The TOEFL Test Experience

Like all tests, the TEOFL can be quite intimidating for most candidates before they write and they often tend to the think that their experience with the test will be terrible. Suprisingly enough, after the exam, most candidates tend to agree that the experience was rather more pleasant than they thought it will be. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TEOFL) is a test used to assess an individual’s understanding of the English language.

The test exists in two forms namely; the IBT TOEFL and the ITP TOEFL. The experiences for the two tests are quite different as they are written using different mediums. The TOEFL IBT is written online whereas the TOEFL ITP is physically written on paper.

The TOEFL IBT experience

The test consists of four sections, each with an equal number of points. Each section has 30 points and the entire test has a total of 120 points. The test is four hours long and is computerized, meaning it is answered using computer devices. All the sections have a specific time frame. 20 minutes is provided for reading and 50 minutes is provided for writing. With the listening and speaking sections, it a little different because the length of the passages tends to and also due to the experimental questions asked. Reading can take between 60 to 90 minutes whereas listening can take between 60 and 80 minutes. In between the reading and listening skills, there is a mandatory 10-minute break, this break should be taken, and it cannot be skipped.

To get into the test center, the candidate needs to produce proof of identification and also proof of registration may be required. Once the examiners are satisfied that the candidate and the identification credentials are a match, the candidate can enter the test center and take a seat. Inside the exam, candidates are allowed to take notes hence a pencil and paper are provided. A headset that is equipped with a microphone is also provided for the listening and reading sections of the test.

The reading section is the first section on the TOEFL. The section can have what is called experimental questions, these questions are unscored and do not have a bearing on the final score. However, it is not specified whether the question is experimental or not. It is very wise to put maximum effort on all the questions. If the passage contains experimental questions, the duration of the test becomes 80 minutes.

The listening section requires candidates to listen to lectures and conversations in English, followed by questions. The section can also have experimental questions which do not make up the final mark. The duration of the exam can be between 60 to 90 minutes depending on whether there are experimental questions or not

The speaking section of the exam has six tasks and candidates are required to answer all the six tasks. The speaking section is marked using a special scale that is from 0 to 4. The writing section requires candidates to write two integrated essays in only 50 minutes. The marks are combined and scaled out of 30, With practice and sufficient studying, the experience can be quite pleasant