Tests - TOEFL

Welcome to the latest edition of the TOEFL^® access eNewsletter-a free monthly eNewsletter sent to thousands of subscribers around the world who are interested in studying in the USA!

IN THIS EDITION
• Enjoy the Benefits of Living on a U.S. Campus
• Move Ahead and Move Up with a Graduate Degree
• Campus Safety: Be Streetwise
• Do You Have the English Listening Skills You’ll Need to Succeed in College?
• TOEFL iBT^® Tips

The TOEFL exam is an English proficiency exam. It is a requirement for many different programs of study in the United States, including university studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The exam is comprised of 4 different sections: Listening Comprehension, Structure, Reading Comprehension and essay writing. The new internet-based test (iBT), which will soon be offered in Brussels and eventually Antwerp, also includes a speaking section.

The TOEFL Program offers the test in three forms: Computer Based (cBT), paper-based (PBT), and now internet based (iBT). Though paper-based tests are still offered in many parts of the world, ETS, the testing service that administers the TOEFL, is slowly phasing them out to encourage internet-based testing.

The TOEFL iBT is administered in Brussels at two locations. It is advised that test takers check the TOEFL website (www.ets.org/toefl) regularly for test date updates and additional information. Registration must be done through ETS (www.ets.org), either online, by phone, or by mail.

Those who wish to take the TOEFL iBT and cannot get a seat in Brussels may consider travelling to Paris or The Netherlands (iBT centers in Arnhem and Eindhoven).

Other site possibilities: Depending on the location of the test-takers home city, one may wish to look at London, Dusseldorf, Aachen, and Frankfurt as alternatives. Dates and seat availability will be listed on www.ets.org.

In order to register, use the TOEFL information bulletin (available from the Commission) or register on the TOEFL-website. You can find all the information you need (dates, registration deadlines, fees, payment) on this website or in the bulletin. Those who register on the website will be required to create a log-in account (free of charge) and must use a credit card. Basic TOEFL fee: $ 140 (iBT)

Validity of scores: 2 years

TOEFL-iBT

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) launched the new TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test) this year in the United States, Canada, France, Germany and Italy. Because the iBT is still new, we have very little information about the differences in scoring and average student results.

In general, the TOEFL iBT is designed to measure test-takers’ English-language skills in academic settings. The new test stresses integrated communication skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The biggest differences between the old TOEFL and the new iBT version are the addition of the speaking section and the score reports, which will provide detailed performance feedback to test takers within 15 business days of completing the iBT.

As the iBT is being introduced in phases throughout the world, there has been some confusion as to its availability in Belgium and surrounding countries. You may keep up-to-date with the opening of iBT test centers by consulting www.ets.org. Only the test centers listed may be selected and registered for.

Examinees are advised that this new test is more demanding and different than the previous computer-based and paper-based tests. It is recommended that current iBT review materials be used to prepare (available online, via amazon.com, or in limited quantities at Waterstone’s bookstore Brussels). The Commission is happy to give advice on iBT test preparation resources.