TOEFL Exam Pattern: What is the Pattern of TOEFL Exam

Knowing about the TOEFL exam pattern is very important if you wish to crack this really important examination. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a proficiency test, designed to evaluate aspirants’ English language skills. This examination is majorly given by those who are non-native speakers of English and wish to study in foreign countries. The TOEFL exam pattern and syllabus are suitably planned and tailored to ensure a more effective assessment of aspirants’ English language abilities. It is vital that candidates get an idea of the examination pattern and the entire syllabus in advance. This will help them plan out their study and practice schedules better, enabling the achievement of their coveted TOEFL scores. 

TOEFL Exam Pattern, Duration, Questions, and More 

Here’s taking a closer look at the TOEFL exam format along with other vital aspects. 

Basic Details Chart

Section-Wise Information

Testing Pattern for TOEFL

This table will give you an idea of the TOEFL exam structure and the range of scores and mean scores for all sections. Candidates get the ETS email after six days of taking the examination. This is when their scores can be checked online. The printed score reports are dispatched via email post 11 days after the test date.

These details will help aspirants get a better idea of the TOEFL exam pattern and help them immensely in their TOEFL preparation. 

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What are the Skills measured in every section of TOEFL?

The TOEFL reading section assesses the reading abilities of the candidates and how well they can comprehend the academic materials in English language. It also tests their comprehension, accuracy and interpretation skills for university-level educational text and passages. 

The TOEFL Listening section is curated in a manner that it evaluates the test taker’s comprehension skills and evaluates lectures and conversations in English.

The TOEFL speaking section tests the aspirants’ efficacy in spoken English in academic settings. It consists of tasks that mimic real-life situations faced in the academic, professional and social environment.

The listening abilities are tested for the different parameters which are underlined below: 

• Basic comprehension
• Practical understanding
• Synthesizing information

The TOEFL speaking section is curated to assess the candidates’ efficacy in spoken English in the settings. It comprises tasks that mimic real-life situations faced by an individual in the academic, professional and social environment.

The TOEFL writing section evaluates the candidates on the basis of the presentation and organization of the ideas that are relevant for the  University or college coursework. 

The TOEFL writing section are classified under two broad tasks i.e., Integrated writing task and Independent writing task:  

• TOEFL Integrated Writing Task: In this task the test-takers read a short passage and listen to a short recording. Then test-takers need to submit their response in writing on the basis of information given in the passage and the lecture. The length for this task is 20 minutes.
• TOEFL Independent Writing Task: The test takers write an essay on a topic which is based on some opinion or personal experience. The length for this task is 30 minutes.