TOEFL
Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL is an English language proficiency test that is accepted by universities across the world.
A specific score can help you study abroad in English at an institution of your choice. TOEFL is widely accepted in most universities in the US. So, if the USA is your study abroad destination then you must take the TOEFL exam.
TOEFL has two formats, which are; Internet-based test( iBT) and Paper-based-test (PBT). The PBT is taken by students living in areas that have poor internet connectivity. Also, in PBT there is no TOEFL speaking test due to the non-availability of resources in such areas.iBT is preferred by most students owing to the convenience it offers.
TOEFL vs IELTS
You can use US or UK English in TOEFL during the examination and not mix the two. On the other hand, IELTS is more flexible and is not specific about the English to be used.
- Test Format: IELTS has two versions - Academic and General Training, whereas TOEFL has only one version. Both tests assess four language skills - listening, reading, writing, and speaking - but IELTS has a face-to-face speaking component, while TOEFL uses computer-based speech recognition technology.
- Test Content: While both tests evaluate language proficiency, the content and difficulty level may vary. IELTS tends to focus more on British English, while TOEFL features American English. IELTS also includes a broader range of accents, whereas TOEFL primarily uses North American accents.
- Test Scoring: Both tests use a scoring system to assess language proficiency, but the scales differ. IELTS uses a 9-band scale, with a score of 9 indicating an expert user, while TOEFL uses a score range of 0-120, with a score of 120 indicating a perfect score.
- Test Availability: IELTS is administered by IDP Education and is available in over 140 countries. TOEFL is administered by ETS and is available in over 160 countries.
FAQ's about TOEFL
Several universities in the USA require you to have a specific TOEFL score as part of the admission process. It is also an accepted exam for studies in English in many other countries as well.
The exam happens on different dates and across many centers in India. You can choose the time and center according to your requirements.
The TOEFL score has a validity of two years.
There is no definite answer to this. The difficulty level will depend on your knowledge and skills in English. However, a candidate who has answered the 12th board exam from an English medium school will find it easier to answer the TOEFL exam.
For Indian students, the TOEFL iBT exam fee is approximately INR 16,100 while the TOEFL PBT fee is US$195.