TOEFL iBT

• Author and Publisher: ETS, Educational Testing Services:

http://www.ets.org/toefl
• Test Purpose: The TOEFL iBT “measures the ability to use
and understand English at the university level.”
 Who Accepts the TOEFL?
ETS states that “More than 9,000 colleges, agencies and other
institutions in over 130 countries accept the TOEFL scores.”
•Educational institutions for admission
•Immigration departments to issue visas
•Medical and licensing agencies
•Companies for hiring and promotion

Scores are valid for two years only.

CEFR Levels comparison chart
TOEFL iBT Test Sections
 Taking the Test
• All questions are obligatory
• No question is be left unanswered
• Note-taking is allowed
• Certain strategies help tackle each section
• Time management is key
 The Reading Section
• 3 or 4 passages 12-14 Q/ 20 min. each
• Answer all the questions
• Do not worry if the reading topic is unfamiliar to you
– You do not need any background knowledge to answer the questions!
• Save time:
– Avoid reading the passage in depth
– Know the directions to each question
– Know the strategies that can help you answer each question
– Do not spend too much time on a question you are unsure of, you can
return if you have time

It is all about STRATEGIES!

 The Reading Section – Cont.
There are Ten different skills:

1. Vocabulary 2. Reference
3. Summarizing 4. Logical sequence
5. Stated Details 6. Unstated Details
7. Inference 8. Purpose
9. and 10. Organizational Skills
 The Listening Section
• 6 to 9 listening passages
• Questions are seen only after the passage had been listened to
• 35 seconds to answer each question.
• You CANNOT change your answer once you click NEXT!
• There are two kinds of listening passages:
1. Classroom discussions and conversations.
2. Academic passages/lectures by a professor.
Students must take organized notes
 The listening Section
Skills on the Listening Section:
1. Gist/ Main ideas.
2. Detail.
3. Understanding the Function of What Is Said.
4. Understanding the speaker’s attitude.
5. Understanding the organization.
6. Making Inference.
 The Speaking Section
Question 1 Answer a question about a familiar topic. 45sec Independent
Question 2 skill
Answer a preference/argumentative question. 45 sec
Question3 Read a passage on a campus-related topic.
Listen to 2 people discussing the topic.
Integrated
Answer a question. 60 sec
skill
Question 4 Read a passage about an academic subject.
Listen to a lecture about the same topic.
Answer a question. 60 sec
Question 5 Listen to a conversation about a problem/solution.
Answer a question. 60 sec
Question 6 Listen to an academic lecture.
Answer a question. 60 sec
 The Speaking Rubric
Delivery Language Use Topic development

Fluency Vocabulary Organization of ideas

Clarity of speech Grammar Development of ideas
Pronunciation Coherency of ideas
Intonation

Minor lapses, pronunciation, intonation,

and grammar mistakes that do not affect
understanding are acceptable.
You do not have to be perfect.
 Writing Section
(50 minutes)

-Integrated task - independent task

- 20 minutes - 30 minutes
- 150 -225 words - 300 – 350 words
-Reading+ listening+ writing - Essay
 The Writing Section
Slide title
Task 2

Response time 30 min

 Tips for the Independent Skill

• Write an outline
• Organize your essay
• Develop the essay by using reasons, examples, and details
• Use effective linking words (transitional phrases) to connect
ideas
• Use grammar and vocabulary accurately; use idiomatic
expressions appropriately
• Follow the conventions of spelling, punctuation, and layout