What is TOEFL?
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an online English proficiency test designed to evaluate non-native English speakers. It assesses your ability to use and understand English in academic settings. The test consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The entire exam takes about four and a half hours, including check-in time.
Combining Skills
The test often combines multiple skills in tasks, such as:
How is it Conducted?
| Section | Time Limit | Questions | Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 60–80 minutes | 36–56 questions | Read 3 or 4 passages from academic texts and answer questions. |
| Listening | 60–90 minutes | 34–51 questions | Listen to lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations, then answer questions. |
| Break | 10 minutes | — | — |
| Speaking | 20 minutes | 6 tasks | Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on reading and listening tasks. |
| Writing | 50 minutes | 2 tasks | Write essays based on reading and listening tasks; support an opinion in writing. |
Important Points:
The Reading and Listening sections may include additional questions that do not count toward your score.
Be mindful of the timing instructions in the Reading section to understand how many passages you’ll be given and how long you have for each task. Pacing yourself is crucial.
The exam uses a standard QWERTY keyboard for typing tasks. It’s helpful to practice typing on this type of keyboard before the test.
During the Listening and Speaking sections, you may encounter various English accents, including those from the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
Why TOEFL?
TOEFL is an essential test for individuals aiming to study or work in English-speaking countries. It evaluates your academic English skills and helps universities and employers gauge your readiness for English-based education or professional environments.
