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The content of the TOEFL® iBT reflects the language that is used in real academic
settings. The content is based on a collection of spoken and written language that
Educational Testing Service obtained from college and university lectures, class
discussions, office hours, service interactions, study groups, textbooks, and various
course materials.
The most important differences between the TOEFL® iBT and earlier versions of the
test are:
-note taking is permitted throughout the test
-speaking skills are assessed
-some questions involve integrated skills, such as reading, listening, speaking
-knowledge of grammar is not tested separately but is tested indirectly in all sections
of the test
The Speaking and Writing sections of the test include some tasks that integrate,
or combine, language skills. For example, a student might read a passage, listen
to a lecture, and then write or speak in response. The integrated-skills tasks reflect
how people use language in real life; thus, they give academic programs a more realistic
measure of how well prospective students will be able to communicate in an English-speaking
environment.
In each section of the test, the number of points earned is converted to a scaled
section score of 0 to 30. The four section scores are combined to obtain the total
test score, which is on a scale of 0 to 120. The TOEFL® iBT score report will show :
a separate score of 0 to 30 for each of the four language skills a total test score
of 0 to 120
The admissions office of an educational institution will look at a student’s TOEFL®
score to determine if the student’s English skills are adequate for enrollment in
a specific program of study. There is no single passing score for all institutions;
rather, each institution or program sets its own standards for admission. Generally,
graduate programs require a higher score than do undergraduate programs.
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