Know all about the TOEFL iBT Test and the TOEFL Special Home Based Edition from the Experts
TOEFL
Talk to ExpertTOEFL Exam 2024: In conversation with Sheena Kumar - Manager (Language Proficiency) Master Trainer for TOEFL iBT; Abhishek Paul - Sr. Manager; Mohammed Samiuddin - Senior Consultant; Jacob K A- ETS TOEFL Master Trainer; Joseph Augustine- Senior Consultant; Syed Ashraf Ali- Associate Partner; Crystal Kwentoh- Director, Strategic Marketing ETS TOEFL; Siddharth Iyer - Business Consultant, ETS TOEFL India; Sandy Bhangal - Associate Director, TOEFL Client Relations, ETS Global, United Kingdom; Tina Tuccillo- Senior Director, Marketing - TOEFL and Nuriya Ansari - Managing Partner Shiksha.com discussed the important aspects of the TOEFL iBT Test and the TOEFL Special Home Based Edition Test for the benefit of our readers.
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Q. What is the right time to appear for the TOEFL test?
A. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test happens every month and candidates can appear for the TOEFL test 50 times a year. Candidates can re-take the test after 3 days after their previous test. There is no right or wrong time per se. Candidates looking to study abroad or universities that require TOEFL scores as part of their admission process are when candidates should register and appear for the test.
Q. Any preparation tips for the TOEFL test?
A. The intensity of preparation depends entirely on one's English Language prowess. Ideally, one should practice for three months prior to the test date. Candidates can visit the TOEFL preparation page or the official ETS website for the latest test prep material (both free and paid) which is also available on Amazon. Students can also check out the TOEFL GO App available on both android and iOS platforms. Candidates looking for a step-by-step TOEFL preparation guide can follow the expert tips mentioned below:
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
- Get to Know the Format of the TOEFL Test
- Know Why You Are Taking the TOEFL Test
- Have a Minimum Score in Mind
- Get a Study Guide
- Get Support from a Teacher or Peer
- Practice Reading Non-technical English
- Practice Listening to English with Your Learning Goal in Mind
Q. What is the fee for the TOEFL iBT Test?
A. The fee for the TOEFL iBT test as well as the TOEFL Special Home Based Edition is $190. The official website accepts payments made via Visa Card and PayPal.
Q. Who accepts TOEFL Test scores?
A. TOEFL is a Language Proficiency Test and is accepted in over 11,000 universities across 150 countries. The TOEFL test is preferred by 9 out of 10 universities and accepted in most universities. However, candidates are advised to check with the university before registering for the exam.
Q. How do you register for the TOEFL test?
A. Online registration is the fastest, easiest method. Candidates can enter a location where they wish to appear for the test, and see what dates are available for that particular test centre. Registration is available five to six months before the test date, but be sure to register early to reserve your seat.
Q. What is the TOEFL Special Home Edition?
A. Introduced during the coronavirus pandemic, COVID -19. The TOEFL Special Home Based Edition is a version of the TOEFL test that can be taken from the comfort and safety of your home. To make the test-taking experience seamless during the pandemic when most test centres were shut, ETS brought the TOEFL test to the home of the candidate. Currently, the TOEFL test is available 4 days a week in India.
The TOEFL Special Home Based Edition is currently available everywhere that TOEFL iBT testing is normally available, except in Mainland China and Iran. The at-home testing option is available to anyone who meets the following requirements:
- Your computer meets the equipment requirements for the test, including the installation of the ETS Test Browser, and can pass the ProctorU Systems Check
- You have a room that provides an acceptable environment for the test
Note: The ability to register for the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is dependent on the country name you enter in your ETS account, not your physical address or IP address. If the test is available in the country you enter, you'll see the "Special Home Edition" option as you begin registration. For example, if you select Mainland China, Iran, Chad, Fiji, etc., as your country in your ETS account, you won't see the at-home testing option.
Q. What about the technical issues faced by candidates opting for the TOEFL Special Home Based Edition?
A. Candidates who face technical issues immediately before the Special Home Edition test can contact ProctorU via the Live Chat feature in their ProctorU account. If the candidate faces a technical issue during their test that prohibits him from speaking to the proctor, he can call ProctorU at +1-855-772-8678 for assistance. This won't affect the amount of time the candidate has to complete the test. The timer for your test doesn't begin until the proctor enters the password.
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Q. Is there any difference between the TOEFL test taken at home and at the test centre?
A. There is absolutely no difference in the value of the TOEFL test taken either at the test centre or from the safety of your home. The TOEFL test fee remains the same at $190 for both mediums. The extra costs which come with the Home Edition of the test have been absorbed by ETS. The TOEFL test scores are available within six working days unless your performance has been flagged then it would take up to eight days. The TOEFL format remains the same.
Q. Can a candidate fail the TOEFL Test?
A. There are no passing or failing the TOEFL test. Universities and programs that accept TOEFL scores set their own score requirements based on specific English skills their students need to have. Therefore, score requirements can vary. It is recommended that students contact the institution directly to fully understand the TOEFL score requirements.
Q. What are TOEFL Score Requirements?
A. TOEFL score requirements vary by country, course and university. In the UK, candidates will need a minimum total score of 72 (Listening: 17; Writing: 17; Speaking: 20; Reading: 18) for a visa and some universities may require a total of 72 or slightly higher. In the US, the average TOEFL minimum score requirement for universities is 78. Candidates are advised to visit the university websites to get an accurate idea.
Q. How is the TOEFL test scored?
A. The TOEFL Test is divided into four sections. Each section is scored out of 30, bringing the total score to 120.
Q. Does TOEFL provide scholarships?
A. For scholarships candidates will need to visit the university website but the score requirements are usually high but achievable.
Q. When are the scores available to the candidates?
A. Candidates can expect their TOEFL iBT test centre results six days from the day of appearing for the exam. ETS has dropped the turnaround test score duration from 10 days the last year to six days this year. The score for the TOEFL iBT home version takes a little bit longer, it is between 6 to 10 days, but students can be assured not more than 10 days.
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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.
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in USA1037 Universities
- Universities in Canada174 Universities
- Universities in Australia122 Universities
- Universities in Ireland32 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae