TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language®) Resources

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers who are planning to study or work in an English-speaking environment.

The TOEFL is recognised by more than 11,000 universities and institutions in over 150 countries. The test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is available in both internet-based (iBT) and paper-based formats.

The TOEFL test is often required by universities and colleges as part of the admission process for non-native English speakers. It is also used in many government agencies, scholarship programs, and licensing/certification bodies to assess English language proficiency. The test scores are valid for two years.

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Modules in TOEFL

The TOEFL test has four sections or modules that assess different language skills. These are:

  • Reading

    This module measures your ability to read and understand academic texts in English. You will be presented with three to five passages, each followed by a set of questions that test your comprehension of the content, structure, and vocabulary.

  • Listening

    This module measures your ability to understand spoken English in academic settings. You will be presented with lectures, conversations, and classroom discussions.

  • Speaking

    This module measures your ability to speak English in academic settings. You will be asked to express your opinions, provide information, and summarize and synthesize information from reading and listening materials.

  • Writing

    This module measures your ability to write in English in academic settings. You will be asked to write essays that express your opinion on a given topic, as well as to summarize and synthesize information from reading and listening materials.

Preparing TOEFL at home

Preparing for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) at home requires some planning and dedication. Here are some steps you can follow to prepare for the TOEFL from the comfort of your own home:

  • Familiarize yourself with the test format

    The TOEFL has four sections Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Get familiar with the best format by visiting the official TOEFL website and reading about the test structure, scoring and time limits.

  • Create a study plan

    Determine how much time you can devote to studying for the TOEFL each day and create a study plan accordingly. You can also use resources from Abide Overseas to help you create a study plan.

  • Practice reading and listening

    The Reading and Listening sections of the TOEFL test your comprehension skills. Improve your skills by reading and listening to English content every day, such as newspapers, podcasts, or online lectures.

  • Practice speaking and writing

    The Speaking and Writing sections of the TOEFL test your ability to express yourself in English. Practice speaking with friends or family members who are fluent in English, or use language learning apps such as HelloTalk or Tandem to find language partners. For writing, practice by writing essays on various topics and getting feedback from an English teacher or tutor.

  • Take practice tests

    Taking practice tests can help you become familiar with the test format, time limits, and question types. You can find free practice tests on the official TOEFL website or on third-party websites such as ETS or Kaplan.

  • Review your mistakes

    After taking practice tests, review your mistakes and try to understand why you made them. This will help you identify areas that you need to work on and improve.

  • Stay Motivated

    Studying for the TOEFL can be challenging, so it’s important to stay motivated. Set goals for yourself and reward yourself when you achieve them. You can also join online study groups or hire a tutor to help you stay on track.

How to book TOEFL slot

01 Create an ETS account

Go to the official ETS website (www.ets.org/toefl)) and create an account.

02 Select a test location

Choose a test centre and date that works for you. You can check the availability of test dates and locations on the ETS website.

03 Provide personal information

Fill in your personal information, including your name, contact details, and identification documents. Make sure the information you provide is accurate and matches your identification documents.

04 Pay the test fee

Pay the test fee using a credit card or other accepted payment method. The fee varies depending on your location, but it is typically around $200-$250.

05 Confirm your registration

Once you have completed the registration process and paid the fee, you will receive a confirmation email with the test center address, date, and time.

To book a TOEFL slot, follow these steps:

  • Create an ETS account

    Go to the official ETS website (www.ets.org/toefl)) and create an account.

  • Select a test location

    Choose a test centre and date that works for you. You can check the availability of test dates and locations on the ETS website.

  • Provide personal information

    Fill in your personal information, including your name, contact details, and identification documents. Make sure the information you provide is accurate and matches your identification documents.

  • Pay the test fee

    Pay the test fee using a credit card or other accepted payment method. The fee varies depending on your location, but it is typically around $200-$250.

  • Confirm your registration

    Once you have completed the registration process and paid the fee, you will receive a confirmation email with the test center address, date, and time.

It is recommended that you book your test slot well in advance to ensure availability and to allow sufficient time for preparation. Additionally, check the identification requirements for your test center and make sure to bring valid identification documents on test day.

What’s in the TOEFL exam paper

Module Test format Duration Description
Reading
3-4 passages, 36-56 questions
60-80 minutes
Three to four academic reading passages with multiple-choice questions that test your comprehension and analytical skills.
Listening
4-6 lectures and 2-3 conversations, 34-51 questions
60-90 minutes
Listening to lectures and conversations, and answering questions about the content, purpose, and details.
Speaking
4 tasks
17 minutes
Task 1: You will be asked to express your opinion on a familiar topic. Task 2: You will read a short passage and listen to a lecture, then respond to a question that combines the information in both. Task 3: You will listen to a conversation and then respond to a question about it. Task 4: You will express an opinion in response to a hypothetical situation.
Writing
2 tasks
50 minutes
Task 1: You will read a passage and listen to a conversation, then write a response that synthesizes the information. Task 2: You will be presented with a prompt and asked to write an essay expressing your opinion on the topic.

Mediums to TOEFL exam

There are two ways to take the TOEFL exam:

  • TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)

    This is the most common way to take the TOEFL exam. The TOEFL iBT is taken on a computer and is offered multiple times a week at test centers around the world. The test takes about 3hours and 30 minutes to complete.

  • TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test)

    This format is only available in areas where the TOEFL iBT is not offered. The TOEFL PBT is a paper-based test and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. It includes three sections: listening comprehension, structure and written expression, reading comprehension.

It’s important to note that not all test centers offer both formats of the exam, so it’s important to check which format is available at the test center you plan to take the exam at. Additionally, the content and format of the exam may vary slightly depending on the specific version of the test you are taking.