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TOEFL Full Form: Types, Score, Eligibility, Validity, Fee, Pattern, Books, Comparison

Anubha Singh

Updated on 28th November, 2023 , 3 min read

TOEFL Full Form Overview 

TOEFL full form is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a computer-based evaluation system that assesses the English language ability of non-native English speakers who wish to pursue courses abroad in English-speaking institutions. TOEFL is a globally accepted English proficiency test that is conducted for a duration of 2 hours (120 minutes) at authorized centers. More than 190 countries accept TOEFL including most preferred study abroad destinations like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, etc. TOEFL is not only a prerequisite for the admission process, it also helps students to attain Visa, Work permit, and Scholarship opportunities.

TOEFL Full Form: Highlights

Details 

Description

Name of the Examination

TOEFL

Full Form

Test of English as a Foreign Language.

Conducting Authority

Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Examination Level

International

Examination Mode

Online

Mode of application

Online

Fee

16900

 

TOEFL Full Form: Type

The TOEFL Exam is conducted in two formats - the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) and the TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test). 

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL PBT 

evaluates all four language skills—reading, listening, speaking, and writing

Evaluates three skills - reading, listening, and writing skills 

 

TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test): This test scored on a scale of 0 to 120. TOEFL iBT evaluates four skills on a scale of 0-30. These skills are - reading and listening which is conducted in the first place followed by a 10-minute break and then speaking, and writing skills are evaluated. 


Paper-based Test (PBT): The score ranges between 0 - 677. The TOEFL skills such as reading, listening, and writing skills are evaluated at the authorized centers whereas speaking skill has to be taken at home on a computer under the guidance of human proctors within 3 days of giving the test at the center. 

 

TOEFL ITP tests: This test is not a replacement for TOEFL. It is an institution test for internal use only. The format of the test is similar to TOEFL PBT with the exception of the Test of Written Expression (TWE).

 

TOEFL Junior tests: It is a general assessment of English proficiency at school level. It is assessed on a scale of 0 to 300 in each section with passing marks of 200 in each section. TOEFL Junior Standard Format test is conducted on paper and evaluates three skills such as - Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, and Language Form and Meaning. TOEFL Junior Comprehensive test evaluates Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Speaking, and Writing.

 

TOEFL Full Form: Scores

The total score on the TOEFL exam is 120. A score is considered to be an average score which ranges between 85-90. Any score above 100 is considered a good score. If one is aiming for Ivy League Colleges then a TOEFL score of 105 and above is considered satisfactory for admission. Whereas, MBA admissions abroad discourages TOEFL score below 109 for admissions. 

TOEFL Full Form: Eligibility 

There are no specific eligibility criteria for the TOEFL Exam. There is no age criteria. However, 12th-pass students can apply for the TOEFL Exam. The documents required to be eligible for taking the TOEFL test are a valid passport and Aadhar card. 

 

TOEFL Full Form: Validity 

Scores obtained in TOEFL are valid for 2 years or 24 months after the exam test date. The scores are used by universities to determine program eligibility, English language program placement, and scholarship eligibility.

TOEFL Full Form: Fees

Service

Amount 

TOEFL Exam 

INR 16,900

Late registration

$40 or INR 3900

Reinstatement of canceled TOEFL scores

$20

Rescheduling Exam

$60 or INR 5900

Score Review

$80 - $160

 

TOEFL Full Form: Pattern

The TOEFL exam pattern is conducted by ETS. It comprises of four sections:

Section

Duration 

Description

Reading Section

Questions 20

Duration: 35 minutes

Read passages and respond accordingly

Listening Section

Questions 28

Duration: 36 minutes

Answer questions according to class discussions

Speaking Section

Question: 4 

Duration: 16 minutes

Discussion of topic

Writing Section

Questions: 2 
Duration: 29 minutes

Read, Listen and type your response.

 

TOEFL Full Form: Books

Apart from preparation needs, TOEFL books are a source of great knowledge. Guidance from TOEFL books is a must for effective preparation. Apart from reading books and getting a knack for required English proficiency; improving overall English proficiency is important. Regular reading, listening, and speaking can prove to be beneficial for aspiring candidates. However, mentioned below are a few books that will guide students in preparing for the TOEFL Exam:

 

  • Official Guide- TOEFL iBT Test: 6th edition
  • TOEFL iBT by Barron
  • TOEFL Preparation by Macmillan 
  • The Global Exam solution
  • Cambridge Preparation - TOEFL iBT Test

 

TOEFL Full Form: Comparison

Here is a comparison of all three English Proficiency Tests for better understanding of students. Ultimately, the choice depends entirely on the individual preference and the educational institute they are applying to. Depending upon their comfort and strength students opt for the English proficiency test. 

 

Particulars

TOEFL

PTE

IELTS

Test Fees

16900

15900

16250

Test Availability

50+ times a year

365 days

Limited

Registration Time

4 days

24 hours

15 days

Duration

2 hours 

2 hours

2 hours 45 mins

Evaluation

AI + Human 

AI 

AI + Human

Speaking Evaluation

AI + Human

AI

Human 

Type of Answers

MCQs

MCQs + Short Answer

Short Answers

Result time 

7 Days

2 Days

13 Days

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Full Form of TOEFL?

TOEFL full form is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a computer based evaluation system that assesses the English language ability of non native English speakers who wish to pursue courses abroad in English speaking institutions

What is the maximum duration between the next appearing TOEFL Exam?

A student cannot take the TOEFL exam more than once in three days

How many times can one take the TOEFL Exam ?

There is no minimum or maximum number of times to take the TOEFL Exam. However, one cannot register again for the exam for at least 10 days.

What is the Validity of TOEFL Score ?

From the date of taking the TOEFL exam, validity of it remains for two years.

Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

TOEFL’s preparation is harder than IELTS. TOEFL’s essay is longer than IELTS. Reading section is easier in IELTS

What is the exam fee of TOEFL?

Costliest of all English Proficiency Test, exam fee of TOEFL is INR 16900.

Is TOEFL an Online examination or an Offline examination?

TOEFL Exams are conducted both online and offline. The TOEFL Exam is conducted in two formats - TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) and the TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test).

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