The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university settings. Most people who take the TOEFL test are planning to study at colleges and universities where instruction is in English. In addition, many government agencies, scholarship programs, and licensing/certification agencies use TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency.

The TOEFL tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The test helps students demonstrate that they have the English skills needed for success. TOEFL also emphasizes integrated skills and provides better information to institutions about students’ ability to communicate in an academic setting and their readiness for academic coursework.

The next generation TOEFL^® IBT test has four sections:

An integrated task is one where you have to use more than one skill. For example, you read about something, listen to a lecture, and then write about what you have heard and read.

At a test center in your country. The test is organised by the Educational Testing Service. You can register for the TOEFL^® IBT online.

Prices vary in each country, in the USA the test costs $150. In the UK the TOEFL ibt is $185 while the paper-based TOEFL is $150. In India the cost of the exam is $160 ( subject to change, login to www.ets.org for latest updates ).

Each section of the IBT (reading, writing, listening and speaking) is worth 30 points, for a total of 120 points:

The TOEFL test is developed and administered by the US-based “Educational Testing Service” (ETS). This implies that ETS sets the questions, conducts the test, and sends each examinee the score report. For the conduct of the test, ETS has appointed Testing Agencies in various countries, which act as franchisee for ETS. In India, this agency is the “Prometric Testing Services Pvt Ltd” which administers the test at 9 centres in the country: Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Trivandrum. Computer based TOEFL test is held all-round-the-year. Unlike other exams, you can choose your own date and time for taking the TOEFL test! The test is administered in the above cities five-days-a-week (Monday through Friday), twice-a-day. September to December is the high season for TOEFL test, so in case you intend to take the test during this period, you need to register very early (say 90 days in advance) to get a date of your choice. Otherwise, registering at least three days in advance is mandatory. The test lasts roughly four hours.

Test Prep Tips

Aside from taking a paid or free TOEFL practice test, there are a variety of other ways to start your TOEFL preparation. One of the best ways to brush up on your ESL (English as a second language) skills is to try to immerse yourself within the English language as much as possible. The more you practice, the more proficient you’ll become! Try out these ideas for improving your ESL skills:

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