TOEFL 2024 Pattern: Check Section-wise Test Format, Total Marks, Duration

TOEFL

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Raushan Kumar

Raushan KumarAssistant Manager Content

Updated on Nov 12, 2024 14:35 IST

Conducted by ETS, the full form of TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language and the TOEFL exam is one of the most widely used English proficiency exams for candidates wanting to study abroad. The TOEFL exam pattern 2024 comprises four sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing - along with the total score. The TOEFL exam has been designed to assess the test takers' reading, listening, writing and speaking abilities in a university setting. The total duration of TOEFL exam is 116 minutes. The total number of questions in TOEFL exam are 48 plus 6 addittional task. 

The TOEFL exam is an important component of a university application for students who are looking to study abroad in an English-speaking country. Test takers are required to register for the TOEFL exam by selecting the most suitable date and time slot at their nearest exam centre and paying the TOEFL exam fees, i.e. ₹16,900. In this article, we are going to be talking about the TOEFL exam pattern for candidates looking to appear for the TOEFL exam. 

TOEFL Exam Pattern

Q:   What is the score pattern for TOEFL?

A:

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test that measures English language proficiency across four key areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Understanding the score pattern for the TOEFL is essential for test-takers aiming to achieve their desired results. The total TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120. This total is derived from the combined scores of the four sections, each contributing a maximum of 30 points.

Q:   What is the pattern of TOEFL exam?

A:

The TOEFL exam pattern comprises four sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing - along with the total score. Candidates can check the article above to understand the latest TOEFL exam pattern.

Section

Questions Duration

Tasks

Reading

Questions: 30–40 questions Duration: 54–72 minutes

Reading 3 or 4 passages from the academic texts and answering questions based on them.

Listening

Questions: 28-38 Duration: 41-57 minutes

Listening to lectures, conversations, classroom discussions, and, then answering questions based on them.

Break: 10 minutes

Speaking

Questions: 4 tasks Duration: 17 minutes

Candidates need to express their opinion on a topic familiar to them and speak based on reading and listening tasks.

Writing

Questions: 2 tasks Duration: 50 minutes

Candidates need to write essay responses base

Q:   What are the subjects in TOEFL exam?

A:

The TOEFL is into four main subjects, Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Each subject of TOEFL exam assesses the English language proficiency of non-native speakers, particularly in an academic context. 

Q:   What is the passing score in TOEFL test?

A:

There is no such thing as a passing TOEFL score. Every university would have its TOEFL Score cut-off and students are required to achieve scores equal or higher than the set grade. 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.

TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024

TOEFL Pattern: The TOEFL exam pattern 2024 comprises four sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing - along with the total score. It is always advised that candidates should practise more and more, as the more they practise TOEFL Sample Papers, the better their scores will be. The TOEFL exam pattern is decided by the ETS, the conducting body that governs the TOEFL exam. All the preparation material is prepared while focusing on the TOEFL test pattern.

TOEFL scores will be declared online within 4-8 days after the commencement of the test. The total score can be found with the sum of the scores of all four skill areas. Apart from this, at the time of the TOEFL registration, candidates get the option of selecting up to four institutions where they can send the score report. So, once the TOEFL results are declared, ETS sends the official score reports directly to the institutions the student has selected. Candidates can check out the updated TOEFL Exam Pattern below.

TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024

Section TOEFL Exam Pattern Description
TOEFL Reading Section

Duration: 35 minutes

Number of Questions = 20

Read passages and respond to questions.
TOEFL Listening Section

Duration: 36 minutes

Number of Questions = 28

Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions.
TOEFL Speaking Section

Duration: 16 minutes

Number of Tasks 4 tasks

Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard.
TOEFL Writing Section

Duration: 29 minutes

Number of Tasks = 2 tasks

Read a passage, listen to a recording, and type your response.

State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.

  Total Duration: 116 minutes  
Note:- In order to obtain the final official scores, it is necessary to respond to a minimum of one question in both the Reading and Listening sections, as well as to fulfill at least one Speaking task and one Writing task.
TOEFL Exam Pattern

Read:

Q:   Is the TOEFL difficult for Indian students?

A:

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 are the universities accepting TOEFL scores?

A:

More than 11,000 colleges, universities, and other organizations across 150 countries accept TOEFL scores including universities in US, universities in UK, universities in Australia, universities in New Zealand, universities in France,  universities in Germany and universities in Canada. Apart from this, even immigration departments of various English-speaking countries use this test for granting work and residential visas to prospective immigrants. Candidates should note that there is no such thing as a cut-off for TOEFL exams, any score that can get you admission to your preferred college/university can be considered a good score. Minimum requirements for TOEFL scores can vary from institution to institution, so, it is always recommended to check the minimum requirements for the programme you are applying to.

Q:   How do I send TOEFL scores to foreign universities?

A:

When you pay your TOEFL test fee, it includes four free TOEFL score reports which ETS - the conducting body of the TOEFL exam would send to your pre-selected universities. Candidates wanting to send scorecards to additional universities can do so with an additional fee. 

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TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2024

The TOEFL iBT syllabus for students includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Here is the TOEFL exam format covering the TOEFL writing syllabus, TOEFL reading syllabus, TOEFL listening syllabus, and TOEFL speaking syllabus:

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Reading 

Description: The TOEFL Reading Section includes two reading passages, each approximately 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage. It should take about 35 minutes to complete the Reading section. The section is scored based on the number of correct reading comprehension responses.
Question type:

2 passages, 10 questions each
Total no. of questions: 20
Total time: 35 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Listening

Description: The TOEFL Listening Section includes 3 lectures, some with classroom discussion, each 3–5 minutes; 6 questions per lecture and 2 conversations, each 3 minutes; 5 questions per conversation. You can take notes on any audio item throughout the test to help you answer questions. It should take about 36 minutes to complete the Listening section.

Question type:
a) 3 Lectures (3-5 minutes long, about 500-800 words), 6 questions each, Total 18
b) 2 conversations (about 3 minutes long, about 12-25 exchanges), 5 questions each, Total 10

Total no. of questions: 28
Total time: 36 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Speaking

Description: For you to earn the highest scores in the Speaking Section, your responses must fulfil the demands of the task given with only minor mistakes or lapses. The test graders are looking for a highly intelligible and sustained conversation. Three main factors comprise scoring for the section, viz, delivery, language use, and topic development.
Question type:
a) 1 independent task (prep time: 15 - 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec)
b) 3 integrated tasks – Read/Listen/Speak (prep time: 15 - 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec)
Total no. of questions: 4
Total time: 16 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Writing

Description: The two essays should effectively address a topic each. The response should be well-organized and well-developed using relevant explanations and detailed support. Furthermore, it should also display unity, progression, and coherence. If you want to achieve a high writing score, make sure that you demonstrate syntactic variety and appropriate word choice with minor grammatical errors.
Question type:
a) 1 Integrated task – Read/Listen/Write (20 minutes) (reading time: 3 min; Listening time: 2 min; writing: 15 min)
b) 1 Writing for an Academic Discussion task (10 minutes)
Total no. of questions: 2
Total time: 30 minutes








TOEFL Exam Fee 2024

TOEFL Fees in India 2024: The registration fee for the TOEFL exam varies from location to location. The TOEFL exam fee in India is ₹16,900 INR. Apart from this, candidates also need to pay extra for other services like late registration, rescheduling the exam, or score review. 







TOEFL Preparation Tips

How to prepare for TOEFL: There are two ways all exam-takers prepare for TOEFL i.e. self-study and attending coaching classes. Both these methods of studying have unique benefits and no one way is better than the other. If money is the prime consideration, then self-studies through TOEFL books and resources may be the better option. Similarly, if you need professional guidance to ensure you have an advantage in TOEFL exam preparation, then enrolling in a TOEFL coaching centre is the better option.

TOEFL Test monitors the candidates’ ability to understand the English language at the university level. The four sections on which the candidate’s ability is judged are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While preparing for the test, first of all, candidates should understand the format of the test, result, and scores system of the test. ETS, the conducting body of the TOEFL exam also provides free and paid study material, which is easily available.

Colleges accoetng TOEFL Scores

How many universities and colleges accept TOEFL Scores worldwide: Over 13,000+ institutions in 160+ countries accept the TOEFL scores. Educational institutions in major international education destinations like the USCanadaAustralia, and the UK accept the TOEFL score. Candidates can easily register for the TOEFL exam 2024 and book the TOEFL Test Centers at their convenience.

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TOEFL Test Scores

For understanding the TOEFL exam score, candidates need to understand how each section is scored. After six days of giving the exam, candidates receive an email from ETS when their scores are available. One can check the TOEFL scores online. The printed score reports of candidates are sent through email after 11 days of the TOEFL test date.

The four-section scores of the TOEFL exam are divided as follows:

Section

Score Range

Mean Scores*

Reading

0–30

20

Listening

0–30

19

Speaking

0–30

19

Writing

0–30

20

Total Score

0–120

78

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Comments

(366)

B

Babita Das

a month ago

If the exam browser is not opening then what to do

Reply to Babita Das

T

TIRTH GONDALIYA

7 months ago

Hello, My TOEFL iBT home edition EXAM's date is 19-05-2024. I don't know how to prepare and how I get 100+ score in this exam. Please, give me some advice please.

Reply to TIRTH GONDALIYA

S

Shalini

a year ago

Hello I have given TOEFL home edition and my scores is 104 (reading 30, listening 29, speaking 19, writing 26). Will the Ireland universities accepts this score and home edition?

Reply to Shalini

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Shalini. You can take a look at popular universities in Ireland, here: https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/apply You can also get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with Ireland University Admissions 2023 here: https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/apply

N

NIKHIL YADAV

a year ago

Hello I have given my TOEFL exam today and I have completed reading and listening successfully mean while in speaking I have read the question first 3 words loudly in preparation time does that effect my scorecard.please reply me please

Reply to NIKHIL YADAV

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Nikhil. Hope you are doing well. I seem to have overlooked your comment and my apologies for the same. I am guessing you have got your results by now. Reading the question out loud should not ideally affect your TOEFL test scores.

Do 93 overall TOEFL scores (R27, L27, W25, S14) leads rejection during Germany embassy interview, besides I have got unconditional offer from university? For Master Degree.

Reply to safiullah Ahmadzai

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Safiullah. The English language requirement is mostly university specific. Hence, if your university is convinced of your English-speaking skills then you would not have an issue with your student visa. However, you would be asked a couple of questions at the student visa interview and it is i

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