TOEFL is conducted by Education Testing Service. It is one of the major Standard English Language Tests which is accepted by many universities around the word, majorly universities of US. The test is initiated by ETS in the year 1964 and is modified as per the contemporary requirements. With the validity of 2 years, the exam can be taken as many times as the candidates wishes. Minimum duration between the exam and retaking exam must be 12 days. The test is conducted around 50 times per year.
Why to take TOEFL Exam?
The exam is aimed to test the knowledge of English Language of a non-native English language speaker who wishes to enroll in the universities of US, majorly. More than 30 million candidates appear the test per year throughout the world. Students those who are planning further studies, those who are seeking admission in English-language program in US, those who want to check their language proficiency, those who are applying for visa are the major candidates that appear the exam.
TOEFL Exam Eligibility
There is no particular eligibility requirement. The exam is intended for the candidates who are non-native English speakers. No restrictions are quoted by ETS regarding the minimum and maximum age and the qualifications. Yet, passing in 10+2 is generally considered to meet the standard of the exam.
TOEFL Exam Structure
The exam tests the combination of four skills- Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. The duration of the internet based exam is 4 ½ hours including the break. Each section has time limit. In reading section, with 60 to 80 minutes time limit, 36 to 56 questions which are of comprehension reading are asked. In listening section, with time limit of 60 to 90 minutes, 34 to 51 questions are asked. Candidates have to listen to lectures and discussions to answer the questions.
In speaking section, with time limit of 20 minutes, 6 tasks are to be completed which include expressing opinion of a well known topic, speaking about the reading and listening tasks etc. In writing session, with in 50 minutes, 2 writing tasks are to be completed.
How to Apply TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language)
The registration form is found in the online official website. The fee structure varies from region to region. The fee has to be paid online using valid credit or debit card or e-check. Candidate has to create an online account and provide the information like email, identification, test date etc. The registration can be taken over phone or mail before 4 weeks of exam date. Valid identification document which carries the name and photograph of the candidate must be carried to the test center.
How to Prepare TOEFL (Test Of English As Foreign Language)
For the preparation, preparation material, online practice tests, guides, audio tests, online preparation course and free test preparation resources are provided in the official website itself. Apart from that, several publications provide preparation material and many institutions conduct mock tests.
Starting the preparation at the earliest is suggestible. Reading news paper and journals help to improve the vocabulary. Writing on various topics is important to improve writing skills. Listening to radio news or to international news channels in television enhances listening skills.