Education Matters - Study in Abroad

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a compulsory English test conducted for every student from non-English speaking country looking for overseas education in English speaking countries like, USA, UK, etc. It is a test conducted for assessing the fundamental abilities in English and is accepted by over 6000 colleges and universities in 110 countries. This is over 3 times the number of any other English-language proficiency test. The test is administered in 180 countries at more than 1275 test sites. A TOEFL score is valid for two years and then is deleted from the official database. The maximum score for Internet based TOEFL (Computer Based TOEFL) is 120. This examination is not accepted by universities in Australia.

Test Modules

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TOEFL test consists of four distinct modules, each determining the essential language proficiency that is used in the atmosphere of the academic.

*	Reading This module determines the proficiency of understanding intellectual reading issues. The Reading module consists of 3-5 comprehensive passages (long passages and questions asked about them). They are chosen from the academic topics, which are found in undergraduate university textbooks.
*	Listening This module determines the proficiency of understanding the English used in the colleges and universities. Listening module consists of 6 comprehensive passages, two passages will be the conversations of the students and the other four will be academic lectures or discussions. Students have to understand the conversations and answer for the passage questions.
*	Speaking This module determines the proficiency of speaking in English. Speaking module consists of 6 tasks, two independent tasks and four integrated tasks. In the independent tasks, students have to answer opinion questions concerning the academic life. In two of the integrated tasks, students have to read a passage, listen to a passage and speak about how the ideas in the two passages are related. In the other two integrated tasks, students have to listen to long passages, review them and speak about the information in the passages.
*	Writing This module determines the proficiency of writing that is pertinent for college and university assignments. This module consists of two tasks, one independent task where students have to read an academic passage, listen to an academic passage and write their reviews about the two passages. Another is the integrated task where students have to write an essay.

TOEFL IBT ( New Generation TOEFL)

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A new Internet based version of the TOEFL, iBT tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication skills namely Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing. Academically successful students need to combine all the four language skills in the class room. Integrated tasks in the new test will help learners build the skills and confidence needed to communicate effectively.

The new integrated tasks will ask test takers to

*	read, listen and then speak in response to a question
*	listen and then speak in response to a question
*	read, listen and then write in response to a question

The New TOEFL test Includes

Listening
Introduction of additional native English accents
* Time: 60 - 90 minutes
* Score scale: 0 - 30

Speaking selection
This section includes six tasks and test takers wear headphones and speak into a microphone when they respond. Test takers can take notes throughout the test.

Speaking 6 tasks
* 2 independent tasks - express an opinion on a familiar topic
* 4 integrated tasks - speak based on what is read and heard
* Up to 30 seconds to prepare the response Up to 1 minute to respond

Reading
* 3 - 5 passages from academic texts
* Approximately 700 words long
* Time: 60 -100 minutes

Writing
2 tasks
* 1 Integrated task- write based on what is read and heard.
* 1 independent task-support an opinion on a topic.

No grammar is evaluated in Speaking and Writing responses.
Score Scale: Scores from the new TOEFL test will provide information about performance in the four skill areas students needed for success in an academic environment. Each module is assessed on a scale of 0-30 with total test being assessed on a scale of 0-120.Score reports will provide better information than ever about an individual's readiness to participate and succeed in academic studies in an English speaking environment.

TOEFL iBT SCORE IS VALID FOR 2 YEARS

Structure of the TOEFL iBT Test

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Section	Description	Testing Time	Questions	Score Scale
Reading	3-5 passages from academic texts; approximately 700 words long; 12-14 questions per passage.	60-100 minutes	36-70 questions	0-30

Listening	4-6 lectures, some with classroom discussion; each 3-5 minutes long; 6 questions each. 2-3 conversations; each 3 minutes long; 5 questions each.	60-90 minutes	34-51 questions	0-30

Break	-	10 minutes	-	-

Speaking	2 tasks to express an opinion on a familiar topic; 4 tasks to speak based on what is read and listened to.	20 minutes	6 tasks	0-4 points converted to 0-30 score scale

Writing	1 task to write based on what is read and listened to; 1 task to support an opinion on a topic.	50 minutes	2 tasks	0-5 points converted to 0-30 score scale
Total score	-	-	-	0-120

Variations in Different TOEFL Tests iBT / CBT / PBT

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Post-Secondary Level	TOEFL® iBT	TOEFL® CBT	TOEFL® PBT	CCEL English level
Maximum score	120	300	677

Graduate Programs	100	250	600	Upper-Advanced

Maximum Undergraduate	92	273	580	Advanced

Minimum Undergraduate	86	227	567	Upper-Advanced

College	80	213	550	Intermediate

Community College	61	173	500	Intermediate

Fee (US $)	165	110	140

Time Length	4:30 Hrs	3:30 Hrs	3:45 Hrs