Colleges across English-speaking countries require students to take the TOEFL Test, making it essential to understand the TOEFL Exam Syllabus. Preparing according to the syllabus is crucial, as the test evaluates English proficiency and the ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional contexts.
It can open new doors to distinguished universities around the globe for students who have completed their 10+2 if they keep themselves acquainted with the TOEFL syllabus and patterns. Through this blog, let’s explore the exam structure, section-wise syllabus, and scoring patterns to help you excel in this globally recognized test.
TOEFL Exam Structure
The TOEFL tests assess your proficiency in English reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
The test is of two types:
- TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test): This is the most widely taken form. It is a computerised test administered at a centre assigned to you.
- TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test): This is another form that is only available in areas where internet testing cannot be conducted. It is, however, not very common.
Both tests have a duration of approximately 3 hours.
There are a total of 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Each part would test, essentially, one aspect of your language proficiency so that you can perform within an academic environment.
Let's now examine the TOEFL syllabus and exam pattern in depth for a better understanding of the preparation course to be followed.
| Section |
Format |
Number of Questions |
Time Limit |
Key Skills |
| Reading |
Read passages and respond to questions |
20 |
35 minutes |
Identifying main ideas, understanding details, inferring, context vocabulary understanding |
| Listening |
Answer questions about classroom discussions or brief lectures |
28 |
36 minutes |
Recognizing main ideas, understanding speaker attitudes, identifying connections between ideas |
| Speaking |
Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard |
4 tasks |
16 minutes |
Delivering well-structured responses and integrating information from reading and listening tasks |
| Writing |
Read a passage, listen to a recording, and enter your response. State and support a notion in an online classroom discussion |
2 tasks |
29 minutes |
Synthesising information, developing arguments, maintaining coherence and clarity |
TOEFL Scoring System
The TOEFL iBT scoring system is based on a scale of 0-120.
Score 30 is the minimum score for each section. Each skill has four to five proficiency levels; your score in a specific range will determine your proficiency for that skill.
| Skill |
Level |
| Reading |
- Advanced(24–30)
- High-Intermediate(18–23)
- Low-Intermediate(4–17)
- Below Low-Intermediate(0–3)
|
| Listening |
- Advanced(22–30)
- High-Intermediate(17–21)
- Low-Intermediate(9–16)
- Below Low-Intermediate(0–8)
|
| Speaking |
- Advanced(25–30)
- High-Intermediate(20–24)
- Low-Intermediate(16–19)
- Basic(10–15)
- Below Basic(0–9)
|
| Writing |
- Advanced(24–30)
- High-Intermediate(17–23)
- Low-Intermediate(13–16)
- Basic(7–12)
- Below Basic(0–6)
|
The final score will be the total score you achieved in all the above sections.
Comparison of TOEFL iBT vs TOEFL PBT Syllabus
| Feature |
TOEFL iBT |
TOEFL PBT |
| Mode of Test |
Internet-based |
Paper-based |
| Speaking Section |
Included |
Not included |
| Writing Section |
2 tasks |
1 task |
| Listening Section |
Longer |
Shorter |
By understanding these differences, the test taker can rightly choose a particular format that suits his or her preference better.
Tips to Prepare for the TOEFL Syllabus
Since you already know the TOEFL exam syllabus, let our expert give you some advice on how to pass the exam.
1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: To begin with, it will be worthwhile to study the TOEFL section-wise syllabus that is given below. Fortunately, you can download the TOEFL Syllabus PDF and use it to always practice the main points.
2. Develop a Good Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is especially critical for excelling in the reading and speaking sections. Review more words using flashcards, TOEFL word master or other vocabulary applications so that it forms a kind of memory stick.
3. Listen To Your Own Performance: Use English only, watch TED Talk, listen to academic lectures.
4. Improve Your Writing Skills: Practice essay structure, transition words, and formal tone. Use sample prompts to be accustomed to the kind of writing that is specific to TOEFL.
5. Test Simulations: Practice timed tests for the test format and time restrictiveness of the test. This can help in finding the areas of strength and weakness.
6. Seek Expert Guidance: Platforms like NxtWave Abroad offer tailored programs for TOEFL preparation. Their features include self-paced learning, certified trainers, and mock tests to help students prepare easily and at their own convenience.
Conclusion
Getting the TOEFL Syllabus under your belt would be the first step toward realising your academic dreams. Through understanding the structure, focusing on each section, and practicing strategically, will instill the confidence to pass it with flying colours.
So whether you're planning to apply for schools in the US or Canada, or even anywhere in Europe, with a good TOEFL Score, you can expect to really stand out as a candidate ready to thrive in any English-speaking academic environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are the TOEFL Exams About?
The TOEFL syllabus requires proficient reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Each section assesses one based on the ability to learn and apply English in an academic setting.
2. What Are the Differences Between TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT?
TOEFL iBT is an internet-based test that covers all four skills, including speaking. This is in contrast to the TOEFL PBT, which is conducted on paper and does not include speaking skills. The former test is preferred in most countries and is also quite frequently available.
3. For How Long Do I Need to Study for TOEFL?
It varies from one individual to another. However, experts suggest that a complete and dedicated approach should take 6-8 weeks. Spend ample time understanding the syllabus, working on sample questions, and attempting timed mock tests to discover the areas that still need improvement.
4. Is the TOEFL Exam Hard for Non-Native Speakers?
It depends on how well the person knows English in academic contexts. If non-native speakers practice day in and out mainly for reading, listening, and speaking, they can easily clear it. Putting extra effort into vocabulary and grammar can yield huge differences.
5. How Can I Do Well in the Speaking Stage of the TOEFL Exam?
Practice! Record yourself answering sample prompts. Listen to English podcasts and TED talks. Speak English every chance you get. Pay special attention to speaking tools and techniques such as clarity, structure, and integration of information from reading and listening material into answer responses.
