TOEFL 2023 – Exams, Syllabus, Pattern, Scores, Cut Off & Scholarships

TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2023

TOEFL Syllabus: The TOEFL iBT syllabus for students includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Here is the TOEFL exam format covering the TOEFL writing syllabus, TOEFL reading syllabus, TOEFL listening syllabus, and TOEFL speaking syllabus:

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Reading 

Description: In this section, you will read 3-4 passages and answer 10 questions on each passage. The section is scored based on the number of correct reading comprehension responses.
Question type:

3–4 passages, 10 questions each
Total no. of questions: About 30-40
Total time: 54-72 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Listening

Description: In the Listening test section, you will hear lectures and conversations, based on campus language. This section aims to understand the test taker’s ability to understand conversations and lectures in English. It includes listening to basic comprehension and understanding, connecting, and synthesizing information.
Question type:
a) 3–4 lectures (3-5 minutes long, about 500-800 words), 6 questions each
b) 2–3 conversations (about 3 minutes long, about 12-25 exchanges), 5 questions each
Total time: 41–57 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Speaking

Description: For you to earn the highest scores in the Speaking Section, your responses must fulfil the demands of the task given with only minor mistakes or lapses. The test graders are looking for a highly intelligible and sustained conversation. Three main factors comprise scoring for the section, viz, delivery, language use, and topic development.
Question type:
a) 1 independent task (prep time: 15 sec; response time: 45 sec)
b) 3 integrated tasks – Read/Listen/Speak
Total no. of questions: 4
Total time: 17 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Writing

Description: The two essays should effectively address a topic each. The response should be well-organized and well-developed using relevant explanations and detailed support. Furthermore, it should also display unity, progression, and coherence. If you want to achieve a high writing score, make sure that you demonstrate syntactic variety and appropriate word choice with minor grammatical errors.
Question type:
a) 1 integrated task – Read/Listen/Write (20 minutes) (reading time: 3 min; Listening time: 2 min; writing: 15 min)
b) 1 independent task (30 minutes)
Total no. of questions: 2
Total time: 50 minutes

TOEFL Scores 2023

TOEFL Results: Once you are done with your TOEFL exam, you need not wait much for the TOEFL results. Test takers can view their unofficial Reading and Listening scores at the end of the test. When your official TOEFL scores are declared online, you will receive an email intimation about it. Log in to your TOEFL iBT account and click on the scores option.

The TOEFL total score will be made available to you approximately six days from the test date and test-takers who opt for the TOEFL Home Edition would receive their results 6-10 days from the day of the test. If the candidate has requested a paper copy of their score report before they took the test, it will be mailed within 11 days after the test date. Delivery times will be subject to local postal services.

TOEFL Exam Pattern 2023

Exam pattern of TOEFL: The TOEFL pattern has been divided into four sections, namely, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing – along with the total score. It goes without saying that the more you practice TOEFL sample papers, the better your scores will be. Each section has a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Scores will be posted online six days after the test date. ETS will send up to four official score reports directly to the institutions the student selects.

How are TOEFL Scores calculated?

For calculating TOEFL scores, both human raters and automated scoring methods are used. This is done to offer a complete and accurate picture of the candidate’s ability. While the automated scoring method has the advantage of being unbiased, it does not measure the effectiveness of the language and content. Human raters are required to attend to a wider variety of features, such as the quality of ideas and content as well as form. Also, you are expected to answer at least one question in all sections. For reading and listening, you should answer at least one question. For writing and speaking, you must attempt one task each. For the online TOEFL iBT test, the result is four-scaled along with a total score.

What is a Good TOEFL Score?

TOEFL Scores: There are no good or bad scores when appearing for the TOEFL test. Candidates would be required to meet the TOEFL score decided by the universities. anything above would increase their chances of getting admission into the university and any score below the range could serve as a roadblock in the admission process.

However, to make your test experience more personal and for you to understand your score better ETS has provided 4 to 5 proficiency levels for each skill. So where your score falls within that range tells you your proficiency for that skill. This will give you a fair idea about your performance, your strengths, sections that need improvement, and so on. Test takers can look at the table below to understand their TOEFL iBT Scores better.

*Source – ETS

How to access TOEFL Scores?

Viewing your TOEFL scores has never been easier. Around six days after your test date, you will receive an e-mail informing you that your score result is available. All you have to do is log in to your TOEFL account on the website and click ‘view scores’ to see your scores. As mentioned earlier, the official TOEFL iBT score will be made available to you approximately six days from the test date and test-takers who opt for the Special Home Edition of the TOEFL test would receive their results in 6-10 days from the test date.

When will TOEFL Official Score Reports be available?

TOEFL results time: If the candidate has requested a paper copy of their score report before appearing for the test, it would be mailed within 11 days after the test date. Delivery times will be subject to local postal services. Your TOEFL scores will be valid for two years. Candidates can always download and print a PDF copy of their score from their ETS account. PDF score reports are ready for download within eight days after taking the test.

What is TOEFL score validity?

Your TOEFL score validity is for two years after the declaration of your result. If you are not satisfied with the scores on your first attempt, you can try again as there is no limitation on the number of retakes. However, there must be at least a three-day gap between your retakes; i.e if you have a test appointment for today, you cannot register for another appointment for the next three days.

What are TOEFL MyBest™ scores?

TOEFL MyBest scores also referred to as TOEFL superscores are a way to showcase your best overall performance by combining your highest section scores from all test dates within the last two years. This can help you to achieve your goals sooner since it means you may be able to meet score requirements for your institution with fewer tests.

TOEFL Cut Off

There are no minimum passing marks required for the TOEFL exam as each university or educational institution decides its score range or minimum score required. There is no such thing as a TOEFL exam cut off as each university will set its score range according to its requirements. Score requirements at universities do not change often, and score requirements can vary widely depending on the university and the specific program of study. Thus, you need to keep a check on the changes brought in by the universities by keeping a check on their website for any such updates.

How to Send TOEFL Scores to Colleges and TOEFL Additional Score Reporting?

At the time of registration, the candidate gets the option of sending four free score reports to colleges/universities/programs. Official score reports will be sent to the selected recipients approximately 11 days after your test date. However, a lot of times test-takers would want to send to more than four recipients and they can do so for a fee.

• Order Online: Test takers can send Additional Score Reports, online, by paying additional charges. Students can avail of a discount on sending five Additional Score Reports by ordering the TOEFL Value Pack premium. ETS offers more value packs that students can order and avail of huge discounts on sending their scores to colleges/universities. Usually, the amount per report is 20$ (USD), which you can pay through debit, credit, e-check, or Paypal. After your request is received by the organization, your scores will be sent within 3-5 business days.
• Order by Fax: You need to fill out the ‘TOEFL iBT Additional Score Report Request Form’ that you can get from the ETS website. Fax the form along with your registration details and payment information (debit or credit card) to 1-610-290-8972. If the fax fails or if you have to re-send the same form due to some issues, make sure to write ‘DUPLICATE’ in capital letters on the form itself to avoid double charges on your debit or credit card.
•  Order by Mail: For mail orders, you need to fill out the same form: ‘TOEFL iBT Additional Score Report Request Form.’ Mail the form along with your payment information (debit or credit card) to the following address:

ETS-TOEFL iBT

P.O Box 6153

Princeton, NJ 08541-6153 USA

Universities Accepting TOEFL Score 2023

TOEFL scores are accepted in universities spread across 150 countries including the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Germany, and widely accepted in Canada. Candidates should note that TOEFL is not a requisite for your country’s student visa but is a requirement in your university admission process.

TOEFL Study Material

TOEFL preparation material: There are two ways all exam-takers prepare for TOEFL i.e. self-study and attending coaching classes. Both these methods of studying have unique benefits and no one way is better than the other. If money is the prime consideration, then self-studies through TOEFL books and resources may be the better option. Similarly, if you need professional guidance to ensure you have an advantage in TOEFL exam preparation, then enrolling in a TOEFL coaching centre is the better option.

TOEFL Test monitors the candidates’ ability to understand the English language at the university level. The four sections on which the candidate’s ability is judged are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While preparing for the test, first of all, candidates should understand the format of the TOEFL test and the TOEFL scores for the test. ETS, the conducting body of the TOEFL exam also provides free and paid study material, which is easily available on the official website.

Best TOEFL Books

TOEFL Books: To figure out which books and guides are best suited to your needs, you first need to understand which category you fall in – beginner, expert, only focusing on vocabulary or grammar. Then you will have to pick out books best suited to your needs. Check out the most popular books and guides to prepare for the TOEFL examination.

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Practice Test: Since it is an English language test, TOEFL requires its candidates to have a good command of the English language. Like the other standardized tests required to study abroad, TOEFL is divided into sections. Every section has its importance and hence needs to be prepared accordingly. With four sections in total, the exam requires dedicated time to cover and excel in each section. Once you are done with your preparation, you may test your abilities through TOEFL 2023 Sample Papers to see how far you have reached in your preparation. It is essential to understand how to practice for TOEFL: Practice Tests and Samples.

Solve TOEFL Mock Test Papers

Provided below are a mix of TOEFL Mock test papers and TOEFL Sample papers for the benefit of TOEFL test takers. They have been sourced from the official website and candidates can visit the official ETS TOEFL website for more similar content.

TOEFL Exam Day Tips

We have got some of the best TOEFL exam day tips for you to perform your best on your TOEFL exam day. As the day arrives, the only item you must bring on the test day to your test centre is a valid and acceptable ID which is a valid passport for Indians taking the test, there are no exceptions to this policy. Kindly note that your passport has to be

• An original document (photocopies not allowed)
• Valid (expired documents are not allowed)
• Have your full name mentioned in it as mentioned during registration
• Have your photo in it (a recent photo matching the test takers)
• Have your signature

TOEFL Scholarships

TOEFL exam scholarship: One of the biggest drawbacks of studying abroad is having to pay tuition fees in foreign currency clubbed with high living expenses. Due to such reasons, a lot of times, many sections of students are unavailable to go abroad and end up settling down for other alternatives. However, with the availability of various scholarships and education loans, students can finally make their dreams come true.

Scholarships are available on the official website of every college, along with other fellowships and grants that are awarded to deserving students regularly. Students can also opt for education loans from financial institutions for studying abroad. Kindly Note: There are currently no scholarships offered by ETS and the TOEFL programme. Check out more on FAQs – TOEFL Exam 2023.

Types of TOEFL English assessment tests

To cater to the rising demand for English proficiency tests, ETS – the conducting body of the TOEFL exam has launched multiple versions of the TOEFL exam to cater to the ever-growing student base. The multiple TOEFLS English assessment tests target a certain group of students who are looking to have their English language skills evaluated, fairly.

TOEFL Essentials Test

What is the TOEFL Essentials Test: ETS (Educational Testing Service) – the conducting body of the TOEFL iBT test has launched the TOEFL Essentials test for test-takers from August 21, 2021. Due to the ongoing pandemic and a lack of better tests English test providers, ETS has launched the TOEFL Essentials test which is a higher-quality testing option in the face of the pandemic. Candidates looking to appear for the TOEFL Essentials test can know more about this format of the TOEFL exam, on our website.

What is TOEFL ITP Test?

The TOEFL ITP Assessment Test Series is a leading English proficiency testing programme for ages 16+ that allows you to measure and evaluate your students’ English-language skills with confidence.

What is the TOEFL Junior Test?

Intended for ages 11+, the TOEFL Junior tests are an objective, reliable measure of your student’s English communication skills. The tests pinpoint students’ strengths and challenges, which informs placement and helps you monitor progress.

What is the TOEFL Primary Test? 

Designed for students ages 8+, the TOEFL Primary tests allow you to measure your students’ English communication skills to guide your teaching goals, monitor student progress and more.