TOEFL Ready

Teresa Sanchez-Lazer, executive director, TOEFL Programme, ETS, talks to Diptiman Dewan on preparing for the test
Q- What is the TOEFL?
The TOEFL measures an individual’s ability to use and understand English and evaluates listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.
Students from over 180 countries take the TOEFL test. More than 27 million students have tested to date and the number of students choosing the TOEFL test continues to grow rapidly.
Q- How many times in the year is the TOEFL held? Where can one write the TOEFL?
Testing administration dates for the TOEFL are held approximately 38-40 times a year. The TOEFL test is administered at more than 4,500 testing centres in more than 165 countries. A listing of test administration dates and locations is available at http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/tclists/IBT_a.html.
Q- When is the right time to take the test?
We encourage students to provide themselves ample time to study for the TOEFL. ETS has numerous resources to assist Indian students in studying for the TOEFL test including:
1. The TOEFL Go Anywhere website, available at www.TOEFLGoAnywhere.org offers sample test questions and study resources, as well as access to registration. 2. TOEFL Go Anywhere-India Facebook page, available at www.facebook.com/toeflgoanywhereindia, provides study tips and timely updates regarding the TOEFL test. 3. "Inside the TOEFL® Test" Video Series: A new five-part video series available at http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about/video_library offers an in-depth look at the TOEFL iBT Speaking and Writing questions, including tips, sample questions, scoring criteria and a sample response. 4. The TOEFL India Customer Support Center offers guidance and timely information for students regarding the TOEFL test. The center is accessible by phone toll-free directly from India, Monday-Friday from 9am - 5pm, India Standard Time, at 000-800-100-3780. In addition, student inquiries can be sent via e-mail to TOEFLsupport4India@ets.org
Q- Is TOEFL an online test?
Yes, the TOEFL iBT test is administered via the Internet. Approximately 96% of all TOEFL tests are taken online.
Q- What are the choices of timings for taking the test?
Students interested in taking the TOEFL test should refer to the TOEFL registration page for dates and locations available at http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/tclists/IBT_a.html
Q- How long does the TOEFL take to complete?
The TOEFL takes approximately four hours to complete. The entire testing process can be completed in a half day.
Q- What is considered a good score in TOEFL? Which universities recognise TOEFL scores, and for which programmes? What is the cut-off score required by top universities?
Each institution sets their individual requested TOEFL score. ETS does not set scores. More than 8,500 institutions worldwide accept the TOEFL test. It is the most widely accepted English-language assessment.
Q- How is the test scored?
The TOEFL iBT test provides scores in four skill areas — Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing — and a total score:
Reading 0–30 Listening 0–30 Speaking 0–30 Writing 0–30 Total Score 0–120
The total score is the sum of the four skill scores.
Q- How long does it take for results to be declared? How long is it valid?
TOEFL test scores are valid for two years.
Q- What is the scoring process for the test?
The scoring process used by the TOEFL test is fair and objective. The TOEFL test measures integrated skills needed to succeed in a classroom. It simulates real-world academic tasks such as reading and summarising a passage (reading and writing).
The TOEFL separates the testing and marking processes to ensure secure, unbiased, and fair scores. The review process also involves multiple markers for each test taker, rather than depending on the opinion of one person. For example, the speaking section is marked by three to six highly-trained individuals.
Q- How many times can a student take the test?
Students can take the TOEFL test once a month. There is no limit on the number of times a student can take the TOEFL test.
Q- Is it recognised anywhere other than the US?
It is accepted by more than 8,500 institutions in more than 130 countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and the United States.
Students from India can now submit their TOEFL scores for both admissions and student visa purposes in Australia.
Courtesy: Myeducationtimes.com