Are you studying abroad in an English-speaking country? Then conquering the Test of English as a Foreign Language: TOEFL becomes your essential step. Fear not, for this guide delves into everything you need to know about the 2024 edition, from registration to test-taking tips. So, grab your pencils and let's ace this challenge!
TOEFL Overview
The TOEFL exam, in full form of the Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardised test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is widely accepted by universities and colleges around the world for admissions purposes. If you are planning to study abroad in an English-speaking country, you will likely need to take the TOEFL.
- The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
- The test is available in two formats: the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) and the paper-based TOEFL (PBT). The iBT is the more popular format of the test.
- The TOEFL is divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 30, and the total score is 120.
TOEFL Latest Updates
Home-based iBT Test: Launched in July 2023, the TOEFL iBT is now available at home for test takers in select locations. This offers more flexibility and convenience, eliminating travel and test centre restrictions.
TOEFL Essentials: This new, shorter, and more affordable option debuted in July 2023. Designed for measuring foundational English skills, it caters to specific program requirements or early preparation needs.
Increased Score Transparency: Effective July 26th, 2023, test takers see their official score release date upon completing the test. Additionally, real-time notifications update them on any changes in score status, providing greater clarity and quicker access to results. Read More
Simplified Registration Process: From July 2023 onwards, registering for the TOEFL iBT is quicker and easier. A streamlined account creation and registration process allows test takers to secure their test date faster.
Expanded Local Benefits: In select markets, more localised benefits are being introduced, such as additional local payment options. This is expected to expand over time, offering greater convenience to test takers in diverse regions.
Enhanced User Experience: Continuous improvements are being made to the TOEFL iBT test itself. This includes streamlined instructions and navigation throughout the test, making it a smoother and more user-friendly experience.
New "Writing for an Academic Discussion" Task: This new task replaces the previous Independent Writing task and focuses on academic discussions. It requires test takers to analyse and synthesise information from multiple sources to form and express an opinion.
Shorter Reading Section: The Reading section has been slightly shortened, reducing the time it takes to complete the test overall. This is intended to improve the overall test pacing and experience.
Removal of Unscored Test Questions: Unscored test questions have been removed, allowing test takers to focus on the questions that contribute to their final score. This reduces confusion and streamlines the test experience.
Ongoing Research and Development: ETS is committed to continuous improvement and refining the TOEFL iBT to ensure its effectiveness and relevance for measuring English proficiency in academic settings. Read Less
What is TOEFL?
The TOEFL, short for Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardised test that assesses the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It's widely accepted by universities and colleges around the world as a key requirement for admission to academic programs taught in English.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about the TOEFL:
- Reading: Your ability to understand academic texts, analyse information, and conclude.
- Listening: Your ability to comprehend lectures, conversations, and presentations in an academic setting.
- Speaking: Your ability to express yourself clearly, concisely, and coherently on academic topics.
- Writing: Your ability to compose well-organised essays with strong arguments and proper grammar in an academic style. Read More
- Opens doors to global education
- Demonstrates English proficiency
- Boosts your resume
- Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): The most popular format, taken on a computer and offered year-round at test centres worldwide or home in some locations.
- Paper-based TOEFL (PBT): Less common, offered at select test centres and typically preferred by institutions with limited internet access.
- TOEFL Essentials: A new, shorter, and more affordable option targeted at measuring foundational English skills for specific purposes.
- Each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) is scored on a scale of 0-30, with a total score of 0-120.
- Scores are valid for two years.
- The ETS website offers official study materials, practice tests, and online tutorials.
- Numerous third-party resources like textbooks, online courses, and private tutors are available. Read Less
TOEFL 2024: Key Highlights
The TOEFL, your gateway to global education, awaits you in 2024! Here are some key highlights to help you conquer this essential test:
- Choose between the internet-based iBT or paper-based PBT format, depending on your preference and test centre availability.
- Home-based iBT option is now available in select locations, offering greater test-taking convenience.
- New TOEFL Essentials: This shorter, more affordable test focuses on foundational English skills, suitable for specific program requirements or early preparation.
- Comprehend complex academic texts, analyse information, and draw conclusions across diverse subjects.
- Understand lectures, conversations, and presentations delivered in academic settings.
- Speak confidently and coherently on academic topics through four independent and integrated speaking tasks.
- Compose well-organised essays with strong arguments and proper grammar, both independently and integrated with reading and listening tasks.
- Each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) is scored on a scale of 0-30, culminating in a total score of 0-120.
- Aim for a minimum score of 80+ for most universities and colleges, with higher scores opening doors to top institutions.
- Your score report is available online six days after the test and remains valid for two years.
- The TOEFL is offered year-round at over 2,000 test centres worldwide.
- Home-based testing expands your options in select locations.
- Early registration is recommended to secure your preferred date and location.
- Your official source for practice tests, study guides, online tutorials, and score information.
- Free weekly webinars, podcasts, and articles for test preparation tips and strategies.
- Numerous textbooks, online courses, and private tutors can offer additional guidance and personalised learning.
TOEFL Eligibility 2024
The good news is that there are no specific eligibility requirements to take the TOEFL in 2024! Anyone can register for the test, regardless of their age, education level, or nationality.
Although, universities and colleges often have their minimum score requirements for admissions purposes. These requirements can vary depending on the institution, program, and academic level. Most universities and colleges will require a score of 80 or higher on the TOEFL iBT for undergraduate admission, with higher scores expected for graduate programs and competitive fields. Read More
- You will need to provide a valid passport or government-issued ID to register for and take the TOEFL.
- The TOEFL exam fee is $215 in the United States and $225 in most other countries. You will also need to consider additional costs, such as travel and study materials.
- While there are no official eligibility requirements for the TOEFL, it is designed to measure English language proficiency at an academic level. If you are not comfortable reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English at an academic level, you may find the test challenging.
Here are some resources to help you determine the TOEFL score requirements for specific universities and programs:
- University websites.
- ETS website, they have a database of TOEFL score requirements for universities and colleges around the world.
- College counsellors can help you research universities and programs that match your academic interests and language skills. Read Less
TOEFL Exam Fees 2024
- iBT: $215 in the US, $225 in most other countries.
- PBT: $195 in the US, $205 in most other countries.
- TOEFL exam fee In India: 16,900 INR.
- TOEFL Essentials: Varies based on location and testing format.
- Home-based iBT: May have additional fees depending on location.
TOEFL 2024: A Quick Guide
- Register on the official ETS website.
- Secure your preferred date and location.
- Documents: Valid passport or ID required.
- Year-round: Test centres offer flexibility.
- Home-based iBT: Available in select locations.
- Check the ETS website: Find a test date near you.
- Four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing.
- Each section: Scored 0-30, total score 0-120.
- Focus: Academic English skills for university settings.
- Reading: Academic texts, analysis, critical thinking.
- Listening: Lectures, conversations, presentations.
- Speaking: Independent and integrated tasks, expressing opinions.
- Writing: Essays, arguments, proper grammar.
- Register on the official ETS website.
- Secure your preferred date and location.
- Documents: Valid passport or ID required.
- Year-round: Test centres offer flexibility.
- Home-based iBT: Available in select locations.
- Check the ETS website: Find a test date near you.
- Four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing.
- Each section: Scored 0-30, total score 0-120.
- Focus: Academic English skills for university settings.
- Reading: Academic texts, analysis, critical thinking.
- Listening: Lectures, conversations, presentations.
- Speaking: Independent and integrated tasks, expressing opinions.
- Writing: Essays, arguments, proper grammar.
Things that a student must take note of TOEFL Essentials: Shorter, more affordable option for specific needs:
- Official Resources: Practice tests and study guides on the ETS website.
- Scores are valid for 2 years.
The TOEFL exam duration depends on the specific format you choose. The TOEFL exam time duration is included in the specific format:
- Total test time: 3 hours (approximately)
- Reading: 35 minutes
- Listening: 36 minutes
- Speaking: 20 minutes (preparation and speaking time combined)
- Writing: 50 minutes (Integrated Writing: 20 minutes, Independent Writing: 30 minutes)
- Total test time: 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
- Listening: 45 minutes
- Reading: 60 minutes
- Writing: 50 minutes
- Structure: The PBT does not have a separate speaking section.
Other important information: Before the test begins, there is a mandatory tutorial that takes about 5 minutes. You are allowed a 10-minute break after the Listening section out of all the TOEFL duration.
TOEFL Score 2024
Your score is your passport to academic success! Each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) gets a score of 0-30, making your TOEFL exam total marks a grand sum of 0-120. Just six days after you tackle the test, your score report appears online, ready to unlock doors for two years. Aim for a score of 80+ to impress most universities, and shoot even higher for those top-tier institutions. Remember, your score is your key, so polish your skills and ace that TOEFL.
TOEFL 2024 Preparation
The ETS website is your official treasure trove, offering free and paid practice tests, study guides, and even online tutorials. But that's not all. Dive into a sea of third-party resources like textbooks, online courses, and personalised support from private tutors. Remember, time is your friend – master test-taking strategies to conquer each section within the blink of an eye. And to truly immerse yourself, surround yourself with the sounds and rhythms of English: podcasts, movies, books – let it all wash over you! With a strategic toolkit and a healthy dose of English immersion, you'll be well on your way to TOEFL triumph.
TOEFL Question Paper 2024
The TOEFL iBT is now available in a whopping 39 cities across the country, from bustling metropolises like Mumbai and Delhi to charming towns like Mussoorie and Warangal. No matter where you call home, a test centre is likely within your reach.
| North | Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi, Gurgaon, Gwalior, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ludhiana |
| East | Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Patna, Raipur, Trichy, Visakhapatnam |
| South | Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Madurai, Mumbai, Nashik, Nizamabad, Pondicherry, Pune, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Tirupati, Vadodara, Vijayawada |
| West | Bhopal, East Godavari District, Nagpur |
TOEFL FAQs 2024
The TOEFL exam is accepted by more than 11,000 universities and institutions around the world, including universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (USA), Europe, and Asia, making it the most popular English test for students. This is one of the exams that helps you if you want to study abroad. The TOEFL test is primarily designed to understand and evaluate test takers' English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
There are many benefits for students who wish to study abroad and decide to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL is the preferred test for students seeking higher education abroad because more TOEFL scores are sent to universities in the United States and Canada than all other English language tests combined.
Similarly, TOEFL is the preferred English test in each country because more TOEFL scores are sent to universities in Germany, France, the United States, and Canada than any other English test. ETS, the TOEFL governing body, ensures students a fair and unbiased score reporting process, making the test more trustworthy.
ETS, the governing body for the TOEFL exam, currently offers the ETS TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test). This is his TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which is the most commonly selected exam administered at TOEFL test centres, and is the same as the TOEFL iBT test that candidates take. Utilising test centres, it is now administered in the privacy of your home and proctored online by a human examiner.
The paper ETS TOEFL test is the same TOEFL iBT test, but it is administered in two sessions. The reading, listening, and writing sections will be taken at its test centre, and the speaking section will be taken on his home computer within three days of the exam section. Your speaking session will be monitored online by a human examiner. The TOEFL PBT test (offered on paper) is no longer offered. TOEFL PBT scores are valid for two years from the test date.
ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organisation that administers the TOEFL iBT test, launched the TOEFL Essentials test for test takers on August 21, 2021.
Due to the ongoing pandemic and the lack of better English language test providers, ETS has introduced its TOEFL Essentials test, a higher-quality testing option that takes the pandemic into account. Candidates who wish to take the TOEFL Essentials test can learn more about this format of their TOEFL exam.
The TOEFL ITP Assessment Test Series is the leading English language proficiency testing program for ages 16 and older that allows you to confidently measure and assess your students' English proficiency. The TOEFL Junior test is intended for children ages 11 and older and provides an objective and reliable measure of a student's English communication skills.
This testing reveals student strengths and challenges, and learner and learner assessments help monitor progress. Designed for students ages 8 and up, their TOEFL primary test measures students' English communication skills to guide instructional goals and monitor student progress.
A lot of times, candidates may need to avail themselves of particular services provided by the ETS. Candidates can check out the charges of special handling requests mentioned in the table below.
| TOEFL iBT test fees | India Price (INR) |
| Registration for TOEFL iBT | INR 16,900 |
| Late Registration | INR 3,900 |
| Test Rescheduling | INR 5,900 |
| Reinstatement of Cancelled Scores | INR 1,990 |
| Additional Score Reports | INR 1,950 |
| Speaking or Writing Section Score Review | INR 7,900 |
| Payment Return | INR 2,900 |
