TOEFL Overview

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized exam designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service).The TOEFL is widely accepted by universities, colleges, and institutions in English-speaking countries as proof of English proficiency for admission purposes. It is offered in both internet-based (TOEFL iBT) and paper-based formats (TOEFL PBT), with the TOEFL iBT being more commonly administered. Scores are valid for two years and are reported on a scale from 0 to 120, with each section scored separately.Preparing for the TOEFL typically involves studying English language skills, familiarizing oneself with the test format, and practicing with sample questions and tests.



TOEFL Test Format


Reading Section:

  • Duration: 60-80 minutes
  • Number of Questions: 36-56 questions
  • Content: Candidates read 3-4 academic passages and answer questions to assess their reading comprehension skills.


Listening Section:

  • Duration: 60-90 minutes
  • Number of Questions: 34-51 questions
  • Content: Candidates listen to lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations. They then answer questions to demonstrate their ability to understand spoken English.


Speaking Section:

  • Duration: 20 minutes
  • Number of Tasks: 4 tasks
  • Content: Candidates complete various speaking tasks, including expressing opinions and ideas on familiar topics, summarizing information from reading and listening passages, and participating in a discussion.


Writing Section:

  • Duration: 50 minutes
  • Number of Tasks: 2 tasks
  • Content: Candidates write essays based on reading and listening tasks. One task requires them to summarize information from a reading and a lecture, while the other asks them to write an essay in response to a prompt.



Additional Information:

  • Scoring: Each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) is scored separately on a scale of 0-30. The total score, which ranges from 0-120, is the sum of the scores from the four sections.
  • Test Administration: The TOEFL iBT is administered at designated test centers worldwide. Test dates are scheduled throughout the year.
  • Preparation: ETS provides official preparation materials, including sample questions and practice tests, to help candidates familiarize themselves with the test format and content.