The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It is widely accepted by universities, colleges, and agencies as proof of English language proficiency for academic and professional purposes. Here's a breakdown of the complete format and structure of the TOEFL:

Reading Section:


Duration: Approximately 60-80 minutes.
Number of Questions: Usually 36-56 questions.
Structure: Includes 3-4 passages from academic texts. Multiple-choice questions, including selecting one correct answer, selecting multiple correct answers, and identifying information or vocabulary.


Listening Section:


Duration: Approximately 60-90 minutes. Number of Questions: Typically 34-51 questions. Structure: Includes lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations. Questions are based on the content of the audio recordings and may include multiple-choice questions, selecting multiple answers, and identifying information or the speaker’s attitude.

Speaking:

Duration: About 20 minutes. Structure: Includes 4 tasks. Task 1: Independent Speaking – Respond to a prompt by expressing an opinion or preference. Tasks 2 and 3: Integrated Speaking – Read a passage, listen to a lecture, and then speak about the relationship between the two. Task 4: Integrated Speaking – Listen to a conversation and then express an opinion.

Writing Section:

Duration: Approximately 50 minutes. Structure: Includes 2 tasks. Task 1: Integrated Writing – Read a passage, listen to a lecture, and then write a response summarizing the information. Task 2: Independent Writing – Write an essay expressing an opinion on a given topic. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the most common format, where the test is administered via the internet at designated test centers. It’s important to note that the duration of each section may vary slightly, but the overall test duration is around 3 to 4 hours. Scores for each section range from 0 to 30, and the total score is out of 120. The TOEFL score is valid for two years from the test date.

Reading Section:

 
Duration: Approximately 60-80 minutes.
Number of Questions: Usually 36-56 questions.
Structure: Includes 3-4 passages from academic texts. Multiple-choice questions, including selecting one correct answer, selecting multiple correct answers, and identifying information or vocabulary.

Listening Section:

 
Duration: Approximately 60-90 minutes
Number of Questions:
Typically 34-51 questions.
Structure: Includes lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations. Questions are based on the content of the audio recordings and may include multiple-choice questions, selecting multiple answers, and identifying information or the speaker’s attitude.

Speaking:

 
Duration: About 20 minutes. Structure: Includes 4 tasks.
Task 1: Integrated Writing – Read a passage, listen to a lecture, and then write a response summarizing the information.
Task 2: Independent Writing – Write an essay expressing an opinion on a given topic. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the most common format, where the test is administered via the internet at designated test centers. It’s important to note that the duration of each section may vary slightly, but the overall test duration is around 3 to 4 hours. Scores for each section range from 0 to 30, and the total score is out of 120. The TOEFL score is valid for two years from the test date.

Writing Section:

 

Duration: Approximately 50 minutes.
Structure: Includes 2 tasks.
Task 1: Integrated Writing – Read a passage, listen to a lecture, and then write a response summarizing the information.

Task 2: Independent Writing – Write an essay expressing an opinion on a given topic. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the most common format, where the test is administered via the internet at designated test centers. It’s important to note that the duration of each section may vary slightly, but the overall test duration is around 3 to 4 hours. Scores for each section range from 0 to 30, and the total score is out of 120. The TOEFL score is valid for two years from the test date.