TOEFL preparation

TOEFL (pronounced “toe-full”) = Test of English as a Foreign Language

Two formats: A) iBT = Internet-based test and B) PTB = Paper-based test

A) iBT Structure (scored on a scale of 0 to 120 points)

1. Reading

Consists of 3 – 5 passages, each approximately 700 words in length and 12 – 14 questions about the passages (60-100 minutes).

2. Listening

Consists of 6-9 passages, 3–5 minutes in length and 5 – 6 questions about the passages (60-90 minutes).

3. Speaking

Consists of 6 tasks (2 independent tasks and 4 integrated tasks) and 6 questions about the topic of discussion.

4. Writing

Measures a test taker’s ability to write in an academic setting and consists of 2 tasks (1 integrated task and 1 independent task) and 2 questions.

B) PTB Structure (score ranges between 310 and 677)

The test is 3 hours long and all test sections can be taken on the same day.

1. Listening

Consists of 3 parts. The first one contains 30 questions about short conversations. The second part has 8 questions about longer conversations. The last part asks 12 questions about lectures or talks (30–40 minutes).

2. Structure and Written Expression

Has 15 exercises of completing sentences correctly and 25 exercises of identifying errors (25 minutes).

3. Reading Comprehension

Has 50 questions about reading passages (55 minutes).

4. Writing

One essay with 250–300 words in average (30 minutes).