TOEFL FAQs

Answers for TOEFL FAQs

What is TOEFL? Is it in my country? How much does it cost? If your head is heavy with these questions, we got answers to put down the flame! The answers to these popular questions on the internet will make you understand better about the TOEFL test and help you make the right decisions – especially if you dream of flying abroad to study or work! 

Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about TOEFL

1. What is the eligibility for the TOEFL exam?

You must have completed higher studies or a bachelor’s degree at a recognized university to be eligible for the TOEFL iBT test.

In terms of documents, you will need to provide;

• A valid passport with your photograph, national ID, and signature.
• A photo identification card with a valid credit card, birth certificate, driver’s license, employee ID, etc.
• And a printout of the confirmation email from Educational Training Services (ETS) with the registration number.

Note: You must keep a gap of 12 days if you plan to re-attempt for the TOEFL test. 

2. How much is TOEFL out of?

The TOEFL test consists of four sections – Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Each section carries a maximum of 30 points. The sum of the four section scores is exactly 120 points which is the full iBT test score. 

3. Is TOEFL cheaper than IELTS?

The price for both TOEFL and IELTS tests may vary depending upon which country you take the test. The price of TOEFL in Bhutan is not that high – the fee is quite similar to that of the IELTS exam. Both test systems charge a fee of around 13,000 to 14,000 Ngultrum. So, you may choose according to your convenience.

4. Is TOEFL 90 good?

Test scores in the range of 90 to 100 are considered good; very good indeed! With this score, many universities will be willing to take you. TOEFL 90 is the upper range of the TOEFL scores, so you also have a high chance of getting accepted in Ivy League Schools and other top universities. 

5. How many times can we write TOEFL?

We can sit for the TOEFL test as many times as we like. There is no limit in the number of tests we can take. However, some universities may look into the number of times the candidate appeared for the test, so it’s better to secure good scores on our first test. Besides, who would want to spend a huge amount of money on the same test. So if you plan to sit for the test, first prepare well, take tuitions, try mock tests to achieve the desired test scores. 

6. Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

TOEFL and IELTS are both meant to test your English language competency, and both systems evaluate your ability to speak, read, listen and write proper English. There is a slight difference in questions format and structure, but the main concept and objective are identical. 

I would recommend the TOEFL iBT test because it is hassle-free and swift in terms of comfort and convenience. It includes modern resources and materials such as the internet, computers, headphones, and microphones rather than the traditional paper and pen method. 

7. How can I prepare for TOEFL at home?

You may need to prepare at home if you are stuck in lockdowns and quarantine due to the pandemic. There are many online PDFs and TOEFL guide books, but reading hundreds and thousands of pages is quite boring and confusing. So, I will give you the best tips to secure good test scores in four sections of the TOEFL iBT test format;

Tips for Reading Section

• First, you need to practice improving your reading speed, so read as many materials as you can.
• Get reading material and skim through the passage rather than reading each sentence and word.
• Write down the main idea and concept of the passage; include facts and major points.
• Select unfamiliar phrases and words and guess the meaning by reading the sentence. Then look them up to check if you are right. 

Tips for Listening Section

• Listen to a sample audio recording of the TOEFL or IELTS test on YouTube/Google.
• Know the speaker’s tone (formal or casual) and anticipate what the speaker might say next. 
• Figure out the important points from the speech. 
• Finally, understand what the speaker is talking about – the main idea.

Tips for Writing Section

• Master grammatical structures to the point that you can write naturally with them.
• Expand your vocabulary and understanding of idiomatic speech so you can utilize them effectively.
• Understand the rules of grammar, punctuation, and layout.

Tips for Speaking Section

If you are home trying to practice speaking for TOEFL or interviews, the following tips will help you a lot.

• Write different topics on small separate pieces of paper and shuffle them.
• Pick one paper and take some time to brainstorm about the topic.
• Speak in front of a mirror and practice coordinating your hand gestures with your words and sentences.  

8. What is the age limit for TOEFL?

Candidates of all age groups are allowed to take the TOEFL test. ETS has not set any standard age limit. Candidates can sit for the test no matter how young or old they are!

9. Why is TOEFL so expensive?

TOEFL could be expensive because gathering experts, resources and preparing questions takes effort. ETS puts maximum effort into making quality questions and test environments for candidates. And they need to arrange equipment like computers, microphones, and headsets for test-takers. So, these could be the reason if TOEFL in your country is expensive. 

However, the fee for TOEFL iBT is not the same for all the countries. For instance, the Bhutan TOEFL test center doesn’t charge a huge amount for the iBT test. There is no or a slight difference in the price from IELTS. 

Contact the Bhutan TOEFL team to register now.

If you have the desire to upgrade your studies in Canada, Australia, and the USA, check out TOEFL Bhutan test centers to learn more. Don’t worry about the pandemic; the TOEFL iBT test is ongoing at Chhundu Training Center in Thimphu.