Published: December 4, 2024 | Reading Time: 4 minutes
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 guide, explore the exam structure, section-wise syllabus, and scoring patterns to help you excel in this globally recognized test.
The TOEFL tests assess your proficiency in English reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
The test is available in two formats:
TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test):
TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test):
Detailed breakdown of each TOEFL section with format, question count, time limits, and key skills assessed:
| Section | Format | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Key Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Synthesizing information, developing arguments, maintaining coherence and clarity |
Format: Read passages and respond to questions
Skills Assessed:
Format: Answer questions about classroom discussions or brief lectures
Skills Assessed:
Format: Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard
Skills Assessed:
Format: Read a passage, listen to a recording, and enter your response. State and support a notion in an online classroom discussion
Skills Assessed:
The TOEFL iBT scoring system is based on a scale of 0-120.
| Level | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Advanced | 24-30 |
| High-Intermediate | 18-23 |
| Low-Intermediate | 4-17 |
| Below Low-Intermediate | 0-3 |
| Level | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Advanced | 22-30 |
| High-Intermediate | 17-21 |
| Low-Intermediate | 9-16 |
| Below Low-Intermediate | 0-8 |
| Level | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Advanced | 25-30 |
| High-Intermediate | 20-24 |
| Low-Intermediate | 16-19 |
| Basic | 10-15 |
| Below Basic | 0-9 |
| Level | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Advanced | 24-30 |
| High-Intermediate | 17-23 |
| Low-Intermediate | 13-16 |
| Basic | 7-12 |
| Below Basic | 0-6 |
Key differences between the two TOEFL test formats:
| 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 |
Understanding these differences helps test takers choose the format that suits their preferences better.
Expert advice on how to prepare effectively for the TOEFL exam:
Begin by studying the TOEFL section-wise syllabus. You can download the TOEFL Syllabus PDF and use it to always practice the main points.
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.
Use English only, watch TED Talk, listen to academic lectures.
Practice essay structure, transition words, and formal tone. Use sample prompts to be accustomed to the kind of writing that is specific to TOEFL.
Practice timed tests for the test format and time restrictiveness of the test. This can help in finding the areas of strength and weakness.
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.
Getting the TOEFL Syllabus under your belt would be the first step toward realizing your academic dreams. Through understanding the structure, focusing on each section, and practicing strategically, you will instill the confidence to pass it with flying colors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NxtWave Abroad provides comprehensive support for students planning to study abroad, including TOEFL preparation programs with:
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Source: NxtWave - CCBP Blog