Table of Contents
Are you getting ready to take the TOEFL? The TOEFL exam pattern is one of the most asked questions for someone who wants to study or move to an English-speaking country. This requirement can be fulfilled by taking a language competence exam. TOEFL is one of the most common proficiency examinations, and it tries to assess an applicant’s command of the English language by assessing their reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities.
The exam is available in internet-based (iBT) and paper-based types, allowing test takers to choose the option that best matches their needs. The internet-based TOEFL test evaluates each language competence using various question types, including multiple-choice, integrated tasks, and independent activities. Test takers’ ability to read educational materials, write down their opinions, interpret spoken dialogues and seminars, and participate in effective oral communication is evaluated.
Latest TOEFL Exam Pattern and Duration
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, which ETS conducts. It assesses the four academic English skills—reading, listening, speaking, and writing—in the same way as colleges and universities do. Candidates who wish to study in an English-speaking country must submit their TOEFL results as part of their application. Over 11,000 colleges and institutions in more than 150 countries accept TOEFL exam scores globally. As a result, it is critical to be familiar with every facet of the TOEFL exam to get admission to your selected institutions or colleges.
The TOEFL exam pattern and syllabus cover reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The TOEFL exam structure is very specific, with the order of sections changing. The TOEFL paper pattern exam is available in various formats, like the iBT test and the paper-based version. The TOEFL exam score will be evaluated on a scale of 0 to 120, and the results remain valid for two years.
The TOEFL exam format in the iBT version is a computer-based examination that analyzes your English language fluency skills, and for this purpose, the test is divided into four sections. The TOEFL exam duration is about 3 hours, including the check-in time.
| Section | Set of questions & time duration | Tasks | The TOEFL exam Marks |
| Reading | 30 to 40 questions 54-72 minutes | Reading three or four academic text excerpts and answering questions according to them. | 0-30 |
| Listening | 28-38 questions 41-57 minutes | Listen to them before answering questions related to lecture notes, conversations, and classroom debates. | 0-30 |
| Speaking | 4 tasks or 4 questions 17 minutes | Candidates have to express their views on a common topic and speak in a manner that is helpful to reading and hearing activities. | 0-30 |
| Writing | 2 tasks: 2 questions 50 minutes | Candidates must write essay responses based on listening and reading activities and create supporting arguments. | 0-30 |
TOEFL Exam Syllabus
The TOEFL exam syllabus comprises four primary sections:
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
The TOEFL exam pattern consists of Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections. The exam duration is around 3 hours, which includes check-in time.
Reading
This component of the TOEFL exam pattern evaluates knowledge and comprehension of lengthy texts. It also assesses how the candidate responds to complex sentence patterns, difficult vocabulary, the author’s intent and tone, different narration techniques, new subjects, and various other factors. The questions are based on readings from scholarly texts. The number of questions in the reading part has been lowered from 12-14 in each segment to 10 in each section. The box after the Writing section goes into great detail about the modifications.
The reading part includes three forms on which the questions are based, which are as follows:
- Multiple-choice questions with four options and a single correct response.
- Multiple-choice sentence-insertion questions require the test-taker to select the best phrase from four options that fit the sentence.
- Questions with more than four possible answers and multiple right answers. Every paragraph has one question of this type.
Listening
The TOEFL listening section of the TOEFL exam pattern is designed to provide a complete assessment of the test-takers understanding of spoken English. This part often assists the assessor in assessing how one would behave in an academic setting when talks and lectures entail different knowledge, complicated phrase patterns, speaker goals, etc. Also, it assesses one’s ability to form inferences, find connections between diverse topics, interpret the speaker’s attitude and mood, and so on. Due to recent format changes, the number of lectures has been lowered from 4-6 to 3-4.
Test participants hear real speech recordings of lectures and intellectual conversations. Candidates are given the following questions based on the information received from the recording:
- Multiple-choice questions often feature four options and a single correct answer.
- Multiple-choice questions with more than four answers and more than one correct response.
- Ordering questions that require test takers to arrange the provided events so that they are shown in the recording.
- Matching questions in which test takers must match categories with related text, objects, and phrases.
Speaking
TOEFL speaking pattern in the TOEFL exam pattern assists evaluators in assessing your English proficiency. It is the most difficult component of the entire test since it needs rapid thinking, concept analysis, and response. The speaking part attempts to determine whether a person is comfortable speaking and comprehending class-level and real-life talks. They can also join conversations and react if they can express their thoughts. The test-taker must talk from personal experience, express ideas, and offer arguments. It is done completely online. The established question forms are listed below.
- Individual speeches in which the speaker is invited to share their thoughts, views, and experiences. These introduction questions attempt to determine how a person introduces themselves, their attitude, their speaking style, and other factors.
- Mixed conversations differ from the previous tasks in combining two or more English abilities, such as reading and listening. The assignments might be from a campus situation or a classroom course.
Writing
This section of the TOEFL exam pattern and marks assesses the ability to compose accurate, error-free, and cohesive paragraphs. In an academic setting, you must frequently summarize, take notes, and write essays and articles on a certain topic. This part evaluates skills in concept language, connecting bits of information, contrasting perspectives, argument construction, and conclusion. The following are the two forms of jobs in this section:
- Integrated Writing Task: Test participants listen to 20-minute audio and read a 230-300 word paragraph. They must write about how they relate to each other based on their current knowledge. Note-taking is allowed. There is no right or wrong response. The suggested word limit is 150-225 words, but there is no penalty for writing more.
- Independent Writing task: This is an essay based on personal experience. A problem or topic is presented, and the test-taker must respond in at least 300 words. Evaluators attempt to assess language abilities, writing organization, and the ability to back up a point with evidence, description, sentence form, conclusion, etc.
Also Read: Which is Easier TOEFL or IELTS: Make the Right Choice
Tips to Prepare for TOEFL
Preparing for the TOEFL test can be a difficult project. However, with the proper processes, you can increase your probability of achievement. We can provide you with precious advice in this manual to assist you in efficiently making ready for the TOEFL exam pattern syllabus. By following these tips, you may grow your vocabulary, improve your writing capabilities, sharpen your listening and speaking abilities, and train your reading comprehension. So, let’s get started and undergo those suggestions in depth to help you ace your TOEFL exam!
Enhance your Vocabulary
- Every day, learn at least ten new words.
- Learn common English expressions and sentences
- Make flashcards to learn new words and expressions.
Keep a Journal
- Journal every day to practice writing in English
- Explore the complexities of sentence structure
- Track your growth via frequent journal entries
- Make a list of new terms and phrases that you learn.
Brush Up your Listening & Speaking Skills
- Watch news channels and TV shows in English.
- Listen to music, audiobooks, and podcasts in English.
- Focus on the speaker’s pronunciation, fluency, and speaking style and tone while listening or watching.
- Pay attention to the confidence level with which the speaker asserts his opinions.
- Music can assist you in grasping the stress patterns of Spoken English.
Read, Read & Read!
- Develop the habit of reading an English newspaper every day.
- Read various academic materials to understand their primary issues, opposing viewpoints, and how the author makes his argument.
- Examine internet blogs and web pages to learn about different writing styles, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
Improve your English Fluency and Pronunciation
- Concentrate on speaking loudly with proper pronunciation and intonation.
- Try speaking evenly rather than quickly to avoid applying highly technical language.
- Pause after prepositional words.
- Rehearse the same conversation in your language and then note the sentiments and feelings that come naturally to you. Then, use the same strategy for your English speaking.
Practice Mock Tests
- Take timed exams to practice controlling your time while giving the test.
- Make a list of your advantages and disadvantages.
- Always verify your sentences when they’re completed.
- Improve the sentence’s transition by changing subjectivity to the objective.
Kickstart your TOEFL journey Today!
The TOEFL exam pattern is a widely recognized examination that assesses non-native speakers’ English language skills. This article aims to illuminate many facets of the test, allowing for a better understanding of its purpose and organization.
The TOEFL exam time duration assesses an individual’s ability to grasp academic texts, understand spoken English, express ideas orally, and write effectively through four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It is an important entry point for people looking for academic possibilities, pursuing career goals, or exploring possibilities in English-speaking nations.
The most recent edition of the TOEFL exam pattern, known as TOEFL iBT (internet-based test), includes distinct question kinds and lengths for each session. The Reading and Listening parts are multiple-choice, but the Speaking component encourages test takers to respond to prompts and engage in discussions. Writing skills will be assessed in the Writing part through essay projects and summary activities.
Preparation for the TOEFL exam pattern and duration necessitates an intensive strategy, dedication, and access to credible study resources. Becoming acquainted with the test organization, practicing sample questions, and seeking advice from specialist resources is critical. It opens up a world of possibilities for people to prosper and contribute globally.
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on Career Advice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TOEFL exam pattern evaluates English proficiency in four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is timed and targets specific skills essential for academic success. The Reading section involves analyzing written passages, the Listening section tests comprehension of spoken English, the Speaking section assesses effective communication, and the Writing section evaluates coherent written responses.
Understanding the structure of each section is crucial for effective preparation. Familiarity with the exam pattern helps candidates develop targeted strategies to enhance their performance and achieve a high score, ensuring they are well-prepared to demonstrate their English language skills in an academic context.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Is TOEFL a difficult exam?
The difficulty of the TOEFL exam varies from person to person. However, because of the full test of reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in a classroom environment, it is often regarded as a difficult exam. Adequate preparation, such as getting familiar with the exam order, practicing sample questions, and strengthening language abilities, can assist test takers in overcoming obstacles and doing well.
What is the pattern of the TOEFL exam in India?
ETS created the TOEFL pattern to successfully evaluate test participants’ fluency and command of the English language in mind. It mainly assesses their strengths and weaknesses in four important areas of English language proficiency. It necessitates a solid understanding of the English language and the ability to apply it effectively. The TOEFL test has four parts: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
How many questions are in the TOEFL test?
The TOEFL exam consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The amount of questions in each segment may vary. However, the Reading portion normally comprises 36 to 56 questions, while the Listening section has 20 to 36 questions. The Speaking part does not have a set number of questions since it requires performing a series of speaking exercises rather than answering discrete questions. The Writing part is divided into two tasks: integrated writing and individual writing.
What is a 7.0 TOEFL score?
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) has a score range of 0 to 120. A TOEFL score of 7.0 does not exist on this scale. The TOEFL scoring method divides the total score into four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing, each having a point value of 30. As a result, a total score of 7.0 does not apply to the TOEFL.
Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?
The difficulty of these exams is subjective, but many students find IELTS easier than TOEFL, particularly in the reading sections. In IELTS, reading questions are drawn from a variety of sources, including magazines, books, journals, and newspapers. In contrast, TOEFL reading passages primarily come from academic textbooks and publications.
Related Read
To read more related articles, click here.
Got a question on this topic?