Toefl

Peculiarities of TOEFL iBT preparation Ana Gorea, PhD November 4, 2008 ETRC presentation

Evolution of TOEFL
Paper-based
Computer-based
Internet based

Contents of the paper and computer TOEFL
Listening
Grammar and structure
Reading
Writing (TWE)

TOEFL iBT test
It is unique because it integrates, or combines, four basic communication skills
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing

TOEFL iBT test
New integrated tasks, for example, reading a passage, listen to a lecture and writing or speaking about it in response.

Reading
Measures the ability to understand and analyze the meaning of academic reading material;
1 hour, 3 to 5 texts followed by 36 – 70 comprehension questions;
Readings from any domain of human activity (chemistry, biology, architecture, art, history, etc);
Maximum score – 30points.

Reading
The majority of questions are multiple choice, but the last ones, in which the text taker has to fill out a table or complete a narrative summary, chooses a correct paraphrase of a reading.

Listening
Measures the ability to understand English as it is used in colleges and universities;
1 hour; 34-51 multiple choice questions;
2-3 conversations that include two or more speakers, and 4-6 lectures from the academic environment;

Listening
It is allowed to take notes while listening;
Some questions measure the test taker’s ability to understand a speaker’s attitude or meaning.
Maximum score - 30points.

Speaking
Measures the ability to speak English in an academic context;
2 independent tasks; and 4 integrated tasks;
For the independent tasks 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to speak;
For the integrated tasks 20 seconds to prepare, 1 minute to speak;
Maximum score – 30 points;

Speaking
Measures the ability to speak English in an academic context;
2 independent tasks about familiar topics, test takers state, explain, and support their response using personal knowledge and experience;
2 tasks based on Reading and Listening material; tasks include a short reading passage and a short talk;

Speaking
Questions require test takers to combine information from both the reading and the listening material in the responses; one task is based on a campus-related situation, and the other is based on academic classroom material;
2 tasks based on Listening material, including a short lecture or conversation;

Speaking
Questions require test takers to summarize key ideas from the talks in the responses;
Test takers can take notes and use them in response

Writing
Measures the ability to write in a way that is appropriate for college and university;
1 integrated task, 1 independent task;
the integrated – 20 minutes to create a synthesis of 150- 225 words;
the independent task 30 minutes to write an essay of 300 words.
Maximum score – 30 points

What is assessed?
For the receptive skills (reading and listening) – comprehension; ability to pay attention to the key words and ideas, ability to summerize;

What is assessed in speaking and writing?
Topic development (shows that the test taker understands and can make connections, and convey relevant information)
Delivery (fluency in speech, the test taker uses clear, smooth, intelligible speech; cohesion and coherence in written form)
Language use (accuracy, the test taker demonstrates control of grammar and word choice)

Toefl

by Irina K on Sep 23, 2011

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Toefl — Presentation Transcript