About the TOEFL Test
The computer-based TOEFL test
has four sections. The first two sections of the test - Listening and
Structure - are computer-adaptive, meaning that you will receive test
questions targeted to your performance level. In these two sections, your
first question will be of average difficulty. The question you receive
next will be one that best fits your performance and the design of the
test. In the Listening and Structure sections, you will be able to change
your answer as often as you like until you have made your final choice,
confirmed your answer, and moved on to the next one. Once you move on
to the next question, you will NOT be allowed to go back to a previous
question. Your answer to each question presented on the screen helps determine
the difficulty level of the next question you will be given.
The Four Sections of the TOEFL Test
Listening -- Measures ability to understand English
as it is spoken in North America. You will use headphones to listen to
the conversations and talks. While you are listening, pictures of the
speakers or other information will be presented on your computer screen.
There are two parts to the Listening section, with special directions
for each part.
Structure -- Measures ability to recognize language
that is appropriate for standard written English.
Reading -- Measures ability to read and understand
short passages similar in topic and style to those that students are likely
to encounter in North American universities and colleges. This section
contains reading passages and questions about the passages.
Writing -- Measures ability to write in English
on an assigned topic. In this section, you will have an opportunity to
demonstrate your ability to write in English. This includes the ability
to generate and organize ideas, to support those ideas with examples or
evidence, and to compose in standard written English in response to an
assigned topic.
On the day of the test, you will be given a topic and
will have 30 minutes to write an essay on that topic. Before the topic
is presented, you must choose whether to type your essay on the computer
or to hand write your essay on the answer sheet provided.
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