TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is an English language test administered by ETS. The TOEFL PBT is paper-based and tests your listening, reading, and speaking skills. It measures your ability to understand spoken English, recognize appropriate written English structure, and understand written English, all at the university level. There is a separate test for Writing skills called the TWE (Test of Written English).
2. What are the benefits of taking the TOEFL PBT?
The TOEFL PBT is offered in locations that are unable to administer the internet-based TOEFL iBT. The TOEFL test is recognized in over 130 countries and more than 7,500 colleges and other institutions around the world. If you want to study abroad at an English-speaking higher education institution, then the TOEFL PBT can help you. Scores from the TOEFL PBT are used for English language learning program admissions, for scholarship determination, and by immigration departments for students and workers applying for visas.
3. What is the format of the TOEFL PBT?
The TOEFL PBT is a paper-based test. ETS also offers the TOEFL iBT, an internet-based test, for institutions that are able to offer internet testing. There are three sections to the TOEFL PBT (Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, and Reading Comprehension), plus the TWE (Test of Written English), all of which are mandatory.
Listening Comprehension
This section includes fifty listening conversations and multiple-choice questions. You will be required to determine or identify topics, main ideas, functions, idioms, purpose, inferences, conclusions, and organization. You will have 40-50 minutes to complete this section.
Structure and Written Expression
This section tests your ability to recognize language appropriate for written English. There are two types of tasks, and a total of forty questions. The Structure task requires you to read sentences with missing information, and select the appropriate answer to complete the sentence. The Written Expression task requires you to read sentences containing errors, and to identify the errors. You will have 25 minutes to complete this section.
Reading Comprehension
This section includes five reading passages with ten questions per passage. You will have 55 minutes to read and answer the questions in this section. You will be required to determine meaning, main ideas, purpose, key facts, etc.
TWE (Test of Written English)
This test is required for all those who take the TOEFL PBT. You will be asked to write an essay on one topic from the test book. You will be required to show your ability to create and organize ideas, support your ideas, and use standard written English. The TWE takes 30 minutes to complete.
4. How do I prepare for the TOEFL PBT?
In addition to following a TOEFL course with an English language teacher, it is also useful to take some TOEFL practice tests, so that you will know what to expect on the real test. If you practice the different parts of the test individually and check your scores, you can then see the sections and skills that you need to practice most. Overall scores on practice tests can also help to give you an idea of how you might perform in the real test. Interactive practice tests on iTests follow the same question format and test times as the real TOEFL PBT, so that you get a realistic test experience. iTests practice tests are divided into small parts so you can choose which parts you need to practice. Your personal score chart shows your performance so you can check your own performance. The TWE is not currently represented in iTests.
5. How do I sign up for the TOEFL PBT?
The TOEFL PBT is offered worldwide, in locations that are unable to offer the internet-based test. To sign up, you will need to register in advance. The easiest way to register is online at http://www.ets.org/toefl. You can also register by mail by downloading and completing a registration form from http://www.ets.org/toefl and mailing it to the address on the form. If you have a valid credit/debit card, you can register over the phone by calling 1-443-751-4862 (outside the U.S.) or 1-800-468-6335 (inside the U.S.). Speak to your language teacher or school for more information about how to register.
6. How much does it cost?
The TOEFL PBT test fees can vary depending on which country your are in. For specific cost information, contact ETS at http://www.ets.org/toefl.
7. Where can I take the TOEFL PBT?
To find the nearest site offereing the TOEFL PBT, speak to your language teacher or school, or visit the ETS TOEFL website.