TOEFL Prep · Lesson 1

What is TOEFL iBT?

12 min · Target: All levels

TOEFL iBT — the Internet-Based Test of English as a Foreign Language — is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and accepted by over 11,000 universities and institutions in 150 countries. With more than 35 million tests taken since its inception, it is the world's premier English proficiency test for academic purposes, particularly dominant among institutions in the United States, Canada and Australia.

★ TOEFL iBT introduced MyBest Scores in 2019. ETS automatically reports your highest section score from each of your valid test sittings (within the past 2 years). This means taking the test multiple times can only help you — your best Reading, best Listening, best Speaking and best Writing scores are combined, even if they came from different test dates.

The Four Sections and Their Order

Reading (35 minutes) — 2 academic passages, approximately 700 words each, 10 questions per passage. Topics drawn from university-level subjects: biology, history, economics, astronomy, linguistics, art history.
Listening (36 minutes) — 3-4 academic lectures (3-5 minutes each) plus 2-3 campus conversations (2-3 minutes each). Approximately 36 questions total. Note-taking permitted and encouraged.
10-Minute Break — A scheduled optional break between Listening and Speaking. Strongly recommended — use it to reset mentally before the speaking tasks begin.
Speaking (17 minutes) — 4 tasks: Task 1 Independent (express your opinion on a familiar topic) plus Tasks 2, 3 and 4 Integrated (read and/or listen, then speak). All responses are recorded by computer — no human examiner.
Writing (29 minutes) — Task 1 Integrated Essay (20 minutes): read a passage, listen to a lecture, write an essay connecting both. Task 2 Academic Discussion (10 minutes): contribute to an online academic discussion with a minimum of 100 words.

Computer-Based Delivery and Home Edition

TOEFL iBT is delivered exclusively by computer — there is no paper-based option. Tests are taken at ETS-approved test centres worldwide or via the TOEFL iBT Home Edition. The Home Edition is identical to the test centre version in content, difficulty, scoring and validity. It is proctored remotely by a human proctor via webcam and requires a stable internet connection, a functioning webcam, a quiet private room with no other people present, and a clean desk with no additional materials.

Is the Home Edition Right for You?

The Home Edition is a fully legitimate option accepted by all institutions that accept TOEFL. If test centres in your area are limited, have long wait times, or require significant travel, the Home Edition removes these barriers. However, it requires a reliable internet connection throughout (approximately 3.5 hours including check-in), and any technical failure is your responsibility to resolve. Test centres provide stable infrastructure. Choose based on your specific circumstances.

Score Validity and MyBest Scores

TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. After two years, ETS no longer reports those scores and they cannot be used for applications. The MyBest Scores feature compiles your highest score for each section across all valid test sittings. If you scored 27 in Reading in March and 25 in May, your MyBest Reading score will be 27. Most institutions accept MyBest Scores — but always verify with your specific institution before assuming they do.

Who Administers TOEFL and Who Accepts It

Institution Type	Typical Score Requirement	Notes
US universities (undergraduate)	80+	Most require 80-90. Top universities require 100+.
US universities (graduate)	90-100+	Varies significantly by programme and department.
Canadian universities	86+	Requirements vary; French-speaking universities may prefer different tests.
UK universities	88-100+	Most accept TOEFL; verify with specific institution.
Australian universities	79-94	Varies by institution and programme.
Professional licensing bodies	Varies	Nursing, medicine and engineering bodies have specific requirements.

How TOEFL Is Scored — Human and Machine

TOEFL Reading and Listening are scored automatically — your answers are either correct or incorrect, and raw scores are converted to scaled scores of 0-30. Speaking responses are scored exclusively by trained human raters — there is no automated scoring for Speaking. Writing responses are scored by both human raters and ETS's e-rater automated scoring software, and the two scores are combined. Understanding this scoring mechanism affects your preparation strategy: for Writing, consistent grammar and accurate spelling are essential because e-rater applies algorithmic rules without contextual understanding.

★ Your TOEFL score report shows four section scores (0-30 each) and a total score (0-120). ETS sends your score report to you and to institutions you designate — you can send to 4 institutions for free on test day, and additional score reports cost a fee.

Registration and Test Day Essentials

Register for TOEFL at ets.org/toefl. You will need to create an ETS account, choose a test date and location (or select Home Edition), and pay the test fee. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the test centre — the name must exactly match your registration. Scratch paper and pencils are provided at the test centre (you cannot bring your own). Note-taking is permitted throughout the test and is strongly encouraged for the Listening section.

Setting Your TOEFL Target Score

Research your target institution's TOEFL requirements before you register — and look at both the overall requirement and any per-section minimums. Some programmes require an overall score of 100 but also require a minimum of 22 in Speaking or 24 in Writing. A 102 overall with an 18 in Speaking would not meet such requirements. Know your targets for all four sections, not just the total.