The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the most reputed English language proficiency tests. It is conducted by the Educational Testing Services (ETS). Students who wish to pursue higher education abroad opt for the test since it is accepted in over 11,000 colleges and universities in 150+ countries. With a high TOEFL score, you can pass the eligibility criteria for most reputed institutions in the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries.
You can access your TOEFL iBT exam scores from your ETS account within a week of giving the exam. Meanwhile, it takes 6-10 days for the results of the TOEFL Home Edition to be published. The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120. Any score above 100 is considered a good one. However, each university has its own eligibility criteria. If the cut-off for one institute is 80, another can increase it to 110. For example, most Ivy League schools like Harvard University and Cambridge University have a minimum cut of 100+.
The scoring system for the TOEFL confuses many students. But there’s no need to worry. Scroll down for a more detailed overview of the scoring system.
The TOEFL constitutes four major sections – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each of these sections is scored from 0 to 30. Your total TOEFL score is the sum of all the sectional scores combined. Now, the scores for the Reading and Listening sections are easy to understand since they fall within the 0 to 30 range. However, it gets trickier for the Speaking and Writing sections. Let's take a closer look at the scoring system for each section.
The scores for the Reading Section are calculated by a computer. In this section, you must answer approximately 30-40 questions within 54-72 minutes after reading 3-4 academic passages. The computer assesses the accuracy of your answers and provides you with a score that ranges from 0 to 30.
Similar to the previous section, the listening scores are also calculated by a computer. You have 41-57 minutes to answer 30-40 questions after listening to audio files. The audios include classroom lectures, daily conversations, and academic discussions. You can get a score within the range of 0 to 30 in this section.
You have 17 minutes to complete 4 speaking tasks. Unlike the Reading and Listening sections, the Speaking section is graded by human evaluators. The scores are based on various factors. For example, the evaluators assess your ability to develop a topic, maintain an argument, and your fluency in English. The 4 tasks receive a rating from 0 to 4. The total is converted to a scale of 0 to 30.
The Writing section includes two tasks which are rated 0 to 5 each. Like the Listening section, this is also evaluated by a human anonymously. The integrated writing tasks assess your writing skills, which include the formation of grammatically correct sentences and extensive vocabulary knowledge. The scores are added up and converted to a scaled score within the range of 0 to 30.
Your total TOEFL score is the cumulative sum of all the sectional scores. You receive a score ranging from 0 to 30 for each section. Therefore, after adding them all, your total score will fall within the range of 0 to 120.
The TOEFL uses a combination of computers, automated AI systems, and human evaluators to score the exam. This measure has been taken to improve the accuracy of the scoring. Only human evaluators would have questioned the integrity of the examination since human beings can be biased. Meanwhile, a computer is completely unbiased. Therefore, it is the perfect option for scoring MCQ and single-word-type questions where there is only one correct answer.
However, computers are not the best option for evaluating your language and writing skills. A computer cannot understand whether you have developed an argument well. It is not good with subjective evaluations. That’s where AI technology and human evaluators come in. Human evaluators can provide a subjective evaluation. The AI technology compares the answers to millions of solutions online and checks whether your answers meet the set standards.
This centralized scoring system helps to accurately determine your English skills. It ensures consistency and high quality. That's why millions of colleges, universities, and professional organizations rely on TOEFL scores to assess a candidate's fluency. The exam provides sectional scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The score range for all falls within the range of 0 to 30. This will help you gain an objective idea about your strengths and weaknesses in each section.
The TOEFL scores are pretty easy to calculate. For each section (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking), you get a score that ranges from 0 to 30. Add these scores up, and you obtain your total score within the 0 to 120 range. Now, how can you figure out whether you've scored well or not? Read on to learn more.
The TOEFL has provided score-level descriptions to help you connect your scores to the proficiency level.
|
Skill |
Score Range |
Score Level Description |
|
Reading |
A. 24-30 B. 18-23 C. 4-17 D. 0-3 |
A. Advanced B. High-Intermediate C. Low-Intermediate D. Below Low-Intermediate |
|
Listening |
A. 22-30 B. 17-21 C. 9-16 D. 0-8 |
A. Advanced B. High-Intermediate C. Low-Intermediate D. Below Low-Intermediate |
|
Speaking |
A. 25-30 B. 20-24 C. 16-19 D. 10-15 E. 0-9 |
A. Advanced B. High-Intermediate C. Low-Intermediate D. Basic E. Below Basic |
|
Writing |
A. 24-30 B. 17-23 C. 13-16 D. 7-12 E. 0-6 |
A. Advanced B. High-Intermediate C. Low-Intermediate D. Basic E. Below Basic |
The scoring rubrics for the Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing sections are as follows –
If your Reading score falls between 24 and 30, it means you have advanced skills in reading English. You can understand university-level academic papers, texts with dense, complex vocabulary, abstract ideas and lengthy sentences.
Being on the high-intermediate level means you have a fair grasp of most sections of any advanced university-level passages. However, you might struggle with some parts that contain complex ideas or vocabulary.
When your scores are within the range of 4 to 17, you fall in the low-intermediate level. This means you have the ability to understand certain parts of academic passages. But you lack overall comprehension. This can make it harder to form connections between complex ideas.
If your Reading score is below 4, you are not proficient in reading English academic passages. You do not possess the basic low-intermediate skills.
If your scores fall between 22 and 30, you have no trouble listening to university-level academic lectures. You can comprehend various intonations. Processing large amounts of information and abstract concepts comes easily to you.
You can easily comprehend most university-level lectures, complex ideas and intonations. However, processing lectures that include dense information can be challenging.
At the low-intermediate level, you can understand the crucial details of academic lectures and discussions. It also means you have a restricted understanding of different intonations and difficulty processing complex information and understanding complicated sentences.
Your listening skills need work. You don't have proficiency in low-intermediate levels of listening.
You can communicate in fluent English on a wide range of topics (academic and non-academic).
You can communicate effectively on most topics. When discussing complex academic ideas, you can make others understand your points.
General topics are within your grasp. However, you might have trouble talking about complex ideas.
You can maintain limited conversations on basic topics.
You do not have the ability to converse fluently in English.
You can write in English on a wide variety of academic and non-academic topics. You have a firm grasp of the fundamental grammatical rules and can use complex sentences and vocabulary.
With a high-intermediate level of English writing skills, you can express yourself well on familiar and general topics. For complex academic topics, your writing can convey the main ideas.
You can write simple texts on general and familiar topics you’re comfortable with.
You possess the ability to convey basic information in English.
If your score is below 7, you do not possess basic English writing skills.
Congrats! You've finally received your TOEFL scores. Now what's next? If your scores are above 110, you can rest assured your English proficiency is top-notch. But what if it’s below the 60s? Most colleges and universities set their own TOEFL eligibility. So you’ll find many options where the minimum cut-off is around the 70s or 80s. If you score below that, you may need to retake the exam.
Analyzing your TOEFL scores can help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Since you will receive a score within the range of 0 to 30 for all four English skills, you can immediately identify which ones require more work. For example, many non-native English speakers struggle with speaking since they are not used to confidently conversing in English. So, your first priority should be to focus on your weaknesses. Modify your study plan to fit your best interests. The next time you appear for the TOEFL, you’ll certainly improve your scores.
At the time of registration for the TOEFL, you will get the option to send your scores to four institutions at no extra charge. After your results are published, the scores are automatically sent to the selected institutions. It takes approximately 11 days from the day you take the exam. However, you might need to send the scores to more institutes. In that case, you can purchase additional score reports.
ETS offers many premium packs, such as the TOEFL Value Pack Premium, that allow you to send more than 4 score reports. But packs aren’t compulsory. The charges are usually $20 per additional report. Once you pay the charges via a credit/debit card, PayPal, online banking, or e-check, ETS sends the reports to your chosen institutes within 3-5 business days.
Go to the ETS official website and download the ‘TOEFL iBT Additional Score Report Request Form’. Fill out the form with your registration and payment details to 1-610-290-8972. Mention DUPLICATE on the form if you resend it due to any technical glitch. Otherwise, you'll be charged twice.
After you’ve completed your TOEFL exam, you should receive the scores within 4-10 business days. The TOEFL iBT results are usually published within 4-7 days, while the Home Edition takes longer (6-10 days). Once the results are out, you will receive a notification. Log in to your ETS account to access the scores. Since these are valid for only 2 years from the date of result publication, take a print of the scores.
If you're not pleased with the results, you can retake the exam. There is no restriction on the number of times you can register for the exam. However, you cannot sit for it before twelve days have passed from the exam date. Within that time, your results should be available. So you can make an informed decision about retaking the test.
The TOEFL can be challenging for non-native English speakers. You don't have many opportunities to speak in English or listen to English conversations. Writing and reading are usually restricted to schools for many candidates. But getting a low score is not an option. So, go through these tips if you want to improve your skills.
ETS offers an extensive collection of free resources for TOEFL test-takers. You can access the following –
You can also sign up for TOEFL courses on AbroAdvice.com. The website offers personalized sessions with trained TOEFL experts. You can take unlimited practice tests, engage in one-on-one conversations with native English speakers and improve your English skills.
Fill in your details and we'll call you back!
TOEFL denotes the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" scores. It is the standardized test that 11,000 universities across 190 countries follow to determine the English proficiency of a candidate before admission.
Different institutions have varying TOEFL score criteria. Ideally, you must check the chosen university's official website to know about the TOEFL score requirements. Then, opt for our customized TOEFL exam coaching to help you secure the desired score.
The TOEFL score range is 0-120. Each of the 4 sections will have a scoring range of 0-30. You must secure an overall tally above 100. It is deemed a good score for candidates seeking university admission in an English-speaking country.
AbroAdvice offers quality TOEFL coaching and exam preparation to help you get a good score. Book a free consultation today and connect with our tutors.
The TOEFL test score validity is for 2 years. Using these scores, you can enroll in any foreign university and apply for employment for 2 years from the date you get the test score.
Of course, you only become eligible for such perks if you secure the demanded institution scores. Hence, you must plan your test date accordingly. While some institutions seek the test score during admission, others want it to remain valid through the beginning of the course program.
Understanding the TOEFL scorecard is straightforward. Each section is marked between 0-30. Hence, the overall test scoring range is (0-30 + 0-30 + 0-30 + 0-30) = 0 – 120.
All the sections are weighted equally. Hence, you must focus on all test sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) and aim for a total score of above 100.
Sign up for our TOEFL coaching classes, and we will help you achieve your desired score.
While TOEFL score requirements vary among foreign institutions, anything between 100-110 is considered a good score. Of course, if you score within 111-120, your selection chances rise exponentially.
Interestingly, with proper practice, honed solving skills, and question-pattern familiarity, one can score above 100 without fuss.
So, join a reliable TOEFL preparation class and set yourself up for the intended score. Our experts can help you with that. Connect with us today!
Truthfully, there are no minimum TOEFL score requirements for admission. The reason is the requirements vary from one university to the next. That said, most notable foreign institutions require candidates to score between 100-110 to improve selection possibilities on their first attempt.
Hence, aim for a score over 100 to secure admission into a top foreign university.
Typically, the TOEFL score remains valid for 2 years. For universities, the validity remains unchanged. Such a short validity period ensures foreign institutions have accurate details about your English competencies in all facets (reading, listening, speaking, and writing)!
The average TOEFL test scores are around 90. Most times, it ranges between 85-95. While scoring in this range is not bad, scoring between 100-110 is best. Doing so and meeting other admission requirements will ensure the university's faculty gives you foremost priority.
Speak to our experts and opt for coaching classes to score more than 100 in your next TOEFL attempt.
You can check your TOEFL score from the ETS (Educational Testing Service) Account. Of course, the test score will be available depending on how you secure the test slot.
If you take the test from one of its centers, you will get it in 4-8 days. Moreover, if you opt for the TOEFL-iBT home edition – you should get it within a week.
Your TOEFL score will be available within 4-8 days from the test date in your ETS account. You can access them online. The scores remain valid for 2 years; hence, you should download a PDF copy.
You can learn more from the official TOEFL website. Moreover, sign up with us today if you require test coaching and exam preparation tips from noteworthy experts!
You can expect your TOEFL test scores depending on how you took the test.
TOEFL result processing time varies per each test-taking method.
Of course, you must determine what test-taking mode is comfortable for you. That's what's crucial.
The TOEFL exam is calculated by totaling the scores of all 4 sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing)! Each section has a scoring range of 0-30, and the total score is 120.
Aim to score in the higher 20s for each section and secure an overall tally between 100-110. You will get the scores within 4-13 days, depending on how you took the exam.
You (certainly) can. You can do it within a month from the previous TOEFL exam.
Of course, you must request the rescore before sending it out to foreign colleges/universities. However, if you pass the deadline, you cannot request rescores.
Follow these 2 steps if you find issues with your TOEFL score!
Step 1 – Get in touch with the ETS customer service via email or phone
Step 2 –Log into your ETS account using the correct information and check the portal for relevant information.
While entering your login details, check for typos or errors. Sometimes, these minor mistakes could cause delays. However, if the issue is something else, speak with the platform's official support staff and seek explanations.
Yes, you can send your TOEFL score to multiple universities at once. However, there is a limit. The TOEFL fee allows you to share your marks with only 4 institutions. Exceeding the limit will require extra costs.
The TOEFL score criteria vary among universities; hence, there are no minimum requirements. However, aim for a score of over 100 to increase your selection likelihood.
Book a 30-minute free consultation with us to learn more about TOEFL scores and how to achieve them on your maiden attempt.
No, you cannot! Once the TOEFL score expires, you cannot use it. Hence, it's important to retake the test and have valid scores for immigration and other educational purposes.
To achieve a higher TOEFL score, you must –
