"The best time to take the test is when you believe you are ready."
"You can take the test as many times as you wish, but you cannot take it more than once in a 12-day period."
In an online chat with readers on December 10, Allyson Norton, spokesperson for the TOEFL programme at Educational Testing Service (ETS), addressed queries related to the exam and offered advice.
For those who missed the chat, here's the transcript:
Nitin Deshmukh: What does TOEFL essentially test?
Allyson Norton: Hi Nitin - the TOEFL test helps students prove they have the English skills they will actually use in an academic classroom.
The test is based on communicative competence, meaning it measures how well students can actually speak the language.
It measures how well students read, listen, speak and write in English, and requires students to integrate these skills.
Aatish Jagmanani: Are the questions different in different countries?
Allyson Norton: Aatish, the test does not vary by country; all TOEFL iBT tests have had approximately the same level of difficulty. Best of luck!
Abdul Warith: What is the cost of TOEFL? How many times can I attempt it in a year?
Allyson Norton: Hi there Abdul. Great question - You can take the test as many times as you wish, but you cannot take it more than once in a 12-day period. The cost of the test in India is US$170.
Lotan Hal: Where can I find mock papers of TOEFL? Pls help
Allyson Norton: Lotan, I'm excited to hear you're interested in the TOEFL test. One resource that you can use to prepare is our TOEFL iBT® Quick Prep. It’s a set of four free PDFs with sample questions and answers to help you get ready to do your best: http://rediff.ly/3w5s5
We also suggest checking out the TOEFL iBT® Sampler, which contains actual TOEFL iBT questions from all four test sections. It is available to download here: http://rediff.ly/3w5s6
Vinayak Tavade: Does the difficulty level vary for different candidates taking the exam?
Allyson Norton: Thanks for your question, Vinayak. The test does not vary by country; all TOEFL iBT tests have had approximately the same level of difficulty.
The more you practice, the more prepared you’ll be on test day. Be sure to check out the official TOEFL website, http://rediff.ly/3w5nd
haresh: What is the difference between TOEFL and IELTS?
Allyson Norton: Hi Haresh - Since this page is dedicated to the TOEFL test, we do not have information on any other English language tests, but you should know that TOEFL scores are accepted by more universities than any other English language test, and by 9,000 institutions worldwide.
manoj: Would you recommend any particular sites that can help me improve my grammar and vocabulary?
Allyson Norton: We also suggest checking out the TOEFL iBT® Sampler, which contains actual TOEFL iBT questions from all four test sections. It is available to download here: http://rediff.ly/3w5s6 There are helpful videos on the TOEFL TV channel on YouTube: http://rediff.ly/3w5sc
If you’re interested in improving your grammar skills, one resource that we recommend is http://rediff.ly/3w5ne It provides explanations and easy-to-understand rules.
A few tips to help you improve your spelling and vocabulary include having a "word of the day" sent to your email address, using vocabulary flash cards, studying vocabulary words you find on university websites, and reading novels, online articles and news stories. You may also want to check out this helpful vocabulary resource, here: http://rediff.ly/3w5sh
rajat: What study material should I refer to?
Allyson Norton: Hi Rajat! We recommend using official TOEFL practice materials, like the TOEFL Practice Online tests, found here: http://rediff.ly/3w5on The prep materials thatother companies sell are not made by ETS, so we cannot make any judgments about their quality or accuracy.
shinde: How soon can I see my TOEFL score after taking the exam?
Allyson Norton: Hi Shinde! Thanks for your question. Official score reports are sent within 10 - 13 days of your test date to the institutions that you designated before test day. It's important to note that delivery times can vary depending on how the institution chooses to receive scores.
If you elected to receive a printed score report, that is also mailed within 10 - 13 days of your test date, but please note that depending on your location, delivery times may vary. Please allow four to six weeks for delivery of the paper score report to you if you are outside the US.
Shreya: Is there any specific study material to refer to before the test?
Allyson Norton: Hi Shreya, ETS has a suite of official free and priced study resources to help test takers prepare for and do well on the TOEFL iBT test. The free resources are available on the official ETS website, ets.org / toefl / ibt / prepare, and the TOEFL Go Anywhere site, TOEFLGoAnywhere.org / toefl-practice.
These resources provide students access to a number of useful preparation materials including sample test questions, test administration dates and videos that provide an in-depth look at each section of the test.
Shreya: What is the eligibility criteria for the test?
Allyson Norton: There are no age or eligibility requirements for taking the TOEFL test. Additionally, you can take the test as many times as you wish, but you cannot take it more than once in a 12-day period.
Shreya: Hi Allyson. It's good to see you here. How much does a TOEFL test cost in India?
Allyson Norton: Another great question, Shreya. The test cost in India is US$170.
Shreya: Thank you for the clarity Allyson.
Rafiq Qureshi: I am 42. Am i eligible for TOEFL?
Allyson Norton: Rafiq - it's so wonderful to hear you're interested in taking the TOEFL test. There are no age or eligibility requirements. Good luck!
Rajan sha: What is the best time to take the TOEFL?
Allyson Norton: Thanks for your question, Rajan. Because each test taker is an individual, the best time to take the test is when you believe you are ready. For a list of open test dates in your area and to register, visit: http://rediff.ly/3w5pcOnce you start the registration process, you will be able to view available test centers.
Jim Vejvoda: What books should I refer to?
Allyson Norton: We recommend using official TOEFL practice materials, like the TOEFL Practice Online tests, found here: http://rediff.ly/3w5on Best of luck in your studies, Jim!
Aatish Jagmanani: What is the mininum score required to get admission in a good university abroad?
Allyson Norton: Aatish, thanks for your question! Universities and programs that accept TOEFL scores set their own score requirements based on what English skills their students need to have, so score requirements can vary.
You can use the TOEFL Destination Search ( http://rediff.ly/3w5ny) to search for institutions that accept your TOEFL scores around the world.
One more thing -- once you find institutions that you are interested in, we suggest reaching out to each individually to find out more details about their specific admission criteria.
Nitin Deshmukh: Which countries accept TOEFL scores?
Allyson Norton: Hi Nitin! The TOEFL test is the most widely respected English-language test in the world and is accepted at more than 9,000 institutions in over 130 countries!
Here is a link where you can search for schools and institutions that accept TOEFL scores: http://rediff.ly/3w5ny
manali-sutar: My english grammar is very weak. How can I improve it?
Allyson Norton: It's great to hear you're interested in improving your grammar, Manali-Sutar! One resource that we recommend is http://rediff.ly/3w5ne It provides explanations and easy-to-understand rules.
Venkatesh: Hi Sir, pls share some tips to crack the TOEFL
Allyson Norton: Thanks for your question, Venkatesh. The best way to prepare is to use official TOEFL test prep materials issued by ETS. You can find them on our “Test Prep” tab here: http://rediff.ly/3w5n4
Each resource includes practice tests using actual TOEFL iBT test questions. Also, check out the official TOEFL website,http://rediff.ly/3w5nd It has information on what the TOEFL test measures, how to register for the test and much more.
Lastly, here is a link where you can learn the basics: http://rediff.ly/3w5nc
Allyson Norton: We've reached the end of our chat. I enjoyed answering all of your questions. I hope you found them useful and informative. Good luck to all of you!
Photo Courtesy: SamRosenbaum/Creative Commons
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