Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)


The TOEFL iBT is the most common format you'll encounter in India, so let's focus on that one. Here's a breakdown of the syllabus and pattern:

Overall:

⚫ Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
⚫ Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
⚫ Scoring: 0-120.
⚫ Content: Academic-focused, simulating university life situations.

Section-wise details:

Reading (54-72 minutes, 36-56 questions):
⚫ Passages: 3-4 academic texts from various fields, each around 700 words.
⚫ Questions: Multiple-choice, focusing on main ideas, supporting details, inference, vocabulary in context, and author's purpose.

Listening (41-57 minutes, 34-51 questions):
⚫ Audio clips: 6 academic lectures (3-5 minutes each) and 2-3 conversations (3 minutes each).
⚫ Questions: Multiple-choice, focusing on main ideas, details, speaker attitudes, and relationships between speakers.

Speaking (17 minutes, 6 tasks):
⚫ Tasks: 4 independent tasks (expressing personal opinions and experiences) and 2 integrated tasks (speaking based on reading and listening material).
⚫ Focus: Fluency, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and coherence of ideas.

Writing (50 minutes, 2 tasks):
⚫ Tasks: 1 integrated task (summarizing reading and listening material and expressing an opinion) and 1 independent task (writing an essay on a given topic).
⚫ Focus: Organization, development of ideas, supporting evidence, grammar, and vocabulary.

Additional points:
⚫ The syllabus doesn't explicitly list specific grammar topics, but it expects you to have a strong foundation in basic grammar structures.
⚫ The test is computer-based (TOEFL iBT) and delivered at authorized test centers in India.
⚫ Official practice materials and preparation resources are available on the ETS website: https://www.ets.org/practice.html

I hope this gives you a good overview of the TOEFL syllabus and pattern in India. Remember, practicing and familiarizing yourself with the format is crucial for success.