Purpose of the TOEFL Test

The purpose of the TOEFL test is to evaluate the English proficiency of people who are non-native English
speakers. In addition, international companies, government agencies, scholarship programs, and
recruitment agencies use TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency.

CBT: The TOEFL test on computer combines many of the same question types as the traditional paper-
based test with new question types that can be offered only in the computer format. This is an easy-to-use
testing system for even the most basic computer users.

The Computer-Based TOEFL Test has 4 sections

Section 1: Listening
Section 2: Structure (Grammar)
Section 3: Reading
Section 4: Writing

1. Listening Comprehension:
Measures the ESL student's ability to understand North American English.

2. Structure & Written Expression

Measures the ESL student's ability to recognize language appropriate for standard written English.

3. Vocabulary & Reading Comprehension

Measures the ESL student's ability to understand non-technical reading material.

4. Essay Writing
Measures the ESL student's ability to express ideas in standard written English.

Scoring:

The score range on the CBT TOEFL Test is: 0-300. In other words, the highest possible total score is 300
points.

This breaks down in each section as a scaled score:

Listening: 0-30
Structure/Writing: 0-30
Reading Comprehension: 0-30
TOTAL SCALED SCORE: 0-300

The score from the essay in the Writing Section is included in the Structure score. The essay is graded on a
scaled score of 0 to 6. 6 is the highest possible total score on the Writing Section. Note: The essay score is
one sixth of the total test score.

Number of Questions in the test and the time to complete each section:

Tutorials: 7 untimed tutorials explaining in detail the exam procedure

Listening: 30 to 49 questions with 15-25 minutes to answer the questions. 40-60 minutes to complete entire
section. The clock runs while you are answering questions, but not while you are listening to conversations
and talks.

Structure: 20-25 questions with 15-20 minutes to complete the questions.

Reading: 44-55 questions with 70-90 minutes to complete the section (includes time spent reading
passages and answering questions).

Writing: One assigned essay topic, with 30 minutes to write the essay.

How often can I take the CBT TOEFL test?

If I cancel my scores, can I take the test again?

You may take the CBT TOEFL test only once in any calendar month, even if you took the test and cancelled
your scores. For example, if you test in May, you must wait until June to take it again. IMPORTANT: If you
take the test more than once in a calendar month, your new scores will not be reported and your test fee will
not be refunded. Violation of this policy may also result in additional action being taken.
 TOEFL Writing Topics

The following are TOEFL style essay examples:

1) If you could change one important thing about your country, what would you change? Use reasons and
specific examples to support your answer.

2) What are some important qualities of a good school teacher? Use specific details and examples to
explain why these qualities are important.

3)Many people say that the internet is the most important invention ever. Do you agree or disagree with this
and if not, what do you believe to be more important? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
opinion.

4) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People pay too much attention to the less
important things in life and fail to see the larger issues. Use specific reasons and details to explain your
opinion.

5) Which do you feel is more important in your life: security or freedom and independence? Use reasons and
specific examples to support your opinion.

6) A job should mean a job for life. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support
your answer.

7) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of technology, life is easier today
than in the past. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

8) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A problem shared is a problem solved. Use
specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

9) Some music is very inspirational. Other music seems boring and meaningless. Which type of music do
you listen to and why do you think some music forms are much more popular than others? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.

10) If you could travel back in time or into the future, which would you choose and what exact period of time
would you like to experience? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.