Preparing for TOEFL

TOEFL Overview

The TOEFL is aimed specifically at non-native English speakers wishing to study abroad at universities in English-speaking countries. It evaluates your ability to use and understand English in a primarily academic context. It also examines how well the test taker combines listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks.

For students planning on studying overseas, the TOEFL test helps prove that they have the English skills that will actually be needed in an academic classroom. Because the test is composed of 100% academic tasks and questions, many universities and colleges worldwide consider it to be one of the most appropriate tests of English to use when making their admission decisions.

More than 9,000 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. More than 27 million people from all over the world have taken the TOEFL test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency.

TOEFL Test Format

The TOEFL is done on a computer but is administered via Internet connection from where its name – TOEFL iBT (Internet Based Test) – comes. The test takes about four and a half hours to complete and consists of a variety of reading, listening, speaking and writing tasks.

During the test students will be expected to demonstrate their ability to combine all four skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing tasks.

Students may, for instance, be asked to:

Read, listen and then write in response to a question

Read, listen and then speak in response to a question

Listen and then speak in response to a question

Structure of the TOEFL iBT

The TOEFL iBT test is given in English and administered via the Internet. Time is the main component of this test because It is a time bound test. There are four sections listening, reading, speaking and writing which take a total of about four and a half hours to complete.

SectionTime LimitQuestionTasks
Reading 60 – 80 minutes 36 – 56 questions Read 3 or 4 passages from academic texts and answer questions.
Listening 60 – 90 minutes 34 – 51 questions Listen to lectures, classroom discussions and conversations, then answer questions.
Break 10 minutes    
Speaking 20 minutes 6 tasks Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on reading and listening tasks.
Writing 50 minutes 2 tasks Write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks; support an opinion in writing.

 

TOEFL IBT Score Scales

Each of the four TOEFL sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing) are scored out of 30. The composite (or overall) TOEFL score will range from 0 to 120 and is calculated by combining the TOEFL scores on each of the four sections.

SkillScore RangeLevel
Reading 0-30 High (22-30) Intermediate (15-21) Low (0-14)
Listening 0-30 High (22 – 30) Intermediate (15 – 21) Low (0 – 14)
Speaking 0-30 Good (26 – 30) Fair (18 – 25) Limited (10 – 17) Weak (0 – 9)
Writing 0-30 Good (24 – 30) Fair (17 – 23) Limited (1 – 16)

TOEFL at SLIG

Orientation

As orientation is the route to success, so highly interactive sessions are conducted in orientation class to introduce the TOEFL iBT® test format, skills and strategies which are essential to Strengthen all 4 skills and to crack the language test. This step makes the learner adopt right approaches for high score in less time duration.

Teaching Methodolody

A class, of 4 hours, is provided daily from Monday to Friday. In regular practice classes, Intensive practice of all four skills is done. The essential skills which are developed in MIND MAKER for best TOEFL iBT® preparations are Grammar, Vocabulary, Pronunciation, Note taking, Summarizing, Paraphrasing, Outlining, Mind Mapping, Synthesizing, Skimming, Scanning and Typing speed.

Practice Tests

The best way to prepare for the TOEFL is to practice doing the tests. MIND MAKER provides a plenty of Practice tests which provides good practice and are a barometer to judge abilities. These Practice tests provide the real look and feel of the examination.

Computer Practice

Individual computers are provided for practice daily, to have the real time experience of the exam. Regular mock tests are conducted for regular assessment of the progress.

Mock Test

A mock test is conducted on every Saturday. Appropriate Feedback on the performance of the students, during regular practice classes and mock test, is given, at regular intervals. Individual attention is provided. Students are guided to work on their weak areas, based on their mock test result.

Complementary Classes

For the desired progress of candidates, extra class for typing practice is provided. For those, who are weak in grammar, separate classes are arranged to clarify the grammatical doubts.

In House developed study material

The study material used in classrooms and given for extra practice is developed in house by qualified and experienced trainers. This material helps the students in their rigorous practice sessions. Endless on line mock test series are shared with students. Latest and updated material is given.

Qualified Trainers

The language trainers, who train students for taking the test, are nationally and internationally trained and certified. We have Nepal's one of the most senior instructors preparing students for TOEFL for more than 21 years.

TOEFL FAQs

Q – What is the fee for TOEFL?

- The cost to take the TOEFL is US$170.
- In addition to the cost of taking the TOEFL other charges may apply in certain circumstances:
- For late registration an additional charge of US$35 will apply
- For rescheduling a charge of US$60 will apply
- To reinstate a cancelled score costs US$20
- The TOEFL exam fee is subject to change without notice. The above amounts are exclusive of the Value Added or similar taxes. Those taxes are payable in addition to the amount quoted.

Q – How do I register for TOEFL?

You can register online or by phone or by mail. The detailed information about registering for the TOEFL can be found at www.TOEFL.org

Q – How many times can I take TOEFL?

TOEFL can be taken unlimited number of times.(It is highly advisable not to appear for TOEFL too many times as it may affect the applicant’s candidature).

Q – What is the validity of the TOEFL exam?

Your TOEFL score will be valid for 2 years after from the date the test was taken.

Q – What is the scoring pattern?

Scoring is between 0 (Minimum) and 120 (Maximum) with 10-point increment. Four scores are reported on the TOEFL:
– Reading score reported on a 0-30 score scale.
– Listening score reported on a 0-30 score scale.
– Writing score reported on a 0-30 score scale.
– Speaking score reported on a 0-30 score scale.

Q – How soon do I get my score?

The scores are available online 2 weeks after the exam date.

Q – How do I pass on my score to the colleges where I want to apply to?

The universities only accept official scores sent directly by ETS. Scores to four colleges can be sent free of cost from the time of TOEFL registration to 24 hours before the test date. Subsequently, for each score report sent to a college, you would have to pay $17.

Q – Do universities consider photocopies of the TOEFL scorecard? Do I have to send scores through ETS?

No, photocopies are not accepted. You have to send your scores only through ETS.

Q – If I take TOEFL more than once, which score will be considered by the universities?

Almost all the universities take the best score.

Q – Do I need to have the TOEFL score at the time of applying to universities?

No, you do not need to have the TOEFL score with you at the time of applying. But you are required to take the TOEFL before the deadline of the university.

Q – Is TOEFL mandatory for applying to undergrad programs outside India?

TOEFL is mandatory for Undergraduate, MS, PhD and most MBA courses across the world. However, a few universities in the USA and all universities in the UK and Australia accept IELTS scores. The Top 15 colleges in the US might waive the TOEFL requirement provided you are able to produce a proof that your Undergraduate degree had English as its mode of instruction.

Q – What is the minimum TOEFL score that I need?

For admission, one has to score over 80 for MS and undergrad programs, over 100 for PhD and MBA courses. Usually a score of 100 is required for students who are looking for financial aid/scholarships.

Q – Where can I get more information about the TOEFL?

Kindly fill the enquiry form available on the webpage. We will contact you at the earliest. You can contact also through contact links available on the home page. Alternatively, you may visit us personally to meet our TOEFL faculty.