What is TOEFL?

When you hear the term TOEFL, your brain begins to process multiple questions. You want to know what exactly is TOEFL? Why should you take it? Who accepts TOEFL scores? What is the exam structure? And there are multitudes of other questions.

Well, before you plan to sit for this exam, you should know everything about this exam. So, read on!

TOEFL is an acronym for Test of English as a Foreign Language and is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is a standardized examination that measures English proficiency in terms of reading, speaking, listening, writing and understanding, especially of non-native English speakers. TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 1100 universities, organizations and other institutions such as immigration departments, medical and licensing agencies, etc. It is widely accepted in over 150 ountries that are best to study abroad which includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the U.K., all across Europe and Asia.

Why TOEFL is important?

The TOEFL Test is a standardized test usually conducted to evaluate the proficiency of a person in the English language. All the four aspects of communication which are, Speaking, Reading, listening, and writing are integrated into he TOEFL Test to judge the test takers level of competency in the language. Moreover, by taking the test, the individual becomes familiar with the method of speaking or writing in the academic settings.

First conducted in 1964, the TOEFL Tests have grown in acceptance and recognition and today it is considered to be one of the most accepted forms of testing the English language skills in a person. Hence, it provides a number of advantages to the individual taking the TOEFL Test.

Your Academic Advantage:
Being awarded a high score in TOEFL Tests proves your competency in English and this gives you an edge over the others in the university. A high score also enhances your chances to gain admission into the top league universities if you are trying to get into one. One of the biggest advantages is that you will never feel out of place anywhere in the world, especially among your peers in your college or university as you will be one among them and not be segregated due to lack of knowledge of English. The greatest advantage is definitely the fact that you will be considered with high regard for having a good score in the TOEFL Test as it is a highly advanced test and gaining a good score in that gives the University a good impression of your ability.

Your Professional Advantage:
Today some business organizations have made it mandatory to show a high TOEFL Test score in order to gain employment. The result of globalization is that today most business organizations have a mixed population of people who speak less of a particular language and more of English which has become a global language. So with a high TOEFL Test score, it is possible for you to get into one of the blue chip companies around the world.

Your Personal Advantage:
By taking the TOEFL Test and scoring high, you are a level above the rest as you are equipped with the knowledge of your proficiency in the English language. This gives you the boost and the confidence to speak up rather than being a passive participant in group discussions and meetings. By taking the test you are highly benefitted as it gives you the power of communication.

Typically, those people who are planning their education abroad and are applying to a foreign university or a graduate school take TOEFL examination. Also, if you are applying for scholarships abroad, you will have to submit your TOEFL scores. However, this examination is not only limited to this. Anyone who needs to showcase their English ability can undertake this test. This includes:

• Those looking to attend an exchange program in an English-speaking country.
• Those applying for visas in English-speaking countries
• Those looking for employment abroad especially for client-based roles in English speaking countries
• Those whose primary language is not English
• Those whose primary language of instruction hasnt been English for at least five years.
• Those who simply want to assess their English language skills in a formal setting.