TOEFL

If you are planning to apply to a high school, undergraduate or graduate institution abroad, you will need to submit your TOEFL ("Test of English as a Foreign Language") score as part of the application process. 

The TOEFL is an English proficiency test that focuses on four main areas: Listening, Reading , Structure of Written English and Writing. (Note: In September 2005, the TOEFL test will be changed with the inclusion of another section on Speaking.) 

The test is a multiple-choice test with four sections, all of which are computer-adaptive.

Frequently Asked Questions for the TOEFL

 

Our TOEFL courses

 

Sample TOEFL Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions for the TOEFL

What is the TOEFL-CBT?

Who should take the TOEFL?

What is on the test?

What is the TOEFL scoring?

How will the Speaking and Writing sections be scored?

Will the TOEFL be computer adaptive?

Will note taking be allowed?

How will the TOEFL tests be administered?

How much will the new generation TOEFL cost

 

 

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What is the TOEFL-CBT?

The TOEFL-CBT (computer-based test) is a four-section, three to four hour test that is designed to test a student's ability to comprehend and use spoken and written English. The test is scored from 40 to 300 points Most major universities ask for a score of 250 or above.

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Who should take the TOEFL?

Anyone who wants to enter a college or university in the USA or UK for either undergraduate or graduate studies and is not a native speaker of English needs to take the TOEFL.

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What is on the test?

The TOEFL is broken down into several question types:

LISTENING COMPREHENSION:

For about 45 minutes, the student will listen to various short- and long-conversations. Some will be excerpts from college lectures; others will be discussions between friends about their classes, schedules, or just everyday life. To score well, the student must understand both formal and informal spoken English well.

STRUCTURE:

These 20 questions test the student on a range of grammatical concepts including verb tense, agreement, and the use of modifiers.

READING COMPREHENSION:

Medium-length passages that cover a variety of academic topics are followed by 50 questions that ask the student to analyze the passage's content.  The test-taker will have to use the information in the passage to define vocabulary words, find facts, and interpret ideas.

WRITING:

In 30 minutes, the student must write an essay answering a specific question asked.  The essay will be graded from 0 to 6 based on grammar, style, coherence, and ideas.

SPEAKING:

Since the TOEFL measures English abilities for university, a speaking section will assess student’s clarity of thoughts and efficient expression. This part of the test features 6 questions, which students will have approximately 30 seconds to answers each one. Two out of the six will be personal choice questions. Speaking isn’t based on the difficulty of speaking, but more on clarity, organization, and ability to participate in a general subject, making this part of the test very manageable.

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What is the TOEFL scoring?

The total scores for TOEFL sections are:
Listening 0-30
Reading 0-30
Speaking 0-30
Writing 0-30
Total 0-120

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How will the Speaking and Writing sections be scored?

Test takers will be evaluated on content accuracy, language use and intelligibility. You will have to be able to demonstrate that you understand what has been read or what you listened to, you have to be able to make connections and integrate information and lastly you have to be able to express yourself clearly, fluently and coherently.

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Will the TOEFL be computer adaptive?

The TOEFL will be a linear and not computer adaptive assessment. This means that test takers will answer questions covering the full range of difficulty and not just those questions at their ability level.

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Will note taking be allowed?

Note taking will be allowed throughout the test. Since the test aims at giving test takers a realistic measure of how they will do in an academic setting, it is consistent to allow you to take notes which is what students do when they attend academic lectures.

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How will the TOEFL tests be administered?

The test will be administered via an Internet-based (iBT) testing network.

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How much will the TOEFL cost?

About 140$ for computer-based tests.

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Source: Educational Testing Service

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TOEFL Courses

How can the Princeton Review's TOEFL Course help you?

The Princeton Review-Turkey's goal is to help you successfully attack the TOEFL. From helping you register for the exam to teaching you how to tame Reading Comprehension, our knowledge and experience will help you make the most of your test.

Our course addresses each of the TOEFL topics completely:

After hours of practice doing listening exercises, you will be prepared for any type of Listening Comprehension question and know the many idioms and expressions on which you may be tested.

After our thorough course on English grammar, the student will understand some things that even native English speakers don't!

Our Reading instruction teaches you how to get the most information from the least amount of text read.  Work smarter, not harder!

Our unique approach to essay writing teaches the students how to use a variety of complex sentence structures.  Not only will your TOEFL score improve, but so will all the writing you do in English!

Hundreds of practice questions in each of these areas will re-inforce what you learn in the classroom.

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Sample TOEFL Questions  

The questions below are samples of some of the types you will see on the test.

LISTENING COMPREHENSION:

The text that follows is what you would hear if taking the TOEFL.

Of course, when you can't read what is said, it becomes more difficult.

Man: Sandy gave me a lot of flack about not clearing away the dishes last night.

I mean, she really blew a fuse.

Woman: I'll say she did. And no wonder. If she's told you once, she's told you a thousand times:

when it's your turn, you better do it.

What does the woman mean?

(A) Sandy should give the man some slack.

(B) The woman washed the dishes herself.

(C) Sandy said a new fuse was needed.

(D) Sandy has warned the man many times about not performing his duties.

 

STRUCTURE:

Identify the error in the sentence below.

Medical doctors suggest that persons engaged in taxing careers like

                                               A         B             C                    D

air traffic control and surgery try to reduce stress through regular exercise.

Complete the following sentence with the best answer choice.

Using Feng Shui, interior decorators utilize ancient knowledge of

vital forces and Zen philosophical tenets to create living understated

living spaces, _ _ _ _ _ a person's harmony with his surroundings.

(A) thereby increasing

(B) increase

(C) which may in fact serve to increase

(D) and to increase

WRITING:

Some sample Writing topics:

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Self-confidence is the most important factor for success in school or at work. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Do you agree or disagree that progress is always good? Use specific reasons and examples to to support your answer.  People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge).  Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer

 

SPEAKING:

Some sample speaking questions:

Name a teacher that had a big impact in your life and explain why.

If you could meet one famous politician, who would it be and why?

Your city has some extra money to spend on either books for a new library or more art equipment for the community center. How do you think they should spend it and why?

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