Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL - English test
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the most widely accepted English language test in the world. Now a day, TOEFL is available only in Internet base test (iBT) however, before it was available in Computer base and Paper base test.

The TOEFL measures skills in reading, speaking, Listening and writing and it takes about 4½ hours to complete the test.

TOEFL test has 120 marks and sub-divided into:
Reading: 30 marks
Speaking: 30 marks
Listening: 30 marks
Writing: 30 marks

Structure:

Reading
There will be 3-5 passages from academic texts; approximately 700 words long; 12-14 questions per passage. This section has 36-70 questions and need to complete in 60-100 minutes.

Listening
There will be 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. This section has 34-51 questions and need to complete in 60-90 minutes.

Break
10 minutes

Speaking
There will be 2 tasks to express an opinion on a familiar topic; 4 tasks to speak based on what is read and listened to. This section has 6 tasks and need to complete in 20 minutes.

Writing
There will be 1 task to write based on what is read and listened to; 1 task to support an opinion on a topic. This section has 2 tasks and need to complete in 50 minutes.

Total score
0-120

Important Note:
For Tibetan students, before registering TOEFL test with any center in India. Ask these center whether they accept the RC or IC as some test centers are not accepting these document as ID proof. It is better if you can go to these test centers in your city and ask them about the ID proof that they accept.

Registration:

The fee for writing TOEFL test is 165 US dollar and you can give the TOEFL many times you want, however you have to pay that 150 US dollar per test. For safer side, it is better to register for TOEFL test before 1 month from the test date so that; you can get your choice of the test center.

You can register for TOEFL:
By Online:
By Phone:
By Mail:
By Resource Centers:

By Online:

* You can register anytime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
* Pay with any valid credit card.
* Registration closes 7 days before your test date. (not including the day of the test).
* Late registration closes 3 days before your test date (not including the day of the test) and has a late fee of US$25.

By Phone:

* You can register between -9am to 6pm.
* Pay with any valid credit card.
* Registration closes 7 days before your test date
* Late registration closes at 5 p.m. local test center time on the business day before the test and has a late fee of US$25.

By Mail:

* Download and fill out a Registration Form (PDF).
* See list of payment methods on the form and choose one.
* Send the application form with your payment to the Regional Registration Center (PDF).
* Forms must be received at least 4 weeks before your earliest test date.
* If you do not receive a confirmation, call the location where you mailed your paperwork – at least 3 business days before your deadline.

By Resource Centers:

* In some areas, you can purchase test fee vouchers with local currency and/or register in person at resource centers.
* If you don't want to register at the center, you can use a payment voucher to register online from any computer.
* Registration deadline is 7 days before the test date.
* Late registration closes 3 days before your test date and has a late fee of US$25.
View locations for in-person registration.

TOEFL scores:
The TOEFL scores are posted online after 15 working days of the test date and A score reports will be send your address and the institutions you selected.

Lastly, you can practice for TOEFL from the below website:

http://www.graduateshotline.com/sampletoefl.html

http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=57

http://www.stuff.co.uk/toefl.htm

http://www.testwise.com/review.html

If you want to secure a high score in above test, you should start preparing for the test at least 3-5 months in advance. Build a time table and allot 2-4 hrs of study everyday.