It is perhaps one of the most important obstacles you have to overcome as you approach your dream of studying abroad step by step. Because educational institutions in more than 130 countries ask for TOEFL results when evaluating applications. At the same time, it is the most preferred English exam type by universities in the USA, France and Germany, and graduate programs in Canada.
WHAT IS TOEFL?
It stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is regulated by the not-for-profit organization ETS. It was first issued in 1964 and required only by universities in the United States. However, today it is accepted in 130 countries such as the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, and more than 9000 universities.
TOEFL is a type of test that measures whether you can use English at the university level. At the same time, the measured language is American English. Therefore, your TOEFL score is very important for your business and academic career. In this exam, in which your academic proficiency in English is measured, there are reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections.
In short, if your mother tongue is not English and you want to study abroad, you must take the TOEFL exam. The exams that some countries or institutions want you to take may differ. For this reason, it would be best to get clear information from the university where you will study.
TOEFL TYPES
The exam is conducted in two different formats. One of them is organized on the internet, while the other is in the form of a classic exam. Types;
• PBT (Paper Edition): It is a face-to-face exam on paper.
• IBT (Home Edition): It is carried out online over the Internet.
PBT EXAM
It is the type of exam organized for people who do not have the technical order to take the IBT exam. It is revised and edited. The PBT exam is administered only in places without internet access.
You may think about whether it is easier or more difficult than the IBT exam. However, there is no difference between the two exams in terms of difficulty. The TOEFL PBT exam is designed to be compatible with the IBT exam.
The exam includes Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, Reading Comprehension, and Test of Written English sections. However, the Written English Test is administered separately. The difference from the IBT exam is that there is no speaking part.
TOEFL IBT
The IBT exam is a type of exam that is conducted online over the internet. You can take the exam at the test centers or at your home.
The TOEFL IBT exam consists of four parts. These sections are;
• Reading: The time limit is between 54-72 minutes. There are 30-40 questions. You need to read the reading passages and answer the related questions.
• Listening: The time limit is between 51-57 minutes. There are 28-39 questions. You should answer questions with short lectures or discussions for the class.
• Speaking: 17 minutes and 4 tasks are given. You need to talk about something you know or discuss what you read or listen to.
• Writing: 50 minutes and 2 tasks are given. You have to read a reading passage, listen to the audio recording and write a reply.
The sections given are explained in the order of the exam. There is a 10-minute break after the Listening section. Then the exam continues with the speaking section.
The IBT exam is evaluated according to a total of 120 points. In the TOEFL exam, each section is evaluated with 30 points in itself. Your exam result is determined by adding the scores from the sections.
VALIDITY OF THE EXAM RESULT
The validity period of the TOEFL test is 2 years. After receiving your score, you have the opportunity to use this score for 2 years. At the same time, the exam is held more than 50 times a year. You have the right to take the exam as many times as you want at 12-day intervals.
