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TOEFL
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Information about TOEFL
Any foreign student trying to be admitted into US universities is sure to have heard about TOEFL. This is, in fact, an abbreviation for Test of English as a Foreign Language. This test is usually used to test the ability of an individual to understand the English language. It also tests an individual’s ability to use the English language in academics. TOEFL is required by many American universities and colleges. This English language test is especially applicable for non-English students seeking admissions to English speaking universities. Usually, universities only consider the most recent scores gotten by a student in this English test. This is because an individual’s proficiency in English language may change from time to time.
A Quick Look into the Important Facts
Educational Testing services conduct this English language proficiency test. TOEFL, which was developed by Linguist Dr. Charles Ferguson in 1964, is being used to test students worldwide. So far, millions of students across the globe have taken this test and were admitted into foreign universities on the basis of this test. Usually, the score is valid up to a period of 2 years. The examining board is comprised of 12 board members, specialists in English linguistics. With the help of the committee, special test content is created. This test evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand and use English language in the academics field. Also, the internet based test usually has scores from 0 -120.
Different Modules of the Test
Earlier TOEFL was based on computer tests, as well as paper based tests. However, since 2005, it’s become internet based. In some parts of the world, the paper-based tests are still prevailing. In the past, candidates had to wait for months to get test clearance. However, thanks to the advance in technology, now a candidate can take the test within a period of one to four weeks since sign-up. The test usually consists of 4 sections that last for a total of 4 hours. Each section is used to evaluate the basic skills, needed in higher education settings. The tasks are reading, listening, speaking and writing. The speaking test involves 6 tasks. Here, the speaker has to express opinions and answer questions. In the writing part of the test, the student’s ability to write in educational settings is measured.
Task Details
The TOEFL reading section usually involves 3 to 5 passages. Most of them are of about 700 words. It’s easy to find such passages in textbooks of undergraduates. Students are expected to answer the questions from these passages. Normally, topics consist of argumentation, comparison and contrasting. The next section is listening. About 6 passages are given and students are expected to answer these questions after listening to 2 minutes passages. Academic lectures, as well as student conversations, are given as topics for this section. Test candidates are allowed to take notes carefully and answer the questions later on. This section is used to evaluate the student’s ability to understand the main ideas, make connections and draw conclusions.
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