Introduction to TOEFL

Introduction to TOEFL

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1.      Definition of TOEFL

TOEFL is Test of English as a Foreign Language. The TOEFL test measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand English as it’s read, written, heard and spoken in the university classroom.

If you want to study at an English-speaking university or program, no other test can get you to as many destinations around the world as the TOEFL test.

2.      Purpose of TOEFL

Since 1963, the TOEFL has been used by scholarship selection committee of governments, universities and agencies such as Fulbright, the Agency for International Development, AMIDEAST, Latin  American Scholarship Programs, and others as a standard measure of the English proficiency of their candidates. Some professional licensing and certification agencies also use TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency.

The admissions committee of more than 4.400 colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and many other countries worldwide require foreign applicants to submit TOEFL scores along with transcripts and recommendations in order to be considered for admission.

Many Universities use TOEFL scores to fulfill the foreign language requirement for doctoral candidates whose first language is not English.

3.      Programs of TOEFL

A.    Paper-Based TOEFL

The PBT is a pencil and paper test that is offered for two purposes. One purpose of the PBT is for placement and progress evaluations. Colleges or other institutions use the PBT to test their students. The scores are  not valid outside the place where they are administered, but the college or institution accepts the PBT that they administer as an official score. This PBT is also called an Institutional TOEFL.

The other purpose of the PBT is to supplement the official Computer-Based TOEFL in areas where computer-based testing is not possible. The scores are usually valid outside the place where they are administered. This PBT is also called a Supplemental TOEFL.

The Paper-Based TOEFL has three sections:  Listening Compherension, Structure and Written Expression and reading. In addition, the TWE is a required  essay that provides a  writing score. The PBT is a linear test, which means that everyone who takes the TOEFL during the same administration will see and answer the same questions. The total score is based on a scale  of 310-677.

B. Internet-Based TOEFL

The TOEFL iBT test, administered via the Internet, is an important part of your journey  to study in an English-speaking country. In addition to the test, the ETS TOEFL Program provides tools and guides to help you prepare for the test and improve your English-language skills.

The TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. And it evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks.

More than 30 million people from all over the world have taken the TOEFL® test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency. The average English skill level ranges between Intermediate and Advanced.

• Students planning to study at a higher education institution
• English-language learning program admissions and exit
• Scholarship and certification candidates
• English-language learners who want to track their progress
• Students and workers applying for visas

we can contact a local TOEFL iBT Resource Center for general in-language information about the TOEFL test and test preparation. TOEFL iBT Resource Centers are available in specific countries.

More than 9,000 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. For more information, including using our scores to satisfy visa requirements in Australia and the U.K., how to find institutions that accept TOEFL scores, and more.

The TOEFL test has more test dates (over 50 per year) and locations than any other English-language test in the world. we can retake the test as many times as you wish, but we cannot take it more than once in a 12-day period. If we already have a test appointment, we cannot register for another test date that is within 12 days of our existing appointment.

This retake policy will be enforced even if a violation is not immediately identified (e.g., inconsistent registration information).

• If the violation is identified after registration but before the test date, your test appointment will be canceled and your test fees will not be refunded.
• If the violation is identified after your test scores have been reported, your scores will be canceled, you will be notified of the cancellation and your test fees will not be refunded.

ETS offers a variety of paid and free preparation materials to help you get ready for the TOEFL test.

The cost of the test varies between countries. For information on registration, fees, test dates and locations, select your test location.

4.      Tips and Strategies to help you prepare for the TOEFL test

Ø  General strategies

       *    Find out which version of the TOEFL you will take.
            Depending on where and when you take the TOEFL test, you will encounter either the Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) or the TOEFL Paper-based Test (TOEFL PBT). Be sure of which format you will use. Your TOEFL score from either test will be accepted by the colleges you choose, but the differences in the test formats will influence some of your TOEFL preparation.

·        Approach  the TOEFL test with a plan
Spend enough time in TOEFL preparation so that you know where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Having this kind of understanding can help you decide where to focus your energies as you prepare for the test. If you will be taking the Paper-based Test (PBT), work through some practice tests and then concentrate your TOEFL preparation on any weak areas. Take time to review your strong areas, but invest your time to build up your weaknesses. If your exam will be the Internet-based test (iBT), be sure to visit the TOEFL iBT Web site (www.ets.org/toefl) and examine the information presented there. In addition, get your teacher's opinion on where you can best spend your preparation time. ETS provides sample questions for both the PBT and iBT on its Web site.

·        To maximize your TOEFL score, be ready for test conditions and be well-rehearsed
Practice makes permanence! If you set aside time in a quiet place to take some practice exams, you'll be ready for the rigors of sitting in a chair and focusing on the TOEFL test material. The PBT is a 3-and-a-half hour test, and the iBT takes about 4-and-a-half hours. It's a good idea to dress in layers and bring a sweater or sweatshirt because the temperature in the testing room may be warmer or colder than you anticipated. You want to be able to show everything you know on the test. English-language tests can be hard enough on their own—you don't need to be dealing with hot or cold temperatures during the test too.

·        Become familiar with the directions and questions before the TOEFL test 
Each of the test sections has a time limit, and you want to make the most of the time you are given. Use a portion of your preparation to become familiar with the directions for each section and how the questions are set up. Then you can use all you time in answering the questions instead of reviewing the directions.

A.     Paper-Based TOEFL Tips and Strategies

 *    Reading Comprehension 

Skim the passage first to get a sense of the main idea. You can always go back and look up specifics. Answer the questions that ask about vocabulary words and details first. Then work on questions that ask you about the main idea or require you to make inferences. You will answer 50 questions in 55 minutes.

·        Structure and Written Expression

Think about the simplest, clearest way to express an idea. If an answer choice sounds awkward or overly complicated, chances are good that it's wrong. Brush up on your English grammar for this part of the test. You will have 25 minutes to complete 40 questions.

·        Listening Comprehension 

Become as familiar with the English language as you can, including learning vocabulary words and idioms. Practice working with the language in everyday life; this will help you become more comfortable with it and understand it better. These 50 questions will take 30 to 40 minutes to complete.

·        Writing 

Planning for a few minutes before writing will help you to write a more focused and organized essay. It is important to develop your ideas and express them clearly, using examples to back them up. Although the essay doesn't need to be grammatically perfect, try to make as few errors as possible. Always save a few minutes at the end to proofread. You will have 30 minutes to organize and write on your topic.

B.      iBT Tips and Strategies

·             Note taking

   Just like in a college classroom, you will be allowed to take notes on what you hear and      read during the test and then use your notes when answering the questions.

·           Writing
On the iBT, the Writing test is 50 minutes and consists of two tasks. For one task, you write independently for 30 minutes to support an opinion on a topic. For the other task, you write for 20 minutes in response to things you hear and read. You need to be able to type on a keyboard to enter your written responses.

·           Listening
During the Listening test, which runs from 60 to 90 minutes, you answer sets of 5 or 6 questions that are based on lectures and conversations, each of which lasts from three to five minutes. You will hear more than one native English accent.

·        Speaking
During the Speaking test, you will spend 20 minutes responding to six tasks. With each task, you will have a short time to organize your thoughts before responding. Two tasks will require you to talk about a familiar topic. Four other tasks will be "integrated," asking you to speak in response to things you have heard and read.

·        Reading
You will receive a glossary that will define certain key words in the Reading test. The test lasts for 60 to 100 minutes. You will be presented with three, four, or five passages from academic books and will answer 12 to 14 questions that are based on each of the passages.

Make your TOEFL preparation pay off

Make the most of the time you have to prepare for your TOEFL test. Whether you take the Paper-based Test or the TOEFL iBT, careful and thoughtful preparation will be reflected in the TOEFL score you receive. Make the most of your opportunity and show your chosen college how well you can use and understand the English language.

5.      Sections. The TOEFL test measures all four English-language skills. It takes about four hours. 

Section	Time Limit	No. of Questions	Overview
Reading	60—80 minutes	36—56 questions	Read passages, then respond to questions
Listening	60—90 minutes	34—51 questions	Listen to lectures or a classroom discussion, then respond to questions
BREAK	Relax for 10 minutes
Speaking	20 minutes	6 tasks	Speak into a microphone about familiar topics and discuss material you read about and listened to
Writing	50 minutes	2 tasks	Read a passage, listen to a recording and then type your written response

6.      The rules in TOEFL test

There will be on MANDATORY five-minute break during the test. At that time you must leave the testing room. Other than that short break, you CANNOT leave the room.

If you finish a section before the time is called, you cannot go to another section. During the time allotted for a given section, you much work only on questions in that section. If you are found working on another section, your score may be canceled.

You may not bring any paper, food, calculators, dictionaries or any other books, tape recorders and cameras.

You should guess on the TOEFL. There is no penalty on TOEFL for incorrect answers, so do not leave any spaces blank on your answer sheet. Of course, it is best to eliminate the answer sheet.

REFERENCES

Pamela J. Sharpe.(2005). BARRON’S, How To Prepare For The TOEFL. Indonesia: Binarupa Aksara.

Michael A. Pyle & Mary Ellen Munoz. (1995). TOEFL PREPARATION GUIDE. Lincoln: Cliffs.

Roberta Steinberg. (2005). McGraw-Hill’s TOEFL CBT.America: Mc Graw Hill.

Http://www.toeflgoanywhere.org/what-is-toefl

Https://www.petersons.com/college-search/toefl-test-tips-strategies.aspx

Https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about