What's NEW About the New TOEFL® Test

Why is the TOEFL test changing?

The new TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) was created to:

  • Measure your ability to communicate your ideas in an academic setting — The new test helps you confirm that you are ready to participate in academic coursework and campus life, and it helps institutions select students with the English communication skills needed to succeed.
  • Simulate real life — The new integrated tasks that combine more than one skill reflect how we use language every day. By preparing for TOEFL iBT, you also prepare for communicating in real university situations and life.
  • Focus on how well you use English to communicate, not just what you know about it In the past, language learning focused on learning about the language (especially grammar), and students would receive high scores on tests without necessarily having the ability to communicate. Now teachers and learners alike understand the importance of using English to communicate, and activities that focus on communication and integrating (combining) skills are very popular in many English language programs.

What are the main new features of the TOEFL iBT test?

  • It tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The emphasis is on using English to communicate.
  • It is approximately four hours long. All test sections can be taken in one day, so there is no need to travel to a test center twice.
  • It is delivered via the Internet in secure test centers around the world. In those areas where TOEFL iBT has not yet been introduced, the paper-based and computer-based versions of the TOEFL test will continue to be administered until TOEFL iBT is available in those areas.
  • Some questions require you to combine, or integrate, more than one skill. Being able to combine language skills by speaking or writing about material that you read and listen to is essential in an academic setting. TOEFL iBT helps you prove you can combine your skills to communicate your ideas effectively, which is the key to academic success. The new integrated tasks ask you to:

    • Read, listen, then speak in response to a question
    • Listen, then speak in response to a question
    • Read, listen, then write in response to a question
  • A Speaking section has been added. This section includes six tasks, and you wear headphones and speak into a microphone when you respond. The responses are recorded and sent to ETS's Online Scoring Network, where three to six certified ETS raters evaluate them. The raters are constantly monitored for accuracy and maximum score reliability.
  • The Writing section has been expanded. The new test requires you to write a response to material you have read and listened to, and to compose an essay in support of an opinion. The responses are evaluated by a minimum of four certified ETS raters via the Online Scoring Network.
  • There is no longer a Structure section, but grammar is tested in all four sections of the test.
  • Note taking is allowed. You can take notes on any section of the test and use them when answering questions. After testing, notes are collected and shredded before you leave the test center.
  • The new scores help to better explain your English-language skill level. ETS provides scoring information that includes four skill scores and a total score. You also receive performance feedback on your score report that states what you can do at your level and includes advice on how you can improve.

Download a comparison chart to see how the new TOEFL iBT compares to the computer-based and paper-based versions of the test.