TOEFL iBT, abbreviation for Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a base-level entrance exam that qualifies students from non-English speaking countries to apply for admission in the educational institutes of the United States. Those looking to enroll in a university under US regulations need to pass this test as a proof of their proficiency in the English. Now mandated for all non-natives hoping to gain admittance in educational institutes in the US, the test is likely to become a compulsory criterion for getting a job with US government agencies, business organizations, etc.

Test Content

The test paper is split into four sections: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Reading Section:The paper starts with the Reading section, which consists of several types of comprehension questions. The texts are based on academic themes extracted from textbooks of undergraduate course syllabus.

Listening Section: Test takers answer a series of questions related to each clip. The audio files are academic lectures and conversations. Students are allowed to take notes in order to be able to answer the questions attached. Conversation clips have a standard of five questions and lecture clips have six.

Speaking Section: This one has two independent and four integrated exercises that require the examinees to formulate opinions on a series of topics. Marks are given on the basis of one’s personal ability to express ideas and spontaneity of speech. In this section, questions are asked on the prior two passages. Questions have to be answered verbally, unlike in the first two sections.

Writing Section: The final section of the test is where your writing ability is examined. This part has only two tasks which require reading a passage and listening to an audio clip.

TOEFL Advantages

TOEFL reports are like licenses to enroll in more than 9,000 colleges throughout the US. With more than 130 countries depending on TOEFL certificates to study in the United States, admission decisions even in the most prestigious of institutes are partially influenced by the TOEFL score. Taking the test has become very convenient nowadays with ample centers open in many countries . However, ratings do a fair assessment of the academic potential of students.

About Scores

Each section of the TOEFL awards a maximum of 30 points, totaling 120. The test is to be taken at a TOEFL test center wherefrom the papers are sent to the authorized examiners for checking. Results are published online within 10 days from the date of submission. Test-takers are given access to their respective accounts where scores can be checked on the given dates. Scores can also be checked at the portal of the university you’ve applied to.

Here are some very effective tips that can help you score higher in your TOEFL exam:

·         Familiarize yourself with the test format

·         Take as many practice tests as possible before appearing for the final exam

·         Since you need to take notes every now and then, learn to be fast and accurate at it

·         Do not leave questions blank

·         Work on your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills for best results.