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TOEFL PBT & iBT: A Brief Overview

If you are planning to study abroad, the TOEFL test is the one test that can take you anywhere.

In fact, more institutions accept TOEFL test scores than any other test scores in the world — more than 6,000 colleges, universities and licensing agencies in 110 countries, to be exact. Download the list included in the reference material for this lesson for more information.

And, with more than 4,000 test centers worldwide, taking the test is convenient and easy. 

Demonstrate your English-language skills.

Test Your Reading, Listening and Writing Skills with TOEFL PBT

The TOEFL Paper-based Test (PBT) measures how well you read, listen and write in English. Writing skills are measured with the TWE® (Test of Written English™) test, which everyone takes as part of the TOEFL PBT.

Test Your Speaking Skills with the TSE® (Test of Spoken English™) Test

The TSE (Test of Spoken English) test measures how well test takers speak in English and is available to anyone who needs scores for college admission or certification in a professional field.

The TOEFL iBT measures how well you read, listen, speak and write in English and use these skills together in the university classroom. For example, you might read a passage or listen to a lecture, and then write or speak about what you learned.

Reasons to Take the TOEFL Test

• No matter where in the world you want to study, the TOEFL test can help get you there. You will be eligible for admission to virtually any institution in the world — including the top colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and New Zealand. A directory of these institutions is listed on the attached reference material.
• The TOEFL test gives you more flexibility on when, where and how often you can take the test, and more practice tools and feedback, than any other English-language test in the world.
• You will be able to listen to lectures, view films, attend seminars, read textbooks, perform online research, speak with professors and other students, write academic papers, reports, e-mails and more.

TOEFL Structure

• 1 test taker's score report
• Up to 4 official score reports, which are sent by ETS directly to institutions or agencies that you select

Earning a Score on the TOEFL iBT

To earn a score on the TOEFL iBT test, you must do all of the following:

• answer at least 1 question in the Reading section
• answer at least 1 question in the Listening section
• write at least 1 essay in the Writing section
• finish at least 1 task in the Speaking section

You will receive a score on each section and a total score for the entire test. You will also receive feedback on your performance and a description of tasks that test takers can do within the score range for each level.

For more detailed information on what your score means, see the Performance Feedback Brochure included in this lesson's reference material.

Earning a Score on the TOEFL PBT

To earn a score on the TOEFL PBT, you must do all of the following:

• Answer at least 1 question in Listening Comprehension
• Answer at least 1 question in Reading Comprehension
• Answer at least 1 question in Structure and Written Expression

You will receive a score on each section and a total score for the entire test.

Each correct answer counts equally toward the score for that section. There is no penalty for wrong answers. The total number of correct answers is called the "raw score."

Note: Some questions in the test may not count toward the section or total scores.

There is no passing or failing score. Score requirements are established by individual institutions and agencies. TOEFL PBT Scores are valid for 2 years.