TOEFL Exam 2024: Recent Changes, New Pattern, and Registration Procedure

TOEFL Exam Updates

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is vital for those who do not have English as their native language and those who wish to find jobs or study in an English-speaking country. Before TOEFL 2024, there have been remarkable alterations in terms of the pattern and the steps to register for TOEFL. This article gives a full view of the recent changes regarding the TOEFL examination, how to register for the test and the procedure for the TOEFL exam.

Changes in TOEFL Exam 2024 

In this article, the author reveals new changes in the TOEFL exam to make it more efficient for test takers. The key highlights are:

• Shortened Test Duration: There will be a reduction in the total time required to complete the TOEFL test by 30 minutes. It means that there is a new overall duration: three hours. 
• Integrated Tasks: Some segments are now combined to better reflect how a candidate can apply several language skills at the same time. 
• Enhanced Scoring System: The old scoring system has been updated for speaking and writing sections to provide more information about the test-taker's responses.

Technological Enhancements

• AI-Based Scoring: The speaking and writing sections now use AI-based scoring, which provides faster and more impartial scores. 
• Improved Test Interface: The digital test interface has been improved for better usability, making it friendlier and reducing the anxiety of the test-taker. 

New Test Centers

ETS (Educational Testing Service) has increased the number of TOEFL test centres across the globe. This is to keep up with the ever-increasing number of students taking these tests. For this reason, there is more availability and convenience for students.

TOEFL Registration Process 

Step-by-Step TOEFL Registration Process

Generally, registering for the TOEFL exam is simple. Here is how to ensure a successful registration for TOEFL:

• Creating an ETS Account: Visit the ETS website and create an account. This account will be used both in registration and receiving your scores. 
• Choose a Test Date and Location: Indicate the date and location for your test, and you had better do it early to secure your choice. 
• Fill in Personal Details: Respond to the registration form by filling in your personal and contact information. Ensure that you answer accurately. 
• Select Score Recipients: You are permitted to select up to four institutions in which you are interested in studying that you would want the score from TOEFL sent at no cost. Send a report to other destinations is also acceptable for a fee. 
• Pay the Exam Fee: Use a valid way to pay for the exam; the registration fees vary depending on the country of residence. 
• Confirm Registration: Review your registration and make sure everything is correct. You will receive a confirmation email with your test details.

Important Considerations 

• Registration Deadlines: Test takers must register for the test late; however, there may be some fees attached to that. 
• Test Day Requirements: Bring a valid ID and confirmation email and be there for at least 30 minutes.

TOEFL Exam Format 

Overview of the TOEFL Exam Format

The TOEFL test design consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. All these four are developed to measure different kinds of language skills.

Reading Section 

• Duration: 54-72 minutes 
• Tasks: 3-4 reading passages of 10 questions each 
• Skills Tested: Understanding and analyzing academic reading material

Listening Section 

• Duration: 41-57 minutes 
• Tasks: 3-4 lectures and 2-3 conversations with 5-6 questions each 
• Skills Tested: Comprehension of spoken English in academic settings

Speaking Section

• Duration: 17 minutes 
• Tasks: 4 tasks, independent and integrated 
• Skills Tested: Express information and ideas clearly and coherently in spoken English

Writing Section 

• Duration: 50 minutes 
• Tasks: 2 tasks, one integrated and one independent 
• Skills Tested: Write essays in an organized, developed, and grammatically correct way

Integrated Tasks 

The new format of the TOEFL exam has been designed in such a way that it focuses on assessment through integration. For instance, the exam directions might be these:

• Reading-Listening-Speaking: Read a passage, then listen to a lecture and respond. 
• Listening-Reading-Writing: Listen to a conversation; read a related passage; and write an essay.

Scoring System 

The grading scale for the TOEFL test goes from 0 to 120. In contrast, each section is scored between 0 and 30 (both inclusive), with speaking and writing sections in the newer version of the TOEFL test providing even more detailed feedback so that the candidates can get an idea about their weak areas and others which are strengths.

Tips for TOEFL Exam Preparation 

Study Resources

• Official TOEFL Guide: Refer to the official ETS study material and practice sets for an overview of the structure. 
• Online Courses: Enroll in an online course for TOEFL that includes structured classes along with practice sessions. 
• Study Groups: Be a part of a study group or find someone who may also want to practice speaking and provide feedback on your writing exercises.

Practice Regularly

• Simulate Test Conditions: Practice simulating the test conditions at regular intervals; train the brain and body to the test's required pace. 
• Focus on Weak Areas: Admit your weak spots, whether reading comprehension or fluent talking.

Test-Day Tips 

• Get Adequate Rest: Ensure you had a night of good rest the previous day of the test. 
• Healthy Breakfast: Have a healthy breakfast so you do not run out of energy during the exam. 
• Stay Calm and Focused: Use the available calming and focusing tips for the test.

Conclusion 

The TOEFL exam is regarded as a critical crossroad for most students or professionals who explore greener pastures in English-speaking countries. Having the latest enhancements on the TOEFL examination, registration for TOEFL has been made more accessible, including the formatting of the TOEFL examination that is now set for 2024; therefore, this would imply better access to the test done with less hustle. Understanding these changes and preparing well will help candidates achieve their goals. 

To keep abreast of the changes in the TOEFL exam, get to know how to register for the TOEFL test, and practice with the new TOEFL format for test success.

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