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TOEFL Exam: What is TOEFL Exam

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers willing to enroll in colleges/universities in English-speaking countries. More than 11,000 reputed universities accept it in more than 150 countries. It is managed and conducted by the Education Testing System (ETS).

There are two types of TOEFL exams;  TOEFL iBT which is computer-based, and the other one is TOEFL iBT paper-based examination. TOEFL is mostly attempted by students who are planning to pursue higher education abroad.

TOEFL tests the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers based on four sections- Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The four sections of TOEFL are designed to assess the overall English language skills and how proficient the applicants are while communicating in English. It is important to check their communication skills before they move to an English-speaking country for academic or professional purposes.

TOEFL exam scores are accepted and recognized by the world’s top economies, like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany. The test duration is around 3 hours, and the registration fee is USD 190.

Applicants can get themselves registered through the official website of ETS or by phone or e-mail. The smooth registration, cancellation, and rescheduling process helps the applicants attempt the examination in the best manner. TOEFL is conducted more than 50 times a year, which makes it 4-5 times a month. The test stands valid for two years from the day of the declaration of the results. There are 4,500 test centers in 150 countries. ETS has not set any official TOEFL exam eligibility or prerequisite for the test-takers in terms of academic qualification or age criteria. It is intended for non-native English speakers from all over the world.

Importance of TOEFL examination

The TOEFL examination is a globally recognized standardized English language proficiency test that helps non-native English speakers prove their language proficiency to be eligible to work and study in an English-speaking country. It is a general eligibility criterion, and applicants must have a valid TOEFL score to take admission or apply for employment. The developed countries in the world, along with the top-ranked universities and colleges, accept TOEFL scores to test the eligibility of non-native English speakers.

Here are all the reasons why a TOEFL score is important for an applicant:

TOEFL score provides access to excellent study abroad programs: A valid TOEFL score gives you access to the top-ranked universities and colleges worldwide. Developed economies like the USA, the UK, and Canada accept TOEFL scores to grant admission. It is a dream for meritorious students from all over the world to study in globally ranked universities and build a fruitful career.

TOEFL helps these applicants fulfill their dreams of studying in an English-speaking country where they can communicate and integrate into an English-speaking culture. Along with scores, merits, and degrees, TOEFL scores are eligibility criteria to take admission in the top-ranked universities. It is because the admission panels need to test whether the candidates taking admission will be able to understand, communicate, and be understood during their stay in the country. English is the only mode of communication and instruction in these English-speaking countries and universities.

It is essential to test and evaluate the English language proficiency and skills among the non-native English speakers with a different native language and mother tongue. The more reputed the institution, the more will be the requirement of a TOEFL score. TOEFL score is not only a prerequisite for university entry for non-native speakers but is also essential for those wishing to register with professional bodies and organizations. TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 11,000 universities and colleges worldwide, and with a high score, you can always take admission to the best educational institutions.

Explore a robust job market: Opportunities for employment and high salary packages are very common in developed countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, and Germany. Skilled workers and talented employees from all over the world aspire to build a career in  these developed economies where the job market is always on the rise. However, top brands and multinationals are very eager to take in talent from all over the world, but with a TOEFL score that evaluates English language proficiency. To work with these global brands, the applicants need to prove their English language skills in all four sections- writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. An employer needs to know if the employees can communicate and integrate into an English-speaking environment.

Communication stands to be the most basic prerequisite to work. To work with a global employer, applicants must be able to fluently speak, write and communicate in the English language. TOEFL is accepted worldwide and it opens enormous scope for talents from all over the world. With language proficiency, it becomes easy to work, immigrate and integrate into an English-speaking environment. A TOEFL score is important to get a work visa. In the UK, Canada, and the USA the requirements of TOEFL scores are higher than any other country.

Get access to immigration: Immigration to developed countries in the world is a dream for many meritorious and highly ambitious individuals. However, the immigration services of the most developed economies of the world will require a valid English language proficiency test before they allow the applicants to immigrate. Applicants need to have a valid TOEFL score to get a visa or permanent residency. The government agencies of the English-speaking countries use the TOEFL score as a prerequisite part for the application process when applicants apply for a PR or immigration.

The perks of settling down in countries like Canada, Australia the UK, and Germany are huge, as you get ample employment opportunities, a robust job market, a high salary, a good standard of living, and excellent healthcare. A TOEFL score is important to evaluate the English language skills, to understand if the applicants can integrate, communicate and settle down in an English-speaking environment. A TOEFL score is important to prove English language proficiency and skills, to be allowed for immigration processes.

TOEFL Syllabus For Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking

The Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL, as it is more popularly known, is a standardized examination that evaluates the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. TOEFL scores are widely accepted by reputed universities in popular study destinations. The TOEFL exam syllabus is divided into four sections–writing, speaking, reading, and listening. Students are required to solve integrated tasks that test various English language skills.

TOEFL Exam Pattern

The TOEFL examination score is a prerequisite to attaining overseas education for high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) conducts the TOEFL exams over 50 times a year. The test can be taken in two different modes – IBT and PBT. The IBT exam module is internet-based and the PBT examination is pen and paper-based. Students can choose the type of TOEFL exam they want to take based on the availability of the internet (offline or online) and their comfort. The exam pattern is further divided into four sections. The major sections of the examination are Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. The score ranges from 0-120, without any failing or passing marks. Based on the four sections of the examination, the scores are given. 

TOEFL Exam Syllabus Details: Section-Wise Analysis
TOEFL Reading syllabus

TOEFL Reading is the first compulsory section of the examination. In this section, the students are assessed and marked based on their reading and understanding abilities. The students are marked on how well they read and utilize the materials provided in the English language. Three to four passages of around 700 words each are given. The students need to read the passages and then answer the questions that are set from the passage. The passages will be of varied interest and based on educational topics. They are derived from university-level textbooks and study materials. The passages are from different subjects and topics that the students need to study. The topics in the passage may not look familiar, so students should not panic. The pattern will be like that of unseen comprehension.

TOEFL Reading Question Types
  • Factual and Negative Factual Information: The key difference between negative and positive factual information questions is identifying the single incorrect answer from a list of four. Candidates should remember the phrases ‘NOT’ and ‘EXCEPT’ when responding to negative factual information questions.
  • Inference and Rhetorical: The purpose of the TOEFL exam pattern and reading syllabus inference questions is to explain and identify the passage’s ambiguous statement. Candidates can identify inference questions by looking at words like ‘INFERRED,’ ‘IMPLIES,’ and ‘SUGGESTS.’ With the exception of answering the question ‘WHY,’ which indicates the purpose, rhetorical purpose questions are very similar.
  • Recognizing Vocabulary: Vocabulary questions are probably the easiest to answer. It demands candidates to discover and answer the meanings of certain highlighted words in the passage.
  • Sentence Explanation: Candidates are required to distinguish between two extremely similar sentences in the TOEFL reading pattern and choose the one that is described in a simpler manner.
  • Insert Text: The motive of this sort of reading question is used to assess the logical placement of ideas in a specific reading passage. There is one insert text question in each of the reading portions.
  • Prose Summary: These type of questions challenges applicants to identify the major concepts and significance of the reading passage.
TOEFL Listening syllabus

The second section of the examination is the listening section. The TOEFL syllabus for listening is designed to measure the listening and interpreting skills of the candidates. The listening and understanding abilities of the students are tested in this section. Students need to be very careful in this section, as they can listen to a conversation or recording only once. There will be recorded lectures and conversations that the students need to listen to and then give answers to them. The questions will be based on:

  • Basic comprehension.
  • Connecting, analyzing, and interpreting the available information.
  • Pragmatic understanding, attitude, and certainty.

The listening section of the examination will have two parts-lectures and conversations. 3-4 recorded lectures and 2-3 recorded conversations will be there. The conversation and lectures will be in the accents of native English speakers from countries like the USA, Australia, Europe, Canada, and Germany. The candidates need to have a good understanding of international English accents. This is done so that the students are made familiar with the accent that they will find during the study abroad opportunities. The lectures and conversations will be 3-5 minutes long and students can take notes to answer questions easily.

TOEFL Listening Question Types

Gist Content/Purpose: Candidates are required to provide the main idea of the recording they listen to for the gist of the content. The gist purpose, on the other hand, requires them to identify the main purpose of the recording. This question type is identified by terms such as ‘MAINLY ABOUT’, ‘MAINLY DISCUSSING’, ‘WHY DOES THE STUDENT’, and ‘WHAT IS THE MAIN PURPOSE.

TOEFL Speaking syllabus

The third compulsory section is the TOEFL speaking examination. This section is designed to test and measure the speaking skills and fluency of international students in the English language. The fluency of English in an academic setting is measured under this speaking examination. There will be a total of four tasks that will be completely based on the situations that the students will face while studying at international colleges and universities. The first task will be ‘independent speaking’, where the students will be free to speak about their experiences, ideas, views, understanding, and their own values. The remaining three tasks will be ‘integrated speaking’, where all the skills like reading, speaking, and listening skills will be used. It will be like students interacting and using all the skills in the classroom while studying. Time duration of 15-30 seconds will be given to the candidates for preparing their answers and they will need to speak with their head speakers.

TOEFL Speaking Question Types

The TOEFL speaking exam pattern consists of two tasks:

Question 1: 

Independent Task: In this task, test takers are required to present their own opinions, experiences and ideas.

Question 2: 4 Integrated Task – This is a cross-functional task that involves listening, writing, and reading skills in addition to speaking skills.

TOEFL Writing syllabus

The last section of the TOEFL examination is the writing segment. This examination section is completely focused on the writing abilities of the students. It will assess and test the ability of the students to put down all their thoughts and understanding in the correct English by maintaining a proper structure and format. This is a very important section of the examination and holds a lot of weight. The students need to have a good command of the basics of the English language. Only then will they be able to put forward their thoughts and ideas in the proper format. This section has two types of tasks-integrated and independent writing:

  • Integrated writing: Here the students will first listen to short audio clips, passages, and educational lectures. After listening to these tasks, the students need to draft a passage based on everything they have understood in their own words. The entire passage should be based on individual understanding and own vocabulary.
  • Independent writing: Under this task, the students need to write a passage based on their individual opinion and experience in response to some viewpoint or argument. Using words and tone in the right way will make students score high in this section.
TOEFL Writing Question Types

TOEFL writing pattern is of two types:

  • Integrated Writing Task: Applicants are required to read a paragraph thoroughly, listen to a brief lecture, and then answer related questions.
  • Independent Writing Task: Candidates are required to present their own ideas, opinions, and experiences through writing.

TOEFL Exam Eligibility: What is the Eligibility Criteria For TOEFL Exam

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an English language proficiency examination that evaluates the candidate’s familiarity with the English language in four aspects: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Conducted more than 60 times a year at authorized test centers around the world by ETS, the exam is accepted by more than 11,500 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries.

Testing Options for the TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL exam is offered to the test-takers via three formats:

  • TOEFL iBT in a test center
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition
  • TOEFL iBT Paper Edition
TOEFL Eligibility for Indian Students

TOEFL exam measures the English language proficiency of individuals willing to study abroad, therefore, there is no specific eligibility criterion that ETS has set for the exam. Aspirants from non-English speaking countries of all age groups and all educational backgrounds can take the test. Also, there is no limit to how many times you can take the exam. You can retake the exam multiple times until you get the desired score.

TOEFL Eligibility Criteria

Documents Required for TOEFL Registration:

  • A valid passport with your name, photograph, and signature.
  • Original Aadhar Card
TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Eligibility 

There is no specific eligibility with regards to age and qualifications to take the home edition. However, one needs to meet a few equipments and environmental requirements. You must ensure that your testing room and computer meet the requirements mentioned below:

Equipment
  • You can use only one monitor and screen. The usage of multiple monitors is strictly prohibited.
  • The operating system that you are using must be licensed. 
  • Make sure that you download and install the ETS Secure Test Browser on the computer. This is a prerequisite for taking the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. 
  • You are not allowed to use earphones. Instead, prefer to use an internal or external speaker to hear the invigilator.
  • To communicate with the invigilator, use an internal or external microphone that is not part of a headset.
  • The webcam of your computer must be adjusted in a way that the invigilator sees a 360-degree view of the testing room. 
Environment 
  • There should not be anyone else in the room while you are taking the test. Also, the door of the testing room must be locked. 
  • Your computer and keyboard must be placed on a desk or other tabletop surface.
  • Make sure that you position your table or chair in such a way that the invigilator can see the door to the room. 
  • The table and surrounding area must not contain any item that is not approved during the test. These items include a camera, notes, and study materials. 
  • You must dress appropriately for taking the test as you would be monitored throughout the test. 
  • You must not take notes on regular paper. Instead, you can use a small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker. 
  • At the end of the test, you must show the invigilator that all notes have been erased.
How to Register for TOEFL? 

There are two ways to register for the TOEFL exam;

  • Via your ETS account: ETS gives you the flexibility to register for the exam at any time. The steps to register for the exam are;
  1. Create your account
  2. Select a Testing Method
  3. Select a location, date, and time
  • Via phone: Another option to register for TOEFL is by contacting your Regional Registration Center (RRC). 
Why the TOEFL Exam? 

As previously discussed, TOEFL is a standardized test that assesses one’s proficiency in the English language. It is an abbreviated version of “Test of English as a Foreign Language”. The scores earned in the test are submitted along with the admissions applications of aspiring students. Many other similar tests, such as IELTS and PTE, can be taken instead of TOEFL. So, the question arises, “why take TOEFL?”. 

TOEFL is a high-quality, high-standard assessment globally accepted and sometimes even preferred over other similar tests by international universities. Your scores in such tests allow the admissions committee to determine comfort with the English language. 

The TOEFL test is deemed better than other similar tests because

  • It is approved and favored by universities all around the world.
  • It can be taken in any mode that you prefer. You can take TOEFL at a test center or even online while sitting at home.
  • It tests your broad expertise in the English language.
Eligibility of Reattempts for TOEFL Exam

The TOEFL exam essentially estimates one’s reading, writing, and speaking abilities about the English language. Suppose you are from a non-native English-speaking country and aspire to pursue higher studies in an English-speaking country. In that case, you will be required to take the TOEFL exam and prove your expertise in the language in a university setting.

Regarding the number of attempts, it should be noted that aspiring students are allowed to take the TOEFL exam as many times as they want. There are no specific restrictions regarding the number of reattempts one can take. However, such a candidate must wait for three days after taking the first test before they can attempt a second one.

How many times students can retake the exam? 

Regarding the number of attempts, it should be noted that aspiring students are allowed to take the TOEFL exam as many times as they want. There are no specific restrictions regarding the number of reattempts one can take. However, such a candidate must wait for three days after taking the first test before they can attempt a second one.

What is the age limit for TOEFL? 

The ETS or the Educational Testing Service is the official body responsible for the administration of the TOEFL examination. Furthermore, the ETS has refrained from setting an age limit on eligibility for people who wish to take the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL Eligibility Educational Qualification

The TOEFL examination does not require a particular educational qualification. Any student that has passed the 10+2 level of education from a recognized board of education is eligible to take the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL Eligibility Score

In simple terms, a good TOEFL eligibility score can be defined as a score that is enough to get you accepted by the university of your choice. Most international universities have a cut-off TOEFL score set as a minimum requirement that you must meet to be considered for admission.

The TOEFL exam has four sections into which the test is divided. These sections test your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Each section carries 30 points. So, the total score from which the exam is held is 120. On a generic level, if you wish to achieve a moderately good score, you must earn a minimum score of 80 in total while earning a minimum of 21 in each section. If you wish to achieve a great score, you must get a minimum of 95 in total with a minimum of 24 in each section. 

TOEFL Preparation Books For 2023- The Best Choices for You

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), allows nonnative speakers to show their English proficiency via assessment in different sections – Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. Preparing for TOEFL needs time and determination, and good study material. A collection of good TOEFL preparation books are integral to completing the TOEFL preparation. The market is filled with many books that you can buy to prepare for TOEFL, but the article gives you an insight into some of the recommended books for your easy preparation.

Top 10 Recommended Books for TOEFL

Here is a list of the best TOEFL preparation books that you should check out carefully: 

The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test, 6th Edition

Your quest to find the best TOEFL study materials starts here. ETS, the TOEFL creators, have made the book, and this is an excellent guide for enhancing reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills alike. You will find innumerable practice questions here, along with excellent sample essays that will help you practice. There are four practice tests included with this guide (online and physically alike), and you will get in-depth explanations for every part of the test. 

Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus, 2020-2021

One of the best TOEFL preparation books, this one helps students boost their English language proficiency significantly. The book has four practice examinations with 450+ sample questions and explanations/answers to the same. It also comes with several video tutorials and online resources for learners. 

Barron’s TOEFL iBT, 17th Edition

One of the good books for TOEFL preparation, this one has several tips and tricks for helping you master the skill-sets required to score well in the examination. You can learn major test concepts and watch video lessons while studying with 200+ digital flashcards alongside. There are eight practice examinations available for students. 

Barron’s Essential Words for the TOEFL, 7th Edition

Vocabulary plays a major role in determining your success in the TOEFL examination. This book helps you discover a vast range of phrases and words that you will find on the test. The book also offers examples and definitions for 500 crucial vocabulary words for the TOEFL. You will also get an understanding of major purpose terms which are contained in the examination’s speaking and writing sections. 

Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1, 4th Edition 

This guide has several practice sections. You will find five practice examinations both digitally and with the book along with real essay prompts and also sample responses in the writing and speaking sections. 

Test Prep Books TOEFL Preparation Book, 2020 and 2021

This book helps you with its clearly defined strategies for scoring well in all the TOEFL sections. You will find helpful practice questions and answers in the book as well.

Mometrix TOEFL Preparation Book, 2021-2022

This book has several practice questions along with answers and explanations. It has accompanying video-based tutorials in addition to helping students get access to unique strategies for cracking the examination. 

The Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep, 2021

Along with helping learners understand the best strategies for examination preparation, this book also helps with practice questions and vocabulary/grammar-building strategies. Students also get help with essay-writing and a stimulated practice test as well. 

Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL iBT Test (CUP)

This book is one of the best options for learners with 700 pages of vital insights and easy availability almost everywhere. The book has more than 100 exercises and strategies along with seven mock tests, adaptable and convenient patterns of studying and more. 

The TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner (ETS)

This book works as a great resource for understanding the four sections in the test, namely Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening. You will get insights and reviews of each section along with sample test questions as well. There is a free planner for weight weeks as well, enabling organized and more effective examination preparation. 

You can also search for more free books for TOEFL preparation online along with other resources and study materials. Preparing for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is easier when you have the best books and other resources at your fingertips. What also matters is your preparation strategy. If you are organized from the start, you can learn and practice thoroughly before sitting for the test. Each of the books mentioned above is helpful for TOEFL aspirants, containing unique insights, tips, and practice questions/tests alike. 

 

TOEFL Exam Registration: What is TOEFL Registration Number

est of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the most popular English language proficiency tests taken by non-native speakers willing to enroll in colleges/universities in English-speaking countries. The TOEFL registration is done by students who are planning to pursue higher education abroad. It is recommended for students to register 3 to 4 months in advance to experience a better chance of reserving the right test location and date. Walk-in registrations are not permitted at examination centers. International students can appear for the test by registering themselves through the online official website, phone, or by mail.

TOEFL Registration Process

TOEFL exam registration should be done four months prior to the examination date, as walk-in registrations are not allowed. Photo ID proofs like passports are compulsory while registering. Here’s the complete guide to register for TOEFL exam through different modes of registration:

1. Registration through the official website

Registration through the official website is the easiest way to register for the TOEFL examination. Students can register through the TOEFL official website by creating an ETS account. When students choose to apply online, they can register without any time obligations. Also, students can access the map options to reach the test centers.

Find below the detailed steps of TOEFL registration through the online mode with an ETS account:

  • Visit the official website, or download the TOEFL application to get started
  • Create an ETS account: Students need to create an account by filling up the form with all the details mentioned in the photo ID proof. If students are using a National ID or passport, the name, date of birth, address, and parents’ name should be in the same order as mentioned in the ID. After filing the details, students need to set a username and a password. It is recommended to use a password with numeric, alphabet, and special characters to make it a strong one. Submit the password and username.
  • Select a testing method: Aspirants get the option to choose from three different methods of taking the test – TOEFL iBT test, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, or TOEFL Paper Edition.
  • Select the examination center, date, and time: Select a particular date out of all the dates that are mentioned for examination. Students applying for a specific date will find all the available examination centers near them. The examination center should be chosen as per the convenience of students. Set a time as suitable.
  • Complete the online registration process: Complete the registration by selecting the test recipient and then make the payment of $190. The payment should be done through approved modes of payment like credit cards, debit cards, or any net banking mode. Students can also purchase the test preparation modules and sample papers for practice.
2. Registration through phone

TOEFL exam registration by phone can be done until 5 pm as per local test center timing. It is applicable only for working days, and the weekends are off.

  • Students registering seven days before the date of examination need to pay a late fine of $40
  • Keep the photo ID proof handy to deliver the information as asked over the call to initiate the registration
  • Students can download the online registration form so that they already know what all information is needed over the call
  • Students need to call their Regional Registration Center (RRC) and get the phone number of the testing center where they will appear for the TOEFL examination
  • The registration will be initiated over the call, where the students need to confirm the test center, date, and timing. All information related to name, date of birth, local address, parents’ name, and address should be in sync with the photo ID that the students will carry with them to the examination center.
  • Payment can be done through electronic cheque, credit card, debit card, net banking, and any other approved mode of payment.
3. Registration through Email
  • To register through an Email ID, students need to first download the registration form which is available in PDF format
  • Students need to manually enter some specific codes like Department codes, Country codes, and Native Language codes on the form or contact their test center or institution if they are unable to find the right codes
  • The filled-in form with payment should be mailed to the respective Regional Registration Center (RRC) by visiting the site of RRC and entering the specific test center
  • The forms should reach the destination address at least four weeks before the test date
  • If students don’t receive any confirmation through e-mail, then they should contact the address they have mailed the form to at least three days before the TOEFL exam registration deadline.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Registering
  • Know about the fees, payment policies, and accepted forms of payment
  • Ensure that the name of the candidate matches the name on the identification proof
  • Students taking the TOEFL iBT Home Edition or Paper Edition have to meet the Equipment and Environment Requirements for taking the test at home
  • ETS also caters to applicants with disabilities or health-related needs. Students can download the necessary bulletins and forms to acquaint themselves with registration procedures and available Disability Accommodations.
TOEFL Exam Registration Deadlines

While students are generally recommended to register for TOEFL at least four months before the desired date of examination. Listed below are the TOEFL exam registration deadlines.

  • Regular registration: 7 days before the date of examination
  • Rescheduling of the test: 4 days ahead of the test date (with a fee of $60)
  • Late registration: 2 days ahead of the test date (with a fee of $40)
  • Cancellation of test: 4 days before the test

TOEFL Registration Fee: Mode of Payment

The TOEFL registration fee is $190. The acceptable methods of payment vary on the method by which the registration is done – online, by phone, or by email. Listed below are the acceptable modes of payment as per every method of registration.

 

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