TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is an international standardized test that assesses the English language proficiency of non-native English language speakers.
The TOEFL exam consists of four sections: Listening (36 minutes, 28 questions); Reading (35 minutes, 20 questions); Writing (29 minutes, 2 tasks); and Speaking (16 minutes, 1 independent task, 3 integrated tasks).
Each section is scored on a scale of 0-30, with the overall score ranging between 0-120.
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024
The duration of this exam is for about two hours, with four sections. The TOEFL exam pattern is summed up in the table below:
| TOEFL Section | Description | Format | Total Questions | Duration |
| Reading | Assesses comprehension through passages | 2 passages (700 words each) | 20 | 35 minutes |
| Listening | Evaluates listening skills via lectures and conversations | 3 lectures, 2 conversations | 28 | 36 minutes |
| Speaking | Measures oral communication ability | 1 independent task, 3 integrated tasks | 4 tasks | 16 minutes |
| Writing | Tests writing skills through structured tasks | 1 integrated task, 1 academic discussion task | 2 tasks | 29
minutes |
Negative Marking or Penalty in TOEFL Exam
The TOEFL iBT score ranges from 0 to 120. Each section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 30, and the scores are combined to calculate the overall score. The scoring considers the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of the questions. There is no negative marking in TOEFL.
TOEFL Reading Test
| Section Name | Time for the Section | Number of Questions | Score Scale |
| Reading | 35 minutes | 20 | 0 – 30 |
Details of Reading Test
- 2 reading passages of approximately 700 words each
- 10 questions per passage
- Passages are excerpts from university-level textbooks
- The passages are on a variety of subjects
- Candidates have to read the passages and respond to questions. Information for all the answers will be there in the passage
- There is a separate glossary feature for defining uncommon words (in case any candidate needs it)
TOEFL Listening Test
| Section Name | Time for the Section | Number of Questions | Score Scale |
| Listening | 36 minutes | 28 | 0 – 30 |
Details of Listening Test
- The section is designed to measure the ability to understand conversations and lectures in English for basic comprehension, understanding the speaker’s attitude and degree of clarity, and connecting information.
- Answering questions after listening to conversations, lectures, and classroom discussions
- 2 conversations of about 3 minutes each – 5 questions each from 2 conversations – a total of 10 questions
- 3 lectures with some classroom discussion of about 3-5 minutes each – 6 questions each from the 3 lectures – a total of 18 questions
- Candidates can take notes on audio items to answer questions
TOEFL Speaking Test
| Section Name | Time for the Section | Number of Tasks | Score Scale |
| Speaking | 16 minutes | 4 | 0 – 30 |
Details of Speaking Test
- Candidates have to express their opinions and talk on various familiar topics
- There is 1 independent task where candidates have to express an opinion on some familiar topic. They can draw responses from individual experiences and ideas
- Questions 2 to 4 are integrated speaking tests. There are 3 integrated tasks based on hearing and reading
- Upto 15-30 seconds are given for preparation before each response and the response will be 45 to 60 seconds long.
- To respond, candidates have to speak into a microphone and the responses are recorded
- It would take about 16 minutes to complete the speaking section.
TOEFL Writing Test
| Section Name | Time for the Section | Number of Tasks | Score Scale |
| Writing | 29 minutes | 2 | 0 – 30 |
Details of Writing Test
- Integrated writing test – 20 minutes duration – listening to a short lecture and reading a brief passage – writing in response to what is heard and read
- Writing for an academic discussion task – 10 minutes duration – stating and supporting an opinion in an online classroom discussion
- Candidates have to type the responses on a computer keyboard
- It should take about 29 minutes to complete the writing section.
TOEFL Pattern 2024: Home Edition & Test Center
| Aspect | TOEFL Home Edition (Online) | TOEFL on Computer (Test Center) |
| Test Delivery | The entire exam is taken remotely from home or any location with a stable internet connection. | Taken at an official test center on a computer. |
| Test Environment | You take the test in a quiet, private location (home or another suitable place). | You take the test in a secure, monitored test center. |
| Test Format | Computer-based format for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. | Computer-based format for Reading, Listening, and Writing; Speaking test is face-to-face with an examiner. |
| Speaking Test | Via video call with an examiner, conducted remotely. | In-person with a real examiner in the test center. |
| Availability | Available on specific dates, offering more flexibility in terms of location and scheduling. | Available on fixed dates at designated test centers. |
| Result Availability | Results are available within 6 days. | Results are available within 10-13 days. |
| Test Duration | The same as the standard TOEFL exam, 3 hours. | Same duration of 3 hours. |
| Cost | The cost is typically similar to the test center version but may vary depending on location. | The cost is generally the same as the online format, though there may be slight regional differences. |
| Test Security | Identity verification and test security measures are taken online. Requires a computer with a webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. | In-person identity verification at the test center, strict monitoring during the test. |
TOEFL Preparation Tips 2024
The TOEFL is crucial for anyone seeking admission abroad. Here is how to start your preparation:
| Preparation Aspect | Details |
| Understand the Test Format | Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL structure: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section has its own format, rules, and timing. |
| Practice Regularly | Regular practice is essential. Take mock tests, practice speaking with a partner, and work on reading and writing under timed conditions. |
| Build Vocabulary | Improve your English vocabulary, especially academic terms and phrases commonly used in TOEFL tasks. |
| Improve Time Management | Practice managing your time effectively. Each section has a strict time limit, and pacing yourself is key to completing all tasks. |
| Seek Feedback | Take practice tests and seek feedback from teachers, peers, or native speakers, especially for speaking and writing, to identify areas for improvement. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way of preparing for the TOEFL test?
There are innumerable official prep offerings. These are insights-driven, accessible and can be personalized. Apart from this, there are various TOEFL guides and books (both online and offline), practice test materials, and other items for TOEFL test preparations.
For the listening test, can I wear earbuds or headphones during the test?
Personal earbuds and headphones are not allowed in a TOEFL test center. For the listening test, you will be given headphones at the test center. For the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, you have to use your computer speaker as no earbuds and headphones are allowed.
Is taking notes permissible during the TOEFL test?
Yes, you can take notes for the speaking and listening sections particularly, in the TOEFL test. There are different rules about the note-taking materials that you can use depending on whether you are taking the test at home or at a test center.
I could not finish the TOEFL test due to some technical problem. What to do then?
You have to contact TOEFL services if you have not received any instructions about the next steps that you have to take. You will have to find the TOEFL services contact information for the country from where you are appearing for your test.
What is the validity of the TOEFL test scores?
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the date of the test. ETS does not report or send scores after 2 years.
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