The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has announced that it will be making some significant changes to the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The most notable of these changes is that the TOEFL will be shortened by one hour, and the score status will be shown immediately after the test from 26th July in 2023. For this, the test will now have a new, more modern ‘Writing for an Academic Discussion’ task, which will replace the previous independent writing task.
About TOEFL
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam is a standardized test used to measure the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. The exam consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It is widely accepted by universities and institutions around the world as a measure of an individual's ability to understand and communicate effectively in English. The TOEFL exam is computer-based and is administered in over 150 countries. It is a highly respected and recognized exam, and achieving a high score on the TOEFL can be crucial for those seeking to study or work in an English-speaking environment. Preparation for the exam typically involves study materials, practice tests, and taking courses or working with a tutor to improve English language skills.
Changes in TOEFL Exam
Apart from reduction in the time duration of the exam to 2 hours from three hours, ETS has also announced that it will be changing the way scores are reported. Currently, it takes about 10 days for test takers to receive their scores, but now, test takers will receive their scores immediately after they finish the exam.
In addition ETS has announced that the registration and account creation process for TOEFL will also undergo simplification, resulting in a more rapid and seamless experience for users.
Impact of the Changes
Overall, these changes are likely to make the TOEFL a more appealing exam for non-native English speakers. The shorter exam time will make it less daunting, and the immediate score reporting will provide test takers with instant feedback. However, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect the quality of the exam and the accuracy of the scores. Some experts have expressed concern that the shorter exam may not be as comprehensive as the current four-hour exam, and the immediate score reporting could lead to inflated scores and less reliable results.
Conclusion
Regardless, it is clear that ETS is committed to making the TOEFL a more accessible and user-friendly exam. As more and more non-native English speakers seek to study in English-speaking countries, the demand for English proficiency exams like the TOEFL will only increase. The changes that ETS is making to the exam are a reflection of the company's dedication to meeting the needs of its users and improving the exam experience for all.
