toefl test format

TOEFL Test Format

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a widely accepted English proficiency test required for admission to universities worldwide. It assesses your skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. This blog provides a concise overview of the TOEFL test format to help you prepare effectively.

 

What is TOEFL?

The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the most common version of the test, designed to evaluate your ability to use and understand English in academic settings. Recent updates have made the test shorter and more efficient, reducing the total duration to under two hours from the previous three-hour version.

The test consists of four core sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. While the structure has been revised to save time, the question types and difficulty levels remain unchanged, meaning you can continue your preparation as planned.

TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024 (Download PDF): Check Section-wise Pattern, Total Marks, Duration
TOEFL Exam Format

Below is a detailed breakdown of the TOEFL format:

 

1. Reading Section

Structure: 20 questions (2 reading passages).

Time: 35 minutes.

Key Changes: Previously, this section had 3-4 passages with 30-40 questions and lasted up to 72 minutes. Now, it has been streamlined to just 2 passages with 20 questions.

Question Types:

Factual & Inference-Based Questions – Identify key information in the passage.

Example: According to paragraph 2, why did the scientist change the experiment method?

Vocabulary Questions – Identify the meaning of a word in context.

Example: What does the word ‘prolific’ in paragraph 3 mean? (Options: abundant, rare, clear, small)

Sentence Insertion – Choose where a sentence best fits in the passage.

Example: Where would the following sentence best fit in the paragraph?

To know more about this, check out the video below:

 

2. Listening Section

Structure: 3 lectures, 2 conversations (total 28 questions).

Time: 36 minutes.

Key Changes: Earlier, this section had up to 6 lectures and 3 conversations, lasting 60-90 minutes. Now, it has been reduced to a shorter, more focused format.

Question Types:

Main Idea Questions – Identify the key theme of a lecture or conversation.

Example: What is the main idea of the lecture?

Detail Questions – Answer based on specific information from the audio.

Example: Why does the professor mention the Industrial Revolution?

Attitude/Function Questions – Understand the speaker’s intent.

Example: What does the professor imply when he says, ‘This concept is quite fascinating’?

To excel in this section, practice listening to academic discussions, TED Talks, and university lectures.

10+ TOEFL Listening Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Score

 

3. Speaking Section

Structure: 4 tasks (1 independent, 3 integrated).

Time: 16 minutes.

Key Changes: The previous six tasks have been reduced to four for a more efficient test experience.

Task Types:

Independent Task – Express your opinion on a general topic.

Example: Do you prefer studying in a library or at home? Why?

Integrated Task (Reading + Listening + Speaking) – Summarize information from a passage and a lecture.

Example: Read an article about climate change, listen to a lecture discussing its effects, and summarize the key points.

Integrated Task (Listening + Speaking) – Summarize a conversation or lecture.

Example: Explain the student’s problem in the conversation and suggest a solution.

A clear structure and well-organized responses will help you score well in this section.

TOEFL Speaking Section: Topics, Syllabus, Guidelines & More

 

4. Writing Section

Structure: 2 tasks (1 integrated, 1 independent essay).

Time: 29 minutes.

Key Changes: The previous independent essay remains unchanged, but the integrated task has been shortened for a more concise test.

Task Types:

Integrated Writing Task – Read a passage, listen to a lecture, and write a response.

Example: Summarize the main points from the lecture and explain how they contrast with the reading.

Independent Writing Task – Write an opinion-based essay.

Example: Some people believe that students should take a gap year before university. Do you agree or disagree? Support your response with examples.

To score well, focus on clarity, structure, and coherence in your writing.

TOEFL Writing Section: Syllabus, Questions, Pattern & More

 

Additional Updates

Unscored Section Removed – The extra research-based section has been eliminated, reducing test duration.

Faster Results – Score reports are now available in 4-8 days instead of 10 days.

Free Score Reports – You can send your scores to four universities for free. Plan ahead to make the most of this feature.

A summary of the new format is shown below:

TOEFL Test Format (Updated 2024)

SectionTimeNumber of Questions
Reading35 min20 questions
Listening36 min28 questions
Speaking16 min4 tasks
Writing29 min2 tasks
Total~2 hours4 Sections

 

FAQs About the New TOEFL Format

1. Does the scoring system change?

No, the TOEFL scoring system remains the same. Each section is scored out of 30, making a total score of 120.

2. Will university score requirements change?

No, the difficulty level remains unchanged, so admission cut-offs will likely stay the same.

3. How does the shorter format affect preparation?

The question types and difficulty levels are the same, so your preparation strategy does not need to change. In fact, with a shorter test, you might find it easier to stay focused throughout!

Preparing for the TOEFL requires a strategic approach, focusing on improving reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Practice with mock tests, engage in English conversations, and refine your writing to maximize your score.

If you need guidance for your study abroad journey, including SOPs, LORs, and test prep, we offer personalized programs to help you succeed. Do check out our course – Write your Way to Study Abroad

Good luck with your TOEFL preparation! 🚀

 

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