TOEFL is an English proficiency test administered by ETS that measures reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It was developed in the 1960s to assess English abilities of non-native speakers applying to universities where English is the primary language of instruction. The test is now delivered online and takes 4-5 hours to complete. Scoring well on the TOEFL is required for admissions at most American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand universities. Test preparation involves practicing each section, taking mock tests, and becoming familiar with the online format. Registration is done on the ETS website and costs $165 per exam.

1. edwisefoundation.com
What is TOEFL?
BM Khadka
10-12 minutes
TOEFL, formerly known as “Teaching of English as a Foreign Language” is an “English
Language Proficiency Test” designed in the early 1960’s by The National Council of the Testing
of English as a Foreign Language basically for students whose first language is not English and
are intending to further their education in a foreign country where English is the medium of
teaching.
Since it’s inception in 1963, TOEFL test has evolved over the years. Beginning as a paper-based
test, TOEFL then changes to Computer based test and eventually reaching today’s stage of being
Internet based.
Who Administers TOEFL?
Though National Council on the Testing of English as a Foreign Language introduced it in 1962,
it has been taken care of by ETS (English Testing Services) and College Board since 1965.
Currently, TOEFL is administered by ETS.
Who needs TOEFL?
Any student who wants to study is an English speaking country and is not from any country
where English is the first language needs to sit for TOEFL.
Why do we need to do TOEFL?
TOEFL is a requirement for University admissions in USA and other English Speaking countries
to meet the language proficiency requirement. The requirements differ along with the University
and also the program you are applying for. Please make sure you check the admissions
requirement for International students in the University you intend to join.
Is TOEFL really important/do we really need TOEFL?
Yes, TOEFL is extremely important. In fact it is mandatory if you intend to apply to any US
university until and unless you have appeared in any other proficiency test like IELTS or met the
proficiency requirements through any other means.
Which countries require TOEFL?

2. North American countries, most of the European countries, Australia and New Zealand, accept
TOEFL.
What does TOEFL consist?
The areas tested in the test are listed as below:
 Reading
 Writing
 Speaking and
 Listening
A student is required to combine these four communication skills to perform a specific task
during the test. For example:
 Read, Listen and then speak as a response to a specific question.
 Listen and then answer the specific question through speaking.
 Read, Listen and then provide response to a specific question in the form of Writing.

The test is formatted in following manner:
Section Time Question Task
Reading
60-80
minutes
36-56
questions
Read 3 or 4 passages from academic texts and answer
questions
Listening
60-90
minutes
34-51
questions
Listen to lectures, classroom discussions and conversations,
and then answer questions.
Break 10 minutes – –
Speaking 20 minutes 6 tasks
Express an opinion on a familiar topic; speak based on
reading and listening tasks.
Writing 50 minutes 4 tasks
Write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks,
support an opinion in writing.
How long is the TOEFL test?
The duration of the test differs along with the number of question a student receives on Reading
and Listening sections.
How long are the TOEFL scores valid?
TOEFL scores are valid for two years.
Where can I study TOEFL?

3. TOEFL could be studied anywhere either by purchasing a book on your own or by joining a
reliable test preparation center. If you join a test preparation center then please make sure you are
taught in computers in desktops and not just through power point slides. Practicing and getting
used to using the desktop and the keyboard could be of additional help to you when it comes to
scoring that little extra.
How to register for TOEFL?
Registration could be done online by going to the official website www.ets.org/toefl
Test centers only have a limited seats so if one intends to sit for the test in a specific center then
it is highly recommended that they take the date as early as applicable.
Registration could be done online by using credit/debit cards, pay-pal accounts, or electronic
checks in us dollars.
If you do not have any of the above then you can go the banks that could do the payment for you
(they do charge a certain fees for payment); bank that I have known for doing such payments is
Nabil bank.
Registration is open 24 hours a day and the regular deadline is 7 days prior the test. There is also
extended deadline, for test takers who don’t meet the regular deadline, it is called extended
deadline and it closes 4 days before the test date. Any test taker registering after the regular
deadline is entitled to pay an additional $40 as late fees.
For registering, you will need to create a profile for your account at www.ets.orf/toefl with a
username and a password. Remember, your account is not transferable. Once you enter your
name and date of birth, it cannot be changed so you need to make sure you enter the exact
information that is in your ID that you are going to carry with you to the test center on the test
date (Passport in case of Nepali Students).
You can send your score for free to 4 different Universities if you list the name of the institutions
you want to send your scores to prior to 10.00 pm on the day before your test date.
What to expect in the TOEFL test center?
Make sure you reach your test center early on the test date. Your center will have a locker where
you can keep your belongings. You will not be allowed to take anything inside the test except for
the ID. Your ID must have the following:
 Your ID has to be original, photo copied documents are not accepted.
 Your ID cannot be expired, make sure you check the date properly.
 Your ID should mention your full name exactly the way it is in your registration form.
 The ID needs to have a photograph that matches your face in current time.
 Your ID will need to have your signature.

4. For more information on ID requirements, you can choose to check this link:
https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/register/id
You can also watch the following video to see what test centers are like
https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/flash/15571_toefl_prometric.html
How much is the cost of studying TOEFL?
Cost of studying differs according to the preparation center you choose. If you want to prepare
with Edwise you got to pay NRS 9,000.00. If you want to know in length about what we offer
under the test preparation then please feel free to write to any of our advisors or call us.
What is the cost of registering for TOEFL or any other cost incurred with the test?
The cost of taking iBT TOEFL is $165. The other costs associated with the test are:
 Late fees of $40.00 if you register after 7 days prior to the test.
 Rescheduling fees of US$60 if you need to change the date for one reason or another.
 Additional score report fees of US$20.00 if you intend to send your official scores to any
University.
 Reinstatement of canceled score would cost you US$20.00
Is TOEFL & IELTS the same?
Please refer to our article on TOEFL or IELTS to have a clear understanding of which is a
better-fit test for you. You can check the article here:
http://www.edwisefoundation.com/toefl-vs-ielts/
How is the TOEFL score calculated?
TOEFL scores are calculated on scaled section ranging from 0-30 and you will also receive a
total score out of 120, which is calculated by adding up your scaled section scores. You will
receive the official scores as long as you do the following:
 Answer at least one question each in Reading and Listening sections.
 Write at least one essay.
 Complete at least one speaking test.
Your scaled score is calculated as shown in the table below:
Skills Scoring Range Level
Reading 0-30 High (22-30)

5. Intermediate (15-21)
Low (0-14)
Listening 0-30
High (22-30)
Intermediate (14-22)
Low (0-13)
Speaking 0-30
Good (26-30)
Fair (18-25)
Limited (10-17)
Weak (0-9)
Writing 0-30
Good (24-30)
Fair (17-23)
Limited (1-16)
Score of zero (0)
Total Score 0-120
As you can see, all section scores ranges from 0-30 but the way these scores are evaluated is
different.
For further details on how your scores are evaluated you can check the links below:
https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/scores/understand
https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/toefl_writing_rubrics.pdf
https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/toefl_speaking_rubrics.pdf
https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/toefl_writing_rubrics.pdf
Why Study TOEFL @ EDWISE?
We at Edwise believe in scores and that is exactly why our preparations are result oriented. We
believe that an iBT test needs to be taught accordingly and this is the reason why we allocate
specific computers to individual students from the day 1. We make sure students get used to
using the desktop by the time they finish their preparation courses. Seasoned professionals who
have decade long experience of helping students in TOEFL test preparation teach our classes.

6. We try to provide the close environment during our mock test to ensure students do not panic
during the real test. The highlights of the TOEFL preparation classes and the reasons why we are
one of the” Best TOEFL preparation centers in Kathmandu” are as follows:
 6 weeks of test preparation, 5 day classes and test every Sunday.
 At least 4 mock tests from real past test questions.
 Feedback seasons after completion of the test.
 Official book provided as soon as one gets enrolled.
 ‘Experiences Classes’ for the 1st
two days before you pay for our services.
 Speaking test evaluated on one-on-one basis.
 Writing tests evaluated with feedback to ensure you rectify any errors you have made.
 Helping in test registration.
 Recommending Universities for free score reporting based on your mock test scores,
academic and financial profile and intended major.
 We are the “consultancy with the largest network of Universities in USA”.
 We are the only AIRC certified agency here in Nepal that works exclusively with US
universities and we have been doing this for the last 14 years now.
 We have a history of producing the best with numerous of our students scoring above 115
out of the 120 total score.
 We have the history of landing full scholarships for our students over the years and we
are proud of it as we have sent over 7,000 students to USA till date and out of which
about 10% have received at least full tuition.
The next step you make might change the way your future could shape, be a part of an
organization, which has the people with credentials to help you make the right step forward.