TOEFL

Here are 4 Type of TOEFL Test You Need to Understand. Equally Testing English, But Different Objectives

               It seems to hear the term TOEFL is no stranger to the academics. Test of English as a Foreign Language is one of the most common tests to test English proficiency as a requirement to enter a renowned college. Not only that, TOEFL was also one of the requirements to enter the workforce. Some companies require applicants to attach their TOEFL certificates.

               Apart from the importance of having a TOEFL certificate, there is something else related to the English proficiency test that you need to know. This is related to the type of TOEFL test you will be taking. Each test has different characteristics and will also be used for different purposes.

In order to maximize the score earned in order to qualify for a job, it would be nice if you know the following types of TOEFL test.

1.      PBT (Paper Based Test), is the most conventional TOEFL form. 

The test system uses a paper sheet of questions and answers to be filled with a 2B pencil

PBT is one type of TOEFL that uses paper sheets containing questions, hints and answer options. The charging itself uses a 2B pencil instead of a ballpoint pen. This type of PBT is most commonly used, including in Indonesia. The material used in this PBT is about listening, structure and reading.

2.      If CBT (Computer Based Test), is a type of TOEFL test that uses computers in the process

Requires computer and software for its work via www.microsec.org

In this CBT, you do not need to use paper anymore like PBT type, but working directly on the computer. All questions are displayed on the screen using interactive software. The material tested is listening, structure, reading, and writing.

3.      As the name implies, IBT (Internet Based Test) uses the internet network to access and perform the TOEFL test

               This test is the latest form that uses computers and the internet as a medium and is hosted by ETS (Educational Testing Service) as an institution holding a TOEFL license domiciled in the United States. Since it is held directly by ETS, it is international. This is why TOEFL IBT is better known as Official TOEFL ETS, because its implementation is done by ETS itself, or also referred to as NGT (Next Generation Toefl) because it has its implementation based on internet.

• Test materials tested are reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Material structure is not lost, but merged into 4 other materials.

• The tested questions are not only independent test or individual tests, but also integrated test or combination test.

• Combination test means that in one question there is more than one material. For example a paragraph (reading) followed by a person's explanation of the paragraph (listening).

• The duration of the test to be able to do all is 4 hours.

• Because it is held directly by ETS, the test schedule can not be flexible. The cost for one test is also quite high.

• Certificate is international, not only can be used in Indonesia alone but also can be used to apply scholarships and apply for jobs abroad as well.

4.      In the Asian region itself uses ITP (Institutional Testing Program) so that it can only be held in the local area 

               TOEFL ITP is an English proficiency test organized by a particular institution. Even so, the implementation of ITP still get direct support from ETS related TOEFL matter to be tested. This ITP is only institutional in nature so it can only be used in some countries or local territories and is not applicable worldwide.

• Usually the organizing institution consists of a university and an English course institution.

• Since the tests are held locally, the certificates issued also apply only locally, which can only be used to apply studies or scholarships and apply for domestic work only.

• The material tested is listening, structure and written expression and reading.

• A more flexible test schedule when compared to the TOEFL IBT test schedule. The cost for a one-time test is also more affordable.

               Well, that's the TOEFL-type you need to know before taking the test. Hopefully, later you can better prepare yourself, considering learning TOEFL also have a trick to get the score required by your target company. Good luck!