TOEFL stands as one of the most widely recognized English proficiency exams, assessing students' abilities in reading, writing, and listening in academic settings. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Services), the exam offers multiple test dates and locations worldwide, including the option to take the TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition. As candidates prepare for the TOEFL, they will encounter a variety of topics covered in the exam.
TOEFL is predominantly taken by students aiming to pursue higher education abroad, as success in the exam not only enhances eligibility for scholarships but also aids in visa application processes for those seeking employment opportunities overseas. Recognized by over 11,000 institutions worldwide, including universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Europe, and Asia, TOEFL stands as one of the most sought-after English-language assessments for aspiring international students.
Opting for the TOEFL exam offers numerous advantages for students aspiring to study abroad. It is the preferred choice among those seeking higher education overseas, as universities in the USA and Canada receive more TOEFL scores compared to other English proficiency tests. Similarly, TOEFL scores are more widely accepted by universities in countries like Germany, France, the USA, and Canada. Additionally, ETS, the organization behind TOEFL, guarantees a fair and impartial score reporting process, enhancing the credibility and authenticity of the exam.
ETS hosts a range of webinars on its official website to acquaint candidates with this new feature. The TOEFL home edition will remain available to students until test centers resume full operations in various countries. Students can expect to receive their TOEFL scores within 6-10 days. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the delivery of paper score reports may experience delays.
To ensure the smooth administration of the test from home, ETS has implemented several safety measures, including Artificial Intelligence technologies and live proctors. Accommodations for test-takers with disabilities are also available upon request. Other than these adjustments, no significant changes have been introduced by ETS for conducting the TOEFL test at home. Candidates are encouraged to visit the official website for a comprehensive understanding of these measures. Currently, registration is open for test dates in September 2020. Additionally, ETS has temporarily waived rescheduling fees for all test-takers due to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
TOEFL registration options include phone, online, email, or in-person at designated test enrollment facilities. Registration is available throughout the year, with numerous test centers to choose from. Before completing the application, candidates should select their preferred examination location. Please note: Online registration is available up to two days before the exam, with a late fee applied starting seven days prior to the test. Be sure to review the steps for online registration.
Candidates must first print and download the registration form, then proceed to complete it. When planning to take the TOEFL exam, ensure to carefully select the appropriate test dates and test center to reserve your slot. TOEFL should be a priority for those considering pursuing an international degree. Selecting the dates is crucial as it is the initial step towards gaining admission to your desired college. It also depends on the college or university you plan to apply to, as some institutions have a single deadline for submitting TOEFL score reports, while others have rolling deadlines. Therefore, choose the TOEFL exam date and center according to your needs during the registration process. Additionally, candidates must have a valid passport for identity verification purposes.
Aim to take the TOEFL test at least one month before your initial application deadline. This allows ample time to work on your application, and in case you need to retake the exam, you can do so after three days of your first attempt. For instance, if the application deadline is in November, aim to take the test by October. You can retake the TOEFL three days after your initial attempt. Check out the TOEFL important dates specific to each city.
Note: Candidates should always verify the availability of their exam time and date at the nearest center before making a reservation. ETS offers three distinct types of testing accommodation solutions to support test takers with medical needs and disabilities. Test takers must meet ETS requirements to qualify for these services. It's important to note that candidates must apply for accommodations before registering for the exam. ETS Accommodations Provided
The TOEFL examination comprises four segments, each with a score range of 0-30, resulting in a total score range of 0-120. Scores will be available online 10 days after the exam date. This article provides an overview of the TOEFL iBT test pattern.
The syllabus for students taking the TOEFL iBT covers reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills.
In this section, you will encounter 3-4 passages and answer approximately 10 questions per passage. Your score will be based on the accuracy of your reading comprehension responses. Total number of questions: Approximately 30-40
To achieve the highest scores in the Speaking Section, your responses should fulfill the task requirements with minimal errors or lapses. The test graders seek clear and coherent communication throughout. Scoring for this section is based on three main aspects: delivery, language use, and topic development.
Both essays should effectively address a specific topic. The response should be well-structured and thoroughly developed, supported by relevant explanations. Additionally, it should demonstrate unity, development, and coherence. To achieve a high writing score, ensure you exhibit syntactic variety, employ proper word choice, and minimize grammatical errors.
Once you've completed your exam, there's no need to wait long for your TOEFL results. Test takers can view their unofficial Reading and Listening scores at the end of the test. When your official scores are released online, you will receive an email notification. Simply log into your TOEFL iBT account and select the scores option. Official TOEFL iBT scores will be available approximately 6 days after the exam date, while test-takers who opt for the Special Home Edition of the TOEFL test will receive their results within 6-10 days of the exam date. If the candidate has requested a paper copy of the score before taking the exam, it will be sent within 11 days after the exam date.
Various scoring methods are employed to ensure a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the candidate's abilities. While the automated scoring system offers objectivity, it may not fully evaluate the effectiveness of the content and language. Human raters are necessary to consider a broader range of attributes, including the quality of ideas and content as well as structure. Additionally, you are required to attempt at least one question in each section. In listening and reading, you must answer at least one question, while in writing and speaking, you must attempt one task each. The result of the online TOEFL iBT test is a four-scaled score along with a total score.
There are no inherently good or bad scores on the TOEFL test. Candidates are required to meet the TOEFL score requirements set by their target universities. Achieving a score above this threshold enhances their chances of admission, while falling below may present challenges in the admission process.
However, for a more personalized understanding of your score, ETS has provided 4 or 5 competency levels for each skill. Knowing where your score falls within this range indicates your proficiency level for that skill. This provides valuable insights into your performance, strengths, areas needing improvement, and more. Test takers can refer to the table below to gain a clearer understanding of their TOEFL iBT Scores.
Around six days after your test date, you will receive an email notifying you that your score report is ready. Simply log in to your TOEFL account on the website and click "view scores" to access them. The official TOEFL iBT score will be available approximately six days after the exam date, while test-takers who opt for the Special Home Edition of the TOEFL test will receive their results within 6-10 days of the exam date.
If you requested a paper score report before taking the exam, it will be sent within 11 days after the exam date. PDF score reports are available for download within seven days after completing the exam.
If you are unsatisfied with your scores on your first attempt, you may retake the exam as there is no limit on the number of retakes. However, there must be a 3-day gap between retakes; for example, if you have a test appointment for today, you cannot schedule another appointment for the next three days.
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