Test of English as a Second Language

Description

The TOEFL measures the English proficiency of students whose native language is not English. Most undergraduate and graduate programs in the U.S require international applicants to submit scores from the TOEFL. The test is administered by Educational Testing Services (ETS), an organization based in New Jersey, USA. In Nepal, the TOEFL has been offered as a computer –based test (CBT) at the USEF since 1998. As of 2006, the CBT is being phased out and will soon be replaced by a new version. The four sections on the CBT and their score ranges are:

1. Listening Comprehension 0-30
2. Structure/Writing 0-30
3. Reading Comprehension 0-30
4. Essay 0-6
5. Total score 0-300

Most undergraduate programs require a minimum CBT score of 173 for unconditional admission. Graduate programs usually require a minimum score of 213.

Internet- based TOEFL

In the near future, ETS will introduce Nepali students to a new version of the TOEFL called the Internet-based TOEFL (IBT). The IBT was launched in the U.S. in 2005 and is now available in many countries around the world. Once launched in Nepali, the iBT will be offered at least several times a month, throughout the year. The most significant changes in the test will include:

• A Speaking section. Test takers will be required to respond to various questions by speaking into a microphone.
• Two essays instead of one. Unlike in the current versions of the test, essays will have to be typed, instead of hand-written.
• Candidates will be allowed to take notes throughout the entire test (currently not allowed).
• There will be no separate grammar section.

The four sections on the iBT and their score ranges are:

1. Listening Comprehension 0-30
2. Reading Comprehension 0-30
3. Speaking 0-30
4. Essays 0-5(converted to a 0-30 scale)
5. Total score 0-120

Paper- based TOEFL

The paper-based version of the TOEFL (PBT) was officially discontinued after the CBT was launched in 1998. However, due to the high volume of TOEFL candidates in Nepal, ETS is administrating a limited number of PBT sessions in Kathmandu in 2006 and early 2007. These sessions are temporary .Once the iBT is fully operational, both the paper-based and the computer-based TOEFL will be phased out completely. Scores on the PBT range from 200-677. Most undergraduate programs require a minimum score of 500 for admission. Graduate programs require a score of at least 550.

Score Reports

On the day of the test, you may identify up to four schools that should receive official score reports on your behalf. These scores are included in the test fee. A student copy of the score report is sent to you separately.

Score Validity

TOEFL scores are valid for two years.

Test Fee

US $140 as of 2006.

Further Information

Download the TOEFL Bulletin from the official ETS website at www.ets.org/toefl. The bulletin is in PDF format and you will need Adobe Reader to open the file .Test registration may be completed online or through local banks in Kathmandu.

TOEFL in Transition

The TOEFL is in transition and until the IBT version is fully operational in Nepal, test dates, available formats, and test center locations may change at short notice. Visit the test registration page at the ETS TOEFL website for current information on taking the TOEFL in Nepal.