TOEFL Structure
The TOEFL test has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The exam is structured and designed to test your proficiency in English used in an academic setting.
The total duration of the test is 3 hours. In 2019, the test duration was reduced by 30 minutes from 3.5 hours.
Each section is designed to test one aspect of your proficiency in English.
Here’s a snapshot of the four sections:
Reading:
You will get around 3-4 passages that are about 700 words long. The passages will test your ability to contrast and compare arguments or points made in the text. Each passage will have 10 questions. Time: 54-72 minutes.
Listening:
The section will have 3-4 lectures, which may include a classroom discussion. Each lecture will be around 3-5 minutes long and have six questions. You will also be given 2-3 conversations to listen to, each three minutes long with five questions to answer. You will be tested on comprehension and your ability to understand the key themes, ideas, arguments, or points discussed. Time: 41-57 minutes.
Speaking:
You will need to talk into the computer’s microphone either at the test centre or at home. You will be given four tasks in this section. The first task is called an”independent speaking task” to express an opinion on a familiar topic. Tasks 2, 3 and 4 are called “integrated speaking tasks”, which require you to combine your listening, reading and speaking skills.
- Task 1: You will be given a topic to speak about with no additional material. You will have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to speak.
- Task 2: You will be given a passage to read and asked to listen to a discussion about that passage. You will then be given 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak the answer.
- Tasks 3: You will be given a passage to read, and you will listen to a lecture on the same subject. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak the answer.
- Task 4: You will be given a lecture to listen after which 20 seconds to prepare. You will have 60 seconds to speak about the lecture.
This is a challenging section. It is the shortest of the four, and it requires you to be clear and coherent. If you are giving this test from home, make sure your mic is working properly. You will be graded on your delivery and ability to develop a topic. Time: 17 minutes.
Writing:
You will be asked to write two essays, where you will be tested on your ability to develop and organise arguments supported by explanations.
The two tasks include:
An integrated task: You will be given a short passage to read, and you will be asked to listen to a short lecture on the same topic. After this, you will have 20 minutes to type the response which should typically be between 150 to 225 words long.
An independent task: You are given a question, and you have 30 minutes to type your answer. The question will ask your opinion on a topic or an issue. You will need to proved reasons and examples to support your opinion. There is no maximum word limit for the answer, but a good response is expected to be at least 300 words long. Time: 50 minutes.
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