The Toefl (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a test for non-native English speakers to evaluate their ability to read, write, speak and listen to English.

About four-and-a-half hours long, the exam is divided into four parts. There is a section on reading which takes roughly 60 to 100 minutes, one on listening which takes about 60 to 90 minutes, one on speaking taking about 20 minutes and one on writing which takes 50 minutes. The reading section comprises three to five passages from which you have to do some questions in comprehension. The listening section entails about two or three conversations. In the speaking section you get six tasks with 15-30 seconds to prepare and 45-60 seconds to speak. And in the writing section you get two tasks to write.

TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120 and are calculated by combining your scores from each of the the above four sections.

Costing US$ 165, the Toefl requires you to answer at least one question in each of the reading and listening sections, in order to receive an official score. Scores are posted online and then mailed to the institutes you have selected. For an additional fee you can have your scores mailed to more institutes of your choice.

You should have: Valid identification and your registration number on the test day as you cannot take the test otherwise. This includes a recent photograph, a printed copy of your registration number.

Section Time No. of
Limit Questions
Reading 60-100 min 36-70
Listening 60-90 min 34-51
Break 10 minutes —
Speaking 20 minutes 6 tasks
Writing 50 minutes 2 tasks


Source: Teen Chronicle