Next Generation iBT TOEFL

Next Generation iBT TOEFL

In September 2005, ETS rolled out a new TOEFL. Touted as the "next generation" TOEFL, it assesses four basic language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The new TOEFL, an Internet-based test (iBT), was released first in the United States and will change in Hong Kong in April 2006. For a complete listing of starting dates for the TOEFL iBT in various countries, please click here.

Changes to the TOEFL
ETS has made several changes to the test with the goal of making the TOEFL a more accurate gauge of the English skills needed for academic success. The test material will have a more academic context and is designed to more closely mimic the academic environment.

The structure of the new TOEFL will test two "inputs", reading and listening, and two "outputs", writing and speaking.

After reading a passage, students:

Write their answers, including short written answers and multiple choice
Speak their answers into a recorder

After listening to a passage, students:

Write their answers, including short written answers and multiple choice
Speak their answers into a recorder

Students are able to take a full-length practice exam at www.TOEFL.org.

Because the next generation TOEFL test includes a speaking test, schools will no longer require the TSE for admissions.

	Current TOEFL	Next Generation IBT TOEFL
Listening Section	· Time: 40-60 minutes · Answer questions after listening to dialogues, short conversations and lectures	· Time: 60-90 minutes · Listening passages will be longer and mimic more natural speech patterns, including pauses, corrections, and grammatical errors · Other native English accents (i.e. not North American) will be included.
Reading Section	· Time: 60-100 minutes · Answer questions after reading academic texts	· Time: 70-90 minutes · Reading passages will be longer and more academic in nature to better reflect college reading assignments. · Students will have access to a glossary to explain key words.
Structure Section	Stand-alone section that tests grammar	There is no stand-alone grammar section. Grammar skills will be tested in the Speaking and Writing sections of the test.
Writing Section	One 30-minute essay	· Time: 50 minutes · One 30-minute essay (support your opinion on a topic) · One 20-minute essay (write based on something you read and hear)
Speaking Section	Not tested	· Time: 20 minutes · Six open-ended speaking questions require test takers to speak into a microphone. · You have up to 30 seconds to prepare, and up to one minute to respond.
Integrated Language Skills	Not tested	Some sections of the new test will combine four basic communication skills. For example, a test taker might listen to a lecture and read a passage, then write or speak about it.
Note-Taking	Not permitted	Permitted throughout the test
Scoring	· 0-300 · Human graders for essay	· 1-120 (30 per section) · Human graders for essay and speaking sections. · Online score reporting allows students to view their scores 15 business days after the test.
Time	3.5 hours	4 hours