WHAT IS TOEFL?

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2 year student
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major in Business Management

Taalaibek Kyzy Kanykei
What is TOEFL, who needs to take it?

■ TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an

international English language proficiency test commonly used
for university admissions or immigration purposes. It's
typically taken by students who want to apply to universities
abroad or for visa purposes
■ Indeed, students who have taken the TOEFL often find
themselves better prepared for university studies compared to
those who take other English language proficiency tests.
The types of TOEFL are:

■ The structure of the TOEFL exam has been evolving over the years, becoming
more convenient and interactive. Initially, there were three types: TOEFL PBT
(paper-based test), TOEFL CBT (computer-based test), and TOEFL iBT (internet-
based test)
■ Recently, TOEFL CBT has disappeared completely, while TOEFL PBT remains in
regions where internet-based testing is not feasible.
■ TOEFL iBT has also undergone significant changes. Since August 2019, the exam
has been shortened by 30 minutes by reducing the number of questions and study
materials in each section.
■ Test developers assure that they have made it more convenient while maintaining
the same level of English proficiency assessment.
 The structure of the TOEFL exam
typically consists of four sections:
■ The structure of the Classic TOEFL iBT ■ Reading
exam consists of four parts: reading and
■ The reading section, since August 2019,
answering questions, listening and
comprises 3-4 passages taken from
answering questions, speaking, and the
academic literature. The English proficiency
written section. The testing duration is 3
level in these articles is expected to
hours. For TOEFL PBT, there are only three
correspond to the level required for
parts: reading, listening, and written
university study. There are 10 questions for
responses to questions. The exam duration
each passage, and test-takers must select the
is 2 hours and 50 minutes. Next, we will
correct answers from 4 options. This section
examine each component of the exam in
is allocated between 54 to 72 minutes,
detail and understand what to prepare for.
depending on the number of passages.
■ Listening ■ Speaking

■ The next section is listening. It includes 3 or 4 ■ TOEFL is the perfect exam for introverts. The
English lectures, each followed by 6 questions speaking section doesn't require interaction with a
teacher. You just need to speak your responses into
about their content. After the lectures, there's a
the microphone; they'll be recorded and analyzed by
test of listening comprehension skills. You'll several committee members. The universities you
listen to 2 or 3 conversations and answer 5 send your scores to can also listen to the audio
questions about their content. This part is recordings to assess your spoken English
allotted between 41 to 57 minutes. proficiency. There are a total of 4 tasks to be
completed within 17 minutes.

Writing
There will be two writing tasks. The first task aims to assess how you
gather and process information. You'll need to use information from a
reading or listening passage to form an opinion on a specific topic. It
may involve comparing several viewpoints.
The second task is an essay where you express your opinion on a given
topic.
You have 50 minutes for both tasks combined.
The test creators, ETS, offer the following
grading scale for each section:
■ - 22-30: High proficiency level
■ - 15-21: Intermediate level
■ - 0-14: Low level
■ To determine what score is considered good, it's necessary to
refer to the requirements of the specific university and program
you are applying to. Some universities may require a minimum
score of 70, while others may demand no less than 110.
TOEFL is not only necessary for admission to
foreign universities. There are several other
situations where this exam might be required.
For example:
■ - For taking courses in English abroad
■ - For obtaining a work or student visa
■ - For applying for grants and scholarships
■ - For tracking one's progress in language learning.
However, in most cases, results are
evaluated as follows:
Below 80: Not a very good result. It will be - 80-90: This is an average result. With this
difficult to get into prestigious universities score, you can apply to a much larger
with such scores. However, you may still be number of universities. Interestingly, if you
able to get into some universities in the plan to pursue a Ph.D., these scores will
USA and English-taught programs in also be sufficient because your research
France and Germany, as well as skills and depth of immersion in the topic
preparatory Pathway programs for those are important here.
planning to study for a bachelor's degree in
the USA.

- 90-100: A good result. Most universities will accept you with

this certificate.
- 100-110: This is an excellent result! With this score, you can
get into the Ivy League and other top universities.
- 110-120: These are the best scores, and all university doors are
open to you.
 Therefore, the main advice for everyone planning to take the TOEFL
for university admission is always to double-check the requirements!
Look up the information on the website, and then give them a call to
clarify the exact score needed for admission to your specific
That's true, there's one program. Of course, the information on the website should be
"but" — some universities updated, but unfortunately, this doesn't always happen.

have separate score

requirements for specific The difference between TOEFL and IELTS is that IELTS is more
subsections. So, even if you popular in the UK and Australia. If you're planning to apply to a
score 110 overall, if, for university in England, it's recommended to take the IELTS as the
TOEFL certificate may not be accepted there.
example, you got 27 in the
Speaking section instead of
the required 29, you may still If your goal is to study in the USA, you should check the
need to retake the test requirements of the universities you're interested in. If
universities equally accept both IELTS and TOEFL, consider
despite having an excellent which test would be more comfortable for you.
overall result.
The structure of both exams is similar: each includes 4
sections and assesses your level of English proficiency in
Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking
 1. 1. IELTS involves writing short answers to questions, while TOEFL
provides a list of prepared responses from which you choose the correct
one.
2. 2. IELTS is mostly taken in a paper-based format. If you prefer
handwriting over typing answers on a keyboard, this is your choice. But
for those with handwriting issues, TOEFL might be easier.

However, there 3. 3. IELTS uses different texts in the Reading section. You may encounter
not only academic papers but also articles from newspapers and
magazines that often use simpler vocabulary. So, achieving a good result
are 5 main might be easier.

differences:
4. 4. IELTS differs in the Speaking section. Here, you'll need to undergo an
oral interview and converse with an examiner at the test center. If you
find it easier to speak into a microphone than converse with a real
person, choose TOEFL. Additionally, you can take the IELTS speaking
part up to a week before or after the main exam. If it's easier for you to
prepare in two stages, consider IELTS.
5. 5. The last point is the recommendations for the length of essays in the
writing section. IELTS is more lenient. You are required to write a
minimum of 400 words within 60 minutes. TOEFL gives you 10 minutes
less for writing but requires a minimum of 500 words. Of course, your
essay will be accepted even if you can't reach the required length, but
your score might be lower.
When you register for the test, you'll have a personal account where your results will
be sent. Typically, the scoring process takes about 2 weeks. Afterward, your scores will
appear in your account. You can then send them to your chosen universities without
waiting for the certificate.

You'll receive an electronic certificate about a week later. If you want a paper version,
you'll need to indicate this when registering for the exam.

The paper certificate will arrive by mail in about a month. However, you won't need it
for admission.

If you're not satisfied with your results, you can retake the test as many times as you
want, but not more often than once every 12 days. The results of all tests you've taken
will be stored in your account for 2 years.

Since August 2019, ETS has introduced a new system — now the admissions
committee will see not only the results of your latest attempt but also your My Best
Score — the best scores for each section obtained within 2 years. ETS recommends
that universities rely on these results as the most objective ones.
Thank you!