Why TOEFL is Significant for Admissions in Foreign Countries for Indian Students? Discover the Important Facts and Update Yourself before Applying for Admission!!
Abstract
TOEFL Eligibility Criteria: Candidates who are planning to appear for the TOEFL exam will be pleasantly surprised to learn that there is no TOEFL exam 2024 eligibility guidelines prescribed by the ETS, the body that conducts the TOEFL test. As ETS TOEFL is an English language proficiency test, it is always advisable for students to check the requirements of the specific college/university they are applying to.
All students whose native language is not English need to appear for the TOEFL exam. Universities in major English-speaking countries like the USA and Canada require students to prove their language proficiency to get admission to their educational institutions. Apart from students, professionals also appear for the TOEFL exam as it is a requirement for getting a student visa.
TOEFL Eligibility Criteria Age Limit
TOEFL exam eligibility age limit: ETS - the conducting body of the TOEFL exam has not set any age limit for candidates looking to appear for the exam. Study abroad aspirants looking to study in an English-speaking country that requires TOEFL as part of the application/admission process are free to appear for the test irrespective of their age.
There has also been some change in the TOEFL iBT format. Here is a comparison between the new TOEFLiBT exam pattern and the old TOEFL iBT exam pattern:
| Sections | TOEFL Exam Syllabus (Old) | TOEFL Exam Syllabus (New) |
| Reading | Duration: 54 – 72 minutes Questions: 30-40 | Duration: 35 minutes Questions: 20 |
| Listening | Duration: 41-57 minutes Questions: 28 – 39 | Duration: 36 minutes Questions: 28 |
| Speaking | Duration: 17 minutes Questions: 4 tasks | Duration: 16 minutes Questions: 4 tasks |
| Writing | Duration: 50 minutes Questions: 2 tasks | Duration: 29 minutes Questions: 2 tasks |
| Total Duration | 162 – 196 minutes | 116 minutes |
TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Section Wise
As discussed earlier, the TOEFL exam syllabus is divided into four parts: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Out of the four sections, the Listening and Reading sections consist of multiple-choice questions. The total TOEFL score that accounts for both listening and reading ranges from 58-79 marks. The Writing test comprises descriptive questions for which students need to provide long-form and short-form answers. Lastly, the Speaking test requires students to talk about the topics mentioned in the test.
The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120, with each section holding a specific score. Any score above 100 is considered a good score.
TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Reading Section
The Reading section of the TOEFL exam syllabus includes two reading passages, each about 700 words long, accompanied by 10 questions per passage. You should expect to spend around 35 minutes completing this section. Your score will be based on the accuracy of your reading comprehension responses.
Question Format:
- 2 passages, 10 questions each
- Total Questions: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Listening Section
The Listening section of the TOEFL exam syllabus comprises of 3 lectures, some followed by classroom discussions, each lasting 3–5 minutes and featuring 6 questions per lecture.
Additionally, there are 2 conversations, each around 3 minutes long, with 5 questions per conversation.
You can take notes during the audio segments to assist in answering questions. You should allocate about 36 minutes for completing the Listening section.
Question Format:
a) 3 Lectures (3-5 minutes, approximately 500-800 words), 6 questions each, Total 18 questions
b) 2 Conversations (about 3 minutes, involving 12-25 exchanges), 5 questions each, Total 10 questions
Total Questions: 28
Total Time: 36 minutes
TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Writing Section
The Writing section of the TOEFL exam syllabus includes two essays, each addressing a distinct topic. Responses should be well-structured, supported with relevant explanations, and display unity, progression, and coherence.
Demonstrating varied sentence structures, appropriate vocabulary usage, and minor grammatical errors contributes to achieving a high writing score.
Question Format:
a) 1 Integrated Task – Read/Listen/Write (20 minutes) (reading time: 3 min; listening time: 2 min; writing: 15 min)
b) 1 Writing for an Academic Discussion Task (10 minutes)
Total Questions: 2
Total Time: 30 minutes
TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Speaking Section
In the Speaking section of the TOEFL exam syllabus, achieving high scores requires delivering responses that meet task requirements with minimal errors.
Graders seek clear and sustained conversations. Scoring considers delivery, language usage, and topic development.
Question Format:
a) 1 Independent Task (preparation time: 15 – 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec)
b) 3 Integrated Tasks – Read/Listen/Speak (preparation time: 15 – 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec)
Total Questions: 4
Total Time: 16 minutes
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If you’re thinking of studying in countries like the USA or Canada, where English matters a lot, the TOEFL exam is a big deal. ETS manages the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) syllabus to check how well you read, write, listen, and speak English in a university-like setting. It covers writing, reading, listening, and speaking – all important parts of the TOEFL exam syllabus.
There are two primary types of TOEFL exams, i.e. TOEFL- PBT and TOEFL- iBT, along with other TOEFL tests such as TOEFL Junior and IPT.
In this blog, we’ll talk about what is on the TOEFL exam syllabus for 2023.
Latest Update for TOEFL Exam Syllabus
ETS, the conducting body of the TOEFL test, has shortened the TOEFL iBT exam pattern to just under 2 hours.
There has also been some change in the TOEFL iBT format. Here is a comparison between the new TOEFLiBT exam pattern and the old TOEFL iBT exam pattern:
| Sections | TOEFL Exam Syllabus (Old) | TOEFL Exam Syllabus (New) |
| Reading | Duration: 54 – 72 minutes Questions: 30-40 | Duration: 35 minutes Questions: 20 |
| Listening | Duration: 41-57 minutes Questions: 28 – 39 | Duration: 36 minutes Questions: 28 |
| Speaking | Duration: 17 minutes Questions: 4 tasks | Duration: 16 minutes Questions: 4 tasks |
| Writing | Duration: 50 minutes Questions: 2 tasks | Duration: 29 minutes Questions: 2 tasks |
| Total Duration | 162 – 196 minutes | 116 minutes |
TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Section Wise
As discussed earlier, the TOEFL exam syllabus is divided into four parts: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Out of the four sections, the Listening and Reading sections consist of multiple-choice questions. The total TOEFL score that accounts for both listening and reading ranges from 58-79 marks. The Writing test comprises descriptive questions for which students need to provide long-form and short-form answers. Lastly, the Speaking test requires students to talk about the topics mentioned in the test.
The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120, with each section holding a specific score. Any score above 100 is considered a good score.
Please note that the pattern provided is from the TOEFL iBT test.
The TOEFL exam syllabus covers four main areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Reading Section
The Reading section of the TOEFL exam syllabus includes two reading passages, each about 700 words long, accompanied by 10 questions per passage. You should expect to spend around 35 minutes completing this section. Your score will be based on the accuracy of your reading comprehension responses.
Question Format:
- 2 passages, 10 questions each
- Total Questions: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Listening Section
The Listening section of the TOEFL exam syllabus comprises of 3 lectures, some followed by classroom discussions, each lasting 3–5 minutes and featuring 6 questions per lecture.
Additionally, there are 2 conversations, each around 3 minutes long, with 5 questions per conversation.
You can take notes during the audio segments to assist in answering questions. You should allocate about 36 minutes for completing the Listening section.
Question Format:
a) 3 Lectures (3-5 minutes, approximately 500-800 words), 6 questions each, Total 18 questions
b) 2 Conversations (about 3 minutes, involving 12-25 exchanges), 5 questions each, Total 10 questions
Total Questions: 28
Total Time: 36 minutes
TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Writing Section
The Writing section of the TOEFL exam syllabus includes two essays, each addressing a distinct topic. Responses should be well-structured, supported with relevant explanations, and display unity, progression, and coherence.
Demonstrating varied sentence structures, appropriate vocabulary usage, and minor grammatical errors contributes to achieving a high writing score.
Question Format:
a) 1 Integrated Task – Read/Listen/Write (20 minutes) (reading time: 3 min; listening time: 2 min; writing: 15 min)
b) 1 Writing for an Academic Discussion Task (10 minutes)
Total Questions: 2
Total Time: 30 minutes
TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Speaking Section
In the Speaking section of the TOEFL exam syllabus, achieving high scores requires delivering responses that meet task requirements with minimal errors.
Graders seek clear and sustained conversations. Scoring considers delivery, language usage, and topic development.
Question Format:
a) 1 Independent Task (preparation time: 15 – 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec)
b) 3 Integrated Tasks – Read/Listen/Speak (preparation time: 15 – 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec)
Total Questions: 4
Total Time: 16 minutes
TOEFL Preparation Tips
Preparing for the TOEFL exam syllabus requires a strategic approach to improving your English language skills and knowing the test format.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare effectively:
- Understand the TOEFL exam syllabus: Get to know the different sections of the TOEFL exam syllabus, including Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Understand each section’s question types, time limits, and scoring criteria.
- Assess Your Skills: Take a practice test or diagnostic test to gauge your current English language proficiency and identify areas that need improvement. This will help you tailor your study plan accordingly.
- Set Goals: Set clear and achievable goals for each section of the exam. Define your target scores and the time you have for preparation.
- Study Regularly: Dedicate consistent time to study each day. Make a study schedule that covers all sections of the exam and allows for thorough practice.
- Improve Reading Skills:
- Read a variety of English texts, such as newspapers, magazines, academic articles, and literature.
- Practice summarizing the main ideas, identifying key details, and understanding the organization of passages.
- Enhance Listening Skills:
- Listen to podcasts, news broadcasts, lectures, and conversations in English.
- Take notes while listening to improve your ability to understand and retain information.
- Develop Speaking Skills:
- Engage in regular English conversations with native speakers or fellow learners.
- Practice speaking on a wide range of topics, giving opinions, and explaining ideas.
- Refine Writing Skills:
- Write essays on various topics and practice expressing ideas clearly and coherently.
- Review and revise your essays for grammar, vocabulary, and structure.
- Use Official TOEFL Materials: Utilize official TOEFL practice materials, including sample questions, practice tests, and study guides. These resources closely reflect the actual exam.
- Take Practice Tests: Regularly take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam experience. This helps improve your pacing and time management.
- Analyze Your Performance: Review your practice test results to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on areas where you need improvement.
- Seek Feedback: If possible, have your speaking and writing tasks evaluated by a qualified English teacher or tutor. Their feedback can help you identify areas for improvement.
- Vocabulary and Grammar: Strengthen your vocabulary and grammar skills by learning new words and practicing grammar exercises.
- Stay Positive and Motivated: Maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated throughout your preparation. Celebrate your progress and keep your goals in mind.
- Take Care of Yourself: Ensure you’re well-rested, eat healthily, and manage stress. A healthy body and mind contribute to effective studying.
The TOEFL is a standardized test for measuring English proficiency which is generally preferred by colleges in the United States. Some quick facts about the TOEFL:
- There’s only one company you can buy official resources from. The TOEFL is run by a private exam board in the US called the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
- It’s mainly for US college admission — 9 out of 10 universities in the United States prefer it. That said, more than 11,000 colleges in over 150 countries accept it too. It’s accepted by 100% of UK universities and some in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
- It’s not used as much as the IELTS for visa applications because there’s a big focus on English used in an academic setting. That said, as of 2020, a TOEFL is accepted for a skilled migration visa to Australia and to New Zealand.
- There are different variations for kids and young people. The TOEFL ITP is a version of the test which can be offered independently by institutions (like colleges and universities) to measure the English levels of their students and would-be students. The TOEFL Junior is for students aged 11— 16 (pretty cruel) and the TOEFL Primary is for children aged 11+ (definitely cruel).
- There are two main versions: paper-based and internet-based. In 2020, the default one is the Internet-Based Version (iBV). This is why you will often hear people talk about the TOEFL-iBV. This article will mainly be discussing the TOEFL-iBV. However, there is also the Paper Test (PBT) for those who prefer to write answers out by hand, the TOEFL-PBT.
- The internet and paper versions of TOEFL are very different. For starters, they are scored differently. Unlike the IELTS, the results of different sections are added together, not averaged. You’ll get a score somewhere between 0 and 120 for the internet version, or between 310 and 677 for the paper version. The paper version is only offered four times per year, and there’s no speaking section.
- The full test is offered online as of 2020. The TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition was developed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s available everywhere that TOEFLs can usually be taken, except from Iran and China. You take it from your home computer, and it has the same content — three hours of testing with a ten minute break in the middle. To prevent cheating, test takers are monitored by a human proctor via webcam.
- There’s no official passing score. Like the IELTS, you need to find out what your institution requires. Accepted TOEFL iBT scores range from 61 (for Bowling Green State University) to 110 (for the University of Oxford).
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