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 The Internet-based version of the TOEFL® test was launched in
 September
2005.
The TOEFL iBT was first introduced in the United States in September 2005, and it was later
administered in Canada,France, Germany, and Italy in October 2005. The TOEFL iBT was offered
in the rest of the world in 2006. To find out when the test is available in your country,
visit www.ets.org/toefl/nextgen/timeline.html.
It
tests all four language skills that are important for effective
communication: speaking,
listening,
reading, and writing.
Some
questions require test takers to combine more than one skill:
To succeed
academically
in English-speaking colleges and universities, students need to be
able to
combine
their language skills in the classroom. Integrated questions, or “tasks,”
in the new
test
will help learners build the skills and confidence needed to communicate
effectively in
the
academic environments they plan to enter. The new integrated tasks
will ask test takers to
-
read, listen, and then speak in response to a question
-
listen and then speak in response to a question
-
read, listen, and then write in response to a question
The
new TOEFL test includes a Speaking section. This section
includes six tasks,
and
test takers wear headphones and speak into a microphone when they
respond.
The
responses are digitally recorded and transmitted to ETS’s Online Scoring
Network where
human
scorers rate them. The scorers are carefully monitored for accuracy,
so test takers
and
score recipients can be assured of the reliability of the Speaking
scores.
The
Writing section has been expanded. The new test requires
test takers to write
a
response to material they have heard and read, and to compose an essay
in support of
an
opinion. Human scorers also rate the responses to the Writing tasks
via ETS’s Online
Scoring
Network.
The
new test is about 4 hours long. All sections will be completed
in one day, so there
is
no need to travel to the test center twice.
Note
taking is allowed. Test takers can take notes throughout
the test.
The
new scores help to explain the test taker’s English language ability.
ETS
provides comprehensive scoring information that will include scores
for four skills and
a
total score. Competency descriptors for each skill and level are available
at www.ets.org/toefl
and
in our publications. These descriptors help to explain what the new
scores mean.
In
addition, test takers will receive helpful performance feedback on
their score reports.
The new scores will be reported online. Since September 2005, it has become possible for test takers to view scores online 15 business days after the test, as well as receive a copy of
their score report by mail. Colleges and universities may also view online scores.
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