TOEFL
Definition
The Test of English
as a Foreign Language (or TOEFLs, pronounced "toe-full" or sometimes
"toffle") evaluates the potential success of an individual to use and
understand Standard American English at a college level. It is required for
non-native applicants at many English-speaking colleges and universities.
Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, businesses, or
scholarship programs may require this test. A TOEFL score is valid for two
years and then is deleted from the official database. Colleges and universities
usually consider only the most recent score.
The TOEFL test is a
registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is administered
worldwide. The test was first administered in 1964
and has since been taken by nearly 20 million students.
The
TOEFL /ˈtoʊfəl/ TOH-fəl,
formally known as Test Of English as a Foreign Language, is a test of an
individual's ability to use and understand English
in an academic setting. The test is designed and administered by Educational
Testing Service (ETS), and TOEFL is a registered trademark of ETS. It was
developed to address the problem of ensuring English language proficiency for
non-native speakers wishing to study at U.S. universities. It has become an
admission requirement for non-native English speakers at many English-speaking colleges and universities.
Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, licensing bodies,
businesses, or scholarship programs may require this test. A TOEFL score is
valid for two years and then will no longer be officially reported.
Test
Of English as a Foreign Language: TOEFL is a
standardized test of English for academic purposes, and is commonly used in
university programs as a benchmark of proficiency in English for entrance
requirements. The TOEFL representative in Japan is CIEE, Council on
International Educational Exchange.
History
In 1962, a national council made up of representatives of
thirty government and private organizations was formed to address the problem
of ensuring English language proficiency for non-native speakers wishing to
study at U.S. universities. This council recommended the development and
administration of the TOEFL exam for the 1963-1964 time frame.
In 1965, The College Board and ETS jointly
assumed responsibility for the continuation of the TOEFL testing program.
In 1973, a cooperative arrangement was made between ETS,
The College Board, and the Graduate
Record Examinations board of advisers to oversee and run the
program. ETS was to administer the exam with the guidance of the TOEFL board.
Formats and contents
Internet-based
Test
Since
its introduction in late 2005, the TOEFL iBT format has progressively replaced
both the computer-based tests (CBT) and paper-based tests (PBT), although
paper-based testing is still used in select areas. The TOEFL iBT test has been
introduced in phases, with the United States, Canada, France,
Germany, and Italy in 2005 and the rest of the world in
2006, with test centers added regularly. The CBT was discontinued in September
2006 and these scores are no longer valid.
Although
initially, the demand for test seats was higher than availability, and
candidates had to wait for months, it is now possible to take the test within
one to four weeks in most countries. The four-hour test consists of four sections, each
measuring one of the basic language skills (while some tasks require
integrating multiple skills) and all tasks focus on language used in an
academic, higher-education environment. Note-taking is allowed during the TOEFL
iBT test. The test cannot be taken more than once a week.
- Reading
The
Reading section consists of 3–5 passages, each approximately 700 words in
length and questions about the passages. The passages are on academic topics;
they are the kind of material that might be found in an undergraduate
university textbook. Passages require understanding of rhetorical functions
such as cause-effect, compare-contrast and argumentation. Students answer
questions about main ideas, details, inferences, essential information,
sentence insertion, vocabulary, rhetorical purpose and overall ideas. New types
of questions in the TOEFL iBT test require filling out tables or completing
summaries. Prior knowledge of the subject under discussion is not necessary to
come to the correct answer.
- Listening
The
Listening section consists of six passages 3–5 minutes in length and questions
about the passages. These passages include two student conversations and four
academic lectures or discussions. A conversation involves two speakers, a
student and either a professor or a campus service provider. A lecture is a
self-contained portion of an academic lecture, which may involve student
participation and does not assume specialized background knowledge in the
subject area. Each conversation and lecture stimulus is heard only once.
Test-takers may take notes while they listen and they may refer to their notes
when they answer the questions. Each conversation is associated with five
questions and each lecture with six. The questions are meant to measure the
ability to understand main ideas, important details, implications,
relationships between ideas, organization of information, speaker purpose and
speaker attitude.
- Speaking
The
Speaking section consists of six tasks: two independent tasks and four
integrated tasks. In the two independent tasks, test-takers answer opinion
questions on familiar topics. They are evaluated on their ability to speak
spontaneously and convey their ideas clearly and coherently. In two of the
integrated tasks, test-takers read a short passage, listen to an academic
course lecture or a conversation about campus life and answer a question by
combining appropriate information from the text and the talk. In the two
remaining integrated tasks, test-takers listen to an academic course lecture or
a conversation about campus life and then respond to a question about what they
heard. In the integrated tasks, test-takers are evaluated on their ability to
appropriately synthesize and effectively convey information from the reading
and listening material. Test-takers may take notes as they read and listen and
may use their notes to help prepare their responses. Test-takers are given a
short preparation time before they have to begin speaking. The responses are
digitally recorded, sent to ETS’s Online Scoring Network (OSN) and evaluated by
three to six raters.
- Writing
The
Writing section measures a test taker's ability to write in an academic setting
and consists of two tasks: one integrated task and one independent task. In the
integrated task, test-takers read a passage on an academic topic and then
listen to a speaker discuss the same topic. The test-taker will then write a
summary about the important points in the listening passage and explain how
these relate to the key points of the reading passage. In the independent task,
the test-taker must write an essay that states, explains, and supports their
opinion on an issue, supporting their opinions or choices, rather than simply
listing personal preferences or choices. Responses are sent to the ETS OSN and
evaluated by four raters.
|
Task
|
Description
|
Approx. time
|
|
Reading
|
3–5 passages, each containing 12–14 questions
|
60–100 minutes
|
|
Listening
|
6–9 passages, each containing 5–6 questions
|
60–90 minutes
|
|
Break
|
|
10 minutes
|
|
Speaking
|
6 tasks
|
20 minutes
|
|
Writing
|
2 tasks
|
50 minutes
|
One
of the sections of the test will include extra, uncounted material. Educational Testing Service
includes extra material in order to pilot test questions for future test forms.
When test-takers are given a longer section, they should give equal effort to
all of the questions because they do not know which question will count and
which will be considered extra. For example, if there are four reading passages
instead of three, then three of those passages will count and one of the
passages will not be counted. Any of the four passages could be the uncounted
one.
Computer-Based Test
The Computer-Based
Test (CBT) was abolished on September
30, 2006. It was divided into four sections, measuring language
proficiency in listening, structure (grammar), reading and writing. Note-taking
was not allowed. The test took an average of 4 and a half hours. The test could
not be taken more than once a month.
- Listening Comprehension (40–60 minutes)
- Type of Questions: «Short
dialogues between two or more people in academic environments. Short
conversations between students, and lectures and discussions may be
possible as well.» Questions were basically of the who said what type.
There were 11-17 short dialogues, 2-3 short conversations and 4-6
lectures and discussions. The total number of questions was between 30
and 59.
- Structure (grammar) (15–20 minutes)
- Type of Questions: «Identify
the erroneous word(s) in the sentence and complete sentences correctly
through filling in the blanks using the appropriate word.» The test had
10-15 questions for identifying errors and 10-15 questions for completing
sentences correctly.
- Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary (70-90
minutes)
- Type of Questions: Questions
were posed about content, intent of the author, and ideas inferred from
each of the 4–5 passages given.
- Essay Writing (30 minutes)
- Type of Questions: «Write an
essay on a given general topic and take a position toward it, e.g.,
"Is stem cell research necessary? Explain your stance."»
The Listening and
Structure sections were computer-adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of each
question depended on the correctness of previous responses. Since the computer
must score each question in order to select the next one, the student had to
answer each question as it was presented. Test takers could not skip questions
or return to a previous question to change an answer in the Listening or
Structure Sections.
Since the Reading
Section is not computer adaptive, test takers could skip questions and return
to previously answered questions. How the student answers one question in the
Reading Section did not affect the difficulty level of the following question.
Paper-based Test
The TOEFL® paper-based Test (PBT) is available in
limited areas. Scores are valid for two years after the test date, and test
takers can have their scores sent to institutions or agencies during that time.
- Listening (30 – 40 minutes)
The Listening section consists of 3
parts. The first one contains 30 questions about short conversations. The
second part has 8 questions about longer conversations. The last part asks 12
questions about lectures or talks.
- Structure
and Written Expression (25 minutes)
The Structure and Written Expression
section has 15 exercises of completing sentences correctly and 25 exercises of
identifying errors.
- Reading
Comprehension (55
minutes)
The Reading Comprehension section
has 50 questions about reading passages.
- Writing (30 minutes)
The Writing section is one essay
with 250–300 words in average.
Test scores
Internet-Based Test
- The iBT
version of the TOEFL test is scored on a scale of 0 to 120 points.
- Each of
the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) receives a
scaled score from 0 to 30. The scaled scores from the four sections are
added together to determine the overall score.
- Speaking
is initially given a score of 0 to 4, and writing is initially given a
score of 0 to 5. These scores are converted to scaled scores of 0 to 4.
Computer-Based Test
- Three
subscores are obtained, each of which is given on a 0–30 scale: Listening,
Structure/Writing (combined), and Reading. These subscores are averaged to
obtain the final score, which is on a 0–300 scale.
- The
score for Writing is a component of the score for the Structure Section.
Even though the college or university where the test taker applied did not
require a score for Writing, the test taker had to write the essay to
complete the test.
- The
Writing test is scored on a scale from 0 to 6. A score of 6 showed strong
writing abilities, 5 average writing abilities, and 4 minimal writing
abilities. A score of 3, 2 or 1 showed a lack of writing technique. The
essay was read by two testing evaluators. Each one gave the essay a score.
The two scores are averaged to produce the final Writing scores. If the
evaluators were more than 1 point different in their assessment, a third
evaluator scored the essay.
Paper-based Test
- The
final PBT score ranges between 310 and 677 and is based on three
subscores: Listening (31–68), Structure (31–68), and Reading (31–67).
Unlike the CBT, the score of the Writing section (referred to as the Test
of Written English, TWE) is not part of the final score; instead, it is
reported separately on a scale of 0–6.
- The
score test takers receive on the Listening, Structure and Reading parts of
the TOEFL test is not the percentage of correct answers. The score is
converted to take into account the fact that some tests are more difficult
than others. The converted scores correct these differences. Therefore,
the converted score is a more accurate reflection of the ability than the
correct answer score is.
Accepted TOEFL Scores
Most colleges use TOEFL scores as
only one factor in their admission process. Each college or program within a
college often has a minimum TOEFL score required. The minimum TOEFL iBT scores
range from 61 (Bowling Green State University) to 100 (MIT, Columbia, Harvard).
A sampling of required TOEFL admissions scores shows that a total TOEFL iBT
score of 74.2 for undergraduate admissions and 82.6 for graduate admissions may
be required.
ETS has released tables to convert
between iBT, CBT and PBT scores.
TOEFL
ITP Tests
TOEFL ITP tests are
paper-based and use academic content to evaluate the English-language
proficiency of nonnative English speakers. The tests use new and previously
administered TOEFL test questions and are used for placement, progress,
evaluation, exit testing and other situations. Unlike the TOEFL iBT test, TOEFL
ITP tests are administered by the institution and should not replace the
need for the TOEFL iBT test. There are two levels: Level 1 (intermediate to
advanced) and Level 2 (high beginning to intermediate).TOEFL ITP scores
are mapped to the CEFR and test takers are provided with a certificate of
achievement.
TOEFL
Junior Tests
ETS also offers
the TOEFL Junior tests, a general assessment of middle school-level
English-language proficiency, and a distinct product within the TOEFL family.
The TOEFL Junior is intended for students ages 11–14. The tests are
administered in two formats — TOEFL Junior Standard (paper-based) and TOEFL
Junior Comprehensive (administered via computer). The TOEFL Junior
Standard test has three sections: Reading Comprehension, Listening
Comprehension and Language Form and Meaning. The TOEFL Junior
Comprehensive test has four sections: Reading Comprehension, Listening
Comprehension, Speaking and Writing. TOEFL Junior scores are mapped to
the CEFR and test takers are provided with a certificate of achievement. TOEFL
Junior is a trademark of ETS.
Registration
- The first
step in the registration process is to obtain a copy of the TOEFL
Information Bulletin. This bulletin can be obtained by downloading it or
ordering it from the TOEFL website at http://www.toefl.org
- From the
bulletin, it is possible to determine when and where the iBT version of
the TOEFL test will be given.
- Procedures
for completing the registration form and submitting it are listed in the
TOEFL Information Bulletin. These procedures must be followed exactly.
TOEIC
Definition
The Test of English for International Communication
(TOEIC) measures the ability of non-native English-speaking examinees to use English in everyday
workplace activities.
TOEIC - Test Of
English For International Communication: TOEIC is a test of English that
concentrates more on English for business purposes. TOEIC is commonly used in
Japan as a benchmark of proficiency in English when applying for employment
(although this practice has not escaped criticism from prominent experts in language
testing).
TOEIC
Certificate (score between 860 and 990)
Overview
The
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is "an English
language test designed specifically to measure the everyday English skills of
people working in an international environment."
TOEIC Listening & Reading Test
The
TOEIC Listening & Reading Test is a two-hour multiple-choice test consisting of 200 questions evenly divided into listening comprehension and reading comprehension.
Each candidate receives independent scores for listening and reading
comprehension on a scale from 5 to 495 points. The total score adds up to a
scale from 10 to 990 points. The TOEIC certificate exists in five colors, corresponding
to achieved results:
- orange (10–215)
- brown (220–465)
- green (470–725)
- blue (730–850)
- gold (855–990)
TOEIC Speaking & Writing Test
The TOEIC Speaking & Writing
Test was introduced in 2006. Test takers receive separate scores for each of
the two tests, or can take the Speaking test without taking the Writing test.
The Speaking test assesses pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and fluency,
while the Writing test examines vocabulary, grammar, and overall coherence and
organization. The tests are designed to reflect actual English usage in the
workplace, though they do not require any knowledge of specialized business
terms. The TOEIC Speaking Test takes approximately 20 minutes to complete; the
TOEIC writing test lasts approximately 60 minutes. Each test has a score range
between 0-200, with test takers grouped into eight proficiency levels.
Institutional TOEIC Test
In addition to the official TOEIC
tests, there are also versions that individual businesses and educational institutions
can purchase for internal use. These "Institutional" TOEIC tests can
be administered at the organization's own choice of location and time to their
employees or students.
Benefits of TOEIC
1. Benchmarking Tool
- Verifies
current level of English proficiency
- Identifies
strengths and weakness and supports to set learning goals
- Monitors
progress in English
2. Serves Multiple Purposes
- Provides
English language credentials global employers needs and supports migration
- Proves
the English Skills required to succeed in workplace
3. Reliable, Fair and Valid
- Measures
everyday English Skills needed in the global workplace.
- Uses
real world examples of spoken and written English collected from workplace
around the world.
- Measure
the intended attributes only
4. Convenience and Flexibility
- Test
can be administered at a business location at choice and online.
- Separation
of listening & Reading from Speaking and Writing offers more
flexibility
5. Highly Accurate
- Offers
quantifiable standard of performance with consistent and accurate scoring.
- Grounded
with principle research in preparing and testing.
- Answers
are Distributed among multiple raters to avoid discrimination and improve
Quality.
History
The Educational
Testing Service (ETS) developed the TOEIC test to measure
achievement in using English in a business setting. The Asahi Shimbun national daily's
evening edition interviewed Yasuo Kitaoka (北岡靖男 Kitaoka Yasuo) who was the
central figure of the Japanese team that conceived the basic idea of the TOEIC
test.
According to an Aug. 11, 2009 Japan Times article,
"In the 1970s, Kitaoka began negotiating with ETS to create a new test of
English communication for use in Japan. ETS responded that it required a
nonprofit organization to work with as their partner. Kitaoka tried to enlist
the help of the Ministry of Education, but their bureaucrats did not see the
need for a new test to compete with the STEP Eiken, an English test
already backed by the ministry. To overcome this opposition, Kitaoka received
help from his friend, Yaeji Watanabe. Watanabe's influence as a retired
high-ranking bureaucrat from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry
(renamed the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, or METI) proved crucial
to TOEIC's establishment.
Watanabe had remained in contact with his old ministry
while working on the board of directors for the World Economic Information
Services (WEIS) and as chairman of the Japan-China Economic Association, both
public-interest corporations operating under MITI. Watanabe declined an
interview request, but his memoirs describe how he overcame Ministry of
Education opposition to the TOEIC by taking cover "behind the ministry of
trade shield." Watanabe convinced his old ministry it should play the lead
role in establishing a new English test, and formed a TOEIC Steering Committee
under the WEIS umbrella. Members of the committee included other retired MITI
bureaucrats and influential business leaders.
Government support secured, ETS began developing the test
in 1977. In 1979, English learners in Japan filled in the first of many TOEIC
multiple-choice answer forms."
ETS's major competitors are Cambridge University, which
administers the IELTS, FCE, CAE, and CPE and Trinity College London, which administers GESE and
ISE exams.
New TOEIC tests
A new version of the TOEIC Listening & Reading test
was released in 2006. The changes can be summarized as follows:
- Overall, passages are
longer.
- Part 1 has fewer questions
involving photograph descriptions.
- The Listening Section hires
speakers of English from Britain, Australia,
New
Zealand and North
America, and uses an equal distribution of the dialects. However
all the voice actors for the speaking test have lived in the United States
for an extended period.
- Part 6 no longer contains an
error-spotting task, criticized as unrealistic in a corporate environment,
instead adopting the use of a task wherein the test taker fills in blanks
in incomplete sentences.
- Part 7 contains not only
single-passage questions but also double-passage questions wherein the
test taker reads and compares the two related passages, such as an e-mail
correspondence.
According to a survey conducted in 2006 by the Institute
for International Business Communication (財団法人 国際ビジネスコミュニケーション協会 Zaidanhōjin Kokusai Bijinesu
Komyunikēshon Kyōkai?), 56.8% of the respondents who took both the older and
the revised versions of the TOEIC test in Japan find the latter version more
difficult. The lower the score the test taker achieves, the more marked this
tendency becomes. As many as 85.6% of those who earned scores ranging from 10
to 395 points find the revised TOEIC test more difficult, while 69.9% of those
who earned 400 to 495 points think this way, as do 59.3% of those who earned
500 to 595 points. Among those who achieved 600 to 695 points 58.9% agree with
these findings. 700 to 795 points 48.6%, 800 to 895 points 47.9%, and 900 to
990 points 39.8%.
2006
also saw the addition of TOEIC Speaking & Writing tests. In 2007 there were
additional changes to the TOEIC Reading & Listening test that decreased
emphasis on knowledge of grammatical rules.
TOEIC in Japan
The Institute for International Business Communication (財団法人 国際ビジネスコミュニケーション協会 Zaidanhōjin Kokusai Bijinesu
Komyunikēshon Kyōkai?) operates the TOEIC test in Japan, where a total of nearly
1.5 million people take the test per year. There are two ways to take the TOEIC
test properly. One is called the TOEIC SP Test (Secure Program Test; 公開テスト Kōkai Tesuto?), in which one can take the test either individually or
in a group on specified dates at a test centre specified by the TOEIC Steering
Committee. The other is the TOEIC International Program (IP) Test (団体特別受験制度 Dantai Tokubetsu Juken Seido?), in which an organization can choose the date and
administer the test at its convenience in accordance with the TOEIC Steering
Committee. The TOEIC SP Test was renewed on May 2006, followed by the TOEIC IP
Test in April 2007 in line so that it would be with the SP Test. More and more
companies use TOEIC scores for personnel assessment instead of the homegrown STEP Eiken test organized by the
Society for Testing English Proficiency (STEP) (日本英語検定協会主催実用英語技能検定試験「英検」 Nihon Eigo Kentei Kyōkai Shusai
Jitsuyō Eigo Ginō Kentei Shiken "Eiken"?). The TOEIC Speaking Test/Writing Test started on
January 21, 2007 in addition to the TOEIC SP Test and the TOEIC IP Test.
Scandal
The Institute for International Business Communication
(IIBC), the non-profit organization that administers the TOEIC in Japan, was
the subject of a scandal in 2009.
In May and June 2009, articles in the Japanese weekly
magazine FRIDAY accused the IIBC’s 92 year-old Chairman Yaeji Watanabe of
nepotism when he appointed the son of his girlfriend to the position of
Chairman of the IIBC Board of Directors. To force the appointment, half of the
volunteers serving on the Board were forced out by Watanabe. The magazine
article also questioned why Watanabe only showed up for work about one day a
week.
In his defense, Watanabe claimed that he held a
ceremonial title and was Chairman in name only. As a result Watanabe claimed
that he had little to do with the decision to appoint the son of his girlfriend
to the position. The magazine article concluded by asking why someone who is
Chairman only in name and only working one day a week should receive an annual
salary in excess of 25 million yen.
In August 2009, the online version of the
English-language newspaper The Japan Times published a
two-part series examining the TOEIC’s origins and early history as well as the
use of test-taker fees by the IIBC on the internet. The August 18th article
examined the questionable uses of test-fees, including, a fivefold increase in
utility expenses in one year, 13 million spent annually on research about
adapting to Chinese culture, sponsorship of poetry readings by the Chinese
Poetry Recitation Association, and membership fees to join the Beautiful Aging
Association, for which Watanabe also happened to be Chairman.
The article also questioned the relationship between the
IIBC and its for-profit partner International Communications School with which
it shared office space. International Communications School is responsible for
selling the TOEIC Institutional Program Test given by companies and schools,
and also publishes IIBC approved TOEIC preparation textbooks and administers
the TOEIC Japanese language Web site. Also, one of International Communications
School's subsidiaries is E-Communications, which administers the TOEIC’s online
application system and provides online TOEIC study materials.
In 2009, Watanabe suddenly resigned from the IIBC,
leaving the son of his girlfriend in charge of the non-profit. Watanabe
received a 25 million yen retirement payment.
The IIBC lowered the price of the TOEIC Secure Program
Test from 6,615 yen to 5,985 yen starting with the September 13, 2009 test. The
price had to be lowered due to pressure from the Ministry of Trade, which
instructed the IIBC to reduce the profits being generated by the test.
In July 2010, the Tokyo Tax Bureau announced that
International Communications School, IIBC's for-profit partner, hid 100 million
yen in income and had to pay 30 million yen in back taxes and fines.
TOEIC in the Republic of Korea
Toward the end of 2005, there was a shift in South Korea, regarded as the
second biggest consumer of TOEIC per capita. As noted in The Chosun Ilbo (조선일보; 朝鮮日報; Korea Daily Reports) national daily,
a number of major corporations have either removed or reduced the required
TOEIC score for employment. An official from the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK;
Kiup Bank; 기업은행; 中小企業銀行) says, "TOEIC isn't an
appropriate indicator of actual English skills."[cite]?? However, a
person's TOEIC score is still a major factor in hiring persons for most
professional jobs in South Korea. Starting in 2011, Korean universities will no
longer be allowed to use TOEIC and TOEFL scores as part
of the admission process. This is apparently to discourage private English
education (there are many private institutions that teach TOEIC-based classes).
Another English proficiency test, TEPS (developed by Seoul
National University, Chosun Ilbo), has been developed and may
replace the status of TOEIC.
TOEIC in Europe
In France, some Grandes écoles require a TOEIC
score of at least 785 to award the diploma. This policy has been criticized, as
it makes state-awarded diplomas dependent on a private institution—despite the
fact that it was not the private institution that set the 785 mark but a
recommendation from the Commission des titres d'ingénieur indicating a B2+ level
on the Common European Framework of Reference for
Languages. If the student cannot achieve a 785 mark, he/she is
offered to validate his/her diploma by other means in most of the schools. Some
institutions delay the diploma for 1 year after the end of the studies in that
case.
In Greece, TOEIC is
accepted by ASEP, the organisation responsible for hiring new employees
to work for the government.
In Italy, TOEIC is
often used by universities as an exam to pass degree level qualifications. All
universities require that students pass an English examination to be allowed to
partake in degree courses and to receive diplomas. A TOEIC score of 450 is
usually required to complete 3 years of study and a score of 600 is usually
required to obtain the diploma. Many universities allow alternative
qualifications to the TOEIC, such as the Cambridge certificate and TOEFL tests.
Most universities do not offer either language preparation or language tests,
requiring students to seek external preparation and examination for a
requirement enforced by the department of education for all degrees.
TOEIC in the United States
Both the TOEIC Listening & Reading and the TOEIC
Speaking & Writing tests are now available in the United States. While the
TOEIC Listening & Reading test has been available for decades, the TOEIC
Speaking & Writing test was introduced in the United States only in 2009.
Registration for the TOEIC Speaking & Writing test is handled by the English4Success
division of the nonprofit organization Amideast.
TOEIC Bridge Test
ETS also administers a simplified version of the TOEIC
test called TOEIC Bridge. The TOEIC Bridge test targets beginning and
intermediate speakers and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, requiring
about one hour of testing time.
TOEIC Bridge in Chile
The TOEIC Bridge was used in Chile as part of the 2010
SIMCE test.
IELTS
Definition
There are two versions of the IELTS: the Academic
Version and the General Training Version:
- The Academic Version is intended for those who want to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education and
for professionals such as medical doctors and nurses who want to study or
practise in an English-speaking country.
- The General Training Version is intended for those planning to
undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.
No minimum score
is required to pass the test. An IELTS result or Test Report Form is
issued to all candidates with a score from "band 1"
("non-user") to "band 9" ("expert user") and each
institution sets a different threshold. There is also a "band 0"
score for those who did not attempt the test. Institutions are advised not to
consider a report older than two years to be valid, unless the user proves that
he has worked to maintain his level.
In 2007, IELTS
tested over a million candidates in a single 12-month period for the first time
ever, making it the world's most popular English language test for higher
education and immigration.
In 2009, 1.4
million candidates took the IELTS test in over 130 countries, in 2011 — 1.7
million candidates.
IELTS characteristics
The
IELTS incorporates the following features:
- A variety of accents and writing
styles have been presented in test materials in order to minimise
linguistic bias.
- IELTS tests the ability to listen, read, write and speak in English.
- Band scores are used for
each language sub-skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The
Band Scale ranges from 0 ("Did not attempt the test") to 9
("Expert User").
- The speaking module is a key
component of IELTS. It is conducted in the form of a one-to-one interview
with an examiner. The examiner assesses the candidate as he or she is
speaking, but the speaking session is also recorded for monitoring as well
as re-marking in case of an appeal against the banding given.
- IELTS is developed with input
from item writers from around the world. Teams are located in the USA,
Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and other English-speaking
nations.
IELTS test structure
All
candidates must complete four Modules - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- to obtain a band score, which is shown on the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF).
All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, while the Reading
and Writing Modules differ depending on whether the candidate is taking the Academic
or General Training Versions of the Test.
Listening
The
module comprises four sections of increasing difficulty. Each section, which
can be either a monologue or dialogue, begins with a short introduction telling
the candidates about the situation and the speakers. Then they have some time
to look through questions. The first three sections have a break in the middle
allowing candidates to look at the remaining questions. Each section is heard
only once.
Reading
In
the academic module the reading test comprises three sections, with 3 texts
normally followed by 13 or 14 questions for a total of 40 questions overall.
The General test also has 3 sections. However the texts are shorter, so there
can be up to 5 texts to read.
Writing
In
the Academic module, there are two tasks: in Task 1 candidates describe a
diagram, graph, process or chart, and in Task 2 they respond to an argument. In
the General Training module, there are also two tasks: in Task 1 candidates
write a letter or explain a situation, and in Task 2 they write an essay.
Speaking
The
speaking test contains three sections. The first section takes the form of an
interview during which candidates may be asked about their hobbies, interests,
reasons for taking IELTS exam as well as other general topics such as clothing,
free time, computers and the internet or family. In the second section
candidates are given a topic card and then have one minute to prepare after
which they must speak about the given topic. The third section involves a
discussion between the examiner and the candidate, generally on questions
relating to the theme which they have already spoken about in part 2. This last
section is more abstract, and is usually considered the most difficult.
Duration
The
total test duration is around 2 hours and 45 minutes for Listening,
Reading and Writing modules.
- Listening: 40 minutes, 30
minutes for which a recording is played centrally and additional 10
minutes for transferring answers onto the OMR answer sheet.
- Reading: 60 minutes.
- Writing: 60 minutes.
- Speaking: 11–14 minutes.
(Note:
No additional time is given for transfer of answers in Reading and Writing
modules)
The
first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing (always in that order) -
are completed in one day, and in fact are taken with no break in between. The
Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the
period seven days before or after the other Modules.
The
tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert
user.
