What is TOEFL?
If you are an international student planning to study at a university in an English speaking country, you may be required to take the TOEFL test. TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is designed to measure how well you can use and understand English in academic settings. The test assesses your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills, all of which are essential for success on an English taught course.
Who needs to take the TOEFL test
The TOEFL test is commonly taken by students who want to study at universities or colleges abroad. It is also used for scholarship applications, some visa applications, and by English language learners who wish to track their progress. Every university sets its own entry requirements, so it is important to check whether your chosen course requires a TOEFL score and what the minimum score is.
Why the TOEFL test is important
Educational institutions and some government agencies in more than 130 countries accept TOEFL scores as proof of English proficiency. Many universities list a minimum score that applicants must achieve in order to join a course. The required score varies by institution and subject area and often falls somewhere between 61 and 100 for the TOEFL iBT, although this can differ.
Your TOEFL result is valid for two years from the date you take the test. After this time, the score expires and cannot be used for applications. If you intend to apply again after two years, you will need to sit the test once more. It is therefore important to plan the timing of your test so that your results remain valid throughout your application process.
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Sign up to our free emails nowThe TOEFL iBT test format
The TOEFL iBT is the most commonly accepted version of the test. It evaluates reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. The test now follows an updated format that takes around two hours to complete. It uses a modern structure that measures skills through shorter but more efficient tasks. While the exact timing of each section may vary slightly due to adaptive testing, the four skill areas are assessed in a structured and balanced way. You will be asked to read passages, listen to academic style audio, speak in response to prompts and complete writing tasks based on reading and listening material.
For the most current details on section length and task types, applicants should refer to the official TOEFL website because the test format continues to be updated.
The TOEFL Essentials test
The TOEFL Essentials test is a shorter, flexible option that takes about one and a half hours to complete. It covers the same four core skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The test includes an unscored personal video statement, which is sent to institutions as part of your score report. This test is accepted by some universities but not all, so you must check whether your chosen course allows TOEFL Essentials scores.
Test fees
The cost of the TOEFL test varies by country. Although prices differ, fees today are often higher than the older range of 100 to 200 US dollars. It is always best to consult the official testing website for the current price in your location. Many students view the fee as an investment, since achieving a strong score can help them enter their desired course and improve future career opportunities.
Final advice
Before you apply for a course, carefully read the admission requirements to confirm whether a TOEFL score is necessary. Once you receive your result, remember that it remains valid for two years. Make sure you use this time to complete any applications for study or work that require the score.
If you decide to sit the test, give yourself enough time to prepare, understand the structure and practise each of the four skills. A well planned approach will help you achieve the best possible outcome.
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