TOEFL FAQ
We have put together the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) we get from English, baby! members about TOEFL. If you do not find what you are looking for in this FAQ, you can always go to Ask Ebaby! Start your 7-day Super Free Trial now and ask as many TOEFL questions as you like!
- What is TOEFL?
- Are there different types of TOEFL tests?
- What is the format of the TOEFL test?
- How much time does the TOEFL test take?
- Why should I take the TOEFL exam?
- What does the TOEFL exam cost?
- How do I find out my TOEFL score?
- How long will it take to get my TOEFL score?
- What is the difference between Institutional TOEFL and International TOEFL?
- What is the highest possible TOEFL score?
- How can I improve my TOEFL score?
- What is the minimum TOEFL score I need to get into a university in the USA?
- How long is my TOEFL score valid?
- What do I do if I fail the TOEFL test?
- How many times can I take the TOEFL test?
What is TOEFL?
If you are thinking about studying in another country, you may need to take an exam called TOEFL. TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and is pronounced "toe-full". Taking TOEFL is a great way to test your level of English and is required by many universities and colleges, particularly those in the USA, for entry into their programs.
Are there different types of TOEFL tests?
There are two types of TOEFL tests. Depending on the location of your test center, you will either take an iBT test or a PBT test. iBT is an Internet-based Test and PBT is a Paper-based Test. If you are not sure about which type of test you will be taking, you can find out here. You may have also heard or read about a CBT, Computer-based Test. The CBT was discontinued in September 2006. Be careful if you see a place offering the CBT at a reduced rate as CBT scores are no longer valid!
What is the format of the TOEFL test?
iBT (Internet-based Test)
If you are taking the TOEFL iBT, you will complete your exam in the following order and format:
Reading
3-5 passages (12-14 questions each)
Listening
4-6 lectures and academic discussions (6 questions each)
2-3 conversations (5 questions each)
Speaking
6 tasks (2 independent, 4 integrated)
Writing
1 integrated task, 1 independent task
PBT (Paper-based Test)
If you are taking the TOEFL PBT, you will complete your exam in the following order and format:
Listening
- Part A: Short dialogues
- Part B: Long conversations
- Part C: Mini-lectures
Structure & Written Expression
- Sentence completion (15 questions)
- Error recognition (25 questions)
Reading
- 50 questions - approx. 5 passages
Writing
- 1 essay topic
How much time does the TOEFL test take?
iBT (Internet-based Test)
If you are taking the TOEFL iBT, it will take about four hours to complete and will be broken down into the following allocated times:
Reading
60-100 minutes
Listening
60-90 minutes
Speaking
20 minutes
Writing
50 minutes
PBT (Paper-based Test)
If you are taking the TOEFL PBT, it will take about two and a half hours to complete and will be broken down into the following allocated times:
Listening
30 minutes
Structure and Written Expression
25 minutes
Reading
55 minutes
Writing
30 minutes
Why should I take the TOEFL exam?
TOEFL is an internationally recognized ESL (English as a Second Language) exam. More than 7,500 colleges, universities and organizations in more than 130 countries accept TOEFL!
If you are interested in working in an English-speaking country, TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) could also be a good option for you.
What does the TOEFL exam cost?
The cost to take TOEFL varies between countries. The cost ranges from $150 US to $225 US.
How do I find out my TOEFL score?
Your scores are mailed to you and posted online. You can also have your scores sent to four universities, colleges or institutions at no additional charge. If you need to send your score to more than four places, you need to complete an Additional Score Report Request Form. There is a $17 US charge for each place.
How long will it take to get my TOEFL score?
Depending on whether you wrote or typed your essay, it generally takes between two to five weeks after you have taken the TOEFL test.
What is the difference between Institutional TOEFL and International TOEFL?
Institutional TOEFL is the TOEFL test that is given by an institution such as a language school or company so they can test your level of English. Although the score you receive may be accepted at many colleges and universities around the world, not all places will accept this test. Unless you know that Institutional TOEFL is accepted at the university where you want to apply, it is recommended to take the International TOEFL.
What is the highest possible TOEFL score?
The highest possible score on TOEFL iBT (internet-based exam) is 120. The highest possible score on the PBT (paper exam) is 677.
How can I improve my TOEFL score?
The best way to improve your TOEFL score is to practice, practice, practice! Taking Ebaby’s practice tests, grammar lessons and daily quizzes are just some of the many ways you can become more confident speaking, listening, writing and hopefully even thinking in English!
What is the minimum TOEFL score I need to get into a university in the USA?
Although there is no official minimum score, most universities expect a score of at least 80 on the iBT (450 on the PBT). If you want to go to a very popular school such as Harvard or MIT, you should aim to get over 100 (650 on the PBT) to increase your chances of being accepted.
How long is my TOEFL score valid?
Your TOEFL score is only valid for two years. After this time, your score will be removed from the TOEFL database and TOEFL will not be able to send you another report of your score. Even if you have a copy of your score, most universities and institutions need your score sent directly from TOEFL.
What do I do if I fail the TOEFL test?
TOEFL is not a pass or fail test. Some universities may set a score minimum for entry so if you do not reach the minimum score, you may take the TOEFL again.
How many times can I take the TOEFL test?
You may take the TOEFL test once in any seven-day period. This applies even if you took the test and then cancelled your scores. If you try to take it more than once within seven days, your first score is the only score that will be reported and you will not receive a refund for the second test.
