The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, is an internationally recognised exam used to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The exam is used primarily for academic and employment purposes, particularly for those seeking to enrol in universities or colleges where English is the primary language of instruction or for individuals seeking professional certification or licensure in English-speaking countries. The TOEFL exam measures students’ ability to read, write, listen, and speak English and is administered in over 130 countries worldwide. The exam is computer-based and is offered year-round, with scores valid for up to two years after the test date.
An Important Date & Time for TOEFL 2023-2024 Exam (Tentative)
The TOEFL exam schedule for 2023-2024 has yet to be released. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly check the official TOEFL website or ETS account for updates on the latest test dates and registration deadlines.
| January | ||
| January 2024 | January 31, 2024 | |
| February | ||
| February 6, 2024 | February 10, 2024 | February 20, 2024 |
| February 24, 2024 | February 26, 2024 | February 27, 2024 |
| February 28, 2024 | ||
| March | ||
| March 6, 2024 | March 10, 2024 | March 13, 2024 |
| March 14, 2024 | March 19, 2024 | March 24, 2024 |
| March 27, 2024 | ||
| April | ||
| April 9, 2024 | April 10, 2024 | April 24, 2024 |
| April 30, 2024, | ||
| May | ||
| May 1, 2024 | May 8, 2024 | May 14, 2024 |
| May 15, 2024 | May 22, 2024 | |
| June | ||
| June 5, 2024 | June 18, 2024 | June 19, 2024 |
| June 20, 2024 | June 26, 2024 |
TOEFL Exam Overview
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam is a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native lecturers. It is widely recognized and accepted by universities, colleges, and agencies in the United States and other English-speaking countries. The TOEFL exam evaluates the test-taker’s ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English and is divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The exam is offered in both paper-based and internet-based formats, with the internet-based version being the most commonly administered. TOEFL scores are valid for two years and can be used for admission to academic programs or employment.
To be eligible to take the TOEFL exam, there are a few criteria that you must meet:
- You must have a valid passport to prove your identity.
- You must be at least 16 years old, although some testing centres may require you to be older. You must also have basic knowledge of the English language and its grammar rules.
- You need to register and pay the exam fee before the registration deadline.
- You can take the TOEFL exam and demonstrate your English language proficiency to universities and employers worldwide by meeting these eligibility criteria.
The TOEFL exam consists of four sections, which assess different language skills:
The total test time is approximately two hours. The Reading and Listening sections are administered on a computer, while the Speaking and Writing sections are delivered via an online platform that simulates real-life interactions.
| Sections | TOEFL Exam Pattern (current) | TOEFL Exam Pattern (new)[w.e.f July 26] |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading Section | Duration: 35 minutes questions 20 | Duration: 50 minutes Questions: 2 tasks |
| TOEFL Listening Section | Duration: 17 minutes Questions: 4 tasks | Duration: 41-57 minutes. Questions: 28 – 39 |
| TOEFL Speaking Section | Duration: 36 minutes Questions 28 | Duration: 29 minutes Questions: 2 tasks |
| TOEFL Writing Section | Duration: 29 minutes Questions: 2 tasks | Duration: 16 minutes Questions: 4 tasks |
| Total Duration: 162 – 196 minutes | Entire Duration: 116 minutes |
The TOEFL exam measures a test taker’s ability to use and understand English at the university level. The exam consists of four sections:
| Sections | Number of Questions / Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 3–4 passages – 10 questions each | For the TOEFL Reading section, candidates must read multiple passages and answer 30 – 40 questions. |
| Duration: 54-72 minutes | ||
| Listening | 3-4 Lectures and 2-3 Conversations – 10 questions each | Candidate must answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions for the TOEFL Listening section. |
| Duration: 41-57 minutes | ||
| Speaking | 4 tasks | For the TOEFL Speaking Section, candidates must discuss a familiar topic and discuss material they have read and listened to. |
| Duration: 17 minutes | ||
| Writing | 2 tasks | For the TOEFL Writing Section, candidates must read a passage, listen to a recording and type their response. |
| Duration: 50 minutes |
How to Prepare for TOEFL Exam?
Preparing for the TOEFL exam requires a combination of English language proficiency and test-taking strategies. Here are some points you can take to prepare:
Before you begin preparing, ensure you understand the TOEFL exam’s structure. There are four sections. Each section has its time limit and number of questions.
Take a practice test or self-assessment to determine your proficiency level.
Improve your vocabulary by reading English texts and practising new words in context. Use flashcards, word lists, and vocabulary apps to help you learn new words.
Practice grammar exercises and review grammar rules to improve your accuracy and fluency in English.
Listen to English podcasts, news broadcasts, and other audio resources to improve your listening comprehension.
Read English texts, such as newspapers, magazines, and academic articles, to improve your reading comprehension.
Practice speaking and writing in English regularly to improve your proficiency. Find a language partner or tutor to practice and get feedback on your speaking and writing skills.
Take practice tests to simulate the actual TOEFL exam experience and identify areas where you need improvement.
Learn effective test-taking strategies.
Tips to Crack the TOEFL Exam
Sure, here are some tips to help you crack the TOEFL exam:
Make sure you are familiar with the exam format, including the number of sections, the types of questions, and the time limits. This will help you feel more comfortable on exam day.
Since the TOEFL exam measures your English language proficiency, improving your English skills is essential. Practice speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English as much as possible.
Take as many as possible to get a feel for the questions you’ll encounter on the exam.
The TOEFL exam is timed, so it’s essential to manage your time well. Plan how you will use your time during each exam section.
Read and listen to as much English material as possible in the weeks leading up to the exam.
On exam day, stay clear and focused.
Make sure you know the location of the test centre and plan to arrive early so you have time to settle in before the exam starts.
How does TOEFL apply for upcoming TOEFL exams?
Sure, here are the steps for registering for the TOEFL exam:
TOEFL 2023 Participating Institutions
| Imperial College London | University of Cambridge | University College London, London |
| The University of Manchester | Kings College London | Chester University |
| Cranfield University | Durham University | Kingston University |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | Queen Mary University of London | Solent University |
| University of Brighton | University of Bristol | University of Essex |
| University of Glasgow | University of Leeds | University of Nottingham |
| University of Oxford | Aston University | Coventry University |
| Hull University | Keele University | Lancaster University |
| Leeds Beckett University | Newcastle University | Nottingham Trent University |
| Reading University | London School of Economics and Political Science | Queen Margaret University |
University of Toronto
| University of British Columbia | University of Waterloo |  |
| McGill University | York University | McMaster University |
| University of Alberta | University of Western Ontario | George Brown College |
| Saint Mary’s University | HEC Montreal | Trent University |
| University of Ottawa | University of Manitoba | Ryerson University |
| University of Victoria | University of Calgary | Simon Fraser University |
| Dalhousie University | Carleton University | Concordia University |
| New York University | Boston University | The University of Arizona |
| University of Massachusetts, Boston | University of Dayton, Ohio | Suffolk University, Boston |
| University of Kansas | University of South Florida | Harvard University |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Yale University | Stanford University |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | The University of Chicago | Princeton University |
| University of Cambridge | Cornell University | John Hopkins University |
| University of Pennsylvania | Brown University | University of Utah |
| Washington State University | Oregon State University | George Mason University |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | University of Nebraska Lincoln | Hofstra University |
| California State University East Bay | California State University Chico | DePaul University |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TOEFL exam is an important standardized test for non-native English speakers who wish to study or work in English-speaking countries. It consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, and takes approximately four hours to complete. A good TOEFL score depends on the requirements of the institution or organization you are applying to. You can register for the TOEFL exam online on the official ETS website and take the exam as many times as you want, with a minimum gap of three days between two attempts. You cannot use a calculator during the exam but should bring your valid passport and TOEFL registration confirmation.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Related to the TOEFL Exam
I’d happily help with frequently asked questions about the TOEFL exam!
The TOEFL exam has four sections. It is delivered on a computer and takes about 4 hours to complete.
The TOEFL exam is achieved on a scale of 0 to 120. Each of the four sections is scored on a scale of 0 to 30, and the scores are then combined to give an overall score.
The TOEFL exam is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is available at testing centres worldwide. You can find a testing centre near you on the ETS website.
A good score on the TOEFL exam depends on the requirements of the institution or organization you are applying to. Generally, a score of 90 or higher is considered good, and a score of 100 or higher is considered excellent.
Many resources are available to help you prepare for the TOEFL exam, including study guides, practice tests, and online courses. You can also find sample questions and other resources on the ETS website.
Yes, you can retake the TOEFL exam as often as you like, but there are some restrictions on how often you can take it. You must wait at least three days between tests and can only take the test once every 12 days.