Test Overview

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) assesses the English proficiency of people who speak English as a non-native language. The test was developed for international students who plan to study at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Many educational institutions outside the USA and Canada that use English may also use TOEFL scores. In addition, some government agencies, professional agencies, and scholarship programs may be interested in TOEFL scores.

Sections on the TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test)
There are three sections on the TOEFL: Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, and Reading Comprehension. You will also have to take the Test of Written English (TWE).

Listening Comprehension

Time: 30-40 minutes Format: 50 questions based on taped conversations Topics Tested: Understanding spoken English

This section measures ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America. You will listen to taped conversations and talks and answer questions that test how well you understood what you heard. The section consists of three parts. In part A, you will hear 30 short conversations and answer a question about each one. In part B, you will hear 3 or 4 longer conversations and answer a few questions bout each one. In part C, you will listen to 3 or 4 talks or lectures of about one minute each. Then, answer several questions about each one.

Structure and Written Expression

Time: 25 minutes Format: 40 questions Topics Tested: Complete sentences Identify errors

This section measures your ability to recognize correct grammar in standard written English. The first 15 questions are sentence completion. You will see a sentence with a blank space. You will need to choose which of the 4 answer choices best complete the sentence. The next 25 questions are error identification. Each sentence will contain four underlined words or phrases. You must choose the one that is incorrect.

Reading Comprehension

Time: 55 minutes Format: 50 questions based on 5 or 6 passages Topics Tested: Understanding what you read

This section measures ability to read and understand short passages. The readings are similar in topic and style to those North American college and university students encounter in their courses. This section contains reading passages and questions about the passages. You will be asked about what you read and the meanings of the words as they are used in the passage.

Test of Written English

Time: 30 minutes Format: Write an essay based on a given topic Topics Tested: Ability to write in English

Understanding Your Score

The total number of correct answers you get on the paper-based test is known as your raw score. There is no penalty for wrong answers. Your raw score is then converted to a scaled score. You will receive a scaled score for each section of the test. These scores will range from 31-68. The total score on the paper-based TOEFL will range from 310 to 677.

What about my essay scores?
Good question. Your TWE score is reported separately and is not part of your total TOEFL score. Your essay will be reported on a scale of 1 to 6.

What is a good score?
There is no "passing" or "failing" score on the TOEFL. The test only measures your English language proficiency. Individual colleges and universities set their own TOEFL score standards for admission. Scores can range from a low of 450 to a high of 630 or more. A score of 677 is considered perfect.

What does my TOEFL score mean?
Your TOEFL score measures your English proficiency level. The chart below shows what various scores mean.

	TOEFL PBT Scores and Proficiency
	Score	Proficiency Level	Description
	380	Elementary	basic, simple conversations
	450	Intermediate	-initiates conversation -emerging grammar skills -can read simple texts
	550	Working	meet routine social demands
	630	Advanced	approaching native proficiency

How long are TOEFL scores valid?
ETS keeps TOEFL scores on file for two years, although university admissions officers may require or prefer a recent exam taken within the last six months to a year. After two years, you won't be able to order official score reports for a test from ETS.

Test Registration

To register to take the TOEFL, you need to fill out the form in the Information Bulletin. Copies of the bulletin are available at many United States educational commisions, United State Information Service (USIS) offices and libraries, and binational centers.

You will be charged a fee of $110 USD to take the test. Check the bulletin or contact ETS for more information. If you cannot get a copy of the Information Bulletin locally, you can order a copy online at www.toefl.org or contact:

TOEFL/TSE Publications
P.O. Box 6154
Princeton, NJ 08541-6154
Phone: 609-771-7100
Fax: 609-771-7500
e-mail: toefl@ets.org
WWW: www.toefl.org

Test Dates

	Canada, Canada
	Exam Date	Register by:
	August 20, 2005	July 18, 2005
	October 15, 2005	September 12, 2005
	November 19, 2005	October 17, 2005
	January 14, 2006	December 12, 2005
	March 10, 2006	February 6, 2006
	May 13, 2006	April 10, 2006

	Canada, Canada
	Exam Date	Register by:
	August 20, 2005	Passed
	October 15, 2005	August 29, 2005
	November 19, 2005	October 3, 2005
	January 14, 2006	November 28, 2005
	March 10, 2006	January 23, 2006
	May 13, 2006	March 27, 2006