Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Test Of English Foreigner Language is one of the most internationally recognized exams to proof your English language skills, along with IELTS. TOEFL measures your ability to use and understand the English language at the academic level, students, and workers who apply for visas abroad. Also, this test is widely accepted by universities and organizations, and the score of which is highly accurate and standardized with strict methods.

Educational Testing Service (ETS), that founded in 1947, offers TOEFL, GRE, and others. It is one of the largest nonprofit providers of education for the seeker of studying abroad in English- speaking countries. And, ETS develops and manages nearly  5 million tests in 180 countries. 

ETS offers two types of TOEFL test which are two versions IBT and PBT, and there are many differences between them. However, the IBT one is online and delivered through the internet, but the PBT one is paper and pencil test. You can choose any one of them, but note that, IBT is longer, it lasts for 200 – 250 minutes whereas the PBT one lasts for 140-150 minutes.

On the other hand, the score range of the PBT test is from 310-677, but the IBT test ranges from 0-120. Moreover, both have four sections but the IBT has a speaking section, while the PBT has a grammar section instead of speaking. As for People who are asking which one is easier? Both have the same difficulty of sections but IBT considered widely common and preferable.

TOEFL Study Materials:

According to the official website of ETS, here are some resources  that are free and purchased as the following:

• TOEFL Go! Official App.
• The TOEFL IBT® Test Prep Planner.
• TOEFL Go Anywhere website.
• TOEFL® TV Channel on YouTube.
• TOEFL IBT® Quick Prep.

TOEFL Tests Types (IBT OR PBT)

	TOEFL PBT	TOEFL IBT
Reading	Consists of 50 multiple questions about reading passages Takes 60 minutes Includes 3 or 4 reading passages from university textbooks.   There are 12 to 14 questions per passage (total of 36–56 questions).	Consists of 36–56 questions about reading passages It takes nearly 60–80 minutes Read 3 or 4 passages from academic texts and answer questions.
Listening	Takes 30-40 minutes Consists of 50 multiple choice questions.	Takes 60–90 minutes Listen to lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations Total questions are 34–51 consists of independent Speaking tasks and integrated Speaking tasks
Speaking	Replaced with Structure and Written Expression Consists of 40 questions Lasts for 25 minutes	Consists of 6 tasks Express your opinion on a familiar topic relates to the other sections Takes 20 minutes
Writing	1 topic to write about. Lasts for 30 minutes	Consists of 2 tasks of Writing essay based on reading and listening tasks Takes 50 minutes

TOEFL Exam Details :

• The exam duration takes about three and a half to four hours.
• Practice typing on a QWERTY keyboard, because the standard English language for computer keyboard test is (QWERTY).
• To pass the speaking section concentrate on speaking loudly with clear and good pronunciation.
• Listening section is very important, so the more you listen, the more you will understand.
• Exam scores will be posted electronically only, but if you request a paper copy ETS will send to you.

TOEFL Renewal:

• TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years after the test date.
• If you want to retake the exam, you can do it many times freely, but not more than one time in 12 days.