Test of English as a Foreign Language facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Test of English as a Foreign Language

Logo used since 2024
Acronym	TOEFL
Type	Internet-based or paper-based standardized test.
Administrator	Educational Testing Service
Skills tested	Reading, listening, speaking and writing of the English language.
Purpose	To assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers.
Year started	1964; 61 years ago (1964)
Duration	Internet-based test (iBT): 2 hours. Paper-delivered test: 2 hours 25 minutes.
Score range	iBT: 0 to 30 (in 1-point increments) on each of the 4 sections. So a total of 0 to 120. PBT: Reading: 0 to 30, listening: 0 to 30, Writing: 0 to 30. No overall score.
Score validity	2 years
Offered	iBT: More than 50 times a year.
Restrictions on attempts	iBT: Can be taken only once in any 3-day period.
Regions	4,500 test centers in over 190 countries and territories.
Languages	English
Annual number of test takers	2.3 million
Prerequisites	No official prerequisite. Intended for non-native English speakers.
Fee	iBT: US$ 185 and up, depending on the country.
Used by	More than 11,000 colleges, agencies, and other institutions in over 150 countries.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL TOH-fəl) is a special test. It checks how well people who don't speak English as their first language can use English. Many universities and schools in English-speaking countries use TOEFL scores. This helps them know if students can understand classes and communicate well. Over 11,000 places in more than 190 countries accept TOEFL scores.

TOEFL is managed by a group called Educational Testing Service (ETS). ETS is a non-profit organization. They create and run the tests. They also send official score reports to schools. These scores are good for two years.

What is the TOEFL Test?

The TOEFL test helps students show their English skills. It is one of the most popular English tests worldwide. Other similar tests include IELTS and Duolingo English Test.

A Brief Look at TOEFL's History

The idea for TOEFL started in 1962. Many groups wanted to make sure foreign students could speak English well enough for U.S. universities. They decided to create a special exam.

The first TOEFL test was given in 1964. It was supported by grants from different foundations. Later, The College Board and ETS took over the program. Since 1973, ETS has been in charge of running the TOEFL exam.

Today, some students from English-speaking countries might not need to take TOEFL. This often depends on where they grew up and studied.

Different Ways to Take TOEFL

There are a few ways to take the TOEFL test. The most common one is online.

The Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)

The TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) checks four main English skills. These are reading, listening, speaking, and writing. This test is done on a computer. It became available in 2005 and is now the main way to take TOEFL.

You can take the iBT test at special test centers. These centers are in many countries around the world. You can usually find a test date within a few weeks. The test takes about 2 hours to complete. You can take notes during the test. You can only take the test once every 3 days.

What You Do in the iBT Reading Section

In the Reading section, you will read 3 or 4 passages. Each passage is about 700 words long. They are like texts you might find in a university textbook. You will answer 10 questions for each passage. These questions check if you understand the main ideas, details, and vocabulary. You don't need to know about the topic beforehand.

What You Do in the iBT Listening Section

The Listening section has questions about conversations and lectures. You will hear 2 or 3 conversations and 3 or 4 lectures. Each conversation is 2.5 to 3 minutes long. Lectures are 4.5 to 5.5 minutes long. You hear each one only once. You can take notes while you listen. The questions check if you understand main ideas, important details, and what the speaker means.

What You Do in the iBT Speaking Section

The Speaking section has 4 tasks. In the first task, you share your opinion on a topic. For the other tasks, you will read a short text or listen to a conversation or lecture. Then you answer a question by combining information from what you read and heard. Your answers are recorded. They are then sent to ETS to be scored by trained people.

What You Do in the iBT Writing Section

The Writing section has two tasks. In the first task, you read a passage and then listen to a speaker talk about it. You then write a summary. You explain how the listening part relates to the reading part. In the second task, you write an essay. You share your opinion on a topic and explain why you think that way. Your essays are also scored by trained people.

Understanding Extra Questions

Sometimes, one part of the test might have extra questions. These questions don't count towards your score. ETS uses them to test new questions for future exams. You won't know which questions are extra, so try your best on all of them!

Taking TOEFL from Home

The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is the same test as the regular iBT. The main difference is that you take it at home. A person watches you through your webcam. They also watch your computer screen. This option became very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. It allowed students to take the test when test centers were closed.

The Paper-Delivered Test

The TOEFL paper-delivered test is used in places where the internet test is not available. This might be due to internet or computer problems. It includes Listening, Reading, and Writing sections. The scores are similar to the iBT. However, there is no total score for this test.

Older Paper-Based Test (PBT)

The TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) was an older version of the test. It was used in some areas until 2017. It was then replaced by the paper-delivered test. PBT scores were also valid for two years.

• Listening (30 – 40 minutes): This section had questions about short and long conversations, and lectures.
• Structure and Written Expression (25 minutes): This part checked grammar and sentence structure.
• Reading Comprehension (55 minutes): This section had questions about reading passages.
• Writing (30 minutes): This part included one essay question.

Special Help for Test Takers

ETS offers special help, called accommodations, for students who need them. These are for test takers with certain disabilities. If a student needs a specific type of help, they can ask ETS for it.

Some examples of accommodations include:

• Technical help: Like screen magnification or special keyboards.
• Special assistants: Such as a sign language interpreter for directions.
• Adaptive tools: Like an audio version of the test or extra time.

How TOEFL Scores Work

Understanding Your iBT Score

The TOEFL iBT test is scored from 0 to 120 points. Each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) gets a score from 0 to 30. These four scores are added together to give you your total score.

The test has a short break after the reading and listening sections. The speaking and writing sections are done after the break. The whole test takes about 2 hours.

How Colleges Use TOEFL Scores

Most colleges use TOEFL scores as one part of their application process. They often have a minimum score you need to get in. For example, some colleges might ask for a score of 70, while others might need a score of 100 or higher. ETS provides tables to help compare iBT scores to older test scores.

Other TOEFL Tests for Students

ETS offers other TOEFL tests for different age groups and purposes.

TOEFL ITP: For Schools and Programs

The TOEFL ITP tests are paper-based. They use academic English content. These tests help schools check students' English skills for their own programs. For example, a school might use it to place students in the right English class. Unlike the iBT, these tests are given by the school itself. There are two levels: Level 1 for intermediate to advanced students, and Level 2 for high beginning to intermediate students.

TOEFL Junior: For Middle Schoolers

The TOEFL Junior tests are for students aged 11 and older. They check English skills at a middle school level. These tests come in two formats: Standard (on paper) and Comprehensive (on computer). The Standard test has Reading, Listening, and Language Form and Meaning sections. The Comprehensive test adds Speaking and Writing sections. Scores are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Students get a certificate showing their achievement.

TOEFL Primary: For Younger Kids

The TOEFL Primary test is for younger students, usually aged 8 to 11. It has three sections: Reading and Listening – Step 1, Reading and Listening – Step 2, and Speaking. Students take either Step 1 or Step 2, depending on their English level. The reading and listening parts can be on paper or computer. The speaking part is only digital.

Unlike other TOEFL tests, Primary test scores are valid for one year. This is because young children learn and improve their language skills very quickly. Scores for reading and listening range from 101–115, and for speaking from 1–27.

Comparing TOEFL Scores to Other Tests

It can be helpful to compare TOEFL scores with scores from other English tests. ETS and other test makers provide charts for this. These charts help you understand how your TOEFL score relates to scores on tests like IELTS or the Duolingo English Test. This way, you can see your English level across different tests.

Note: These comparison scores are from ETS, the company that makes TOEFL tests. Other charts might show slightly different ranges.

See also

In Spanish: TOEFL para niños

• List of admissions tests
• English as a Foreign or Second Language (EFSL)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
• Standardized test
• Cambridge Assessment English
• Trinity College London ESOL