Quick Facts About TOEFL
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| Format | Internet-based Test (iBT) |
| Total Time | About 3 hours |
| Test Locations | 4,500+ centers worldwide |
| Score Range | 0-120 (total) |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Cost | $185-$325 (varies by location) |
Test Dates & Registration
| When | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Multiple times per week |
| Registration | Up to 2 days before test |
| Score Release | 6-10 days after test |
| Testing Options | iBT at center or TOEFL iBT Home Edition |
Note: Test dates vary by location. Check ETS website for local availability.
Test Format Breakdown
Reading (54-72 minutes)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions | 30-40 questions |
| Passages | 3-4 academic texts |
| Length | 700 words each |
| Topics | Academic subjects |
| Score Range | 0-30 |
Question Types:
- Main idea
- Details
- Inferences
- Vocabulary
- Rhetorical purpose
- Information insertion
Listening (41-57 minutes)
| Content | Number |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 3-4 |
| Conversations | 2-3 |
| Questions | 28-39 |
| Score Range | 0-30 |
Topics Include:
- Campus situations
- Academic lectures
- Student-professor discussions
Break (10 minutes)
Speaking (17 minutes)
| Task | Time | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | 45 seconds | Personal experience |
| Task 2 | 45 seconds | Campus situation |
| Task 3 | 45 seconds | Academic reading/listening |
| Task 4 | 45 seconds | Academic lecture |
Score Range: 0-30
Writing (50 minutes)
| Task | Time | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated | 20 minutes | 150-225 |
| Independent | 30 minutes | 300+ |
Score Range: 0-30
Score Requirements
Universities
| Program Level | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 70-80 |
| Graduate | 80-100 |
| PhD | 90-100 |
| Teaching Assistant | 100+ |
By Section
| Purpose | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 15-21 | 15-21 | 18-23 | 17-23 |
| Competitive | 22-26 | 22-26 | 24-26 | 24-26 |
| Advanced | 27-30 | 27-30 | 27-30 | 27-30 |
Study Timeline
3-Month Preparation Plan
| Week | Focus | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Test Format | • Learn structure • Take diagnostic test • Set score goals |
| 3-4 | Reading | • Practice passages • Time management • Vocabulary building |
| 5-6 | Listening | • Note-taking skills • Audio practice • Main idea identification |
| 7-8 | Speaking | • Template practice • Recording responses • Pronunciation work |
| 9-10 | Writing | • Essay structure • Practice tasks • Grammar review |
| 11-12 | Full Tests | • Complete practice tests • Review weak areas • Final preparations |
Quick Section Tips
Reading Tips
✅ Skim passage first
✅ Read questions carefully
✅ Watch time (20 mins per passage)
✅ Use process of elimination
Listening Tips
✅ Take organized notes
✅ Focus on main ideas
✅ Listen for transitions
✅ Note examples and details
Speaking Tips
✅ Use templates
✅ Practice with timer
✅ Record yourself
✅ Focus on clarity
Writing Tips
✅ Follow templates
✅ Use clear structure
✅ Support main points
✅ Check grammar/spelling
Test Day Checklist
What to Bring
✅ Valid passport
✅ Admission ticket
✅ Water (clear bottle)
✅ Snack for break
Not Allowed
❌ Phone
❌ Smart watches
❌ Notes
❌ Own headphones
❌ Calculator
Practice Resources
Free Resources
- TOEFL iBT Free Test
- ETS Practice Sets
- YouTube tutorials
- Online study groups
Paid Resources
| Resource | Cost |
|---|---|
| Official Guide | $30 |
| Practice Tests | $45 each |
| Online Prep | $79-$129 |
| Private Tutor | $30-100/hour |
Score Report Information
Timeline
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Score Available | 6-10 days |
| Official PDF | 8-10 days |
| Score Reports Sent | 11-13 days |
Score Components
- Reading (0-30)
- Listening (0-30)
- Speaking (0-30)
- Writing (0-30)
- Total Score (0-120)
Common Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How often can I take TOEFL? | Every 3 days |
| Score validity? | 2 years |
| Can I cancel scores? | Yes, right after test |
| Score review possible? | Yes, within 30 days |
Special Accommodations
Available accommodations:
- Extended time
- Separate room
- Screen magnification
- Selectable colors
- Must request 2-3 months before test
Test Center vs. Home Edition
| Feature | Test Center | Home Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Professional | Your home |
| Equipment | Provided | Your computer |
| Internet | Provided | Your connection |
| Proctor | In-person | Online |
| Cost | Same | Same |
After Your Test
Next Steps
- Check scores online
- Download score report
- Send to institutions
- Plan retake if needed
Score Improvement Tips
| Section | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Reading | Read academic articles daily |
| Listening | Watch academic lectures |
| Speaking | Practice with language partners |
| Writing | Write practice essays |
Last updated: October 2024
Pro Tip: Take at least 4-6 full practice tests before your exam date!
Need help? Contact ETS TOEFL Services or your local test center.
Keywords: TOEFL iBT, English proficiency test, TOEFL preparation, TOEFL scores, academic English, university admission, study abroad