The Significance of the TOEFL Test The primary aim of TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is to assess the English proficiency of non-native English speaking candidates. It is used in the recruitment processes of government agencies, scholarship programs and other commercial companies as well. TOEFL may be taken as a PBT (paper based test) or an IBT (internet based test).The IBT covers almost the same types of questions as the traditional PBT. The TOFEL scores are valid only for only a period of two years and an updated score is required after the aforementioned time frame has elapsed. Candidates are tested on the basis of four sections namely, listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each of these sections, account for 25% of the overall score. • Reading: This section requires candidates to read 3-5 passages of roughly 700 words each and answer 12-14 questions linked to the same passages. • Listening: In this section, candidates have to carefully listen to 6 audio recordings (3-4 minutes in length) and answer related questions. • Speaking: This section tests a candidate’s clarity and coherence of spoken English. • Writing: This section of the TOEFL test evaluates a candidate’s ability to write well. Candidates are required to write summaries as well as articles. Both the reading and writing sections last for 20 minutes each. A good score is of utmost importance and therefore even regular employees take this test in order to impress employers. This test help aspiring candidate prove that they possess the necessary English proficiency requisite for an actual classroom scenario because it measures how well they can integrated all four English skills. (Reading, writing, listening). Since this test is compromised of only academic questions and tasks, many leading universities consider it quite appropriate and useful when making admission decisions. The TOEFL helps candidates bypass the prejudice and biases of interviewers due to its objective nature. This is because TOEFL test scores are reliable and objective in essence as even the responses in the speaking test are recorded and evaluated by 3-6 ETS raters. Accepted by over 8500 institutions and agencies in over 140 countries the TOEFL score is the most widely accepted English test. Embassies in English speaking countries also use TOEFL scores as reference material because government bodies
and institutions do not take the importance of free flow communication lightly. It is highly advised that non-native English speaking candidates estimate the importance of TOEFL tests and prepare adequately. They should also make it a point to take the TOEFL test as early as possible if the desire admissions abroad.