Test of English as a Foreign Language
A Standardized Test, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) assesses the English Proficiency of people, whose native language does not happen to be English. It tests the ability to understand North American English.
The US-based "Educational Testing Service"(ETS), develops and administers the TOEFL. ETS is responsible for setting questions, conducting the test and sending score reports to each examinee.
Most Educational Institutes in the US and Canada (approximately 2400) ask applicants for their TOEFL Scores. Institutes in other countries, where the mode and language of instruction is English, also use TOEFL. Most people take the TOEFL test as a prerequisite for admission into colleges and universities where English is used or required. In addition, many government, licensing, and certification agencies and exchange and scholarship programs use TOEFL scores to evaluate the English proficiency of people for whom English is not their native language.
The TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The structure of the TOEFL iBT is as follows:
| Section | Question Types | Scoring |
| Reading | 3-5 passages from academic texts; approx 700 word long with 12-14 questions per passage. | 0-30 |
| Listening | 4-6 lectures, each 3-5 min long; 6 questions each. 2-3 conversations, each 3 minutes long; 5 questions each. | 0-30 |
| Speaking | 2 tasks to express an opinion ona a topic; 4 tasks to speak based on what is read and listened to | 0-30 |
| Writing | 1 task to write based on what is read or listened to; 1 task to support an opinion on a topic. | 0-30 |
| Section | Duration | Question/Tasks |
| Reading | 60-100 min | 36-70 |
| Listening | 60-90 min | 34-51 |
| Speaking | 20 min | 6 tasks |
| Writing | 50 min | 2 tasks |
TOEFL Exam Fee is US$ 165
