TOEFL : for starters

TOEFL or The test of English as a foreign language is basically a testing method to evaluate the test takers ability to use and understand American English.

Though there are three versions of the test, the TOEFL Internet based test (IBT) is the most recent version, the other two being the paper based test and the computer based test.

The TOEFL Ibt consists of four sections with each section having a maximum score of 30.

1. Reading
2. Listening
3. Speaking
4. Writing.

Section 1 : READING

* The candidate is expected to read a passage and answer questions based on the passage.
* It consists of 3 passages and 39 questions to be answered.
* Time limit : 60 minutes approximately.

Section 2 : LISTENING

* Candidate is expected to answer questions after listening to a recorded conversation.
* It consists of 6 passages and 34 questions to be answered.
* Time limit : 50 minutes approximately.

Section 3 : SPEAKING

* It consists of a total of 6 tasks.
* The first 2 tasks require the student to speak on 2 independent topics.
* The rest of the 4 tasks requires the student to express opinions, summarize or answer questions after listening to a recorded conversation.
* Time limit : 20 minutes approximately

Section 4 : WRITING

* Consists of two tasks.
* In the first task, the candidate should read an essay and listen to an other essay and express his perspective on the possible relationship between the two.
* The second task is to write an essay on a given topic.
* Time limit : 55 minutes approximately

Click here to register for the TOEFL test.