who take the test, with different colors differentiating the range of advanced skills.  In 2006 a new TOEIC was released with longer reading passages and also British, Australian and New Zealand English-speakers, whereas the previous test only featured American speakers.