General Information about the TOEFL
This article includes all the key information about the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) — one of the most widely accepted official exams used to prove English proficiency for U.S. college admissions.
TEST STRUCTURE
Approximate duration: 2 hours
Total score: out of 120 points (0–30 per section)
The exam is divided into four sections:
- Reading – Read academic texts and answer multiple-choice questions
- Listening – Listen to university-style conversations and lectures, then answer questions
- Speaking – Record spoken answers to questions about personal experiences and academic situations
- Writing – Write two responses: one based on a reading + audio, and one based on personal opinion
TOEFL VS. DUOLINGO: PROS & CONS
Why choose the TOEFL?
- Accepted by all U.S. universities, including the most selective ones
- Greater international recognition
Compared to Duolingo, the TOEFL:
- Is more expensive (around $255 USD)
- Requires you to go to an official test center on a specific date *
- Has a longer process (2-hour test + a few days to receive results)
- Sending results to colleges requires an additional fee of $29
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES TO PREPARE FOR THE TOEFL
Free platforms:
- ETS (official creators of the TOEFL): Practice tests and official materials https://www.ets.org/toefl
- YouTube channels: Noteful, Magoosh TOEFL, TOEFL TV – offer tips and strategies for each section
- Magoosh Free Resources: Guides, templates for speaking/writing, and practice videos
* There is also a TOEFL Home Edition available; however, we do not recommend it due to the higher risk of technical issues during the test.
Related Articles
General Duolingo information
Duolingo is one of several alternatives to TOEFL recognized by colleges. The advantages of the test are obvious: It costs only $70. It is flexible in terms of dates. It can be taken online from home. It only takes 60 minutes. Results are available ...GED General Information
To be admitted to U.S. universities and meet the eligibility requirements for college sports leagues, students must hold a High School Diploma or an equivalent qualification. If this is not your case, you will need to take the GED. WHAT IS THE GED, ...General Information about the SAT
As part of the student’s academic profile, we want to share some key information about the SAT, a test that can play an important role in both the college admissions process and academic scholarship opportunities. WHAT IS THE SAT? The SAT is a ...Schedule TOEFL Date
After you have created an account on the ets.org website, you can book a test date in this account. Open the TOEFL Website in your browser and log in to your account with your access data. Note: Not every browser is supported by the ets.org website. ...TOEFL Home Edition
To take the TOEFL at home, you will need: A room where you will not be disturbed A stable internet connection A seat that is not on a bed or sofa, but at a table A PC or laptop (Windows or Mac) – no tablets A webcam with a microphone Speakers, as ...