For applying to the universities of Canada, the USA, and other English-speaking nations, international students from non-English-speaking countries need to take exams that examine their English Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing skills.

TOEFL, or The Test of English as a Foreign Language, is one such exam used to evaluate non-native speakers of English on their level of ability. The TOEFL exam pattern includes four primary components: speaking, writing, listening, and reading.

Understanding the TOEFL Exam Pattern and syllabus is important for efficient preparation. Many universities rely on TOEFL scores for entrance or job purposes, so it's mandatory for students to be aware of the TOEFL Exam Pattern.

The TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus were modified after a thorough examination of test-taker feedback and changing patterns in language acquisition. The new curriculum, by integrating updated materials and exercises, aims to improve the test-taking experience and guarantee greater accuracy in assessing applicants' language proficiency.

Here’s a breakdown of TOEFL Syllabus New.

Out of the four sections, the reading and listening sections have multiple-choice questions. The range of marks for the combined TOEFL score, which considers both reading and listening, is 58–79.

Students must respond in both long—and short-form to the descriptive questions on the writing test. The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120, with a separate score assigned to each section. A score of more than 100 is regarded as excellent.

TOEFL Reading Section: Applicants have to read several passages and answer 20 questions for the TOEFL Reading section.

TOEFL Listening Section: During the TOEFL Listening section, applicants would have to answer questions concerning quick lectures or class discussions.

TOEFL Speaking Section: In order to pass the TOEFL Speaking Section, applicants must address readings and listening they have done as well as speak about a topic they are familiar with.

TOEFL Writing Section: Applicants would have to read a passage, listen to a recording, and then write their answers for the TOEFL Writing Section.

In the Reading section of the TOEFL Exam, applicants are given two passages that are around 700 words long each. Ten questions are included after each passage, for a total of 20 questions for this section. It is wise to spend about 35 minutes on each section for maximum scores.

Question Pattern

2 passages, 10 questions each

Try previewing the passages ahead of time on the TOEFL exam to improve your reading and comprehension skills, and then rapidly scan through them to get the primary idea.

The TOEFL exam's Listening section introduces the candidates to three lectures, some of which are followed by class discussions. Each lecture lasts 3 to 5 minutes and has 6 questions. There are also two conversations with 5 questions each, lasting roughly 3 minutes each.

Test-takers are permitted to take notes during the audio sections to help them answer questions.

Question Pattern :

3 Lectures (3-5 minutes, approximately 500-800 words), 6 questions each, Total 18 questions

2 Conversations (about 3 minutes, involving 12-25 exchanges), 5 questions each, Total 10 questions

Focus on attentively listening to the audio, making notes on important topics, and practising summarising the main ideas and details in order to enhance your listening abilities in preparation for the TOEFL exam.

Getting excellent scores in the Speaking Section requires completing the task requirements with few mistakes and communicating intelligibly and clearly at all times. Graders evaluate work based on the level of topic investigation, language proficiency, and clarity of delivery.

Question Pattern :

1 Independent Task (15 seconds for preparation; 45 seconds for response)

3 Integrated Tasks – Listening/Speaking, and Reading, Listening & Speaking (20–30 seconds for preparation; 60 seconds only for answer)

To perform well in the TOEFL Speaking section, practice speaking clearly and smoothly as you respond to the assigned tasks.

The TOEFL exam syllabus comprises 2 tasks in the writing section, each covering a different subject. When answering questions in the TOEFL speaking section, make sure your responses are well-organised, with clear explanations that relate directly to the topic.

Question Pattern :

There is one integrated task, which takes 20 minutes to complete (reading takes 3 minutes, listening takes 2 minutes, and writing takes 15 minutes).

1 10-minute writing assignment for an academic discussion task.

To improve your writing for the TOEFL, concentrate on fully comprehending the provided prompts and planning your answers. Work on expressing yourself clearly and concisely while paying attention to grammar and punctuation.

Preparing for the TOEFL syllabus requires an organised approach to improving your English language proficiency and familiarity with the TOEFL exam pattern and syllabus.

Review the official materials and practice questions to acquaint yourself with the TOEFL exam pattern.

To improve your skills, practice frequently using TOEFL study material.

Make the most of your study time by dividing your attention across the sections based on your areas of strength and weakness.

Use of tools like study groups, internet forums, and language learning applications.

Use official TOEFL practice exams to evaluate your progress and replicate the TOEFL exam pattern.

For international students wanting to continue their studies overseas, it is important to comprehend the TOEFL syllabus. Each section of the TOEFL exam pattern & syllabus should be given equal importance. Resources like TOEFL modules and TOEFL books should be followed to stay updated with the latest exam patterns and question types.

For expert guidance on your TOEFL journey, let AECC help you. Our counselors will help you find the ideal online course for you and guide you on your foreign education journey.