What is TOEFL?

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an exam designed for non-native English speakers to measure their English proficiency. These test scores are commonly used and in many cases are required when wanting to study abroad in an English-speaking country. The TOEFL has four sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing to measure different skills. There are also many different types of TOEFL: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL Primary, TOEFL Junior, and TOEFL ITP, some of which we will touch upon in this article.

What is TOEFL iBT?

TOEFL iBT (TOEFL Internet-based Testing) is an online version of TOEFL that can be taken at a testing center or at your home. For those of you who are not in the US, there are testing locations in more than 200 countries and territories. You can find the closest testing location to you on the official TOEFL website here. While taking the TOEFL iBT at home is an option, there are some institutions that still do not accept at-home scores so be sure to check the policy of the institution you are applying to before scheduling your test. 

While the test takes just under two hours to complete, TOEFL recommends that you allocate an additional 30 minutes for checking in. Like the TOEFL, the TOEFL iBT has four sections that you will be tested in, and the breakdown of the test format can be seen in the table below.

TOEFL Scoring: 

There is no passing or failing score for the TOEFL. Instead, you are given a score in the range of 0-120 with 120 being the highest possible score. The total score is the sum of the scores in each exam section (the maximum possible score in each section is 30). Each university or institution has set its own requirements for scores and more than 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries accept TOEFL scores as proof of English ability. It is also important to note that some universities accept MyBest scores which is a scoring system that takes the highest scores in each section within the last two years. We suggest that you check the institutions you are interested in to see what score you should be aiming for, and if you want more details on the TOEFL scoring itself, please check their official website here.

What is TOEFL Essentials? 

The TOEFL Essentials is another version of TOEFL that aims to be a quicker, cheaper, more interactive, and more well-rounded test than the normal TOEFL. TOEFL essentials tests you on academic English as well as general English that you might see in an interview for example. Another point of difference is that the TOEFL Essentials has a different scoring system from the regular TOEFL. Instead of using the 0-120 scale, TOEFL Essentials uses the range of 1-12. However, like the regular TOEFL, the TOEFL Essentials measures the same four skills: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. 

In comparison with the TOEFL iBT, the TOEFL Primary and TOEFL Junior are aimed at younger age groups (8 years old and up). Additionally, the TOEFL ITP is a test used as preparation for the TOEFL and is easier than the TOEFL, but it is still able to measure the four English language skills. It is also important to note that while the TOEFL iBT is taken individually, the TOEFL ITP is a group test. For more detailed information on any of these tests, you can check the official website here.

Summary

The TOEFL is an internationally used English language test that comes in a variety of versions measuring four skills. This article has introduced the TOEFL iBT, which is used primarily as a standard for university applications and study abroad, and the newly created TOEFL Essentials.

At DIG International, we can effectively prepare you for the TOEFL by providing instruction tailored to your level. Also, for those of you who are not sure which exam to take, if you consult with a DIG instructor, they will suggest a course of study that is appropriate for your level and goals. We also offer free trial lessons, so please feel free to contact us for more information! For more information, click here!