Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Almost everyone who wishes to study in the US has to take this test. It’s a test for international students (who’s native language is not English) planning to study in the United States, Canada. The test uses a multiple-choice format to measure the ability to understand North American English. From September 2000, TOEFL is now a computer-based test. Now applicants can take the test any time in the year. The test Fees is $80.00

TOEFL tests you on areas:

• Listening ability

• Writing Ability

• Reading Comprehension

It is advisable to appear for TOEFL at least a year before you plan to enroll. A score of 550-600 out of a maximum of 677 on the TOEFL examination is considered good. However some universities also accept scores as low as 500.

The purpose of the Test of English As A Foreign Language (TOEFL) is to evaluate your ability to understand North American English. TOEFL scores are required for purposes of admission by more than 2,400 colleges and universities in the US and Canada. The scores are also used to evaluate English proficiency by institutions in other countries where English is the language of instruction.

The test consists of three sections:

• Listening ability

• Writing Ability

• Reading Comprehension

Listening ability
This test measures the ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America. You will hear conversations between two or more people and after the end of each conversation you will hear a question. You will have to choose the right answer from the options given in your answer booklet.

Writing ability
This section will test your written English prowess. You will be given a series of incomplete sentences. Beneath each incomplete sentence you will be given four words or phrases, you will have to choose the word or phrase that best completes the sentence.

You will be given some sentences. Each sentence will have four underlined words or phrases. You will have to identify one underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed in order for the sentence to be correct.

Reading ability
This section will test your ability to read and understand short passages similar in topic and style to those that students are likely to encounter in North American universities and colleges. The section contains reading passages and questions about the passages, from the choice of answers given you will have to pick the correct one.

TOEFL Fees 

TOEFL Computer-Based Test US$110

TOEFL Supplemental Paper Test US$110

Additional Score Report Requests US$12 (per recipient)

Reschedule Fee for CBT Test US$40

CBT and TWE Essay Rescore US$50

TOEFL Paper Answer Sheet Rescore US$25

Reinstatement of Canceled CBT Scores US$10

Fee for Returned Check and Declined Credit Cards US$25

Scoring Scale

TOEFL scores range from 0 to 300, with 213 as the all important target number.

Registration
You may register for the test by phone, fax, or mail. You must call the Regional Registration Centre at least three days prior to your preferred test date. Provide the Registrar with all the information required in the Test Scheduling Form. For the Test Fee, give details of your VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit card.

The Registrar will assign you a test date, time, and location based on the information you provide. If there are no appointments available based on the information provided, you will be assigned a date and location as close as possible to your choices.

Tips

• You have to answer every question in the order it is presented. You cannot skip a question and go back. The computer selects the next question you see from a large pool of available questions based upon your previous responses.

• Practice sample tests. You should do some sample test papers to get used to the type of questions.

• Practice under timed conditions. When you are practicing, keep your time in mind. Try to budget enough time for each question so that you will be able to complete the test without having to rush at the end of each section. Keep in mind the average amount of time you may want to spend per question.

• Do not spend too much time on one question. It is wise not to waste a lot of valuable time on any one question.

• Do not panic if you don't know an answer. Keep your calm and move on to the next question. If you are running out of time at the end of a section, make every effort to complete the test.