What is TOEFL

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English Test designed and developed by ETS(Educational Testing Service) in New Jersey, USA since 1963.

What is TOEFL Test For?

• TOEFL Test is aimed at measuring the student’s proficiency in academic contexts.
• The purpose of the test is also to evaluate the English proficiency of non native speaker of English.  It isrequired by English language colleges and universities. Additionally, institutions such as governmentagencies, business, or scholarship programs may require this test.

Types of TOEFL Test

TOEFL Test, released by ETS, has three types;
(Indonesian Version) 

1. PBT (Paper Based Test)
2. CBT (Computer Based Test)
3. IBT ( Internet Based Test)

1. PBT (Paper Based Test)

PBT-TOEFL is the first type of TOEFL Test released by ETS. PBT-TOEFL system still uses paper and/or sheets of paper and answer sheets that must be filled with 2B pencil.The test lasts for 2 to 2.5 hours and The materials tested are:

• Listening
• Structure, and
• Reading

A score range of PBT is 310-677.

2. CBT (Computer Based Test)

CBT-TOEFL is the second form of TOEFL TEST replacing PBT-TOEFL. CBT-TOEFL doesn’t use paper any more, but computer. All test materials are stored in computer and the Test is directly done in computer, too. CBT was firstly issued in 1998.The test lasts for 2 to 2.5 hours and the materials tested are:

• Listening
• Structure
• Reading, and
• Writing

A score range of CBT is  0 – 300.

3. IBT (Internet Based Test)

iBT-TOEFL or also known as Next Generation (NG) of TOEFL TEST is the latest form of TOEFL Test issued by ETS. ETS did many changes in the test format and system. iBT-TOEFL uses computer media connected to Internet in Test process. Thus, the test participants can directly be on-line with the ETS and the answer test questions are also on-line, too.The test lasts for 4 hours and the materials tested are:

• Listening
• speaking
• writing, and Reading

A score range of iBT is 0-120.

Advantages of TOEFL Test

The TOEFL Test Gives You Advantages

1. More Choices

More than 7,500 colleges, universities and agencies in more than 130 countries rely on TOEFL test scores to help make admissions decisions.

2. More Convenient

You can take the TOEFL test at your choice of more than 4,500 conveniently located test sites in more than 165 countries worldwide. You also save time and money since the entire test is given in one day, rather than coming back a second day like some other tests.

3. Measures Academic Skills

The TOEFL test helps prove you have the English skills you will actually use in an academic classroom. In the test, you may read a passage from a textbook and listen to a lecture and then speak or write in response, just like you would in a classroom. Because the test is composed of 100% academic questions and tasks, many universities consider it the most appropriate test to use when making admissions decisions.

4. Rates Speaking More Fairly

Sure, you can take a test with a Speaking interview, but what if your interviewer has a bad day and rates you lower than you deserve? With the TOEFL test, there’s no doubt your score is more objective and reliable, because Speaking responses are recorded and evaluated by three to six ETS raters rather than only one rater from a local testing site.

5. Scores Help You Stand Out

TOEFL test scores help you stand out because of the TOEFL test’s reputation for quality, fairness and 100% academic composition. It is the most widely accepted English-language test in the world, including more than 7,500 colleges, universities, agencies and other institutions in 130 countries. And that list includes the top 100 universities in the world.