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THE TOEFL¢ç iBT
  The Internet-based TOEFL¢ç (iBT) was administered for the first time in 2005. This new version of the TOEFL¢ç replaces the earlier computer-based test (CBT) and the paper-based test (PBT). The TOEFL¢ç iBT has four sections, which assess the language skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The test is approximately four hours long, with one 10-minute break after the Listening section.  
TOEFL¢ç iBT
Section Content Approximate time Number of questions Section score
Reading 3-5 passages 60-100 minutes 36-70 0-30
Listening 2-3 conversations 4-6 lectures 60-90 minutes 34-51 0-30
Break   10 minutes    
Speaking 2 independent tasks 4 integrated-skills tasks 20 minutes 6 0-30
Writing 1 integrated-skills task 1 independent task 30 minutes 2 0-30
Total test score 0-120

  The content of the TOEFL¢ç 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¢ç 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¢ç 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¢ç 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.

 

  The scoring scale of the TOEFL¢ç iBT is different from the scoring scale for the computer-based TOEFL¢ç (CBT) or the paper-based TOEFL¢ç (PBT). The table below shows a general comparison of the three different scales.
 
TOEFL¢ç iBT TOEFL¢ç CBT TOEFL¢ç PBT
120 300 677
110 270 637
100 250 600
90 233 577
80 213 550
70 193 523
60 170 497
50 143 463
40 120 433