TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English language test that accesses your English capabilities and is accepted by American and Canadian universities and schools abroad. This test is used as an admission criterion by the universities abroad for non-native students and aspirants. ETS (Educational Testing Services) conducts TOEFL test and is in charge of deciding TOEFL questions, supervising and organizing the test.
TOEFL test is organized in two formats, via TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) and TOEFL Paper-delivered test. 98.5% of the candidates prefer giving test through TOEFL iBT as it is more convenient and uses less resources. Only those locations which have network issues give the test through TOEFL Paper-delivered test.
Also, because of the current health conditions (pandemic), ETS has come up with TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition. It is a convenient and safe option for students who are not able to give the test at the test center. You can give the test from anywhere in the world except for the mainland China or Iran as their TOEFL iBT test center are open. You can give the test at your home through your own desktop/laptop computer (with working camera, microphones & speakers), monitored by a human proctor online via ProctorU. The test has two-step registration process and your scores (result) will be valid for 2 years.
Following are the reasons for why you should choose TOEFL-
Item | Fees |
Registration | Vary with tests location |
Late Registration | USD 40 |
Re-scheduling | USD 60 |
Re-instatement of cancelled scores | USD 20 |
Additional Score Reports (per institution or agency) | USD 20 each |
Speaking & Writing section score review | USD 160 |
Speaking OR Writing section score review | USD 80 |
Returned Payment | USD 20 |
You can always reschedule or cancel the registration before 4 full days before your actual test. The fee for rescheduling the test is US$60. Also, you are allowed to reschedule or cancel the test only via your ETS account or by phone. It will not be accepted if you will do it by mail, email or at the test centre.
Section | Order | Time Duration (4 hours) | No. of Questions | Elements |
Reading | 1 | 60 – 80 min. | 30 – 40 ques. | Reading and answering questions from the academic passages |
Listening | 2 | 60 – 90 min. | 28 – 38 ques. | Listening and answering questions about lectures, conversations, classroom discussions |
BREAK | 3 | 10 min. | – | – |
Speaking | 4 | 20 min. | 6 tasks | Expressing opinions on a familiar topic, campus conditions, and academic course content |
Writing | 5 | 50 min. | 2 tasks | Writing one essay based on reading and listening tasks and another based on your opinion |
It is always better and helpful to know what your test day will be like and what will be expected from you. Following are some tips for you to keep in mind before, on and after the test day.
A. Be prepared in advance
B. Carry your ID and not your personal stuff
On the test day, you need to bring your registration number/admit card, ID (passport in case of Indian students). Your id should be valid, otherwise you will not be allowed to give the test and no refund will be give to you. Since, TOEFL is a computer-generated test, you are not required to bring paper or pen. However, these are provided in the test center in case you want to make notes. Also, it is advisable to carry at least 2 forms of your ID because your test administrator can question the first ID you present.
Don’t carry your personal stuff in the test room. There is a list of prohibited items mentioned in the Registration Bulletin which you are not allowed to bring. These items include headphones, mobiles, any other electronic gadget, scanning or photographic equipment.
C. Comprehend the Test Security Procedures
Since, a lot of educational institutions depend upon TOEFL test scores, ETS gives so much importance to the security aspects. Compulsory procedures are laid out and you must follow them otherwise if you will be found guilty of anything suspicious then you will not be allowed to give the test. The security is tight on purpose so that candidates have a better, impartial and safe online test.
D. Tips and idea about the test day
Reading and Listening sections will be scored instantly after the end of the test. These scores will give you an impression of your performance. If you are not satisfied with your scores then you have the option of cancelling your scores too. Think carefully before cancelling your scores as scores will be cancelled of all the four sections and not of one section. Also, no refund will be given to you after the cancellation of your scores.
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