Everything About TOEFL Exam

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an entrance exam that study abroad students must take as the courses in international universities are taught in English. Did you know that 1.33 lac+ Indian students travelled overseas to achieve their academic aspirations? If you, too, plan to study abroad, you will have to take the TOEFL exam. So, you may have questions like what is TOEFL, the types of TOEFL, the exam format, and more. So, let’s discover the answers.

What is the TOEFL test?

TOEFL exam is conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS), which aims to examine your English language skills to ensure you can absorb the learning content taught in the international educational institutions. Your English speaking, listening, writing, reading, and interpreting skills will be tested through this exam. The duration of the exam is generally 3 hours with 10 minutes break. Many countries require you to take this English proficiency test to provide a student visa. 

Types of TOEFL exam

The exam is divided into three main categories, i.e., TOEFL iBT Test, TOEFL Essentials Test, and TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program). TOEFL iBT is available in three different formats – Test Center, Home Edition and Paper Edition. Let’s understand each of these exams. 

1. TOEFL iBT Test

TOEFL iBT test in a test centre:

The study abroad students who wish to take the TOEFL exam by visiting the exam centres can find the nearest centres to their homes. Some of the centres in India are located in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune etc. 

TOEFL iBT Home Edition:

ETS moved the TOEFL exam online to ensure uninterrupted learning during the pandemic to allow students to achieve their academic aspirations. All you have to do is register 24 hours in advance and meet the prescribed system equipment requirements to take this test. 

TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

If you opt for this TOEFL exam, the reading, listening and writing sections will take place at the centre using a traditional paper style exam. However, the speaking section will be conducted online using a human proctor. You can complete this section at home within 3 days of appearing in the Paper Edition test. 

2. TOEFL Essentials Test

This TOEFL exam evaluates only the foundational elements, whereas the TOEFL iBT Test examines the communication skills essential to studying at an international university. The duration of the test will be 90 minutes. You can take this test from the comfort of your home. 

3. TOEFL ITP

This is one of the popular formats among study abroad students as international universities widely accept this exam. This TOEFL exam includes Listening Comprehension, Written and Reading sections. The Speaking test is conducted separately, and responses are evaluated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The scores of the TOEFL ITP test are valid for two years. 

About the sections of the TOEFL exam

Reading: The duration allotted to this section is 54–72 minutes, comprising 30–40 questions.

Listening: This section will include 28–39 questions that can be completed within 41–57 minutes.

Speaking: You will be given 4 tasks which have to be completed in 15-17 minutes.

Writing:  This section of the TOEFL exam will include 2 tasks and should be completed within 50 minutes.

So, this is all about the TOEFL exam. If you aspire to study abroad, but if a lack of funds keeps you from taking the leap, you can apply for a student loan. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer an educational loan with several benefits such as 100% financial and the fastest sanctions. If you want more information, please connect with us. All the best.

. All the best.