TOEFL Speaking Question Types

Just like the TOEFL writing section, the TOEFL speaking part includes different question types. The TOEFL speaking section consist of six different tasks, however, the TOEFL speaking section will only give you two types of questions; an independent style and an integrated question type.

The main difference is that the integrated topic is usually about an academic subject. You will have to give a response based on a lecture or a text, while the independent speaking topic is about your personal opinion on a subject.

TOEFL Integrated Speaking Questions

The TOEFL integrated question types in the speaking section includes both reading and listening comprehension. This requires you to be able to comprehend a lecture or a text and being able to explain what you just have heard or read.

TOEFL Independent Speaking Questions

The independent speaking question type only requires you to speak about your opinion on various personal topics. These question types focuses solely on your ability to speak clearly.

The first speaking task is usually an independent question type where you will give a personal answer. For example, “What is your favorite book or movie? Describe it and say why it is your favorite.”

Decide what your answer is going to be quickly and then start thinking of reasons why that movie or book is your favorite.

Another task where you will see independent question types are where you have to choose between two options and then support your choice. For example “some people prefer summer while others prefer summer. Which season do your prefer and why?”

You only have 30 seconds to answer these question types so make quick decisions and find reasons to support your answer.

Your TOEFL speaking score will be based on the following three criteria’s:

Topic development: Your ability to understand and convey information.

Delivery: Your ability to use clear speech.

Language use: Your grammar and vocabulary knowledge.

Click here to learn more about the TOEFL speaking section

Things to Think of when Studying for your English Language Proficiency Exam

Are you about to take an English language proficiency exam? Regardless if it is TOEFL, TOEIC or the IELTS test, the key to maximize your score is to prepare for the test efficiently and with a purpose.

You should have a clear schedule on what to study for and which specefic areas to focus on. By having a study schedule you avoid panicking the days before taking the test and cramming the night before your exam. We have all been there, the panic and anxiety the night before a big exam. Studying a little every day will help you avoid those feelins and prepare effectively without becoming overwhelmed with information (cramming).

There are cases when students actually don’t need to study for their English language proficiency exam. If you feel like you are fluent and could pass as a native speaker you might not need to study. However, we always recommend that every student should at least take a practice test before deciding to skip studying. By taking the practice test you will, 1. Know what level the language exam is and 2. Learn what the format of the test is.

Before you start preparing for your exam you should be aware of how much time you have available to study for the test. Different students need different amount of time to best prepare for their test. If you have good background knowledge of the English language we recommend you give yourself at least one month to study. If you feel a bit more insecure with your English language skills, you should give yourself at least two months of preparation time.

A key factor when studying for your exam is to know what your weaknesses and strengths are. Give yourself plenty of time to study on sections you are struggling with. By focusing on improving your weaknesses you’re exam score will increase noticeable.

When taking practice tests always analyze the questions you missed and review your mistakes. It’s easy to just read prep books and expect to be prepared for your test but remember that the best way to prepare for your exam is to take actual practice tests. By taking practice tests you will learn how to apply what you have learned.

Always keep yourself disciplined and on track with your studying. A good way to keep yourself on point is to have an outlined schedule that you check off every time a day of study session is complete. Always keep in mind of the big picture and end goal. Thinking about your goal helps you remember why it’s important to stick with your study schedule.

The Night Before the Exam

Many students panic the day before their exam and start cramming the night before. However, if you have followed a study plan and studied a little bit every day there is no need for panicking. Instead get a good night’s sleep, and have a healthy breakfast in the morning.

TOEFL Score Range for the Different Versions of the TOEFL Test

Different versions of the TOEFL test have different score range, in today’s we post we are going to review the score range for all versions of the TOEFL exam. Remember that there is no pass or fail score on the TOEFL test but rather an estimate of your English language comprehension.

TOEFL iBT Score Range
Reading Section: 0-30
Listening Section: 0-30
Speaking Section: 0-4 Converted to 0-30 scale
Writing Section: 0-5 Converted to 0-30 scale
Total: 0-120

Learn more about the TOEFL iBT Test Format

TOEFL PBT Score Range
Listening Section: 31-68
Structure/ Written Expression: 31-68
Reading Section: 31-67
Total: 310-677

TOEFL ITP Score Range
TOEFL ITP Level I
Listening Section: 31-68
Structure/Written Expression: 31-68
Reading Section: 31-67
Total: 310-677

TOEFL ITP Level II
Listening Section: 20-50
Structure/Written Expression: 20-50
Reading/Vocabulary: 20-50
Total: 200-500

Learn more about the TOEFL ITP Test

TOEFL Junior Score Range
Listening Section: 200-300
Language Form/Meaning: 200-300
Reading Section: 200-300
Total Score: 600-900

Source: https://www.ets.org/toefl

What is the TOEFL ITP Test?

There are several different versions of the TOEFL, (TOEFL iBT, TOEFL PBT, TOEFL Junior and TOEFL ITP). In today’s post we are going to take a look at the TOEFL ITP test.

The TOEFL ITP is typically used by organizations to determine the level of English knowledge of the test takers. This could be for the purpose of position placement, progress, evaluation, exit testing or other situations where testing English language proficiency is useful.

We recently got the question from a reader if she could use her TOEFL ITP score when applying for Universities. The TOEFL ITP is used for internal use within an organization. You will not be able to use your TOEFL ITP score for admission purposes for Colleges or Universities that require a TOEFL score.

Like the other versions of the TOEFL exam, the TOEFL ITP tests non-native English speakers their English language proficiency. The TOEFL ITP is paper based and the content of the exam is focused on academic English. All questions are multiple choice.

There are two different levels of the TOEFL ITP. Level 1, which is described as intermediate to advance and Level 2, which is described as high beginning to intermediate.

TOEFL ITP Test Format

The TOEFL ITP includes three different sections:

Level 1 (Intermediate to Advanced)
Listening Comprehension: 50 Questions
Structure and Written Expression: 40 Questions
Reading Comprehension: 50 Questions
Score Scale: 310-677
Total: 140 Questions (115 Minutes)

Level 2 (High Beginning to Intermediate)
Listening Comprehension: 30 Questions
Structure and Written Expression: 25 Questions
Reading and Vocabulary: 40 Questions
Score Scale: 200-500
Total: 95 Questions (70 minutes)

Source: ETS

5 Tips on How to Maintain Your Concentration during Your Exam

Taking a standardized exam can be mentally exhausting. Going into to a big exam with the feeling of being unprepared only adds to the stress. A crucial component on staying focused throughout your exam is to be prepared and know what to expect from the test.

By being familiar with your exam you can focus your attention on what to answer rather than thinking about distractions. Make sure that you start studying months in advanced rather than days prior.

Be aware of the timeframe of your exam, how long the different sections are and when you can expect a break. Make sure that you take a few practice tests before taking your actual exam with the same time constraints as the official exam. This will help your concentration ability and get your mind prepared when it comes time to take the real test.

Get plenty of rest and sleep the night before taking your exam. Prepare your mind like you would prepare your body before an athletic event. Have a good breakfast and make sure you are hydrated. Coffee is my beverage of choice before taking a long exam.

Also, make sure that you visit the restroom before your exam begins! Walking out to visit the restroom in the middle of your exam will only add stress to your situation and distract you from your performance.

When you walk into the exam room your main focus should be solely on answering the question at hand. Always focus on the question you are working on, don’t worry about what comes next or other distractions. If you are thrown off by a question and are unable to answer it simply move on to the next question.

The key component to being able to maintain your concentration during your exam is to be prepared. To view some practice questions and to learn more about the structure of your exam check out our test preparation packages at ePrepz.