TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test designed to measure the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. In Canada, the TOEFL is widely accepted by universities, colleges, and other educational institutions as proof of English proficiency for admission purposes.

Here's a general overview of the syllabus and pattern of the TOEFL:

Sections:
⚫ Reading
⚫ Listening
⚫ Speaking
⚫ Writing

Duration: The test typically takes about 3 hours to complete.

Syllabus:

Reading Section:
⚫ Three to four passages from academic texts, each around 700 words in length.
⚫ Questions assess comprehension skills, including understanding main ideas, details, implied meanings, vocabulary, and rhetorical purposes.

Listening Section:
⚫ Lectures (2–3 minutes) and conversations (3–5 minutes) related to university situations.
⚫ Questions assess comprehension skills, including understanding main ideas, supporting details, speaker attitude, and purpose.

Speaking Section:
⚫ Six tasks: two independent and four integrated.
⚫ Independent tasks require speaking on familiar topics.
⚫ Integrated tasks involve synthesizing information from reading and listening materials.

Writing Section:
⚫ Two tasks: one integrated and one independent.
⚫ Integrated task involves writing based on reading and listening material.
⚫ Independent task requires writing an essay expressing personal opinions on a topic.

Scoring:
⚫ Each section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 30.
⚫ The total score ranges from 0 to 120.

Format:
⚫ The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is the most commonly administered format.
⚫ The test is taken on a computer, with sections delivered consecutively.
⚫ There is also the TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test), but it is less common and generally used in areas where the iBT is not available.

Preparation:
⚫ Official TOEFL preparation materials, including practice tests, are available from ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization that administers the TOEFL.
⚫ Many test prep centers and online resources offer additional study materials and practice tests.

It's essential to check with the specific institution to which you are applying for their TOEFL score requirements and whether they accept scores from the internet-based or paper-based test. Additionally, consider your own proficiency level and any areas you may need to focus on for preparation.