TOEFL Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2015-16

The TOEFL or the Test Of English as a Foreign Language is an online test designed to test a candidate of his abilities and skills for using English language in an academic environment.  This prestigious test is designed and upheld by the ETS (Education Testing Service).

Having set sight for an international degree is definitely a big plus in this competitive world. An international degree not only opens newer realms but also throws open a vast ocean of opportunities. The current trend has it that a number of people are sailing offshores for a degree in engineering, medical science or business. But getting a degree is not as easy as it may sound. One may have to take many exams which may be prerequisites to various varsities abroad with TOEFL being one of them.

TOEFL is held every year to analyze the comprehensive understanding of English language among students applying for courses. This exam assesses the reading, writing, listening and comprehending skills of the aspirant. The TOEFL exam also provides with eligibility to work in the following sectors: Government Agencies, Business, Licensing Bodies or Scholarship Programs in India and foreign nations which include the US (United States), France, Germany, Canada and Italy respectively.

The TOEFL exam is available in two modes: TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) and TOEFL PBT (Paper Based TEST). The online exam, which is the widely preferred mode is offered 30-40 times a year. Now let us go through the detailed pattern of the TOEFL exam.

Conducting authority: Education Testing Service (ETS)

TOEFL Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2015-2016:

The TOEFL IBT(Internet Based Test) is an exam of 4 hours duration. It comprises of the following sections:

  1. Reading: This part comprises of 3 to 5 passages of approx. 700 words each having 40 to 70 questions distributed among them. The total allotted time for this section is 60-100 minutes. The part which has tests for vocab and reading comprehension judges the reading and vocab skills of the candidate.
  2. Listening: this section of the exam has 4 to 6 lectures and 2-3 conversations with 34-51 questions among them. The candidate is provided with 6 questions per lecture and 5 questions per conversation, to be solved in a time span of 60-90 minutes duration. This section judges the listening capability of the test taker.
  3. Speaking: in this section a total of 6 tasks are to be assigned to aspirant which include 2 questions on expressing the opinion, 4 questions on what one has to read or listen. The total allotted time for this section is only 20 minutes.
  4. Writing: this part has a total of two tasks: writing what one has to listen to and one question on writing on the topic assigned to the test taker on the spot. The allotted time is 50 minutes.

TOEFL exam pattern in a summary:

Section Time Limit Questions Tasks
1.       Reading 60-80 min 36-56 questions Read 3-4 passages and answer questions based on the text provided.
2.       Listening 60-90 min 34-51 questions Listening to lectures, classroom discussions,and discussions, then answer questions
Break 10 minutes
3.       Speaking 20 minutes 6 tasks Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on reading and listening tasks
4.       Writing 50 min 2 tasks Writing responses based on reading and listening tasks; supporting your opinion by writing.

TOEFL Exam dates 2015-16: There is no such date or schedule for the TOEFL exam as it is conducted round the year. Candidates wishing to appear for the exam have to contact the regional centre and book a date and center for the same.