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The TOEFL syllabus has been designed to assess the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of candidates in a university setting. The TOEFL exam assess various skills of the candidates and know their English language proficiency. This article covers the complete TOEFL syllabus covering the writing, reading, listening, and speaking aspects of the TOEFL exam. But before proceeding to check the syllabus, register for the TOEFL exam to not miss out on a suitable exam slot for yourself.
Q: What is the syllabus of TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL iBT syllabus for students includes testing the candidates' reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. A more detailed layout of the TOEFL syllabus can be found below. Here is the latest TOEFL syllabus for the benefit of our TOEFL test-takers.
Section | Number of Questions / Duration | Description |
Reading | 3–4 passages - 10 questions each | For the TOEFL Reading section, candidates would be required to read multiple passages and answer 30 - 40 questions. |
54-72 minutes | ||
Listening | 3-4 Lectures and 2-3 Conversations - 10 questions each | For the TOEFL Listening section, candidates would be required to answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions. |
41-57 minutes | ||
Speaking | 4 tasks | For the TOEFL Speaking Section, candidates would be required to talk about a familiar topic and discuss material they have read and listened to. |
17 minutes | ||
Writing | 2 tasks | For the TOEFL Writing Section, candidates would be required to read a passage, listen to a recording and type their response. |
Q: How many times is the TOEFL exam conducted in a year?
The TOEFL exam is conducted over 170 times a year at authorized test centers, primarily in the internet-based format (TOEFL iBT). Candidates can retake the exam as many times as they wish, although they must wait at least 12 days between attempts. In addition to the iBT format, the paper-based TOEFL (TOEFL PBT) is offered four times a year in locations where internet testing is not available. Overall, the TOEFL provides ample opportunities for candidates to schedule their tests throughout the year.
Q: How can I pass TOEFL?
There is no such thing as failing or passing the TOEFL exam. Every university would have its own TOEFL Score cut-off and students are required to achieve scores 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. A low TOEFL score would require the student to re-take the exam to improve his/her performance.
Q: What is the duration of TOEFL test?
The duration of the total TOEFL test takes about 3 hours to complete, but candidates should plan for 3.5 hours, allowing 30 minutes for check-in.
Q: What are the subjects in TOEFL exam?
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.
TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2024 (current)
Here is the latest TOEFL syllabus for the benefit of our TOEFL test-takers.
| Sections | Number of Questions / Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading Section | 20 questions | For the TOEFL Reading section, candidates would be required to read multiple passages and answer 20 questions. |
| 35 minutes | ||
| TOEFL Listening Section | 28 questions | For the TOEFL Listening section, candidates would be required to answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions. |
| 36 minutes | ||
| TOEFL Speaking Section | 4 tasks | For the TOEFL Speaking Section, candidates would be required to talk about a familiar topic and discuss material they have read and listened to. |
| 16 minutes | ||
| TOEFL Writing Section | 2 tasks | For the TOEFL Writing Section, candidates would be required to read a passage, listen to a recording and type their response. |
| 29 minutes |
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
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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: What is the validity period of TOEFL score?
Your TOEFL score validity is for two years after the declaration of your result. If you are not satisfied with the scores on your first attempt, you can try again as there is no limitation on the number of retakes. However, there must be at least a three-day gap between your retakes; i.e if you have a test appointment for today, you cannot register for another appointment for the next three days.
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Highlights of TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024
TOEFL pattern: Given below is a detailed TOEFL Exam pattern 2024 for the benefit of our test takers.
| Section | TOEFL Exam Pattern | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading Section | Duration: 35 minutes Questions 20 |
Read passages and respond to questions. |
| TOEFL Listening Section | Duration: 36 minutes Questions 28 |
Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions. |
| TOEFL Speaking Section | Duration: 16 minutes Questions: 4 tasks |
Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard. |
| TOEFL Writing Section | Duration: 29 minutes Questions: 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 |
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, results, and the scores system of the test. ETS, the conducting body of the TOEFL exam also provides free and paid study material, which is easily available.
How do I start preparing for TOEFL?
Students can either go for self-study or prepare themselves, apart from this, they can go for TOEFL coaching. However, students should know when to start preparing for the TOEFL exam. Also, students who wish to join coaching should be aware of the top TOEFL coaching centres in India.
Q: How do I start preparing for TOEFL and IELTS as a beginner?
Preparation is key. Candidates are advised to start early as this would give them ample time to set time aside for the revision of the study material. As the saying goes, no one size fits all. Hence, there is no set method that would guarantee you a successful TOEFL performance. candidates should work on their strengths, improve their weaknesses, and above all be honest in their preparation.
TOEFL Sample Paper
TOEFL Practice Test: Since it is an English language test, TOEFL requires its candidates to have a good command of the English language. Like the other standardized tests required to study abroad, TOEFL is divided into sections. Every section has its own importance and hence needs to be prepared accordingly. With four sections in total, the exam requires dedicated time to cover and excel in each section. Once you are done with your preparation, you may test your abilities through TOEFL 2024 Sample Papers to see how far you have reached in your preparation. It is essential to understand how to practice for TOEFL: Practice Tests and Samples.
Solve TOEFL Exam Sample Papers
Provided below are a mix of TOEFL Practice Papers, TOEFL mock tests and TOEFL Sample papers for the benefit of TOEFL test takers. They have been sourced from the official website and candidates can visit the official ETS TOEFL website for more similar content.
TOEFL Exam Day Tips
We have got some of the best TOEFL exam day tips for you to perform your best on your TOEFL exam day. As the day arrives, the only item you must bring on the test day to your test centre is a valid and acceptable ID which is a valid passport for Indians taking the test, there are no exceptions to this policy. Kindly note that your passport has to be
- An original document (photocopies not allowed)
- Valid (expired documents are not allowed)
- Have your full name mentioned in it as mentioned during registration
- Have your photo in it (a recent photo matching the test takers)
- Have your signature
Also, remember that no other personal items are allowed inside the test centre except your ID as they may be inspected or confiscated.
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- Universities in Canada174 Universities
- Universities in Australia122 Universities
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in Ireland33 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
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