Computer Based TOEFL

[sajiv]

When you take the computer based TOEFL (TOEFL CBT) you will first read a seven-step tutorial teaching you the computer skills necessary for taking the test. For reading the tutorial you have as much time as you want because it is not part of the test itself. The tutorial will teach you such things as how to use a mouse, how to scroll down a page and click on icons. All four sections of the Computer Based TOEFL test (Listening, Structure, Reading and Writing) are covered in the tutorial so you when you have finished studying the information you will be well prepared the test.

The Listening and Structure sections of the TOEFL computer-based test (CBT) are computer-adaptive. This means that the computer first gives you a question of average difficulty. If you answer this first question correctly the computer gives you a question of higher difficulty. If your first answer was wrong your second question will be of lower difficulty. So, based on your answers the computer can evaluate your level of English and give you questions according to your level.

The format of the computer-based TOEFL (CBT TOEFL) test is as follows:

You start by reading the tutorials for which you have unlimited time. Then you take the Listening Section, which lasts between 40 and 60 minutes and you will answer between 30 and 50 questions. After the Listening Section you move on to the section called "Structure". This part takes between 15 and 20 minutes and there will be between 20 and 25 questions. After you have finished the Structure Section there is a short break of 5 minutes and then you start the Reading Section which takes 70 to 90 minutes and includes 44 to 55 questions. The last part of the TOEFL CBT is the Writing Section. Here you will be given one topic on which you have to write an essay within 30 minutes.