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
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 (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
TOEFL Full Form: Pattern
The TOEFL exam pattern is conducted by ETS. It comprises of four sections:
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.