What is the TOEFL?The TOEFL measures a candidate’s English-language ability for advanced academic study. It tests and affirms English reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Where can I take the TOEFL?The TOEFL is offered over fifty times a year at test centers worldwide. Create an Educational Testing Service (ETS) account to find available test centers and dates and to register for an exam at https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/register/centers_dates/.
How do I register for the TOEFL?You can register for the TOEFL on the ETS website.
What’s on the TOEFL?The exam includes four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
How many questions are on the TOEFL?The TOEFL includes approximately 80 multiple choice, 2 essays, and 4 speaking tasks.
How long is the TOEFL? The TOEFL takes approximately 3 ½ hours.
Can I take the TOEFL over multiple days?Because the TOEFL tests your ability to communicate using your combined reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, you must take all sections of the test on the same day.
How is the TOEFL Scored?For the multiple-choice portion of the test, you will receive one point for each question you answer correctly. Those raw scores will be converted to a scaled score of 0 – 30.
On the Speaking section, each of the four tasks is rated from 0 – 4. Those scores are added together and scaled to a score of 0 – 30.
On the Writing section, each of the two tasks is rated from 0 – 5. As on the other sections of the test, those scores are added up and scaled from 0 – 30.
Ultimately, you will have four scaled scores from 0 – 30 (one for each section of the test—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing). The scaled scores combine to a total score of 0 – 120.
Speaking scores are based on clarity, fluidity, and correct pronunciation and intonation. A strong response will show good use of grammar, complex structures, and advanced vocabulary.
Writing scores are likewise based on clarity. A strong response will demonstrate a well-structured essay that adequately responds to the questions using complex sentences, coherence, a variety of vocabulary, and appropriate grammar and syntax. A few minor grammatical or mechanical errors may occur.
Can you fail the TOEFL?You cannot pass or fail the TOEFL. Your scores are a reflection of your proficiency in English. The institution or school to which you are sending your scores will have a score requirement. Check with the school or institution to which you are applying for details. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the date of testing.
