What is TOEFL?

TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic . It sometimes is an admission requirement for non-native English speakers at many English-speaking colleges and universities. Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, licensing bodies, businesses, or scholarship programs may require this test. A TOEFL score is valid for two years and then will no longer be officially reported since a candidate's language proficiency could have significantly changed since the date of the test. Colleges and universities usually consider only the most recent TOEFL score.

The TOEFL test is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is administered worldwide. The test was first administered in 1964 and has since been taken by more than 23 million students. The test was originally developed at the Center for Applied Linguistics led by the linguist, Dr. Charles A. Ferguson.

Policies governing the TOEFL program are formulated with advice from a 16-member board. Board members are affiliated with undergraduate and graduate schools, 2-year institutions and public or private agencies with an interest in international education. Other members are specialists in the field of English as a foreign or second language. 

Formats 

 There are two way of attempting the TOEFL test which are given below;

      1.   INTERNET-BASED TEST

The four-hour test consists of four sections, each measuring one of the basic language skills (while some tasks require integrating multiple skills) and all tasks focus on language used in an academic, higher-education environment. Note-taking is allowed during the TOEFL iBT test. The test cannot be taken more than once a week.

 2.   PAPER-BASED TEST

The TOEFL paper-based Test (PBT) is available in limited areas. Scores are valid for two years after the test date, and test takers can have their scores sent to institutions or agencies during that time.

Contents

The contents of both type of test are listed below in table.

INTERNET-BASED TEST	PAPER-BASED TEST
Reading	Listening
Listening	Structure and Written Expression
Speaking	Reading Comprehension
Writing	Writing

  The TOEFL test is taken by students who are interested in furthering their academic careers and want to demonstrate a proficiency in North American English.  The competitiveness of school admissions dictates a good TOEFL score as a minimum to even be considered by some colleges. The TOEFL test covers 3 content areas: Writing, Reading,  and Listening. You will not find social studies, chemistry, physics and biology on the TOEFL, unless a few of these topics are covered indirectly on the sections.

The TOEFL test is designed to be one of the first hurdles in your academic career. Consequently, the questions focus on your ability to apply knowledge that you have learned in past experiences related to the English Language.  The TOEFL test requires that you understand the underlying concepts of the English language.

Many stare at limited funding and the overwhelming task of studying to score high on the TOEFL test. This website was created to help students overcome the challenge of the TOEFL test.  The key TOEFL testing tips are stated as follows:

1.    Improve your writing skills.

2.    Review reading passages that frequently occur on the TOEFL test.

3.    Improve your vocabulary.

4.    Be familiar with the format of the TOEFL test.

5.    Practice intensely for the listening test on the TOEFL test.

The hours of studying and class work are finally worth it when you gain acceptance into the school or job of your choice.