Everything test takers need to know about the enhanced TOEFL iBT Test
TOEFL
Talk to ExpertETS - the conducting body of the TOEFL exam has introduced an enhanced version of the TOEFL iBT to provide a more precise assessment of a test taker's language skills, particularly in academic settings. It incorporates innovative changes that focus on enhancing test security, authenticity, and overall test experience.
Embarking on the journey to achieve proficiency in English is a significant milestone for many individuals, especially those aspiring to study in an English-speaking environment. TOEFL exam is a widely recognized and accepted assessment of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers. If you're preparing to take the TOEFL, you may have heard about the enhanced TOEFL iBT test, which is designed to provide a more accurate evaluation of your English language skills.
The enhanced TOEFL iBT test remains an essential examination for students applying for abroad education. The test has 100% recognition in countries like study in USA, Canada, Ireland, study in UK, New Zealand and study in Australia. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into everything you need to know about the enhanced TOEFL iBT test to help you succeed in your academic endeavours. Read: Benefits of the Enhanced TOEFL iBT Test
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Updated TOEFL Exam Pattern
The TOEFL iBT test introduces substantial changes, designed to increase efficiency and shorten the testing duration. The test now takes less than two hours to complete from the previous three hours. The updated TOEFL exam pattern now includes reduced questions in the TOEFL Reading section and no unscored questions. The Reading section will now comprise 20 questions, to be completed in an estimated duration of 35 minutes. Similarly, the Listening section will feature 28 questions, with an allocated time of 36 minutes for completion. The Speaking segment has been revised to four tasks, requiring approximately 16 minutes, while the Writing section demands the completion of two tasks within an estimated 29 minutes.
| TOEFL Exam Syllabus | Updated TOEFL Exam Pattern (Current) |
Old TOEFL Exam Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading Section | Duration: 35 minutes Questions: 20 |
Duration: 54 – 72 minutes Questions 30-40 |
| TOEFL Listening Section | Duration: 36 minutes Questions: 28 |
Duration: 41-57 minutes Questions: 28 – 39 |
| TOEFL Speaking Section | Duration: 16 minutes Questions: 4 tasks |
Duration: 17 minutes Questions: 4 tasks |
| TOEFL Writing Section | Duration: 29 minutes Questions: 2 tasks
|
Duration: 50 minutes Questions: 2 tasks
|
| TOEFL Duration | Total Duration: 116 minutes | Total Duration: 162 – 196 minutes |
TOEFL Scores & Results
The enhanced TOEFL iBT test offers a TOEFL score reporting system that delivers personalized feedback and performance insights that help to refine study strategies and reach academic aspirations. It includes a detailed proficiency evaluation for each test section, pinpointing areas that may need further attention. You'll also gain insights into your performance in the Reading and Listening sections, identifying specific question types where you excel and areas for improvement.
Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of your Speaking and Writing abilities is provided, covering aspects such as language usage, grammar, mechanics, and more. To facilitate your improvement, sample high-scoring Speaking and Writing responses, complete with explanations, are made available for practice and enhancement.
Accepted for Direct Stream in Canada
Aside from its widespread acceptance across countries and adding to its 100% acceptance in universities in Canada, TOEFL iBT scores are accepted for Student Direct Stream (SDS) in Canada. Through this stream, the study permit visa to Canada is expedited by 20 days. This benefits Indian students as the approval rate of Indian students in SDS streams is three times higher than that of visa streams. India has accounted for 96% of SDS applications since 2019 and ever since the pandemic, Canadian colleges account for three out of four SDS applications.
Incentives For Indian Test takers
The updates to the TOEFL iBT test extend beyond the assessment pattern and style of questions. ETS offers discounts for test takers who choose to take both the TOEFL iBT and GRE General Test. This discount provides some cost savings compared to registering for the tests separately. Additionally, a localised payment option in Indian Rupees (INR) is also available. A dedicated customer service center for Indian test takers is available 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide candidates with TOEFL registration support.
The TOEFL Go! Application
The newly launched TOEFL Go! app transforms TOEFL preparation for candidates opting for the TOEFL iBT test. The app offers free digital practice and AI-powered scoring for Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing sections. TOEFL Coaching and sample responses enhance the test-taker's skills and provide a user-friendly platform for effective preparation. This allows users to have a portable and accessible tutor to help prepare for the test.
TOEFL Study Material Preparation
Here’s How Indian Test Takers can maximise output in enhanced TOEFL iBT test
ETS offers a wide range of official, free resources to assist with TOEFL iBT preparation. One such resource is the comprehensive 6-week course called "TOEFL Test Preparation: The Insider's Guide," which includes instructional videos, quizzes, discussion boards, and expert tips. Additionally, test takers can benefit from the TOEFL iBT Free Practice Test, which provides authentic past test questions, sample responses, and complimentary practice sets. For those seeking more in-depth preparation, ETS also provides paid resources. The Official TOEFL iBT Prep Course is a self-paced program designed to enhance communication skills in an academic environment. For further practice and study, the Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test is available in both eBook and paperback formats. This comprehensive guide includes four full-length practice tests, valuable tips, and hundreds of sample questions for all four test sections.
In addition to the resources offered by ETS, the preparation buck stops with the candidate. Candidates must read newspapers, magazines, and online articles to become proficient in the reading segment. To increase reading comprehension, concentrate on academic subjects and summarising materials. Candidates can practice their TOEFL listening skills by listening to English podcasts on a variety of themes. To increase focus and multitasking skills, make notes on important concepts and practice summarising material. Engage in practice dialogues on personal interests to hone pronunciation, fluency, and thought organisation in speaking. Record and review responses. To bolster TOEFL writing skills and improve efficiency in the section, students can write about topics that interest them such as the importance of cricket in Indian culture. Students need to immerse themselves in related literature to expand their vocabulary and practice timed essay writing to effectively convey ideas.
With the aid of these strategic tips and resources, students can excel on the enhanced TOEFL iBT test and accomplish their academic aspirations on an international scale. Success on the TOEFL iBT exam not only unlocks educational opportunities but also paves the way for international career prospects, underscoring the importance of strategic preparation and dedication. Candidates looking for assistance with university admissions can get in touch with our Shiksha Counselling Services on our website.
Q: How can I prepare for TOEFL at home?
One searching for TOEFL preparation startegy without taking help of any coachings.
Self-Study Resources: Utilize online platform like ETS, and practice questions and study materials.
Listening Practice: Listen to English podcasts, lectures, and audiobooks to improve comprehension.
Reading Practice: Read academic articles or textbooks to familiarize yourself with academic vocabulary and structure.
Speaking Practice: Record yourself speaking on various topics and review your pronunciation and fluency.
Writing Practice: Write essays and seek feedback form any experts.
Q: How long should I study for the TOEFL?
The ideal duration depends on the TOEFL test taker's English proficiency and target score. Generally, dedicating 3-6 months with consistent practice sessions should yield the desired TOEFL scores. TOEFL test takers are further advised to analyze their practice test scores and identify areas needing improvement to tailor their study plan.
Q: Can I pass TOEFL online?
There is no such thing as failing or passing the TOEFL exam. The TOEFL exam is held online at a test centre near you and is also being conducted in the safety of your home via the online method. Candidates who have prepared for the TOEFL would qualify for the exam. Candidates should note that higher TOEFL scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat in the university and also make them a front runner for any scholarships being offered by the university. A low TOEFL score would require the student to re-take the exam to improve his/her performance.
Q: Is the TOEFL difficult for Indian students?
Yes, the TOEFL exam is relatively difficult than other English tests. However, the difficulty is subjective and depends on your current English proficiency level and preparation. While challenges like vocabulary gaps and adapting to the computer format (for the iBT) are common, dedicated preparation can help Indian students excel. Utilize official ETS resources like practice tests and study guides, supplement with free online tools and consider coaching classes if needed. Remember, consistent practice and addressing specific weaknesses are key to success.
Q: What is the hardest part of the TOEFL test?
The hardest part of the TOEFL test often depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. However, many test-takers find the speaking and writing sections to be the most challenging, as they require both language proficiency and critical thinking skills.
There are two tasks in the TOEFL writing section; one of them requires test takers to read a short passage, listen to a short lecture and finally, write your understanding of both. The other task requires test takers to state and support an opinion in a classroom discussion.
Q: Should students prepare for TOEFL on their own or seek professional guidance?
This is entirely at the discretion of the candidate. While professional help would definitely give you an added advantage, studying on your own would give you confidence like no other. Candidates studying on their own are advised to check out our preparation guide or visit the official website to learn about the at-home preparation strategy to score well in their next TOEFL exam. Candidates seeking professional help can check out the top TOEFL Coaching Centers in India.
Q: What is a Good TOEFL Score?
TOEFL Scores: There are no good or bad scores when appearing for the TOEFL test. Candidates would be required to meet the TOEFL score decided by the universities. anything above would increase their chances of getting admission into the university and any score below the range could serve as a roadblock in the admission process.
However, to make your test experience more personal and for you to understand your score better ETS has provided 4 to 5 proficiency levels for each skill. So where your score falls within that range tells you your proficiency for that skill. This will give you a fair idea about your performance, your strengths, sections that need improvement, and so on. Test takers can look at the table below to understand their TOEFL iBT Scores better.
Skill/ Score Range | Level* |
|---|---|
Reading Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (24–30) |
Listening Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (22–30) |
Speaking Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (25–30) |
Writing Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (24–30) |
Total Score | These are added together for a total score of 0–120. |
Q: Why take the TOEFL Exam?
Accepted in over 11,000 universities and institutions worldwide, including universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), and across Europe and Asia, TOEFL is one of the most preferred English-language tests for students wanting to study abroad. The TOEFL test is primarily to understand and grade the candidates reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities in the English language.
Students wanting to study abroad and opting for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) comes with many benefits. TOEFL is a preferred exam among students who want to pursue higher education abroad, as more TOEFL scores are sent to universities in the United States and Canada than all other English-language tests combined. Similarly, TOEFL is a preferred English test among countries as more TOEFL scores are sent to German, French, US, and Canadian universities than other English tests. ETS – the conducting body of the TOEFL also guarantees students a fair and unbiased process of score reporting, making the test more authentic.
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