Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Resources for Free TOEFL Information and Preparation

The internet-based TOEFL (ibT)

The internet-based TOEFL has been introduced in September 2005 and it has progressively replaced the computer-based (cbT) and paper-based (pbT) TOEFL. After a difficult introduction phase with to view test dates in many countries, the ibT can be usually done within one to four weeks after application.

The ibT is a test of four hours and it is composed of following sections that all focus on other basic language skills:

1. Reading

The reading type consists of 3-5 passages of about 700 words and 12-14 questions earch. All in all, there are about 50 questions in the reading section that have to be answered in 60-100 minutes.

2. Listening

The reading type consists of 4-6 lectures each of about 500-800 words and 6 questions with a total of about 30 questions and 2-3 conversations each of about 3 minutes long (12-25 changes of speaking person) with about 5 questions each with a total of 12 questions alltogether. So the listening part constits of at least 40 questions that have to be answered within 60-90 minutes.

3. Speaking

The reading type consists of three different parts: within the first you would have to prepare about 15 seconds to answer for about 45 secondss. Secondly, you will be presented two integrated assignments that combine reading, listening and speaking: you can prepare for 30 seconds and speak for 60 seconds. Thirdly, you will be presented another two integrated assignments that combine listening and speaking with a preparation time of 20 seconds and answer times of 60 seconds. So all in all, in the speaking section you will be presented 6 questions which have to be answered ini 20 minutes.

4. Writing

The writing section consists of twodifferent parts: first, you will be presented one integrated assignment combining reading, listening and writing, taking 20 minutes of time. You can read the assignment in 3 minites, listen two minutes and write about 15 minutes. Secondly, you will have a separate assignment with a total time of 20 minutes, resulting in a total of 50 minutes for two assignments in this section of the TOEFL. .