✅ TOEFL iBT Exam Guide

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardised test that measures English language proficiency for non-native speakers. It is widely accepted by universities, institutions, and immigration authorities, particularly in the United States and Canada.

1. ✅ TOEFL Versions

Version Description
TOEFL iBT Taken on a computer at an authorised test centre.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition Taken at home on a computer, monitored by a live proctor.

2. ✅ Format and Duration

Section Duration Number of Questions Description
Reading 35 minutes 20 questions Tests comprehension of academic texts.
Listening 36 minutes 28 questions Tests understanding of conversations and lectures.
Speaking 16 minutes 4 tasks Tests ability to express ideas clearly in English.
Writing 30 minutes 2 tasks 1. Essay based on reading & listening.
2. Academic discussion.

🕒 Total Test Time: Approximately 2 hours (may vary slightly).

3. ✅ Sections Explained

🟦 a. TOEFL Reading

  • Format: 2 academic passages (700 words each), 10 questions per passage.

  • Question Types:

    • Multiple Choice

    • Sentence Insertion

    • Table Completion

    • Summary Completion

  • Skills Tested:

    • Main ideas, details, inferences, vocabulary.

🟦 b. TOEFL Listening

  • Format:

    • 2 conversations (2–3 minutes each), 5 questions each.

    • 3 lectures (4–6 minutes each), 6 questions each.

  • Skills Tested:

    • Understanding tone, intent, organisation, inference, and key ideas.

🟦 c. TOEFL Speaking

  • Tasks:

    • 1 Independent Task: Express an opinion.

    • 3 Integrated Tasks: Based on reading and/or listening.

  • Skills Tested:

    • Fluency, clarity, coherence.

🟦 d. TOEFL Writing

Task Type Description
Integrated Writing Respond to a reading and a lecture (20 minutes).
Academic Discussion Contribute to a discussion in written form (10 minutes).
Skills Tested Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, coherence.

4. ✅ Scoring System

Section Score Range Proficiency Levels
Reading 0–30 High (22–30), Intermediate (15–21), Low (0–14)
Listening 0–30 High (22–30), Intermediate (15–21), Low (0–14)
Speaking 0–30 Advanced (25–30), Fair (18–24), Limited (10–17), Weak (0–9)
Writing 0–30 Advanced (24–30), Fair (17–23), Limited (1–16), Weak (0)

🟨 Note: Most institutions require a score of 100+ for admission.

5. ✅ Results and Certificate

Feature Details
Results Available Within 4–8 days of test date. Email notification provided.
View Scores Via ETS account online.
Score Validity 2 years.
Official Score Report Sent to selected institutions during registration.

6. ✅ How to Book the Exam

Step Action
1 Create an account on ETS website
2 Choose test date and location (or Home Edition)
3 Pay exam fee ($185–$250, varies by country)

7. ✅ Preparation Tips

📘 General Strategies

  • Use official TOEFL practice materials.

  • Build time management skills.

  • Take full-length mock tests.

📗 Reading

  • Read journals, articles, academic texts.

  • Identify main ideas, tone, and key details.

📙 Listening

  • Listen to lectures, podcasts, TED Talks.

  • Take notes and focus on transitions.

📕 Speaking

  • Record yourself speaking on various topics.

  • Practise with TOEFL-specific prompts.

📓 Writing

  • Write essays under timed conditions.

  • Review grammar, sentence structure, coherence.

8. ✅ Official Study Resources

Type Resource Name
Books – The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test (by ETS)
– Kaplan TOEFL iBT Prep
Apps – TOEFL Test Ready
– TOEFL Practice Test & Flashcards

9. ✅ Additional Notes

Item Details
Retakes No limit. Must pay fee for each attempt.
Home Edition Ideal for candidates without access to test centres.
Special Accommodations Available for test-takers with disabilities.

10. ✅ TOEFL vs. IELTS Comparison

Feature TOEFL iBT IELTS Academic/General
Focus Academic English Academic and General Training
Question Types Mostly multiple choice Varied (gap fill, matching, short answer, etc.)
Accents Primarily North American Mix of British, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, etc.