TOEFL: the authoritative standard for global English proficiency assessment

In today's era of deepening globalization, the importance of English as an international common language is self-evident. Whether applying for overseas universities, competing for scholarships, or paving the way for career development, English proficiency is an indispensable core competitiveness. When it comes to English proficiency tests, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is undoubtedly one of the most authoritative and widely recognized tests. This article will introduce the basic concepts of the TOEFL test, the test format, the scoring criteria, and the relevant information on its official website in detail to help candidates fully understand this global English proficiency test tool.

What is the TOEFL test?

TOEFL, the full name of which is The Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardized English proficiency test sponsored by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) of the United States. Its main purpose is to evaluate the English listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities of non-native English speakers and to provide an objective reference for English proficiency for colleges, research institutions and employers.

The TOEFL test is widely accepted around the world, especially in higher education institutions in English-speaking countries such as North America, Europe and Australia. It is often one of the important criteria for admission applications and scholarship assessments. By taking the TOEFL test, candidates can prove their ability to study or work in an English-speaking environment.

History and Development of TOEFL

The TOEFL test was first introduced in 1964, and the original test format was a paper-based test (PBT). With the development of technology, the computer-based test (CBT) was launched in 1998, and the new Internet-based TOEFL test (iBT) was officially introduced in 2005. The new TOEFL test not only retains the core content of the traditional test, but also adds a speaking section, so that the test more comprehensively reflects the actual English application ability of candidates.

Currently, there are three main forms of TOEFL exams:
1. PBT (Paper-based Test) : Full score is 120 points, applicable to some specific regions.
2. CBT (computer-based test) : full score is 300 points, and it has now been gradually replaced by iBT.
3. iBT (Internet-based test) : With a full score of 120 points, it is currently the most mainstream form of the TOEFL test.

It should be noted that TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Therefore, candidates need to arrange the test time reasonably to ensure that the scores are always valid during the application process.

Content structure of the new TOEFL test (TOEFL iBT)

Since 2005, ETS has launched the new TOEFL test (TOEFL iBT), which has become the standard model for TOEFL tests worldwide. The new TOEFL test consists of four parts: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The score range for each part is 0-30 points, with a total score of 120 points.

1. Reading

The reading section is designed to assess the candidate's ability to understand academic articles. This section usually contains 3-4 articles of about 700 words, covering the fields of science, history, art, etc. Each article is followed by 10-12 multiple-choice questions, including factual questions, reasoning questions, and vocabulary questions.

The exam duration is 54-72 minutes, depending on the number of passages. Candidates need to complete all questions within the specified time, so time management is particularly important.

2. Listening

The listening section tests the candidate's ability to understand academic lectures and campus conversations. This section usually includes 2-3 campus conversations (about 3 minutes) and 4-6 academic lectures (about 5 minutes). Each recording is followed by a number of multiple-choice questions, requiring the candidate to answer the questions based on the content of the recording.

The test time is 41-57 minutes, and the recording material is played once and cannot be repeated. Candidates need to concentrate, grasp the key information and answer quickly.

3. Speaking

The speaking section is a highlight of the new TOEFL test, which is designed to assess the test-taker's ability to express opinions and discuss academic topics in English. This section contains 4 tasks:

• Independent Task : Candidates are asked to comment on a personal experience or opinion.
• Integrated task : candidates are required to make an oral presentation based on the reading and listening materials.

The test lasts 17 minutes and the test taker's responses will be recorded and scored by professional scorers from ETS.

4. Writing

The writing section tests the candidate's ability to write academic articles in English. This section consists of two tasks:

• Comprehensive Writing : Candidates are required to read an article first, then listen to a related lecture, and finally write a summary article based on the common points of the two.
• Independent Writing : Candidates are required to express their personal opinions on a topic and provide supporting arguments.

The test time is 50 minutes, and candidates need to organize their thoughts and complete a clear and logical essay within the limited time.

TOEFL Scoring Scale

TOEFL scores are standardized to ensure fairness and consistency. Here are the key points for scoring each section:

• Reading and Listening : Both sections are multiple-choice and will be graded automatically. The score is based on the number of correct answers.
• Speaking : The speaking section is manually scored by ETS-certified scorers who will comprehensively evaluate the candidate's performance in terms of pronunciation, grammar, fluency, and content organization.
• Writing : The writing section is also graded by ETS certified graders. The scoring criteria include essay structure, grammatical accuracy, vocabulary diversity, and the logic and coherence of the content.

Finally, the raw scores for each section are converted to standardized scores on a scale of 0-30 and summed up into a total score.

TOEFL official website: www.ets.org/toefl

The official website of the TOEFL test is the first-hand source for candidates to obtain relevant information. The website address is www.ets.org/toefl , which provides all official information and services for the TOEFL test.

1. Exam Registration

Candidates can register and sign up for the test through the TOEFL official website. The registration process includes creating an account, selecting the test date and location, and paying the test fee. The cost of the TOEFL test varies from country to country, and candidates need to understand the relevant information in advance.

2. Exam Preparation Resources

The TOEFL official website provides a wealth of test preparation resources, including sample questions, practice questions, mock exams, and test preparation guides, etc. These resources can help candidates become familiar with the test format and question types and improve their test preparation efficiency.

3. Score query and delivery

After the test, candidates can check their scores through the official website. TOEFL test scores are usually announced within 6-10 days after the test. In addition, candidates can also apply for additional transcript delivery services through the official website to send their scores to target schools or institutions.

4. FAQ

The TOEFL official website has a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page, which covers detailed information on test policies, registration procedures, score reports, etc. Candidates can check this information at any time to solve questions during the preparation process.

The significance and value of TOEFL test

TOEFL is not only a tool for testing English proficiency, but also an important bridge for candidates to enter the international arena. By taking the TOEFL, candidates can demonstrate their English proficiency and win more academic and career opportunities. The following are some of the main significance of the TOEFL test:

• Admission application : TOEFL scores are one of the necessary materials for many overseas universities to apply for admission. A high TOEFL score can improve your application competitiveness.
• Scholarship Assessment : Many scholarship programs use TOEFL scores as one of the important selection criteria.
• Career Development : For job seekers who wish to work in international companies or organizations, TOEFL scores can demonstrate their English communication skills.
• Immigration and Visas : Some countries' immigration or visa departments also accept TOEFL scores as proof of English proficiency.

Conclusion

As a globally recognized tool for assessing English proficiency, TOEFL has become a booster for countless candidates to realize their dreams. Whether pursuing academic advancement or career development, TOEFL provides candidates with a reliable proof of their English proficiency. By gaining a deeper understanding of the test format, content, and scoring criteria, candidates can prepare for the test more specifically and achieve ideal results in the test.

If you are considering taking the TOEFL test, you may wish to visit the TOEFL official website ( www.ets.org/toefl ) to obtain the latest test updates and test preparation resources. I believe that through hard work and persistence, you will be able to stand out in the TOEFL test and move towards a brighter future!