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TOEFL-Test of English as a Foreign Language-

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (or TOEFL, pronounced �toe-full� or sometimes �toffle�) evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English, specially those who do not use English as their mother tongue. It tests the candidate�s capability to speak and comprehend English the way it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. A TOEFL score is valid for two years and then is deleted from the official database. The TOEFL test is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is administered worldwide.

It is mandatory that in most US universities the international applicants take the TOEFL. It is also accepted in other countries, sometimes in lieu of the IELTS requirements. The test material now has more academic context and is designed to more closely resemble the language spoken in the academic environment. It is offered in two formats depending on a test taker�s location; The TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) and the TOEFL paper-based test (PBT).

Skills Tested By the TOEFL
The TOEFL (iBT) Internet-based test, tests all the four language skills-reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The TOEFL helps students to show that they have the required skills to communicated effectively in English and provides better information to institutions about the students� ability to communicate in an academic setting and handle academic coursework.

The Paper-based Version of the TOEFL Test (PBT):

• The paper-based version of the TOEFL test is available on a limited basis to supplement the TOEFL iBT test center network. This is where the TOEFL iBT is not yet available.

The TOEFL paper-based test (PBT), tests:

• Written expression and structure
• Reading comprehension
• Listening comprehension

In areas where access to Internet-based version of the test is administered on specific dates. The TOEFL PBT is generally offered at institutional locations such as colleges and universities.It is important to know here that the TOEFL CBT is no longer offered.The last administration of the TOEFL CBT test was held on September 30, 2006.

Some kinds of international applicants do not require to show their TOEFL test scores of to many institutions report. Among them are:

Countries which conduct the TOEFL test:
The TOEFL test is conducted in 180 countries all over the world at educational institutions, such as colleges and universities. A company �Prometric�, which is a division of Thomson Learning operates the testing centers.

 
TOEFL Test Locations and Dates:
As mentioned earlier, the TOEFL test is offered in two formats depending on your testing location: Internet-based testing (iBT) and paper-based testing (PBT).The list below shows available test locations as of July 18, 2007. This list is updated daily, but information may change as test seats are reserved or as more locations and/or dates are included.

For the most up-to-date information and for test times, see the iBT or PBT online registration system.

The exact dates can be checked out on the link given below.

http://www.ets.org/Medical/Tests/ TOEFL/

What the TOEFL tests

• The two �inputs� tested by TOEFL are reading and listening, and the two �outputs�, are writing and speaking.
• But another question here is how to go about doing the test.
• Students are expected to write their answers, including short written answers and multiple into a recorder, after reading a passage.
• The scoring pattern and the test format
• The duration of the test is four hours and you face questions from 1-120 with 30 questions per section. The four-hour test consists of four sections, each measuring mainly one of the basic language skills (although some tasks may require multiple skills) and focusing on language used in an academic higher education environment. For the essay and speaking sections, there are human graders. Allow 15 business days after the test to view the scores online.
• You are permitted to take notes throughout the test.

• Natural speech patterns are imitated by the listening passages along with corrections, errors in grammatical structure and pauses. Other accents in English other than the North American accent are also included. This will have duration of 60-90 minutes.

Reading:

• In order to match the passages in college/university they are longer and more academic in nature. In order to explain key words students will have access to a glossary. This will have duration of 70 to 90 minutes.

Writing:

• There will be one essay with duration of 50 minutes in which you have to support your opinion on a topic.
• There will be one essay with duration of 30 minutes in which you have to support your opinion on a topic.
• There will be one essay with duration of 20 minutes in which you have to write on something you have read or heard.

Speaking Section:

• There will be six open ended speaking questions, which require test takers to speak into a microphone. This will have a duration of 20 minutes. You will be given up to 30 seconds and up to one minute to respond.

Structure:

• Grammar skills will be tested in the Speaking and Writing sections of the test. There is no special section on grammar.

Integrated Language Skills:

• There will be parts of the test, which will combine four basic communication skills. For example, a test taker might listen to a lecture and read a passage, then write or speak about it.
• For complete details log on to the following site:

www.ets.org/toefl