bySayantani Barman Study Abroad Expert
The TOEFL iBT test will now be shortened by an hour to improve the efficiency and the experience of the test takers. ETS has announced the shorter version of TOEFL which can be completed in 2 hours which was earlier 3 hours. This will be done through streamlined instructions and navigation throughout the test, a newly introduced and updated version of TOEFL Writing task, shorter reading section and removal of unscored questions.
Most of the sections of TOEFL now have fewer tasks and shorter time. The shorter version of TOEFL has a unique Writing question type - Academic Discussion which replaces the old Independent Essay task. ETS has also removed the extra 10-minute break between Listening and Speaking sections of the test. The removal of unscored questions on Reading or Listening sections has also helped to reduce the time.
This is how the TOEFL Exam pattern will look like for the shorter version of the TOEFL test.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading | 20 questions | 36 minutes |
| TOEFL Listening | 28 questions | 36 minutes |
| TOEFL Speaking | 4 tasks | 16 minutes |
| TOEFL Writing | 2 tasks | 30 minutes |
| Total | 48 questions and 6 tasks | 2 hours |
Why Shorter TOEFL Test
ETS has been driving the future of assessment through product innovations across education and learning sectors for the last 6 decades. TOEFL considers its test takers and stakeholders the highest priority. These new enhancements to the shorter version of TOEFL were made keeping in mind the feasibility of the test takers. The TOEFL registration process has been streamlined and made much easier and user friendly. The shorter version of TOEFL reduces the time and anxiety of the test taker. The TOEFL test remains the most trusted, valid, reliable and secure option for score users around the world. Hence, the score scale has remained unchanged.
Features of the Shorter TOEFL
The total TOEFL iBT time is now 2 hours. However, you must plan for 2.5 hours which includes the check in time also. The special features which helped TOEFL reduce the test time are:
- Easier and streamlined test instructions and navigation throughout the test. This helps the test takers to understand the instruction easily which reduces the time.
- Removal of all unscored test questions from the TOEFL reading and TOEFL listening section helps to reduce the time.
- New version of TOEFL iBT writing task, which replaces the independent writing (essay) task. The new TOEFL writing task asks you to complete 2 tasks within 29 minutes.
- TOEFL has reduced the number of passages in the Reading section. The older version had 2-4 passages which were reduced to 2 passages with 10 questions each.
TOEFL Shorter Test Format
There is no change in the TOEFL score that you will receive. Also, the content of the TOEFL sections remains the same except the TOEFL writing task. To receive official scores, you must answer at least one question each in the Reading and Listening sections, and complete at least one Speaking task and one Writing task. The format for the shorter version of TOEFL are:
| Section | Content | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading | 2 reading passages Each approximately 700 words long 10 questions per passage |
Read passages and respond to questions that follows |
| TOEFL Listening |
3 lectures, 3-5 minutes each, some with classroom discussion, 6 questions per lecture |
You will hear audio clips only once. You need to answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions. |
| TOEFL Speaking | Question 1: Independent Speaking Task Questions 2–4: Integrated Speaking Tasks |
Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard. |
| TOEFL Writing | Integrated writing task - 20 minutes Writing for an Academic Discussion task - 10 minutes |
Read a passage, listen to a recording, type your response. State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion. |
Sections Of the Shorter TOEFL
The shorter TOEFL sections have also changed with the times. The question pattern and topics have remained the same. So you can follow the same study materials and preparation resources as the previous version of TOEFL.
TOEFL Reading - The TOEFL Reading passages are excerpts from university-level textbooks that cover a variety of subjects. You need to answer 20 questions in total for 2 passages. In the older version of TOEFL, there were three passages.
TOEFL Writing - In the previous version of TOEFL Writing, you were required to answer one essay for 30 minutes. Now the reading section has been divided into two parts. The Integrated writing task has a short passage and a short lecture. You need to write in response to what you read and listened to. The second part is the Writing for an Academic Discussion task where you need to support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.
TOEFL Listening - The TOEFL listening section is also divided into two parts: lectures and conversations. You can take notes while you listen to the audio clips. There are 3 lectures of 3-5 minutes each. There are 6 questions per lecture which need to be answered. The section also contains 2 conversations of 3 minutes each and 5 questions per conversation
TOEFL speaking - There are 4 questions of two types in TOEFL speaking section. The first question is the Independent Speaking Task that requires you to share your own ideas, opinions and experiences. The 2nd to 4th question is Integrated Speaking Tasks which require you to combine your listening and speaking, or listening, reading and speaking skills. You'll get 15–30 seconds of preparation and your response will be 45 or 60 seconds long.
The shorter version of TOEFL is easier and more user friendly. You do not need to sit for three continuous hours and take the test. The shorter version has made TOEFL test one of the top tests for study abroad and job seekers.
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