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Test Preparation Services (TPS)
TPS is a leading tutor school in English test preparation in Ottawa Gatineau for IELTS, SAT, SSAT, ACT, CELPIP, TestCAN and TOEFL
Phone 613 447 1622 or email info@tpstests.com
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TPS - Understanding the TOEFL Exam
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The purpose of this page is you help you get to know as much as you can about the TOEFL and help you to find a tutor, study and practice. The ETS website is difficult to navigate and much of the information can only come about by registering first so I will provide a start, but will also give you a number of links to give you as much knowledge as you can. A very good link is on the toeflgoanywhere.org site which gives a very full guide about the test.
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What is TOEFL?
TOEFL is a standardized English test developed by the ETS and administered by authorized centers throughout the world. It is primarily used for College and Universities around the world, although among many countries IELTS has become a competitive alternative.
TOEFL is still the standard test at many US universities and Colleges for entry but it is also accepted at many/most Canadian Universities. There is a paper based version but it is largely done for special needs and the most common by far is the iBT (internet based test) which is held frequently around the world. For more about the TOEFL test see its official site.
All the information here refers to the IBT TOELF test since it is the one now used by almost all TOEFL test takers but if you want information on the paper based test please go to the ETS website under PBT
However, if it is a paper based test you prefer you may wish to wait until October 17 2017, when ETS launches its TOEFL®Paper-delivered Test, which is just basically the IBT on paper so that way you can still prepare for the IBT but write it on paper.
TOEFL is still the standard test at many US universities and Colleges for entry but it is also accepted at many/most Canadian Universities. There is a paper based version but it is largely done for special needs and the most common by far is the iBT (internet based test) which is held frequently around the world. For more about the TOEFL test see its official site.
All the information here refers to the IBT TOELF test since it is the one now used by almost all TOEFL test takers but if you want information on the paper based test please go to the ETS website under PBT
However, if it is a paper based test you prefer you may wish to wait until October 17 2017, when ETS launches its TOEFL®Paper-delivered Test, which is just basically the IBT on paper so that way you can still prepare for the IBT but write it on paper.
What are the TOEFL Parts?
The TOEFL test is comprised of 4 sub-skill tests; Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, given in that order, in one sitting. For more on the IELTS you can go to the official site (page 4) or Wikipedia. The test involves integrated tasks at the speaking and writing subsections.
Test Format (from ETS)
Reading 36-56 questions 60–100 minutes
3-4 passages from academic texts 10-12 questions each
Listening 34-51 questions 60–90 minutes
7-10 listening passages (estimate)
lectures & classroom discussions (6 questions)
conversations (5 questions each)
BREAK 10 minutes
Speaking 6 tasks: 20 minutes
Task 1 Short talk (15 seconds preparation, (45 second talk)
Task 2 Opinion (15 seconds preparation, (45 second talk)
Task 3 Summarizing dialogue (45 seconds to read, 1 min talk, 30 sec preparation, 60 sec talk)
Task 4 Reading & Lecture Summary (45 sec reading, 120 sec lecture, 30 sec prep, 60 sec talk)
Task 5 Problem Summary & Suggestion (60-90 sec dialogue, 20 sec preparation, 60 sec talk)
Task 6 Lecture Summary (120 second-150 seconds lecture, 30 second preparation, 60 second talk)
Writing 2 tasks 50 minutes
1 integrated task (20 minutes)
1 independent task (30 minutes)
Test Format (from ETS)
Reading 36-56 questions 60–100 minutes
3-4 passages from academic texts 10-12 questions each
Listening 34-51 questions 60–90 minutes
7-10 listening passages (estimate)
lectures & classroom discussions (6 questions)
conversations (5 questions each)
BREAK 10 minutes
Speaking 6 tasks: 20 minutes
Task 1 Short talk (15 seconds preparation, (45 second talk)
Task 2 Opinion (15 seconds preparation, (45 second talk)
Task 3 Summarizing dialogue (45 seconds to read, 1 min talk, 30 sec preparation, 60 sec talk)
Task 4 Reading & Lecture Summary (45 sec reading, 120 sec lecture, 30 sec prep, 60 sec talk)
Task 5 Problem Summary & Suggestion (60-90 sec dialogue, 20 sec preparation, 60 sec talk)
Task 6 Lecture Summary (120 second-150 seconds lecture, 30 second preparation, 60 second talk)
Writing 2 tasks 50 minutes
1 integrated task (20 minutes)
1 independent task (30 minutes)
How is TOEFL Scored?
The scoring is actually very simple and probably another big advantage since it gives a very pinpointed number you can work with, as opposed to the more general bands of IELTS and CELPIP. Check out the ETS scores section of the ETS website for further information. ETS boasts about the fact that it gives a scoring report feedback that tells what the applicant can do along with marks, but I have found many of these scoring reports very generically automated types ‘can-do’ descriptors. Still it is better than the no-feedback reports of other tests.
Reading Section 0–30
Listening Section 0–30
Speaking Section 0–30
Writing Section 0–30
Total Score (0–120)
Reading Section 0–30
Listening Section 0–30
Speaking Section 0–30
Writing Section 0–30
Total Score (0–120)
Is this test for me?
There are certainly no shortage of Universities and Colleges that will accept TOEFL but it is worthwhile to think seriously about whether to choose it compared to other tests. Specifically, as to whether it is a good alternative to IELTS with regard to university entrance, there are a number of issues to think of:
1.Do you prefer computer based tests?
TOEFL is done on computer so if you dislike either speaking into a computer or typing into one, it may not be the test for you. TOEFL is also a very speed-oriented exam and will simply not wait for you to get ready. If you prefer a test that lets you answer at your own time than you might be better with IELTS.
2. Do you have stronger listening and reading skills?
TOEFL is an integrated exam on the speaking and writing side so if you are weak in listening, it may not be a good choice. Younger high school applicants who have been in Canada for a few years may find it easier than IELTS since they have already been exposed to an English ‘listening’ environment for years.
3. Are you OK, with a short time to prepare, to speak into a computer?
The speaking section is a bit weird in certain sections and the written independent essay is a bit rushed (30 minutes instead of 40 minutes for IELTS) but most students I have known who have done most prefer its reading and listening sections.
4. Are you weak with spelling or reading/listening details?
On the plus side, TOEFL will not punish you for spelling on the listening and reading section. It also favours those with a more general ‘gist’ listening and reading comprehension skills than extraction style, specific-details-style comprehension. It is less prone towards unfair errors on the answer sheet since it is done by multiple choice.
5. Do you want a specific score that pinpoints a numerical placement?
The TOEFL scoring system is much less ambiguous than IELTS and gives you a specific number (rather than a 'band score' which makes it easier for you to keep trying to improve.
6. Do you worry you may not be marked fairly on your speaking?
It may be argued that it is a fairer exam since it is not so left to the quick judgement of an interviewer in the speaking sections. I have received far more complaints about the scoring of IELTS than TOEFL, even from those who acknowledge that the TOEFL speaking test is more difficult to do.
7. Is price important to you?
The second advantage is that it is cheaper at $245 compared to $295 for IELTS.
8. Are you planning to study at a smaller university?
The range of scores accepted for program entry at Canadian Universities ranges much more than IELTS, which generally sits between 6.5 and 7 for the larger insittuions. For example, the Univerity of Calgary only demands a TOEFL score of 83 for most programs, University of Saskatchawen an 80, while U of T wants an 89. Thus, if you are planning to attend smaller Universities TOEFL might be a good option. For information on which schools accept it see either at the official site. or from the easier to browse degrees.com
1.Do you prefer computer based tests?
TOEFL is done on computer so if you dislike either speaking into a computer or typing into one, it may not be the test for you. TOEFL is also a very speed-oriented exam and will simply not wait for you to get ready. If you prefer a test that lets you answer at your own time than you might be better with IELTS.
2. Do you have stronger listening and reading skills?
TOEFL is an integrated exam on the speaking and writing side so if you are weak in listening, it may not be a good choice. Younger high school applicants who have been in Canada for a few years may find it easier than IELTS since they have already been exposed to an English ‘listening’ environment for years.
3. Are you OK, with a short time to prepare, to speak into a computer?
The speaking section is a bit weird in certain sections and the written independent essay is a bit rushed (30 minutes instead of 40 minutes for IELTS) but most students I have known who have done most prefer its reading and listening sections.
4. Are you weak with spelling or reading/listening details?
On the plus side, TOEFL will not punish you for spelling on the listening and reading section. It also favours those with a more general ‘gist’ listening and reading comprehension skills than extraction style, specific-details-style comprehension. It is less prone towards unfair errors on the answer sheet since it is done by multiple choice.
5. Do you want a specific score that pinpoints a numerical placement?
The TOEFL scoring system is much less ambiguous than IELTS and gives you a specific number (rather than a 'band score' which makes it easier for you to keep trying to improve.
6. Do you worry you may not be marked fairly on your speaking?
It may be argued that it is a fairer exam since it is not so left to the quick judgement of an interviewer in the speaking sections. I have received far more complaints about the scoring of IELTS than TOEFL, even from those who acknowledge that the TOEFL speaking test is more difficult to do.
7. Is price important to you?
The second advantage is that it is cheaper at $245 compared to $295 for IELTS.
8. Are you planning to study at a smaller university?
The range of scores accepted for program entry at Canadian Universities ranges much more than IELTS, which generally sits between 6.5 and 7 for the larger insittuions. For example, the Univerity of Calgary only demands a TOEFL score of 83 for most programs, University of Saskatchawen an 80, while U of T wants an 89. Thus, if you are planning to attend smaller Universities TOEFL might be a good option. For information on which schools accept it see either at the official site. or from the easier to browse degrees.com
Find a TOEFL Course
Look through the TOEFL course in the Tutor Courses Page. This provides an overview of what is involved, but of course all tutorial programs are highly tailor-made so feel free to express your specific requirements and issues to the tutor.
Find a TOEFL Tutor
We have tutors in Ottawa, Kanata, Goulbourn, Nepean, West Carleton, Gloucester, Vaner, Rockcliffe and Cumberland, Maple Gatineau , Alymer, Hull and Plateau. Make sure that you also look at the times available page, the student and tutor obligations page as well as the pricing and policy page.
TOEFL TIPS and Practice
There are many ways to self-study TOEFL at no cost. We provide our own tips as well as useful links to in our TOEFL Tips page. There you will find a wealth of resources and free exams from the more reputable sources. For free practice we provide pages on reading and listening and a page on both speaking and writing.