TOEFL
The
Test Of English as a Foreign Language (or
TOEFL, pronounced "toe-full", or sometimes just "toffle") tests the ability of an individual to use and understand
English (possibly biased towards
American English) at a college level. It is required for non-native applicants at many
American and English speaking colleges and universities. The TOEFL is the product of the
Educational Testing Service (ETS), contracted by the private, non-profit firm, the College Board; they also produce the
SAT.
The test is usually taken on a computer in a test center, although paper versions are available where it is not possible to take it this way. TOEFL is administered worldwide.
The test consists of three sections:
- Section I: Listening Comprehension
- Section II: Structure and Written Expression
- Section III: Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary
The test was first administered
1964 and has since been taken by nearly 20 million students. A revamped version of the test is due for release in
2005. This has been dubbed the
Next Generation TOEFL and will include diagnostic reports on a student's diagnostic strengths and weaknesses. Currently, the TOEFL does not include a test of speaking, although this will be introduced in 2005 when the
TOEFL Academic Speaking Test (TAST) is integrated into the main TOEFL. A stand-alone TAST is currently available only as a practice test, which is taken using a
telephone. The TAST assesses a student's ability to speak English clearly and fluently.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) tests are similar, but oriented towards British English, and for positions within educational institutions based on the British educational system.
See also
External links