# Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities. The test is accepted by many English-speaking academic and professional institutions. TOEFL is one of the two major English-language tests in the world, the other being the [IELTS](/tags/ielts).


# TOEFL

**TOEFL** (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the two major English proficiency tests worldwide, alongside [IELTS](/tags/ielts). It's mainly used for university admissions in North America, but also accepted by institutions across Europe, Asia, and Australia. The most common version, **TOEFL iBT**, is taken on a computer and tests four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing — all scored 0–30 for a total of 0–120.

TOEFL is heavier on academic English than IELTS — university lectures, journal-style passages, structured essays. If your target is a US university or a STEM programme, TOEFL is often the expected choice.


# TOEFL

If a university — especially in the US — has asked for an English test score, TOEFL is probably what they had in mind. Like [IELTS](/tags/ielts), the score isn't really about your conversational English; it's about handling academic English under time pressure. Knowing the format and pacing matters more than raw fluency: most candidates lose points to test mechanics, not language gaps.

**TOEFL** (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a major English proficiency test, mainly used for North American university admissions. The **iBT** version is computer-based, scored 0–120, with four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) of 0–30 each. Heavier on academic English than [IELTS](/tags/ielts).


# TOEFL

- **Reading** (0–30) — academic passages, inference & vocabulary questions
- **Listening** (0–30) — lectures + conversations
- **Speaking** (0–30) — integrated + independent tasks
- **Writing** (0–30) — integrated essay + academic discussion
- **Total: 0–120** | ~2 hours | computer-based (iBT)

**TOEFL iBT** tests academic English for North American university admissions. Four equal sections; total 0–120. Integrated tasks (read → listen → respond) are the signature format.

Key difference from [IELTS](/tags/ielts): TOEFL is 100% computer-based, American-English-weighted, and relies heavily on note-taking during lectures. Practice test mechanics, not just language.


# TOEFL

**[TOEFL](/tags/toefl) vs [IELTS](/tags/ielts):** TOEFL is computer-only, American-English focused, 0–120, dominant in the US/Canada. IELTS offers paper + computer, uses British & international English, scored 1–9, dominant in UK/Australia/NZ. TOEFL's integrated tasks (read + listen + respond) are unique — IELTS keeps skills more separate. Most universities accept both.

**TOEFL** = Test of English as a Foreign Language. iBT format: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing (0–30 each). Mainly for US/Canadian university admissions.

Diagnostic: applying to US/Canadian schools? → TOEFL likely preferred. UK/Australia? → [IELTS](/tags/ielts). Always check the specific institution's requirements.


Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

See also