Introduction to TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT score

A. Score Scales

Because TOEFL iBT is significantly different from the previous version of the test, the score scale is also different. The TOEFL iBT provides scores in four skill areas:

Listening 0–30
Reading 0–30
Speaking 0–30
Writing 0–30
Total Score 0–120

The total score is the sum of the four skill scores.

B. Rating of Speaking and Writing Responses

Speaking
Responses to all six Speaking tasks are digitally recorded and sent to ETS’s Online Scoring Network. The responses from each test taker are scored by 3 to 6 different certified raters.

The response for each task is rated on a scale of 0 to 4. The average of all six ratings is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 30. Raters listen for the following features in test taker responses:

  • Delivery: How clear was the speech? Good responses are fl uid and clear, with good pronunciation, natural pacing, and natural-sounding intonation patterns.

  • Language use: How effectively does the test taker use grammar and vocabulary to convey their ideas? Raters determine the test taker’s ability to control both basic and more complex language structures, and use appropriate vocabulary.

  • Topic development: How fully do test takers answer the question and how coherently do they present their ideas? How well did the test taker synthesize and summarize the information in the integrated tasks? Good responses generally use all or most of the time allotted, and the relationship between ideas and the progression from one idea to the next is clear and easy to follow.

It is important to note that raters do not expect test takers’ responses to be perfect. Even high-scoring responses may contain occasional errors and minor problems in any of the three areas described above.

Writing
Responses to all writing tasks also are sent to ETS’s Online Scoring Network. The responses are rated by 2 to 4 certified raters on a score scale of 0 to 5. The average of the scores on the two writing tasks is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 30.

  • The response to the integrated writing task is scored on the quality of writing (organization, appropriate and precise use of grammar and vocabulary) and the completeness and accuracy of the content.

  • The independent writing essay is scored on the overall quality of the writing: development, organization, and appropriate and precise use of grammar and vocabulary.

It is important to note that the raters recognize the responses are first drafts. They do not expect test takers to produce a well-researched, comprehensive essay. For that reason, test takers can earn a high score with a response that contains some errors.

C. Score Reports
The new score reports now provide better information than ever about a student’s readiness to participate and succeed in academic studies in an English-speaking setting. Score reports include:

  • four skill scores

  • total score

Scores are reported online 15 business days after the test. Test takers can view their scores online free of charge. Colleges, universities, and agencies can also view scores online when examinees have selected them as a score recipient. Paper copies of score reports will be mailed shortly after the scores are posted online. Score reports also include performance feedback that indicates whether their performance was high, medium, or low, and describes what test takers in these score ranges know and can do with the English language. In the future, performance feedback will also include suggestions for improvement.

Other related topic:

What is the TOEFL?
The TOEFL iBT uses integrated tasks that combine more than one skill, just as in real academic settings. It helps students demonstrate the English skills needed for academic success.

Why TOEFL?
No matter where in the world you want to study, the TOEFL test can help you get there.

TOEFL iBT test format
Before you plunge into studying TOEFL, it is important to understand the test and its format.

TOEFL registration
The TOEFL test gives you more flexibility on when, where and how often you can take the test than any other language test in the world.

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