1. What is TOEFL?
TOEFL stands
for Test Of English as a Foreign Language (Test of English as a foreign
language), which was organized by an agency in the United States named ETS
(Educational Testing Service). At
first, the TOEFL is required for students in countries whose primary language
is not English, but want to continue their studies to the countries whose
official language is English, such as the United States, Canada, and countries
in Western Europe. It
is necessary to ensure that students from the state of non-English speaking may
be studying in English-speaking countries well. Among
other things:
- Ensure that the student understands the description given lectures in English (listening skills).
- Students understand the books required textbooks (reading skills).
- Students are able to make scientific literature grammatically correct (writing and grammar skills).
To be accepted in western countries, prospective students must have a minimum TOEFL score of 500 (Europe), even in the United States, TOEFL score required is 550 (the maximum value Paper Based Test TOEFL is 677).
- Ensure that the student understands the description given lectures in English (listening skills).
- Students understand the books required textbooks (reading skills).
- Students are able to make scientific literature grammatically correct (writing and grammar skills).
To be accepted in western countries, prospective students must have a minimum TOEFL score of 500 (Europe), even in the United States, TOEFL score required is 550 (the maximum value Paper Based Test TOEFL is 677).
2. TOEFL Developments
TOEFL itself has
several times experienced improvement by the institution of the organizers, ETS. The forms TOEFL
Test ever introduced to the public, namely:
TOEFL Paper Based Test (PBT)
Consists of 3 sections: Listening, Structure, and Reading
Maximum Score: 677
TOEFL Computer Based Test (CBT)
Consisting of 4 Section: Listening, Structure, Reading, Writing
Maximum Score: 300. Now CBT has been replaced IBT.
TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT)
Consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.
Maximum score: 120.
Although officially, since the TOEFL Internet Based Test was introduced around the world, the kind not apply anymore, but the reality today, TOEFL Paper Based Test is still used widely in various institutions of higher education as well as for the recruitment of employees in Indonesia, or in the countries non-English speaking countries.
TOEFL Paper Based Test (PBT)
Consists of 3 sections: Listening, Structure, and Reading
Maximum Score: 677
TOEFL Computer Based Test (CBT)
Consisting of 4 Section: Listening, Structure, Reading, Writing
Maximum Score: 300. Now CBT has been replaced IBT.
TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT)
Consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.
Maximum score: 120.
Although officially, since the TOEFL Internet Based Test was introduced around the world, the kind not apply anymore, but the reality today, TOEFL Paper Based Test is still used widely in various institutions of higher education as well as for the recruitment of employees in Indonesia, or in the countries non-English speaking countries.
3. Types of TOEFL
There are three
types of TOEFL done with different methods. The first is that PBT-TOEFL or TOEFL
Paper Based Test or in our language is a paper-based TOEFL test. As the name
suggests, this test is done on paper with three exam sessions are Listening,
Structure and Reading. TOEFL This type has a range of values or scores from 310
to 677 as the maximum value. This test lasts for 2 to 2.5 hours. Currently, PBT-TOEFL
is no longer applied in the international sphere, except for a few countries. However,
there are many local agencies in Indonesia are still willing to accept the
results of PBT-TOEFL score.
The second is
CBT-TOEFL or Computer Based Test TOEFL or computer-based TOEFL test. This
test uses a software published by ETS as the testing medium. In
other words, the test participants working on the problems of computer-based
TOEFL exam. In
tests of this type, there are four exam sessions are Listening, Structure,
Reading, and Writing. Additionally,
this test lasts for 2 to 2.5 hours. CBT-TOEFL
has a range of values between zero and 330 as the
highest
value.
Last is the iBT-TOEFL or Internet Based Test TOEFL or also called
Internet-based TOEFL test. Type
the TOEFL test is already valid and recognized globally. TOEFL
This type was introduced and enforced internationally in 2005. Type
the TOEFL test is still done on the computer, only this time there is no
support software as a medium for testing, but do it online or in other words,
examinees will have problems when doing tests that directly provided by ETS
online. The
test consists of four exam sessions are Listening, Writing, Reading, and
Speaking with a maximum value of 120, and lasts for 4 hours. Any
type of exam is divided into two parts, namely the Individual Test and the
Integrated Test. Type
of test is ideal if you want to continue your studies abroad because foreign
universities require TOEFL-iBT score as a mandatory requirement.
In short, the TOEFL test is divided into three types: PBT-TOEFL, CBT-TOEFL
and TOEFL-iBT. All three can
still be found because it is still valid. However,
in the international world, the TOEFL iBT endorsed and recognized globally. It
is important to know all of it as a benchmark for your needs and goals in
taking the TOEFL test for each type of test has value and to different degrees.
Refferences :
