TOEFL® iBT Tips

TOEFL iBT Tips—from ETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Open More Doors with TOEFL® iBT, the Key to Academic Success. 4

Introduction. . . . . . . . 4

The TOEFL® Test—The Key to Academic Success. 4

TOEFL Scores Open More Doors . 4

The New TOEFL iBT . 4

What’s New About the TOEFL iBT? . 5

Why Were Changes Made to the TOEFL Test?. 5

About the TOEFL iBT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Overview . 6

Format. 6

Question Types . 7

Toolbar. 7

A. TOEFL iBT Reading Section. 8

Academic Reading Skills. 8

Description . 8

What is Different?. 10

B. TOEFL iBT Listening Section. 12

Academic Listening Skills . 12

Description. 12

What is Different?. 15

C. TOEFL iBT Speaking Section. 16

Academic Speaking Skills . 16

Description . 16

Speaking Task Types . 18

Independent Speaking. 19

Integrated Speaking. 19

What is Different?. 21

D. TOEFL iBT Writing Section. 22

Academic Writing Skills. 22

Description. 22

Writing Task Types. 23

Integrated Writing. 24

Independent Writing. 25

Contents continued on next page.

What is Different?. 25

About Test Scores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

A. Score Scales. 26

B. Rating of Speaking and Writing Responses. 26

Speaking. 26

Writing. 26

C. Score Reports. 27

D. Score Requirements . 28

General Skill-building Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

A. Reading Tips. 29

B. Listening Tips. 30

C. Speaking Tips. 31

D. Writing Tips. 33

Test Preparation Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Step 1: View all the Test Materials to See What the Test is Like. . . . . . 35

Step 2: Take an Online Practice Test. 36

Step 3: Practice More on Your Weakest Skills. 38

Step 4: Use Proven Test-Taking Strategies. 39

Register for the New TOEFL iBT. . . . . . 40

Step 1: Get a Copy of the Information and Registration Bulletin . 40

Step 2: Check the TOEFL Website for the List of Test Centers. 40

Step 3: Register . 40

Questions Frequently Asked by Test Takers. . . . . . . . . 41

General. 41

Rollout. 41

Test Delivery . 42

Test Registration. 42

Test Benefits . 42

Test Preparation . 43

Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Rubrics for Speaking Section. 44

Rubrics for Writing Section. 46

Score Comparisons. 48

Speaking Score Comparisons. 48

Total Score Comparisons. 49

Score Comparisons for Reading . 50

Score Comparisons for Listening. 51

Score Comparisons for Writing. 52

Converting Rubric Scores to Scaled Scores . 53

Percentile Data . . . . . . . . 54

Standard Error of Measurement. . . . . . . . 54

Contacting ETS . . . . . . . 54

Performance Feedback for Test Takers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

TOEFL® iBT Tips—from ETS

Open More Doors with TOEFL® iBT, the Key to Academic Success

ETS (Educational Testing Service), created this publication. ETS is the nonprofit educational

organization in Princeton, New Jersey, USA, that develops and administers the TOEFL® test.

TOEFL® iBT Tips is designed to help English-language learners understand and prepare for

the TOEFL® Internet-based test (TOEFL® iBT). As learners prepare for the test, they also

build the skills required for academic success. TOEFL iBT Tips also supports ESL/EFL

instructors and educational advisors as they help students with test preparation.

TOEFL iBT Tips does not replace the Information and Registration Bulletin for TOEFL

Internet-based testing, which contains information test takers need to register for the test. To

download the Bulletin, visit the TOEFL website at www.ets.org/toefl or write to TOEFL

Services, PO Box 6151, Princeton, NJ, 08541, USA, to receive a copy.

To receive updates, special offers, and discounts on test preparation materials, sign up for

the TOEFL mailing list on the TOEFL website at www.ets.org/toefl.

Introduction

The TOEFL Test—The Key to Academic Success

Undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs around the world require students to

demonstrate their ability to communicate in English as an entrance requirement.

The TOEFL test gives students the opportunity to prove they can communicate ideas effectively

by simulating university classroom and student life communication. The language used in

the test reflects real-life English-language usage in university lectures, classes, and

laboratories. It is the same language professors use when they discuss coursework or

concepts with students. It is the language students use in study groups and everyday

university situations, such as buying books at the bookstore. The reading passages are from

real textbooks and course materials.

TOEFL Scores Open More Doors

The TOEFL test measures how well students use English, not just their knowledge of the

language. Because it is a valid and reliable test with unbiased, objective scoring, the TOEFL

test confirms that a student has the English language skills necessary to succeed in an

academic setting. That’s why it has become the most popular and accessible Englishlanguage

test in the world. It has been administered more than 20 million times since 1964,

and is available in more than 180 countries. It is also the most accepted test in the world.

More than 6,000 colleges, universities, and agencies in 110 countries accept TOEFL scores.

That means that students have the flexibility to use their TOEFL test scores worldwide.

The New TOEFL iBT

First introduced in 2005, TOEFL iBT is being gradually introduced throughout the world.

The paper-based test continues to be offered to supplement the TOEFL iBT test center

network and in countries where the TOEFL iBT is not yet available. To view a list of TOEFL

test center locations, visit the TOEFL website at www.ets.org/toefl.

What’s New About the TOEFL iBT?

It tests all four language skills that effective communication requires: Reading,

Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It emphasizes and measures English usage and

communication ability in academic settings.

A Speaking section has been added. This section includes six tasks that require test

takers to wear headphones and speak into a microphone when they respond. The

responses are digitally recorded and sent to ETS’s Online Scoring Network. To ensure

maximum objectivity and reliability, three to six certified ETS raters evaluate the

responses on a scale of 0 to 4. The average rating is then converted to a scaled score of

0 to 30. Raters are constantly monitored every time they score a test to ensure the

highest accuracy and quality control possible.

The Writing section has been expanded. The new test requires test takers to write a

response to material they have heard and read. In addition, test takers must compose

an essay in support of an opinion. Test takers’ typed responses to the writing tasks are

sent to ETS’s Online Scoring Network where two to four raters evaluate the responses

on a scale of 0 to 5. The average rating is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 30.

 Some questions require the test taker to use more than one English-language

skill and combine or integrate information from more than one source, the same way

students use English language every day in the classroom. For example, sometimes test

takers read a passage, listen to a short lecture about a topic, and then provide a written

or spoken response. TOEFL iBT helps test takers prove they can combine their Englishlanguage

skills to communicate ideas effectively. This ability is the key to academic success.

Note taking is allowed. Test takers can take notes on any section of the test the same

way they would in a real college class. Test takers can use the notes when answering

test questions. The notes are collected and destroyed before the test takers leave the

test center.

The new test takes about four hours. Test takers complete all four sections of the test

in one day, eliminating the need to travel to the test center twice.

It is delivered on computer via the Internet at secure test centers around the world.

The new scores help explain a test taker’s English-language skill level. ETS

provides comprehensive scoring information, including four skill-section scores and a

total score. Performance feedback for each skill and level are available on page 56 of

this publication and the TOEFL website at www.ets.org/toefl. This feedback helps

explain what the new scores mean. Test takers also receive performance feedback on

their score reports to support English-language learning. The feedback describes test

takers’ language proficiency levels and contains advice on how they can improve their

language skills in the future.

Scores are now reported online. Test takers can view their scores online 15 business

days after the test. They can also choose to receive a copy of their score report by mail.

Colleges, universities, and agencies can go online to view the scores of those students

who selected them as a score recipient. They also continue to receive scores in paper

and electronic formats.

Why Were Changes Made to the TOEFL Test?

To assess the ability to communicate successfully in an academic setting. The new

test helps test takers determine their academic readiness. It also helps institutions

identify and select students with the English-communication skills required to succeed.

To simulate university communication. The new integrated tasks, which require

more than one language skill to complete, reflect the way language is used on campus

every day—from the classroom to the bookstore. By simply preparing for the new

TOEFL test, students will build the skills they need for academic success.

About the TOEFL iBT

Overview

The new TOEFL iBT consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

The entire test is about four hours long and all sections are taken on the same day. For a

brief comparison of the three versions of the TOEFL test, visit www.ets.org/toefl and

download TOEFL® iBT At a Glance.

Format

The new TOEFL iBT is administered via computer from a secure Internet-based testing

network.         

Instructions for answering questions are given within each section. There is no

computer tutorial.

TOEFL iBT is not computer-adaptive. Each test taker receives items that cover the full

range of ability.

Test takers can take notes throughout the entire test. At the end of testing, all notes are

collected and destroyed at the test center to ensure test security.

For the Speaking section, test takers wear noise-cancelling headphones and speak into a

microphone. Responses are digitally recorded and sent to ETS’s Online Scoring Network.

For the Writing section, test takers must type their responses. The typed responses are

sent to ETS’s Online Scoring Network.

 Human raters, trained and certified by ETS, rate the Speaking and Writing responses.

The chart below shows the possible number of questions and the timing for each section.

The time limit for each section varies according to the number of questions. Every test

contains additional questions in the Reading or Listening Section.

The New Test Format

Test Section	Number of  Questions	Timing
Reading	3–5 passages,             12–14 questions each	60–100 minutes
Listening	4–6 lectures, 6 questions each 2–3 conversations, 5 questions each	60–90 minutes
Break		10 minutes
Speaking	6 tasks: 2 independent and 4 integrated	20 minutes
Writing	1 integrated task 1 independent task	20 minutes 30 minutes

Question Types

The TOEFL iBT features many of the question types used on the computer-based test. New

questions involve integrated (combined) language skills and require test takers to:

●● read, listen, and then speak in response to a question

●● listen and then speak in response to a question

●● read, listen, and then write in response to a question

These new questions measure the student’s ability to use English to communicate effectively

and determine if they have the language skills needed for academic success.

Toolbar

The toolbar in each section allows test takers to navigate through the test with ease. The

following are examples of testing tools from the Listening and Reading sections of the new

test. The section is always found in the upper left-hand corner of the toolbar.

This is what the toolbar looks like in the Listening section.

●● Test takers always know what question they are answering and how much time is left in

the section. It is possible to hide this clock at any time by clicking on Hide Time.

●● Volume enables test takers to adjust the volume of the Listening material.

●● Help gives test takers a way to get relevant help. When test takers use the Help feature,

the clock does not stop.

●● Next allows test takers to proceed to the next question.

●● Once test takers click on Next, they can confirm their answers by clicking on OK. In the

Listening section, test takers cannot see a question again once they click on OK.

The toolbar for the Reading section has some unique features.

●● Test takers can view the entire passage when answering questions. For some questions,

they need to click View Text to see the entire reading passage.

●● They can view all of their answers by clicking on Review. This allows them to return to

any other question and change their answers. They can also see which questions they

have skipped and still need to answer.

●● In the Reading section, test takers can also click on Back at any time to return to the

previous question

A.  TOEFL iBT Reading Section

Academic Reading Skills

The Reading section measures the test taker’s ability to understand university-level academic

texts and passages. In many academic settings around the world, students are expected to

read and understand information from textbooks and other academic materials written in

English. The following are three purposes for academic reading:

Reading to find information

• effectively scanning text for key facts and important information

• increasing reading fluency and rate

Basic comprehension

• understanding the general topic or main idea, major points, important facts and

details, vocabulary in context, and pronoun references1

• making inferences2 about what is implied in a passage

Reading to learn

• recognizing the organization and purpose of a passage

• understanding relationships between ideas

• organizing information into a category chart or a summary in order to recall major

points and important details

• inferring how ideas throughout the passage connect

Description

Reading Section Format

Length of passage	Number of  passages & Questions	Timing
Approximately 700 words	3–5 passages	60–100 minutes
	12–14 questions per passage

Reading passages: The TOEFL iBT uses reading passages from university-level textbooks

that introduce a discipline or topic. The excerpts are changed as little as possible so the

TOEFL iBT can measure how well students can read academic material.

The passages cover a variety of different subjects. Test takers should not be concerned if they

are unfamiliar with a topic. The passage contains all the information needed to answer the

questions.

All passages are classified into three basic categories:

·          Exposition3

·          Argumentation4

• Historical

1 Pronoun references—The nouns that pronouns refer to in a passage

2 Make an inference—To comprehend an argument or an idea that is strongly suggested, but not explicitly stated

in a passage

3 Exposition—Material that provides an explanation of a topic

4 Argumentation—Material that presents a point of view about a topic and provides evidence to support it

Often, passages present information about the topic from more than one perspective or point

of view. This is something test takers should note as they read. Usually, they are asked at least

one question that allows them to demonstrate that they understood the general organization of

the passage. Common organization types that test takers should be able to recognize are:

• classification

• compare/contrast

• cause/effect

• problem/solution

Test takers must read through or scroll to the end of each passage before receiving questions

on that passage. Once the questions appear, the passage appears on the right side of the

computer screen. The questions are on the left. (See the illustration that follows.)

Test takers do not need any special background knowledge to answer the questions in the

Reading section correctly, but the definition of difficult words or phrases in the passage

may be provided. If test takers click on the word, a definition appears in the lower left part

of the screen.

The 60 to 100 minutes allotted for this section include time for reading the passages and

answering the questions.

Reading Question Formats

There are three question formats in the Reading section:

• questions with four choices and a single answer in traditional multiple-choice format

• questions with four choices and a single answer that ask test takers to “insert a

sentence” where it fits best in a passage

• new “reading to learn” questions with more than four choices and more than one
• possible correct answer. (See page 10.)

What is Different?

Reading to learn questions

These questions test the student’s ability to recognize how the passage is organized and

understand the relationships among facts and ideas in different parts of the passage.

Test takers sort information and place the text options provided into a category chart

or summary. The summary questions are worth up to 2 points each. The chart

questions are worth up to 3 points if there are five options presented, and up to 4 points

if there are seven options presented. Partial credit is given in this question format.

Paraphrase questions

Questions in this category are in multiple-choice format. They test the student’s ability to

select the answer choice that most accurately paraphrases a sentence from the passage.

Glossary feature

Test takers can now click on some special purpose words and phrases in the reading

passages to view a definition or explanation of the term. In the example below, test

takers can click on the word “shamans” to view its definition.

Reading to Learn—Category Chart Question Example

Reading to Learn—Summary Question Example

B.  TOEFL iBT Listening Section

Academic Listening Skills

The Listening section measures the test taker’s ability to understand spoken English. In

academic settings, students must be able to listen to lectures and conversations. Academic

listening is typically done for one of the three following purposes:

Listening for basic comprehension

comprehend the main idea, major points, and important details related to the main

idea (Note: comprehension of all details is not necessary.)

Listening for pragmatic understanding

• recognize a speaker’s attitude and degree of certainty

• recognize a speaker’s function or purpose

Connecting and synthesizing5 information

• recognize the organization of information presented

• understand the relationships between ideas presented (for example, compare/

contrast, cause/effect, or steps in a process)

• make inferences6 and draw conclusions based on what is implied in the material

• make connections among pieces of information in a conversation or lecture

• recognize topic changes (for example, digressions7 and aside statements8) in

lectures and conversations, and recognize introductions and conclusions in lectures

Description

Listening material in the new test includes academic lectures and long conversations in

which the speech sounds very natural. Test takers can take notes on any listening material

throughout the entire test.

Listening Section Format

                                                                                               

Listening Material	Number of Questions	Timing
4–6 lectures, 3–5 minutes long each, about 500–800 words	6 questions per lecture	60–90 minutes
2–3 conversations, about 3 minutes long, about 12–25 exchanges	5 questions per conversation	60–90 minutes

5 Synthesize—To combine information from two or more sources

6 Make an inference—To comprehend an argument or an idea that is strongly suggested, but not explicitly stated

in a passage

7 Digressions—Side comments in which the speaker briefly moves away from the main topic and then returns

8 Aside statements—Comments that are relevant to the main theme, but interrupt the flow of information or ideas

(Example: “Pay attention now, this will be on the test.”)

TOEFL