Short for Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL assesses the English proficiency of non-native speakers and their ability to converse/communicate in the language effectively in academic settings in English-speaking countries.
TOEFL is recognized at least by as many as 11,500 universities and colleges across 160 countries in the world. Students who are interested in applying for a visa in these countries for study, work, or immigration purposes appear for the exam.
The test is divided into four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Interested candidates must diligently prepare themselves for each of these sections to score well in the exam. The reading section tests your powers of comprehension. It contains questions from topics such as the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The candidate is given to answer questions from 3 to 4 comprehension passages. Time allotted is 60-80 minutes.
The listening section tests your ability to understand spoken English in academic settings and daily life situations. You will be given to answer questions based on audio clips like lectures and conversations from diverse situations. Time allotment for this section is 60-90 minutes.
The speaking section tests your conversational and communication skills. You may be given a prompt or a question to answer from a daily life situation. You will have 20 minutes for this section.
For the writing section, you will have 50 minutes to write an essay on a given topic, or you might be required to summarize a lecture or conversation. This section tests your writing skills in English as a non-native speaker.
TOEFL is a computer-based exam that lasts 4 hours. The test is scored on a scale of 0-120. You need to score at least 80 for admission into colleges in the US, Canada, and other English-speaking countries. TOEFL is conducted several times a year at testing centers around the world.
How and Who to Contact For TOEFL Exam
If you have plans to register for the TOEFL exam, you can contact the following.
1) Official TOEFL Website: Visit TOEFL’s official website and create an account in your name. You can now register for the test, and choose a test center and date as per your convenience. TOEFL test dates vary depending on your location. TOEFL is held around the year but the dates will vary in different parts of the world. The exact test dates can be found on the official website. The TOEFL fee also varies depending on your location, and late registration fees would apply if you register closer to the test date. Check the website for up-to-date information of fee structure and payment options.
2) Local TOEFL Test Centers: Search for a TOEFL test center closer to where you live, and you can register from there as well. You can search for local test centers near you by visiting the official link here.
3) Educational Testing Service: Educational Testing Service, or ETS, is the organization that develops and administers the TOEFL exam. You can also contact ETS directly for any queries that you may have about the test registration process or related information.
4) TOEFL Customer Support: If you need assistance with your registration process, you can also get in touch with TOEFL’s customer support via email or phone. Here are numbers of key regions – 1-609-771-7100 or 1-877-863-3546 (US); 1-800-468-6335 (Canada); +31-320-239-540 (UK or Europe); +91-124-4147700 (India); and +60-3-7628-3333 (Singapore or Malaysia). More phone numbers can be accessed on the official website. If you prefer to email, you could write to toefl@ets.org.
How to Register For TOEFL Exam
You need to follow a few steps to register for the TOEFL exam.
1) Visit TOEFL’s official website and create a student account in your name.
2) Choose a test center and date as per your preference and convenience. Dates of the exam vary with location.
3) Fill out the online registration form with your academic/educational and personal information. Choose the test format (internet-based or paper-based), and pay the test fee.
4) You will receive a confirmation email with important information about the test date, time, and location.
5) Do not lose any time between the registration and test date. Start your preparation using study materials and practice tests that you may either get on TOEFL’s website or elsewhere. Please register for the exam well in advance to avoid late registration fees.
How to Prepare For TOEFL
You can increase your chances of success on the TOEFL by following the steps outlined here.
1) Get acquainted with the format and content of the test. You can do this by visiting TOEFL’s website and referring to the format of the exam and expected questions.
2) Dedicate sufficient time for preparation for each of the sections (reading, speaking, listening, and writing). The sooner you begin your preparation the better for you. Avoid last minute touch-ups. You can opt for either self-study or external help like private tutoring, online courses, and language schools.
3) Draw up a study plan and mark your goals. Stay focused, instill discipline, and keep practicing the language to crack the exam. Attempt mock tests and practice questionnaires to get a feel of the exam. Time yourself to monitor speed and progress.
4) Learn proven time management techniques to manage your time effectively. Cut the clutter.
5) Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you are struggling with a particular section.
How to Check TOEFL Scores
TOEFL is quick to release results. The results are released usually within 4-8 days after internet-based test (iBT), and 11-13 days after paper-based exam.
Log in to your TOEFL account with your credentials and access the scoresheet from your account dashboard. TOEFL scores are available within 10 days of taking the test. You can download a copy of your scores to apply in foreign universities or for scholarships.
If you are facing any difficulties accessing your TOEFL scores through your account, please contact the customer support team for assistance. Their contact information can easily be found on TOEFL’s official website.
Your TOEFL scores are valid for two years. Keep them safe for future reference, or for applying for admission or scholarships.
