Welcome to TOEFL 101! As you may know, the TOEFL test is a highly recognized English-language proficiency that can help you get noticed by many universities worldwide.

If you are planning to register for the TOEFL test, you have come to the right place. It is ok to have many questions about TOEFL, its format, and the overall exam patterns.

In this article Radviser, your intelligent adviser, will elaborate on various details you need to know before applying for this test. We will discuss what is the TOEFL test, which skills are tested and how to prepare for it. Finally, we will provide you with some organized TOEFL tests giving you a clear understanding of what to expect.

What Is the TOEFL Test?

Simply put, TOEFL is a popular and internationally acceptable Test of English as a Foreign Language measuring non-native English speakers' abilities to use, speak and understand English at the university or advanced level. This is the best answer to the "What is the TOEFL test" question. 

When people want to study at an English-speaking university or apply for an English program, it is necessary to know that most schools and universities require non-native applicants to prove that their English skills will be sufficient to participate in the intended course/work. Well, TOEFL is one of the most universally accepted pieces of evidence of English language proficiency. 

ETS or Educational Testing Service is the TOEFL test conducting body responsible for arranging the TOEFL questions and sending the scores. A non-native speaker needs several months of study and preparation. There are no mandatory eligibility criteria for TOEFL by ETS, but candidates must go through guidelines before registering. The TOEFL test is categorized into two types:

1. TOEFL IBT

The TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) test will be given online through the testing website and the Internet. For this exam, candidates must know how to type. It measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking proficiency. The IBT test will be administered frequently at various official locations. This test takes about 4 hours.

2. TOEFL PBT

The TOEFL PBT (Paper Based Test) test will be held via a paper format. It measures listening, reading, writing, and grammar skills. This exam takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Mostly this type of exam is offered to countries without Internet access. The IBT test is more common these days given to international candidates. 

Who Can Register For TOEFL? 

The candidates who are willing to get higher studies from abroad or those looking for a better career path in different English-speaking countries can register for TOEFL. 

A. TOEFL Eligibility 

Following are the minimum requirements to take the TOEFL test:

• study/work abroad aspirants
• no age bars
• 10+2 certificate
• valid passport
• valid national ID document 
• parent's national passport and ID documents for applicants under 15 years old

B. Education Qualification for TOEFL 

ETS does not require any specific educational qualification for TOEFL. However, candidates must check for these qualifications. The candidates must achieve a 10+2 certificate from any recognized board before taking TOEFL. 

Keep in mind that different universities/organizations have different requirements for admission purposes. For that, the candidates must go through the program pages of that specific university/organization and check for the educational criteria. To take the TOEFL, 10+2 is enough. 

C. Document Requirements for TOEFL

It has been stated that ETS is very strict about the ID proof and the required documents. The ID must include a recent photo and signature of the applicant. 

The name spelling must be the same as the TOEFL registration. A valid passport is required. Besides a passport, national ID proof, including the name, signature, photo, and date of birth, is needed. The printed confirmation email from ETS is also required for verification.

D. TOEFL Registration 

TOEFL registration opens about four months before exam dates. Candidates can register for this test using online methods, mail, or via a phone application. For TOEFL registration, applicants need a credit/debit card (e-check or PayPal). They must never use the back buttons and never double click during the process. Late registration costs about an additional 40$ as a fine. 

E. TOEFL Fees

The below-mentioned figures are the required fees to apply for the TOEFL test.

• TOEFL IBT fees range from USD 180 to USD 300. Please note that the charges depend on the region. 
• TOEFL PBT charges are USD 200 worldwide.
• Late registration adds USD 40 as late fees. 

What Are the TOEFL Test Patterns?

Both types of TOEFL tests have four sections, and they take about 4.5 hours to complete. These four sections are listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These sections are scored, and then the scores of each section will be added together for a total score. 

TOEFL IBT Test Structure 

The TOEFL IBT test is administered with the Internet. It is categorized into four sections, namely Reading (60-80 minutes), Writing (60-90 minutes), Listening (20 minutes), and Speaking (50 minutes). There will also be a 10 minutes break. 

1. Reading 

In the reading section of TOEFL IBT, you will be given 3-4 passages, including 36-56 questions. Each passage can be around 700 words on average. You must practice completing the passages in 20 minutes for the actual test. You must read the passages and answer the questions accordingly. The questions have a Multiple-Choice format, and the answer will be one of the four given options or two of the four options. The passages' topics are based on academic subjects. The reading ability will be measured on a scale of 0 to 30. 

2. Listening 

The TOEFL IBT test's listening section will consist of short audios relating to classroom discussions, lectures, and conversations. The listening section contains Multiple-Choice, Binary Answers and Charts. 

You need to listen carefully and answer the following questions accordingly. It consists of about 35 to 51 questions. It is about understanding and comprehending English, and this ability will be measured on a scale of 0 to 30. 

3. Speaking 

The TOEFL IBT test's speaking section examines the ability to speak in English on the given topics. You are required to state your opinion on the specific topics. These topics can be related to personal experiences, course topics, and preference or situation-based. 

You must complete six provided tasks in the speaking section. The ability to understand and speak English contextual words and phrases are measured on a scale of 0 to 30.

4. Writing 

For the TOEFL IBT test's writing section, you must put the reading and listening skills together. The writing section is divided into two categories- Integrated Writing and Independent Writing. In the integrated writing section, you are asked to read and listen to a lecture excerpt. Once you listen or read the audio or context carefully, you should write a passage of precisely 150-225 words in 20 minutes and complete the integrated writing section. 

For the independent writing section, a topic will be given to you. You must gather the important information and create an essay consisting of at least 300 words. The given time for this section is about 30 minutes. The ability to write English in this section will be measured on a scale of 0 to 30. 

TOEFL PBT Test Structure

TOEFL PBT is a type of English proficiency test that is conducted in pen and paper format. It is usually used by people living in regions with poor internet facilities. The TOEFL PBT test contains four sections, namely Listening (30-40 minutes), Structure and Written Expression (25 minutes), Reading (55 minutes), and Writing (30 minutes).

1. Listening 

In the TOEFL PBT test's listening section, candidates must answer 50 questions in 30 to 40 minutes. The questions have a Multiple-Choice format. This section is divided into three segments, namely-Short Conversation, Long Conversation, and Lecture/Talks. These segments include 30, 8, and 12 questions. In the TOEFL PBT test, the listening ability will be measured on a scale of 31 to 68. 

2. Structure and Written Expression

The structure and a written section of the TOEFL PBT test consist of 40 questions answered in 25 minutes. They are structured with questions that require sentence completion and identifying errors in the provided phrases. The main purpose of this section is to examine your understanding of grammar. The ability to understand grammar will be measured on a scale of 31 to 68.

3. Reading

There are going to be 50 Multiple-Choice questions in the reading section of the TOEFL PBT test. You need to read the provided passages and choose the proper answer from the given options. These questions must be answered in 55 minutes. The reading ability in the TOEFL PBT test will be measured on a scale of 31 to 68. 

4. The Test of Written English (TWE)

The test of written English includes a passage that needs justification or building an arrangement. You should read the given context and build an essay of about 250-300 words in 30 minutes. The TWE segment of the TOEFL PBT test will measure your writing ability on a scale of 0 to 5. 

Read More: IELTS Introduction: Learn All about the IELTS Test

TOEFL Scoring Methods

Calculating scores for TOEFL IBT and TOEFL PBT are different. Despite the differences, you can rest assured that high-quality experts around the world examine these tests. Let us learn more about the scoring methods of TOEFL tests in detail. 

1. TOEFL IBT Scoring System

The TOEFL IBT score will be calculated section-wise. All the sections are measured on a scale of 0-30. The total score of the TOEFL IBT is 120. The reading and listening sections calculations are on the merits of-High, Intermediate and Low, whereas speaking and writing sections calculations are on the merits of Good, Fair, Limited, and Weak. 

The speaking and writing section of TOEFL IBT has a specific set of tasks measured on a scale of 0-5. Experts and computers will examine this test. The TOEFL scores will be emailed to you ten days later. The printed TOEFL IBT test scores will be given to you within 13 days after the exam. A total of 84 to 110 is a great TOEFL score for different universities.

2. TOEFL PBT Scoring System

TOEFL PBT will be scored section-wise. All four sections have respective merits. Each section of the TOEFL PBT test is measured on a scale of 31-68, except for the Test of Written English (TWE), measured on a scale of 0-5. The total score of the TOEFL PBT is 310-667. The test will be examined by experts and verified by computers. The TOEFL PBT test result will be received within five weeks. 

Tips on Preparing for TOEFL Test

Now that you know "what is TOEFL and what it tests," we will cover a few tips to do well. Even if you have above-average English skills, adding some of these tips to your studying and test-taking is good.

1. Collect Some Speaking and Writing Topics Before TOEFL

Before test day, make a list of your interests, hobbies, and required vocabulary to discuss them. This way you will feel relaxed. You do not have to be honest in these sections; the graders want to see if you can speak correctly. You can create template phrases to match different topics. You want to have a fluid text or speech. You can come up with some transition phrases to finish a specific topic. 

2. Take Notes During the Test

Taking notes will take a couple of seconds, so do it during the test. Write down some of the keywords or phrases you hear or underline the important ones. Taking notes and highlighting will help save you from your mind going blank when answering the questions. Before giving answers in speaking and writing sections, take your time and brainstorm some topics and phrases. It is good to prepare an outline before starting to write/speak. 

3. Use English in Your Daily Life 

Try to use English in your daily life more than ever. Incorporating the language into your daily routine makes you feel comfortable and prepared. Watch TV shows, movies, YouTube videos, listen to podcasts, and music in English. 

Read news articles, magazines, books, textbooks, and blogs in English. Find speaking partners with above-average English skills and practice with them. To imitate the test situation, try to speak or write in distracting environments. You can talk to your buddy at a restaurant or a party where people are gathered and speaking.  

4. Practice Writing and Speaking with a Timer 

Being in the test atmosphere may make it difficult to concentrate. Sixty seconds to speak or 20 minutes to write may seem enough, but you would be surprised! To practice for the speaking section, find some previous TOEFL speaking and writing questions. Try to answer them correctly while strictly following the timing instructions. This will help you to prepare for answering questions in the right time frame. 

What Is Next?

Half the battle of taking a perfect TOEFL test is in understanding it. If you must take TOEFL to get into your dream company or school, then a little planning will help see you through. Regardless of whether you are just planning to study or about to take TOEFL for the 8th time, the more you know, the better prepared you will be. 

Radviser's prior goal is to accompany you through this stressful and rough journey and help you deal with it properly. Go through our comprehensive Library to find out more on this subject.