Table of Contents - TOEFL overview

What is TOEFL?


The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Widely recognized by academic institutions and employers worldwide, TOEFL measures the test-taker's ability to understand and use English in academic settings. The exam evaluates listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills through tasks such as reading comprehension, listening to lectures, and expressing opinions on various topics. TOEFL is a crucial requirement for non-native English speakers seeking admission to English-speaking universities and colleges.

TOEFL sections

1. Reading
  • Length: About 60-80 minutes
  • Tasks: It includes 3-4 passages from university-level textbooks. Each passage is about 700 words long. Test-takers must answer 10 questions per passage.
  • Skills tested: Understanding of rhetorical functions such as cause-effect, compare-contrast and argumentation; identifying main ideas and details; understanding vocabulary in context; making inferences.
2. Listening
  • Length: About 60-90 minutes
  • Tasks: This section includes 4-6 lectures (some with classroom discussion) and 2-3 conversations. Each lecture is 3-5 minutes long, and each conversation is about 3 minutes.
  • Skills tested: Understanding the attitude of the speaker, identifying the main ideas and important details, understanding organization of information and relationships between ideas. Read about 8 tips to improve TOEFL listening.
3. Speaking
  • Length: 20 minutes
  • Tasks: Includes two independent tasks (express an opinion on a familiar topic) and four integrated tasks (read, listen, and then speak in response to a question).
  • Skills Tested: Ability to speak English effectively in academic settings, clearly organize ideas, and use grammar and vocabulary accurately.
  • Relevant article: Read about 11 typical TOEFL speaking mistakes and learn how to avoid them.
4. Writing
  • Length: 50 minutes
  • Tasks: Consists of two tasks. In the integrated task, test-takers read a passage, listen to a lecture, then write a response. In the academic discussion task, they write an essay based on personal experience or opinion that opposes or supports opinions of two other students.
  • Skills tested: Quality and effectiveness of writing, organization of ideas, and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary.