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Test Preparation Services (TPS)
This page gives important information about the TOEFL including types of TOEFL, its structure, advantages and disadvantages of the test, test locations throughout Canada, links to free practice and tips, and how to get a tutor
Phone 613 447 1622 or email [email protected]
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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. Currently, ETS is offering a way to do the TOEFL test at hone and details can be found here. 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 ETS (Educational Testing Service) and administered through authorized centers worldwide. It is primarily used for admission to colleges and universities around the world, although IELTS has become a strong competitor in many countries.
TOEFL remains the standard test for entry into many U.S. universities and colleges, and it is also widely accepted by most Canadian institutions. While a paper-based version exists, it is primarily offered for special needs cases. The most common format is the iBT (internet-based test), which is conducted frequently worldwide. For more detailed information about the TOEFL test, visit its official site.
All the information provided here refers to the TOEFL iBT, as it is the version taken by the vast majority of test-takers. However, if you are interested in the paper-based test, please refer to theETS website under PBT
If you prefer a paper-based format, you may want to wait until October 17, 2017, when ETS launches the TOEFL®Paper-delivered Test.. This version is essentially the iBT adapted to a paper format, allowing you to prepare for the iBT while taking the test on paper.
TOEFL remains the standard test for entry into many U.S. universities and colleges, and it is also widely accepted by most Canadian institutions. While a paper-based version exists, it is primarily offered for special needs cases. The most common format is the iBT (internet-based test), which is conducted frequently worldwide. For more detailed information about the TOEFL test, visit its official site.
All the information provided here refers to the TOEFL iBT, as it is the version taken by the vast majority of test-takers. However, if you are interested in the paper-based test, please refer to theETS website under PBT
If you prefer a paper-based format, you may want to wait until October 17, 2017, when ETS launches the TOEFL®Paper-delivered Test.. This version is essentially the iBT adapted to a paper format, allowing you to prepare for the iBT while taking the test on paper.
What are the TOEFL Parts & Timing?
.Here’s a clear and concise overview of the structure of the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test), including its sections, question types, and timing:
Structure of the TOEFL iBT Test
The TOEFL iBT is divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The entire test takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Below is a breakdown of each section, including question types and timing:
1. Reading Section
2. Listening Section
3. Speaking Section
4. Writing Section
Summary of TOEFL iBT
Reading 54–72 minutes 30–40 questions
Listening 41–57 minutes 28–39 questions
Speaking 17 minutes 4 tasks
Writing 50 minutes 2 tasks
Total~3 hours
Additional Notes:
Structure of the TOEFL iBT Test
The TOEFL iBT is divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The entire test takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Below is a breakdown of each section, including question types and timing:
1. Reading Section
- Time: 54–72 minutes
- Questions: 30–40 questions
- Description: This section includes 3–4 academic passages, each about 700 words long. The passages are similar to those found in university-level textbooks.
- Question Types: Summary or table completion questions
- Paraphrasing questions
- Insert a sentence questions
- Multiple-choice questions (with 4 options)
2. Listening Section
- Time: 41–57 minutes
- Questions: 28–39 questions
- Question Types:
- Questions requiring you to complete a table or summarize information
- Questions about the main idea, details, purpose, and attitude of the speaker
- Multiple-choice questions (with 4 options)
- This section includes audio recordings of lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations. The recordings reflect real-life academic settings.
3. Speaking Section
- Time: 17 minutes
- Tasks: 4 tasks
- Description:
This section assesses your ability to speak English effectively in academic settings.- Task Types:
- Independent Task (1 task): Express your opinion on a familiar topic.
- Integrated Tasks (3 tasks):
- Read a passage, listen to a recording, and then speak in response.
- Listen to a recording and then speak in response.
- Task Types:
4. Writing Section
- Time: 50 minutes
- Tasks: 2 tasks
- Description:
This section evaluates your ability to write in English in an academic context.- Task Types:
- Integrated Task (20 minutes):
- Read a passage, listen to a recording, and then write a response.
- Independent Task (30 minutes):
- Write an essay expressing your opinion on a given topic.
- Integrated Task (20 minutes):
- Task Types:
Summary of TOEFL iBT
Reading 54–72 minutes 30–40 questions
Listening 41–57 minutes 28–39 questions
Speaking 17 minutes 4 tasks
Writing 50 minutes 2 tasks
Total~3 hours
Additional Notes:
- The test is taken on a computer at an authorized testing center.
- There is a 10-minute break between the Listening and Speaking sections.
- The Reading and Listening sections may include extra, unscored questions used for test development. These do not count toward your final score.
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.