TOEFL Exam Format

This page will provide a comprehensive overview of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam format, detailing the various sections and specific components to help you grasp what the test entails and what to expect. We will also discuss basic TOEFL preparation tips to help you study effectively.

Additionally, we will compare the TOEFL to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), another highly popular and widely recognised English proficiency exam, to assist you in making an informed decision if you are choosing between the two.

Whether you have already scheduled your test or are still in the decision-making process, understanding the exam format is crucial for effective preparation and can greatly influence your performance.

The TOEFL exam format is decided by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the test. The total duration is 116 minutes, comprising four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The total score is calculated based on all four sections, with each section scored from 0 to 30, making the highest possible score 120.

Here’s the outline of the TOEFL exam format:

TOEFL scores are available online six days after taking the test. The total score is the sum of the scores from all four sections. During registration, you can select up to four institutions to send your score report to, and ETS will send the official scores directly to these institutions once they are available.

The Reading section of the TOEFL evaluates how well you can comprehend and interpret academic materials. It includes two passages, each around 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage. This section takes approximately 35 minutes to complete and is scored based on the number of correct responses.

There are 10 types of reading questions:

1. Inference Questions: Require you to make logical conclusions based on the passage.

2. Vocabulary Questions: Test your understanding of specific words within the context.

3. Rhetorical Purpose Questions: Assess why the author included certain pieces of information in a particular way.

4. Detail (Factual Information) Questions: Ask for specific information stated in the passage.

5. Negative Factual Information Questions: Identify information that is not true according to the passage.

6. Essential Information (Sentence Simplification) Questions: Simplify a complex sentence to its essential meaning.

7. Sentence Insertion Questions: Determine where a new sentence best fits within the passage.

8. Complete the Summary (Prose Summary) Questions: Summarise the main ideas of the passage.

9. Complete the Table (Fill in a Table) Questions: Organise information from the passage into a table format.

The reading passages are excerpts from university-level textbooks. These passages cover various subjects, but you don't need prior knowledge to answer the questions. A glossary feature defines uncommon words if needed. Here are some tips to help you approach this section of the TOEFL:

1. Skim the passage first to get a general idea before answering the questions.

2. Refer back to the passage to find specific information for detailed questions.

The Listening section of the TOEFL tests your ability to comprehend English as spoken in academic settings. It involves listening for basic comprehension, understanding the speaker's attitude and certainty, and connecting information.

The section includes three lectures (some with classroom discussions), each lasting 3–5 minutes, with six questions per lecture and two conversations, each lasting 3 minutes, with five questions per conversation. It takes about 35 minutes to complete.

There are eight types of listening questions and what they will require you to do:

1. Gist (Content): Identify the main idea or purpose of the lecture or conversation.

2. Gist (Purpose): Understand why something was said or done.

3. Detail (Most Popular): Answer questions about specific details mentioned.

4. Understanding the Speaker’s Attitude: Infer the speaker's feelings or opinions.

5. Understanding the Function: Determine why something was said or done.

6. Making Inferences: Draw conclusions based on the information given.

7. Understanding Organisation: Recognise how information is structured.

8. Connecting Content: Relate different pieces of information within the conversation or lecture.

How to tackle this section effectively:

1. Take notes while listening to capture key points and details.

2. Pay attention to the speaker's tone and attitude to answer attitude questions accurately.

3. Review your notes and the questions to ensure you connect the information correctly.

The TOEFL’s Speaking section assesses your ability to speak English in academic contexts. The four tasks simulate real-life situations you might encounter in and outside a classroom. In this section, test graders look for clear, coherent, and sustained responses. This section takes about 16 minutes to complete.

The format of the speaking section will be:

• Question 1: Independent Speaking Task — You will be required to respond to the question based on your own ideas, opinions and experiences.

• Questions 2–4: Integrated Speaking Tasks — You will be required to combine your English-language skills (listening, speaking and reading, and speaking) to respond.

You'll get 15–30 seconds of preparation time before each response, which should be 45 or 60 seconds long. Here are three tips for approaching this TOEFL section effectively:

1. Practise your pronunciation and speed of speaking to maintain a natural pace.

2. Organise your thoughts quickly during the preparation time.

3. Use examples to support your responses and make them more compelling.

The TOEFL’s Writing section evaluates your ability to write in English in an academic setting. To score well for this section, your responses should be clear, well-organised, and supported by relevant details. Additionally, you should display a variety of sentence structures and ensure your essay has minimal errors. This section of the TOEFL should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

There will be two writing tasks:

1. Integrated Writing — You will be required to read a passage and listen to a lecture, then propose a response.

2. Writing for an Academic Discussion — You will be required to state and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.

Tips for approaching this section effectively:

1. Draft an outline of your response before you start writing to ensure a clear structure.

2. Use specific examples to support your arguments.

3. Proofread your work to correct any minor grammatical errors.

Students or test takers in Thailand can find official TOEFL mock tests on the ETS website. These self-paced tests mimic the TOEFL exam format, familiarising you with its structure and timing. The official site also offers courses, guides, books, performance insights, progress tracking, and the option to connect with independent tutors trained to teach academic English.

There are also numerous online blogs with TOEFL exam samples and sample tests that you can use in your TOEFL revision. However, to use these practice tests effectively, you should regularly set aside dedicated study time and simulate real exam conditions. Another tip to help you prepare for the TOEFL is to review your answers thoroughly to understand your mistakes and improve.

The most significant difference between TOEFL and IELTS is the Speaking section. The TOEFL Speaking section involves recording responses on a computer, which can be more straightforward for some test-takers. In contrast, the IELTS Speaking section involves a live conversation with an examiner, which provides a more natural interaction. This difference can impact performance and stress levels, with some finding the IELTS format more user-friendly.

However, there may be certain cases where the TOEFL may be more beneficial than the IELTS. For example, if you’re faster at typing and prefer to take computer-based tests, the TOEFL might be a better fit for your needs. Conversely, if you aren’t familiar with English language keyboards and find it easier and more natural to have an actual conversation with a person, the IELTS will be the better option for you.

To determine which test is right for you, you can explore detailed resources on TOEFL exam validity, TOEFL exam fees, and more from IDP and other sources.