What is TOEFL?

What is TOEFL?
(Indonesian Version)

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English Test designed and developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service) in New Jersey, USA since 1963. 

What is TOEFL Test For?

• TOEFL Test is aimed at measuring the student's proficiency in academic contexts.
• The purpose of the test is also to evaluate the English proficiency of non native speaker of English.  It is required by English language colleges and universities. Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, business, or scholarship programs may require this test. 

Next Article is Types of Toefl Test.

Advantages of TOEFL Test

Previous Article: Types of TOEFL Test

The TOEFL Test Gives You Advantages

1. More Choices

More than 7,500 colleges, universities and agencies in more than 130 countries rely on TOEFL test scores to help make admissions decisions. 

2. More Convenient

You can take the TOEFL test at your choice of more than 4,500 conveniently located test sites in more than 165 countries worldwide. You also save time and money since the entire test is given in one day, rather than coming back a second day like some other tests.

3. Measures Academic Skills

The TOEFL test helps prove you have the English skills you will actually use in an academic classroom. In the test, you may read a passage from a textbook and listen to a lecture and then speak or write in response, just like you would in a classroom. Because the test is composed of 100% academic questions and tasks, many universities consider it the most appropriate test to use when making admissions decisions.

4. Rates Speaking More Fairly

Sure, you can take a test with a Speaking interview, but what if your interviewer has a bad day and rates you lower than you deserve? With the TOEFL test, there's no doubt your score is more objective and reliable, because Speaking responses are recorded and evaluated by three to six ETS raters rather than only one rater from a local testing site.

5. Scores Help You Stand Out

TOEFL test scores help you stand out because of the TOEFL test's reputation for quality, fairness and 100% academic composition. It is the most widely accepted English-language test in the world, including more than 7,500 colleges, universities, agencies and other institutions in 130 countries. And that list includes the top 100 universities in the world.

Source:

ETS

Types of TOEFL Test

 Previous Article: What is TOEFL?

TOEFL Test, released by ETS, has three types;
(Indonesian Version)

1. PBT (Paper Based Test)
2. CBT (Computer Based Test)
3. IBT ( Internet Based Test)

1. PBT (Paper Based Test)

PBT-TOEFL is the first type of TOEFL Test released by ETS. PBT-TOEFL system still uses paper and/or sheets of paper and answer sheets that must be filled with 2B pencil.

The test lasts for 2 to 2.5 hours and The materials tested are:

• Listening
• Structure, and 
• Reading 

 A score range of PBT is 310-677.

2. CBT (Computer Based Test)

CBT-TOEFL is the second form of TOEFL TEST replacing PBT-TOEFL. CBT-TOEFL doesn't use paper any more, but computer. All test materials are stored in computer and the Test is directly done in computer, too. CBT was firstly issued in 1998.

The test lasts for 2 to 2.5 hours and the materials tested are:

• Listening
• Structure
• Reading, and
• Writing 

A score range of CBT is  0 - 300.

3. IBT (Internet Based Test)

iBT-TOEFL or also known as Next Generation (NG) of TOEFL TEST is the latest form of TOEFL Test issued by ETS. ETS did many changes in the test format and system. iBT-TOEFL uses computer media connected to Internet in Test process. Thus, the test participants can directly be on-line with the ETS and the answer test questions are also on-line, too.

The test lasts for 4 hours and the materials tested are:

• Listening
• speaking
• writing, and Reading 

A score range of iBT is 0-120.

Next Article: Advantages of TOEFL Test 

TOEFL Listening diagnostic pre-test

Th Following Pre Test is for Paper Based Test only.

Dianostic listening pre-test is held to

1. Find out someone's listening skill before studying the skills. 
2.  Check how far TOEFL Test Takers have mastered listening skills

The dianostic pre-test consists of three parts:

1. Listening Part A or short dialogue, has 30 numbers
2. Listening Part B or longer conversation, has eight numbers, and
3. Part C speech or talks, has twelve humbers.

Dianostic pre-test usually takes about 35 minutes. The test also includes the directon on how to do the listening pre-test.

DIAGNOSTIC PRE-TEST

SECTION 1

LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Tune—approximately 35 minutes

(including the reading of the directions for each part)

In this section of the test, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to understand conversations and talks in English. There are three parts to this section, with special directions for each part. Answer all the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied by the speakers you hear. Do not take notes or write in your test book at any time. Do not turn the pages until you are told to do so.

Part A

Directions: In Part A you will hear short conversations between two people. After each conversation, you will hear a question about the conversation. The conversations and questions will not be repeated. After you hear a question, read the four possible answers in your test book and choose the best answer. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in the space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen.

Here is an example.

On the recording, you will hear:

(man)      : That exam was just awful.
(woman) : Oh, it could have been worse.
(narrator): What does the woman mean?

In your test book, you will read:

(A). The exam was really awful.
(B). It was the worst exam she had ever seen.
(C). It couldn’t have been more difficult.
(D). It wasn’t that hard.

You learn from the conversation that the man thought the exam was very difficult and that the woman disagreed with the man. The best answer to the question, “What does the woman mean?” is (D), “It wasn’t that hard.” Therefore, the correct choice is (D).

1. (A) Her concerns were expressed.
(B) She wonders if the concert was good.
(C) The music was fantastic.
(D) She wandered about during the night.

2. (A) In a bus station.
(B) In a post office.
(C) In an airport.
(D) In a travel agency.

3. (A) He spends half his time with his daughter.
(B) His daughter’s under a year old.
(C) His daughter will start school in a year and a half.
(D) His daughter’s eighteen months old.

4. (A) He’s on the basketball team.
(B) He doesn’t even like to play basketball.
(C) He’s too short to make the team.
(D) He thinks he’s tall enough.

5. (A) She’s thinking about her grade in the seminar.
(B) The seminar is quite realistic.
(C) The seminar will take a great deal of time.
(D) She agrees with the man about the seminar.

6. (A) The location of the meeting.
(B) The purpose of the meeting.
(C) Who will attend the meeting.
(D) The time the meeting starts.

7. (A) Preparing dinner later.
(B) Going to a restaurant.
(C) Cooking a full dinner.
(D) Eating dinner outside in the garden.

8. (A) She is fond of Joe.
(B) Joe is not lost anymore.
(C) She visits Joe regularly.
(D) The call was already made.

9. (A) He was quite fortunate.
(B) He lacked the opportunity to play the game.
(C) He didn’t actually win the game.
(D) He came sometime after Luke.

10. (A) It’s quite clean.
(B) It doesn’t move.
(C) It’s clearly better.
(D) It’s rather dirty.

To get complete diagnostic pre - test, click here to download.

Download Audio, click here

Answer Keys, Click Here

Audio, Click here

Listening Comprehension Section

The first section of the TOEFL test is the Listening Comprehension section. This section consists of fifty questions (some tests may be longer). You will listen to recorded materials and respond to questions about the material. You must listen carefully, because you will hear the recording one time only, and the material on the recording is not written in your test book.

There are three parts in the Listening Comprehension section of the TOEFL test:

1. Part A consists of thirty short conversations, each followed by a question. You must choose the best answer to each question from the four choices in your test book.
2. Part B consists of two longer conversations, each followed by a number of questions. You must choose the best answer to each question from the four choices in your test book.
3. Part C consists of three talks, each followed by a number of questions. You must choose the best answer to each question from the four choices in your test book.

 Read General Strategy of Listening Comprehension Section

General Strategy of Listening comprehension section

Below is the general strategy for Listening Comprehension Section for part A, part B and part C.

1. Be familiar with the directions. The directions on every TOEFL test are the same, so it is not necessary to listen carefully to them each time. You should be completely familiar with the directions before the day of the test.
2. Listen carefully to the conversations and talks. You should concentrate fully on what the speakers are saying on the recording because you will hear the recording one time only.
3. Know where the easier and more difficult questions are generally found. Within each part of the Listening Comprehension section, the questions generally progress from easy to difficult.
4. Never leave any questions blank on your answer sheet. Even if you are unsure of the correct response, you should answer the question. There is no penalty for guessing.
5. Use any remaining time to look ahead at the answers to the questions that follow. When you finish with one question, you may have time to look ahead at the answers to the next question.

Next article is Listening Part A

Listening Part A

(Indonesian Version)
Listening Part A or Short Dialogue is the first part of Listening Comprehension Section. There are thirty questions in this part.  For each of the thirty questions in Part A of the Listening Comprehension section of the TOEFL test, you will hear a short conversation between two speakers followed by a question. The conversations and questions are not written in your test book. After you listen to the conversation and question, you must choose the best answer to the question from your test book.

Example

On the recording, you hear:

(man)       : I need a car to drive to Arizona, and I don’t have one.
(woman)  ; Why not rent one ?
(narrator) : What does the woman suggest ?

In your test book, you read:

(A) Getting a red car.
(B) Renting an apartment in Arizona.
(C) Not driving to Arizona.
(D) Renting a car for the trip.

Answer (D) is the best answer to the question. Why not rent one? is a suggestion that he rent a car for his trip to Arizona.

Next article: Strategy for listening Part A

Strategy for listening Part A questions

Below is the strategy for listening Part A.
(Indonesian Version)

1. As you listen to each short conversation, focus on the second line of the conversation. The answer to the question is generally found in the second line of the conversation.

2. Keep in mind that the correct answer is probably a restatement of a key word or idea in the second line of the conversation. Think of possible restatements of the second line of the conversation.

3. Keep in mind that certain structures and expressions are tested regularly in Listening Part A. Listen for these structures and expressions:

• restatements
• negatives
• suggestions
• passives
• conclusions about who and where
• expressions of agreement

4. Keep in mind that these questions generally progress from easy to difficult. This means that questions 1 through 5 will be the easiest questions and questions 26 through 30 will he the hardest questions.

5. Read the answers and choose the best answer to each question. Remember to answer each question even if you are not sure of the correct response. Never leave any answers blank.

6. Even if you do not understand the complete conversation, you can find the correct answer.

• If you only understood a few words or ideas in the second line, choose the answer that contains a restatement of those words or ideas.
• If you did not understand anything at all in the second line of the conversation, choose the answer that sounds the most different from what you heard.
• Never choose an answer because it sounds like what you heard in the conversation.

Next --->Listening Skills Part A

How to score TOEFL Test

 Previous Article: Scoring Charts

How To Score TOEFL Test.
(Indonesian Version)

• The paper version of the TOEFL Test is scored on a scale 217 to 677 points.
• There is no passing score on the TOEFL test, but various institutions and organizations have their own TOEFL requirements. It is important for students to find out from each institution or organization what TOEFL Score is required by this institution or organization.

To score the TOEFL Test, you must have TOEFL Scoring Chart. The Scoring chart is used to convert the correct answer of each section of TOEFL Test. 

How to score TOEFL Test for PBT-TOEFL Test

1. Convert the correct answer of the three sections of TOEFL Test (Listening, Structure and Reading).

    For example:

    Section 1 (Listening Comprehension)

    Correct answer                 Converted score

              29                                      50

    Section 2 (Structure and Written Expression)

    Correct answer                 Converted score

             26                                        50

     Section 3 (Reading Comprehension)

      Correct answer               Converted score

              33                                       50

2. Sum up all converted score (Section 1,2,3).

    50  +  50  +  50  =   150

3. Then the result of addition is divided by 3

    150  :  3  =  50

4. The result of division is multiplied by 10

    50  X  10  = 500

   So, the TOEFL Score is 500

Look at the following outline:

Next article: Sample of Answer Sheet for TOEFL Test

TOEFL Scoring Charts

TOEFL Scoring chart that we provide here is only for PBT-TOEFL Test  (Paper Based Test), not for CBT (Computer Based Test) or iBT (Internet Based Test). Below is image sample of TOEFL Scoring Chart  for PBT-TOEFL Test.

  

To get the complete TOEFL Scoring Chart, click here to download.

Next Article: How To Score TOEFL Test

Answer sheet for TOEFL Test

Before studying Listening Skills of TOEFL Test, you had better do the diagnostic pre-test to check your listening proficiency. Just download Listening Disnostic Pre-Test to do the pre-test. To do the test, you need TOEFL Test Answer Sheet as seen below as sample.

To get full TOEFL Test Answer Sheet, Click here to download.

Listening Part A: Listening Skills

Listening Part A or short dialogue has 6 skills and the skills will help you to implement these strategies in Part A of the Listening Comprehension section of the TOEFL test.

1. Skill 1 : Restatement
2. Skill 2 : Negative
3. Skill 3 : Suggestions
4. Skill 4 : Passives
5. Skill 5 : Who and Where
6. Skill 6 : Agreement

Each skill includes:

• Explanation
• Example
• Exercise
• TOEFL Exercise, and
• TOEFL Review Exercise

TOEFL LISTENING PART A

• SKILL 1: RESTATEMENT 
• SKILL 2: NEGATIVE 
• REVIEW EXERCISE SKILLS 1-2
• SKILL 3: SUGGESTIONS 
• REVIEW EXERCISE SKILLS 1-3
• SKILL 4: PASSIVES
• REVIEW EXERCISE SKILLS 1-4
• SKILL 5: WHO AND WHERE
• REVIEW EXERCISE SKILLS 1-5
• SKILL 6: AGREEMENT
• REVIEW EXERCISE SKILLS 1-6

Listening Part A : Skill 1 - Restatement

SKILL  1 : RESTATEMENT
(Indonesian Version)

Often the correct answer in Listening Part A is an answer that contains a restatement of the ideas in the second line of the conversation.

Example

On the recording, you hear:

(woman)     : Steve, is something the matter? You don’t look veiy good.
(man)          : Oh, I’m feeling a little sick today.
(narrator)    :  What does the man mean?

In your test book, you read:

(A) He’s not very good-looking.
(B) He’s a bit ill.
(C) He looks worse than he feels.
(D) His feet are a little thick.

In this conversation, sick means ill, and a little means a bit. The best answer to this question is therefore answer (B) because answer (B) restates the idea in the second line of the dialogue. Please note that answer (D) is definitely not a correct answer because it contains feet instead of feel and thick instead of sick. These words are similar in sound but not in meaning to the words that you hear on the recording.

THE BEST STRATEGY: CHOOSE ANSWERS WITH RESTATEMENTS

•  As you listen to the second line of the conversation, you should focus on the key idea(s) in that line.
• If you see a restatement of the key idea(s) in a particular answer, then you have probably found the correct answer.
• Do not choose answers with words that sound similar to the words on the recording.

EXERCISE 1: In this exercise, underline the key idea(s) in the second line of each short conversation. Then underline restatements of these key words in the answers, and choose the best answer to each question. Remember that the best answer is probably the answer that contains a restatement of the key idea(s) in the second line of the conversation.

1. (woman) : What do you like about your new house?
    (man)      : It’s very close to a park.
    (narrator): What does the man mean?

     (A).The house is closed up now.
     (B) He parks his car close to his house.
     (C) His home is near a park.
     (D) He doesn’t really like his new house.

2. (man)      : Mark said some really nice things to me.
    (woman) : He’s very grateful for what you did.
    (narrator): What does the woman say about Mark?

    (A) He did a great job.
    (B) He bought a crate full of fruit.
    (C) He made a great fool of himself. He’s thankful.
     (D) He’s thankful.

3. (woman) : Sam, you’ve been working at the computer for hours.
    (man)      : Yes, and I need to take a break.
    (narrator): What does the man mean?

    (A) The computer’s broken.
    (B) He needs to relax for a while.
    (C) He should keep working.
    (D) He’s broke.

  Next ===>>  TOEFL Exercise 1

  Next  Skill --> Skill 2: Negatives

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About Paper Version of The TOEFL Test (PBT)

Previous article: Types of TOEFL Test

About PBT (Paper Based Test)
(Indonesian Version)

The TOEFL Test is a test to measure the English proficiency of nonnative speakers of English. It is required primarily by English language college and universities.  Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, businesses, or scholarship programs may require this test. The TOEFL test currently exists in paper, computer and internet formats.  The Purpose of this book is to prepare students for the paper version of the TOEFL test.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TEST

 The paper version of the TOEFL Test recently has the following sections:

1. Listening Comprehension: To demonstrate their ability to understand spoken English, examines must listen to various types of passages on a recording and respond to multiply choice questions about passages.
2. Structure and Written Expression: To demonstrate their abilities to recognize grammatically correct English, examinees must either choose the correct answer way to complete sentences or find errors in sentences.
3. Reading Comprehension: To demonstrate their ability to understand written English, examinees must answer multiply choice questions about the ideas and the meanings of words in reading passages.
4. Test of Written English (TWE): a separate test to measure a student's ability to write an essay on a given topic.

The probable format of a paper TOEFL test is outlined below.

Next Article: How to prepare for paper TOEFL test

TOEFL Structure and Written Expression Pre Test

PRE TEST is aimed at

1. Finding out someone's structure or grammar skill before studying the them.
2. Checking how far TOEFL Test Takers have mastered grammar.
3. Finding out someone's written skill before studying written skill
4. Checking how well TOEFL Test Takers have mastered written expression

PRE TEST consists of two parts:

1. Structure - 15 numbers (No 1 - 15)
2. Written expression - 25 Numbers (No 16 - 40)

Good Luck!!!

DIAGNOSTIC PRE-TEST

SECTION 2

STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION

Time - 25 minutes

(including the reading of the directions)

Now set your clock for 25 minutes.

This section is designed to measure your ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English. There are two types of questions in this section, with special directions for each type.

Structure

Directions: These questions are incomplete sentences. Beneath each sentence you will see four words or phrases, marked (A), (B), (C), and (D). Choose the one word or phrase that best completes the sentence. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in the space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen.

Look at the following examples.

Example I

The president _________ the election by a landslide.

(A) won
(B) he won
(C) yesterday
(D) fortunately

The sentence should read, “The president won the election by a landslide.” Therefore, you should choose answer (A).

Example II

When _______ the conference?

(A) the doctor attended
(B) did the doctor attend
(C) the doctor will attend
(D) the doctor’s attendance

The sentence should read, “When did the doctor attend the conference?” Therefore, you should choose answer (B).

1. In the early 1 900s, Eastman _____ inexpensive Brownie box cameras.
(A) it developed
(B) it was developed
(C) developed
(D) developing

2. _____ the discovery of the fossilized remnants of tides in one-billion-year-old rocks.
(A) Geological reports
(B) Geologists report
(C) The reports of geologists
(D) Geologists’ reports

3. The Brooklyn Bridge _____ took thirteen years to complete.
(A) in New York
(B) is in New York
(C) it is in New York
(D) which New York

4. Genes control all of the physical _____ we inherit.
(A) that traits
(B) that are traits
(C) traits that
(D) traits are that

5. Indigo can be extracted from a plant, and then _____ to dye cloth blue.
(A) it
(B) using
(C) using it
(D) it can be used


Download Complete Material.

Answer Sheet, Click here.

To get the answer keys, click here.

Structure and written expression

Structure and Written expression is the second section of the TOEFL Test.This section consists of forty questions (some tests may be longer). You have twenty-five minutes to complete the forty questions in this section.

There are two types of questions in the Structure and Written Expression section of the TOEFL test:

1. Structure (questions 1—15).

It consists of fifteen sentences in which part of the sentence has been replaced with a blank. Each sentence is followed by four answer choices. You must choose the answer that completes the sentence in a grammatically correct way.

2. Written Expression (questions 16—40).

It consists of twenty-five sentences in which four words or groups of words have been underlined. You must choose the underlined word or group of words that is not correct.

Next --> Read General Strategy of Structure and Written Expression

General Strategy of Structure and Written Expression

Previous <---- Structure and Written Expression

General Strategy of Structure and Written Expression

1. Be familiar with the directions.

The directions on every TOEFL test are the same, so it is not necessary to spend time reading the directions carefully when you take the test. You should be completely familiar with the directions before the day of the test.

2. Begin with questions 1 through 15.

Anticipate that questions 1 through 5 will be the easiest. Anticipate that questions 11 through 15 will be the most difficult. Do not spend too much time on questions 11 through 15. There will be easier questions that come later.

3. Continue with questions 16 through 40.

Anticipate that questions 16 through 20 will be the easiest. Anticipate that questions 36 through 40 will be the most difficult. Do not spend too much time on questions 36 through 40.

4. If you have time, return to questions 11 through 15.

You should spend extra time on questions 11 through 15 only after you spend all the time that you want on the easier questions.

5. Never leave any questions blank on your answer sheet.

Even if you are not sure of the correct response, you should answer the question. There is no penalty for guessing.

 Next --> Structure Questions

Structure questions in TOEFL Test

Previous <--  General Strategy of Structure and Written expression.

Questions I through 15 in the Structure and Written Expression section of the TOEFL test measure your knowledge of the correct structure of English sentences. The questions in this section are multiple-choice questions in which you must choose the letter of the answer that best completes the sentence.

Example

________ greeted me enthusiastically at the front door.

(A) Parental
(B) If
(C) My friends
(D) Them

In this example, you should notice immediately that the sentence has a verb, greeted, and that the verb needs a subject. Answers (A), (B), and (D) are incorrect because parental, if, and them are not subjects. The correct answer is answer (C).

Next --> Strategy for structure questions

Strategy for Structure Questions

Previous article <-- Structure questions

Strategy for structure questions

1. First study the sentence.

    Your purpose is to determine what is needed to complete the sentence correctly.

2. Then study each answer based on how well it completes the sentence.

     Eliminate answers that do not complete the sentence correctly.

3. Do not try to eliminate incorrect answers by looking only at the answers.

    The incorrect answers are generally correct by themselves. The incorrect answers are generally incorrect
     only when used to complete the sentence.

4. Never leave any answers blank.

    Be sure to answer each question even if you are unsure of the correct response.

5. Do not spend too much time on the Structure questions.

    Be sure to leave adequate time for the Written Expression questions.

Next --> Structure Skills