TOEFL or “Test of English as a Foreign Language” is an English language proficiency examination required for the applicants whose native language is not English. 

Almost everyone who wishes to study in the US and Canada has to apply for this test. TOEFL is a test for international students (whose native language is not English) planning to study in the US and Canada. The test uses a multiple-choice format to measure the ability to understand North American English.

TOEFL test consists 3 main sections viz.:

Listening ability
Writing Ability
Reading Comprehension

Let us see each one in briefly:

Listening ability: You are made to listen to a conversation. At the end of each conversation you are asked a question. You have to choose the right answer from the options given in your answer booklet.

Writing ability: You are given some sentences with each sentence have four underlined words or phrases. You will have to identify one underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed in order to make the sentence correct. 

Reading ability: You are given some sentences with each sentence have four underlined words or phrases. You will have to identify one underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed in order to make the sentence correct.

This section tests your ability to read & understand short passages. You have to answer the questions followed by the passage. You have options to choose from for your answer.

Marking System

Marks for TOEFL are given out of 300. Out of these 240 is for multiple choice question and 60 for essay. A score of 210+ is advisable.

How often exam can be taken: TOEFL exam can be taken as many times as you want but only once in a calendar month.

How long are scores valid: TOEFL scores are valid for a period of 2 years.

When is TOEFL exam held: TOEFL scores are valid for a period of 2 years.

This section tests your ability to read & understand short passages. You have to answer the questions followed by the passage. You have options to choose from for your answer.

Some Tips for TOEFL

• Answer every question in the order it is presented. You cannot skip a question and go back to the previous question. Subsequent questions are selected from a inventory of questions from the question bank based on your previous response.

• Do sufficient practice for the test so you get used to answering this type of questions. Make it a habit to complete your practice paper in stipulated time. If you are unable to answer a particular question, do not waste time on it. Move on to the next one.