The TOEFL measures the English proficiency of non-native speakers with no pass or fail mark. The IBT and PBT have different scoring systems, with universities requiring a minimum score that varies. The score exceeding the minimum requirement does not matter, but individuals can cancel or redeem their scores for a fee.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a series of standardized tests designed to measure the written and spoken English of non-native English speakers. The TOEFL score is a number for each of the four categories on the test, with a total summing up the overall score. There is no pass or fail mark assigned by the TOEFL. A good score, therefore, is generally considered one that meets or exceeds the requirements of the specific institution to which the student is applying.
There are two versions of the test, an Internet-Based Test (IBT) and a Paper-Based Test (PBT), with each format having its own scoring system. The IBT rates an individual on reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, with a minimum score of 0 for each and a maximum of 30. The total scoring scale ranges from 0 to 120.
The PBT scores the individual on listening, structure, and writing and reading skills. The two Listening and Structure and Written Expression categories have a minimum score of 31 and a maximum of 68. The Reading category scores range from 31 to 67, with the total score being 310 at its lowest level and 677 at its highest level. high.
There is a fourth category in the PBT, the Test of Written English (TWE), which is scored from 0 to 6 but is not included in the total score. Rather, it is considered a separate score, giving the PBT two final scores to consider. Please note that you must answer at least one question in each category and write at least one essay in order to receive a score for that category.
Although the TOEFL does not provide a passing threshold on the scoring scale, the IBT scoring scale has been divided into several performance rating ranges. For the reading and listening categories, a score of 0-14 means that these specific skills are low. A score that falls between 15 and 21 equates to intermediate abilities on the part of the individual, and a score of 22 to 30 means that the individual’s abilities in these areas are quite high.
The IBT Speech Category provides a base score of 0 to 4 points, which converts into a range of 0 to 30 points. A score of 0 to 9 is considered to indicate poor spoken English skills, while 10 to 17 means limited skills. Achieving a score of 18-25 demonstrates fair speaking skills on the part of the individual, and a score of 26-30 qualifies the individual’s speaking skills as very good.
The writing category starts with a base score of 0 to 5 points, which is then adjusted to a scoring scale of 0 to 30. A score of 1 to 16 means that the individual’s written English skills are limited, while the score between 17 and 23 points to fair writing skills. A score of 24 to 30 shows that the individual has good writing skills. Note that there is no performance ranking for the grand total; these performance measures are usually for the individual’s own feedback and serve as a guide as to what areas they need to improve.
Universities generally require a certain minimum TOEFL score for foreign applicants, but this minimum varies. Also, the minimum requirement for a specific university department may be higher than that of the university. It is advisable for the individual to do some research to find out the minimum score required for the chosen department and university. Once this is done, he can easily determine if his score is acceptable or not.
The amount by which an individual’s score exceeds the minimum TOEFL score requirement generally does not matter to academic institutions. Achieving the required minimum score is simply a requirement met, not a measure of excellence to be considered along with academic grades. If the individual’s TOEFL score does not meet the requirement, it is possible for the individual to cancel the score and register for another TOEFL test date. Canceled scores will not be sent to chosen universities.
A second option for the individual who is dissatisfied with their TOEFL score is to request redemption of the sections they choose. Unlike canceling scores, this service requires a fee to process. Also, redemption is only available within three months of taking the test.
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