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TOEFL - Test Of English as a Foreign Language
Posted Date: 20 Jun 2008 Resource Type: Articles/Knowledge Sharing Category: Education
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Posted By: Shanthi M Member Level: Diamond
Rating:  Points: 2
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About the Exam
TOEFL is to be taken for seeking admission in any course in USA and Canada. The score is also used for admission in many other countries where the medium of instruction is English. The test aims at evaluating proficiency in English of candidates whose mother tongue is not English. It is important to note that 'American English' is not quite like the language we are used to in India. Their accent in particular, is quite different. Scores in TOEFL help the colleges to judge whether the applicant, seeking admission, would be able to comprehend the lectures etc.
Eligibility
TOEFL is mandatory for seeking admission in any academic course at any level- undergraduate, graduate or post graduate, in USA and Canada.
Test Details
TOEFL can be taken in any working day of the month meaning it is held five days in a week. It is advisable that a candidate takes the test as early as possible so that the score is reported timely.
Exam Structure
OEFL has been introduced as a computer based test in most of the countries. The computer-based test has four sections
The first two sections- Listening and Structure are computer adaptive, meaning, each time a question is answered, the computer scores that question and adjusts to the response. It determines the next question to be presented to the candidate by using this information. Both of these are multiple-choice sections and the candidate is presented with a question of moderate difficulty at first. If answered correctly, the second question will be tougher and if the response is incorrect the second question would be easier. The computer will continue presenting questions based on the responses, with the goal of determining the ability level of the candidate and at the same time meeting the requirement of the test for which it is designed.
Listening Section evaluates the ability of the candidate to understand English as spoken in US and Canada. Candidates are given headphones to hear recorded sessions. The questions based on the recording appear on the screen and thereafter the answer choices appear. The time spent in hearing the test material is not counted, however the material and the questions are presented only once. Structure Section contains incomplete and incorrect sentences. These are required to be completed or corrected by using words/phrases from the given choice
The other two sections are Reading and Writing respectively. These sections are not 'computer adaptive' since the selection of passages and topics in them are not based on the performance of the candidate. The section on Reading contains short passages and questions on them. It measures the ability of the candidate to comprehend short passages, similar to those, which he may actually encounter while pursuing the actual course. The section on Writing comprises of essay writing on a given topic, within 30 minutes. The candidate has the option to type out his essay on the computer or write it on a sheet
Application Details
For details like scheduling of an appointment for the test, list of test centers, and more it is best to obtain a copy of the 'TOEFL Information Bulletin for Computer Based Testing'. It is a free publication and can be obtained from the Regional Registration Center or downloaded from http://www.toefl.org
TOEFL
The purpose of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is to evaluate the English proficiency of students whose native language is not English.The Scores are required by more than 4,300 colleges, universities, professional schools, and sponsoring institutions of United States.
Online Test Registration
To make it easier to sign up for the paper-based
TOEFL test and the TSE® test, you can now register online! Register now
The TSE is changing...for the better!
In the coming months the Test of Spoken English (TSE) will undergo changes in its testing format. Find out more.
LanguEdgeTM Courseware
Introducing a CD-ROM instructional tool for use in the ESL classroom that makes it easier for teachers to build and assess the communicative skills of their students. Find out more.
ScoreItNow! TM Online Writing Practice for Students
Prepare for the writing section of the TOEFL test. Get immediate score feedback on your essay responses, and receive general suggestions for improving your writing skills. Learn more now.
Global testing programs
English Language Tests administered by ETS at specific locations worldwide
1. TOEFL Testing Program
Link directly to the Computer-Based Testing Directory
Link directly to the Paper-Based Testing Directory
2. TSE
The Test of Spoken English measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to communicate orally in English. The test is approximately 20 minutes long.
Your performance on the Test of Spoken English indicates how your oral language ability might affect your ability to communicate successfully in an academic or professional environment. TSE scores are used by many North American institutions of higher education to select international teaching assistants, sometimes called ITAs. The scores also are used for selecting and certifying health professionals, such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and veterinarians.
The test requires you to demonstrate your ability to communicate in English by responding orally on tape under timed conditions to a variety of printed and recorded information.
Online Registration
About the TSE Test
Testing Schedule
Bulletins and Test Center Lists
Updated Testing Information
Distribution Offices
Test Fee
Test-Taking Tips
Practice Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Identification Requirements
Getting Your TSE Test Scores
Requesting Additional TSE Score Reports
On-site testing Programs
English Language Tests administered by your school
1. TOEFL ITP
The Right Fit for Your English Language Program
The Institutional Testing Program (ITP) gives schools, colleges and universities, English language institutes, and other agencies throughout the world the opportunity to administer the TOEFL ITP test locally to their own students. The program uses retired versions of the paper-based TOEFL test. Approximately 1,500 institutions administer more than 300,000 tests annually under the Institutional Testing Program.
In addition to the TOEFL ITP test, which is appropriate for use with students at the intermediate and higher levels of English language proficiency, ITP offers the Preliminary Test of English as a Foreign Language (Pre-TOEFL). It is especially appropriate for students at beginning levels of English study. Pre-TOEFL scores are on the same scale as TOEFL scores (up to a maximum score of 500), but the test provides more discriminating measurements at the lower end of the TOEFL scale.
This site now offers test questions online that can be used by testing candidates to prepare for the TOEFL ITP and Pre-TOEFL. The practice questions and the directions for each section are similar to those in the ITP TOEFL and Pre-TOEFL tests. Students can choose individual questions to answer, or they can go through a complete, timed test that simulates the actual testing environment. Students can download an answer sheet, or they can use their own piece of paper to record their answers.
2. SLEP
The SLEP® test is a measure of English language ability for nonnative speakers in two primary areas: listening comprehension and reading comprehension.
Results of the test can be very helpful in making decisions related to the following:
Assignment to ESL classes
Placement in a mainstream English-medium program
Exit from an ESL program
A standardized, norm-referenced test, SLEP contains 150 multiple-choice questions of eight different types. It is divided into two sections:
Section 1 -- Measures the ability to understand spoken English. The questions are recorded samples of spoken North American English that test listening comprehension and do not rely heavily on written material.
Section 2 -- Measures the ability to understand written English. The questions cover grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Each SLEP Basic Test Package contains 20 test books, 100 two-ply answer sheets, a cassette recording, and a SLEP Test Manual. Additional test books can be ordered separately
3. Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK)
The SPEAK system was developed to provide institutions with a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the English speaking proficiency of people who are not native speakers of the language. Under this program, test forms are administered and scored by institutions at their convenience, using their own facilities and staff.
Sample Questions for TOEFL
LISTENING COMPREHENSION
This part of the test has different forms for the paper and pencil TOEFL test, the CBT, and the IBT.
On the paper and pencil TOEFL test, no picture is seen as the conversation is played.
On the computer-based TOEFL test, the student sees a picture, listens to the conversation, sees the answers choices, and answers the question.
Below, we have included a photograph with each of the first two conversations only. Typically, the photograph that appears before each conversation has little connection to the conversation itself.
Therefore, the first two short conversations are meant to resemble the format of the computer-based TOEFL test, and the remainder of the questions are meant to resemble the paper and pencil TOEFL test. IBT examples will be forthcoming.
Computer-based TOEFL test listening example 1:
Man: I'm feeling kind of sick tonight. I don't know if I have a virus,or if it's something I ate for lunch. Maybe we should stay home tonight.
Woman: I think you're right. I feel a little under the weather myself.
Narrator: What does the woman mean?
(A) She believes the weather is too bad to go out.
(B) She is not feeling well herself.
(C) She didn't eat lunch.
(D) She disagrees with the man.
"I feel under the weather" means that "the woman is not feeling well"; the answer is B.
Computer-based TOEFL test listening example 2:
Woman: What's the problem? Were you offended by what I said?
Man: No, I just got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.
Narrator: What does the man mean?
(A) The woman is wrong.
(B) He is in a bad mood.
(C) He injured his side getting out of bed.
(D) He was offended by the woman's comments.
"To get up on the wrong side of the bed" is an idiomatic expression that means "to be in a bad mood." The correct answer is B.
BEAT THE TOEFL
LISTENING COMPREHENSION: PART A: QUESTIONS 1-30: SHORT CONVERSATIONS
ON THIS PART OF THE PAPER AND PENCIL TEST YOU WILL HEAR 30 SHORT CONVERSATIONS. LISTEN CAREFULLY TO THE SPEAKERS. FOCUS ESPECIALLY ON THE THE SECOND SPEAKER.
LISTENING PART A. MEANING QUESTIONS.
EX.1
Man: I've heard that the new Chemistry class is really difficult.
Woman: Oh, I wouldn't say that. I took Chemistry 402 last quarter, and I think the course went very smoothly.
Narrator: What does the woman mean?
(A) The chemistry class is very tough.
(B) The chemistry class is not teaching this quarter.
(C) The chemistry class is easier than the man thinks.
(D) The chemistry class should be avoided if possible.
"Oh, I wouldn't say that" indicates that the woman disagrees with the man. The best answer is C.
EX.2
Woman: I've heard great things about that movie that just came out. You want to go see it tonight?
Man: I'd love to, but I've got a history final in two days, and I haven't studied all quarter. I think I'd better take a rain check this time.
Narrator: What does the man mean?
(A) He needs to take a break from his studying.
(B) He loves the woman very much.
(C) He doesn't like going out in the rain.
(D) He will not be able to accompany the woman.
"I'd better take a rain check this time" means that the person "cannot do the activity." The correct answer is D.
LISTENING PART A. IMPLICATION QUESTIONS.
EX.3
Woman: The milk in the refrigerator is sour. I don't think it's drinkable.
Man: No joke. The expiration date was three weeks ago.
Narrator: What does the man imply?
(A) The woman has an extremely sour disposition.
(B) They need to replace the refrigerator.
(C) The woman is just kidding.
(D) It's not surprising the milk has ruined.
EX.4
Man: It looks like Jane is coming apart at the seams. I think she should seek psychological help.
Woman: Oh, I wouldn't say that. She seems to be coping with her problems reasonably well.
Narrator: What does the woman imply?
(A) Jane is not losing emotional control.
(B) Jane is more intelligent than she seems.
(C) Jane made an excellent copy of the parts.
(D) Jane wouldn't say that.
Answers: Ex.3: D, Ex. 4 A
LISTENING PART A. REFERENCE QUESTIONS.
EX.5
Man: What does Susan think about her new job? I've heard it through the grapevine that she's dissatisfied.
Woman: It's not exactly that. She simply feels that she's not cut out for it.
Narrator: What does the woman say about Susan?
(A) She is cutting classes.
(B) She works on grape vines.
(C) She feels she isn't suited for her new job.
(D) Susan's new job is too simple.
EX.6
Woman: I'd like to buy a new car, but this model of Toyota is too expensive.
Man: More so than I thought.
Narrator: What does the man say about the car?
(A) He thinks it is extremely nice.
(B) He thought the car was less expensive.
(C) He would like to take it for a test ride.
(D) He would prefer more choices.
Answers: Ex. 5: C, Ex. 6: B
LISTENING PART A. ACTION QUESTIONS.
EX.7
Man: John's grades in math are incredibly low. Maybe he needs a tutor to get through the class.
Woman: That could be true, but we should talk to him first.
Narrator: What are these people probably going to do next?
(A) Study math with John.
(B) Take John to a doctor.
(C) Discuss the problem with John.
(D) Find John a study group.
EX.8
Woman: What a birthday party! All of the food is great--but this strawberry cheesecake is especially good. Why don't you try some?
Man: If I weren't on a diet I would. Strawberry cheesecake is my favorite.
Narrator: What is the man probably going to do?
(A) Pass up the food.
(B) Try a bite of the cake.
(C) Buy a strawberry cheesecake.
(D) Get the recipe for the cake.
Answers: Ex.7: C, Ex. 8 A
LISTENING PART A. SUGGESTION QUESTIONS.
EX.9
Man: It's really hot today. The temperature must be over a hundred. The forecast is for rain in the afternoon.
Woman: How about putting off the picnic until tomorrow?
Narrator: What does the woman suggest that they do?
(A) Take a walk in the rain.
(B) Delay their outing.
(C) Go on a picnic.
(D) Find out the weather forecast.
EX. 10
Woman: I just can't stand my job anymore. My boss is not supportive at all.
Man: If I were you I wouldn't take it anymore. I'd let her know how you feel.
Narrator: What does the man suggest the woman do?
(A) Take more rest breaks while at work..
(B) Quit her job and find a new one.
(C) Request an immediate leave of absence from her boss.
(D) Confront her supervisor.
Answers: Ex. 9: B, Ex. 10: D
LISTENING PART A. ASSUMPTION QUESTIONS.
EX.11
Woman: The truck is gone and I don't see Fred anywhere.
Man: He must have decided to go to work after all.
Narrator: What had the man assumed about Fred?
(A) Fred had stolen a truck.
(B) Fred wasn't going to work.
(C) Fred couldn't make a decision..
(D) Fred's truck was broken down..
EX.12
Man: Michael passed the GRE test easily.
Woman: You're surprised?
Narrator: What had the woman assumed about Michael?
(A) Michael would do well on the test.
(B) Michael never talked about his past.
(C) Michael surprised his professor.
(D) Michael was in love with her.
Answers: Ex 11: B, Ex. 12: A
LISTENING PART A. INFERENTIAL QUESTIONS.
EX.13
Man: When it comes to fixing faucets, I hear you're the best in town..
Woman: That, and replacing pipes.
Narrator: What can be inferred about the woman?
(A) She's a heavy smoker.
(B) She plays the organ.
(C) She owns four sets of pipes.
(D) She is a plumber.
Did you know that some universities do NOT require a TOEFL score?
EX.14
Woman: You had three rebounds and four blocked shots on the court tonight.
Man: Don't forget my twelve assists and twenty points.
Narrator: What can be inferred about the man?
(A) He needs assistance to solve his problem.
(B) He was shot four times during the robbery.
(C) He played in a basketball game.
(D) His case was blocked in court.
Answers: 13:D, 14:C
LISTENING PART A. SUBJECT QUESTIONS.
EX.15
Man: It sounds like it is going to be extremely tough. I've heard that at the end of the quarter most of the questions are essay.
Woman: I hope not. I really prefer matching or multiple choice.
Narrator: What are these people talking about?
(A) A final exam they are going to take.
(B) A multiplication problem that they cannot find the solution to.
(C) A journey they are about to take.
(D) Something they forgot to say to their friend.
EX.16
Woman: She said to cut down on my fat intake and to get more exercise. The checkup didn't last long.
Man: Did you talk to her about the problem with your ear?
Narrator: What are these speakers discussing?
(A) A sporting event.
(B) A doctor's appointment.
(C) A grammar exercise.
(D) Taking overweight people to the gym..
Answers: 15:A, 16: B
BEAT THE TOEFL
LISTENING PART A. PROBLEM QUESTIONS.
EX.17
Woman: Put your foot on the clutch and gently depress it.
Man: But every time I do it, it jumps.
Narrator: What is the man's problem?
(A) His bicycle is broken.
(B) He doesn't perform well in the clutch.
(C) He doesn't know how to drive.
(D) He is extremely depressed and nervous.
EX.18
Man: Here, take this towel. You're dripping all over the floor.
Woman: I got caught in a downpour.
Narrator: What is the woman's problem?
(A) She spilled her coffee as she was pouring it.
(B) She was arrested by the police.
(C) She tripped on the floor.
(D) She is soaked.
Answers: 17: C, 18 D
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Responses
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| Author: James 26 Jul 2008 | Member Level: Silver Points : 1 | Hello Shanthi,
The Information given bye you is excellent, very easy to understand and informative. I was really searching for the information regarding TOEFL Test. If you don’t mind can you tell the cost of the test and how long I must wait to get the Test certificate?
Regards
James.
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