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TOEFL iBT is a 3-hour long internet-based test that tests the reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills of international candidates planning to study/work/immigrate abroad. TOEFL pattern is marked on a score range of 0 - 120 with the average score being 82 and above. Due to the pandemic, ETS has also arranged for TOEFL iBT Home Edition that allows candidates to take the exam from the safety of their home.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Due to covid-19, TOEFL iBT home edition is developed by ETS to allow the test-takers to take the test from their homes. TOEFL test pattern of the home edition is similar to that of the test-center-based exam that contains: TOEFL Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.
The at-home option is available across the world where TOEFL test center exams were conducted, with the only exceptions of Mainland China and Iran. TOEFL iBT test pattern also consists of reading, listening, speaking, and writing but the monitoring is done by ProctorU®. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition registrations can be availed 24 hours a day, and 4 days a week.
TOEFL iBT - Highlights
The following are the key features of the TOEFL exam pattern of iBT are:
| TOEFL iBT full form | TOEFL internet-based test |
| Conducting authority | ETS |
| Meant for | International students willing to study abroad |
| Sections tested | 4 - reading, listening, speaking, and writing |
| Exam Pattern | Answer 30-40 MCQs (for reading section) in 54-72 minutes Answer 28-39 MCQs (for listening section) in 41-57 minutes Speak for 10-17 minutes (for speaking section) Write 2 descriptive answers (for writing section) in 60 minutes |
| Duration | 3 hours to 3½ hours |
| Score range | 0-120 |
| Average score obtained in India | 91 |
| Average score accepted | 65-115 |
Check TOEFL Syllabus
TOEFL iBT vs IELTS
TOEFL test pattern is preferred more in the US universities and IELTS is more favored in the UK and Australia. Both the IELTS and TOEFL test pattern and syllabus have 4 sections - listening, speaking, writing, and reading. Both are equally renowned English proficiency tests abroad.
The only difference between IELTS and TOEFL iBT is the score calculation process:
IELTS overall score is the average score obtained in 4 sections, but, TOEFL iBT overall score is the total score of 4 sections.
For example, a candidate secures 7 in IELTS reading, 8 in IELTS listening, 8.5 in IELTS speaking, and 6.5 in IELTS writing. Here the overall IELTS score will be: (7+8+8.5+6.5)/4 = 7.5.
On the other hand, a candidate receives 24 in TOEFL reading, 21 in TOEFL listening, 26 in TOEFL speaking, and 22 in TOEFL writing. The overall TOEFL score will be 24+21+26+22 = 93.
Check IELTS vs TOEFL
IELTS to TOEFL iBT Score Conversion
The following tables show the conversion from IELTS to TOEFL iBT score:
| TOEFL iBT score | IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| 118-120 | 9 |
| 115-117 | 8.5 |
| 110-114 | 8 |
| 102-109 | 7.5 |
| 94-101 | 7 |
| 79-93 | 6.5 |
| 60-78 | 6 |
| 46-59 | 5.5 |
| 35-45 | 5 |
| 32-34 | 4.5 |
| 0-31 | 0-4 |
Is TOEFL iBT Easier than IELTS?
According to certain test-takers, IELTS has been found more difficult than TOEFL. The IELTS reading section is considered more complex than the TOEFL though both of them test English language proficiency.
Check IELTS Syllabus
TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL PBT
TOEFL PBT is the paper-based exam of TOEFL and this format is available only in locations where the internet is not available. The picture below shows how different these formats are :
| Parameters | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL PBT |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 97% of candidates take the TOEFL iBT exam | A very less percentage of candidates take the TOEFL PBT exam |
| Syllabus | TOEFL iBT tests all 4 sections – listening, speaking, writing, and reading | TOEFL PBT is limited to only listening, writing, and reading |
| Scoring | TOEFL iBT is calculated on a score scale of 0 – 30 for each 4 sections | TOEFL PBT follows a complex process where the three sections are calculated on a score scale of 310 – 677 |
| University Policies | TOEFL iBT is accepted by the majority of universities | TOEFL PBT has certain restrictions |
TOEFL iBT Exam Pattern
TOEFL iBT syllabus includes four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing each having a specific TOEFL question pattern. As per the changes in the pattern of TOEFL exam, details of these sections are discussed in the section below:
| Parameters | TOEFL Reading | TOEFL Listening | TOEFL Speaking | TOEFL Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task | Read 3-4 passages of 700 words each | Listen to lectures (3-5 minutes) and conversations (3 minutes) | Answer the questions in English after reading a passage or listening to an excerpt | Write an essay on the prompt |
| Special instructions | Note-taking allowed | Note-taking allowed | The speakers will have different accents | The essays must contain examples |
| The recordings of the lecture and conversation will be available only Once | ||||
| Speakers will have different accents | ||||
| Number of questions | 30-40 (10 questions with each passage) | 28-39 questions | 4 questions | 2 questions |
| Duration | 54-72 minutes | 41-57 minutes | 10-17 minutes | 50 minutes |
TOEFL iBT Score
TOEFL iBT score is all about the raw score to scaled score conversion. TOEFL iBT score range is 0-120 and each section has a score range of 0-30. The following table denotes the raw score range of each section and how TOEFL scores are calculated:
| Section | Raw Score range | TOEFL Score Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading | 0-45 | Based on the number of correct answers |
| TOEFL Listening | 0-34 | Based on the number of correct answers |
| TOEFL Speaking | 0-24 (each speaking task carry equal points) | Based on the quality of the answer, fluency, and range of vocabulary |
| TOEFL Writing | 0-10 (each writing task carry equal points) | Based on the structure of essays, usage of relevant examples, words, and connecting words |
During the TOEFL score calculation, raw TOEFL scores are converted into scaled scores. Check this table to understand the equivalent scaled score of the obtained raw points in TOEFL iBT.
| Reading Raw Score | Listening Raw Score | Speaking Raw Score | Writing Raw Score | Scaled Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45, 44 | 34 | 16 | 10 | 30 |
| 43, 42, 41 | 33 | — | — | 29 |
| 40, 39 | — | 15 | 9 | 28 |
| 38, 37 | 32 | — | — | 27 |
| 36 | 31 | 14 | — | 26 |
| 35, 34 | 30 | — | 8 | 25 |
| 33 | 29 | 13 | — | 24 |
| 32 | — | 12 | — | 23 |
| 31 | 28 | — | 7 | 22 |
| 30 | — | 11 | — | 21 |
| 29 | 27 | — | 6 | 20 |
| 28 | 26 | 10 | — | 19 |
| 27 | 25 | — | — | 18 |
| 26 | 24 | 9 | 5 | 17 |
| 25 | 23 | — | — | 16 |
| 24 | 22 | 8 | — | 15 |
| 23 | 21 | — | 4 | 14 |
| 22 | 20 | 7 | — | 13 |
| — | 19 | — | 3 | 12 |
| 21 | — | 6 | — | 11 |
| 20 | 18 | — | — | 10 |
| 19 | 17 | 5 | — | 9 |
| 18 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| 17 | 15 | — | — | 7 |
| — | 14 | 3 | — | 6 |
| 16 | 13 | — | 1 | 5 |
| 15 | 12 | 2 | — | 4 |
| 14 | 11 | — | — | 3 |
| 13, 12 | 10 | 1 | — | 2 |
| 11, 10 | 9 | — | — | 1 |
| 9 and below | 8 and below | 0 | 0 | 0 |
To obtain the score, the candidates need to proceed with the TOEFL iBT login. It will direct them to their TOEFL IBT account. From here, they need to navigate to the score section to receive the TOEFL score report.
Check TOEFL Average Score
What is a Good Score on the TOEFL iBT?
Candidates are always advised to aim for a score of around 100 – 110 which is considered a perfect score as demanded by the top universities. To get yourself admitted in one of the Ivy Leagues then scoring around 110 – 120 will be very helpful.
TOEFL iBT Preparation
TOEFL iBT pattern requires the candidate to follow a solid TOEFL preparation plan to be able to obtain the a TOEFL score:
- Prepare a TOEFL study plan and set a target score
- Opt for official TOEFL resources like ETS’s Official Guide to TOEFL Test
- Work on vocabulary to excel in TOEFL writing pattern
- For TOEFL speaking pattern preparation, work on pronunciations and scoring criteria
- During the TOEFL listening preparation, pay attention to the intonations
- Regularly practice from TOEFL practice papers
- Opt for TOEFL coaching, or online classes that offer tailor-made preparation classes
Check TOEFL preparation time
TOEFL practice tests often come with solved answers and explanations, which helps the candidates to prepare for TOEFL in the best possible way. So, securing a good TOEFL score can be easier with these TOEFL practice papers.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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