Are you taking the TOEFL test this year? Do you want to score high on it to get entry to your dream college? Then, knowing the TOEFL exam marks pattern in detail is crucial for you. You can use your knowledge of the marking scheme to your advantage by fine-tuning your prep. Moreover, it can help you allot time effectively during the test and help boost your faith in yourself.

In this guide, you will explore the TOEFL exam pattern, its marking scheme, and how to ace it.

About TOEFL

It is a standardized English language skills test accepted by colleges and companies globally. Assessing a student across four sections, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, marks them on a range of 0 to 30. This total TOEFL score ranges between 0 and 120.

As a test-taker you have the choice to choose how you want to take the test: in-person or online. Results from both formats are valued equally in over 13,000 colleges, where the test is accepted.

Your final marks are then sent to your college as proof of your English skills, backing your application. Moreover, this result also helps students with their visa process and find well-paying jobs in their target country.

What is the Structure of the Test?

Knowing the test format is just as essential as knowing the TOEFL exam marks pattern if you wish to ace it.

It is a four-hour test with four sections, each of 30 marks:

Reading

This model usually presents 3 or 4 passages of 700 words approx. for students to solve. These are followed by 10 MCQs where an individual’s reading skills are assessed. The questions in this section test one’s ability to infer the author’s key ideas, vocab in context, and more.

Here is how you can leverage the TOEFL exam marks pattern for reading:

• Focus on Question Types: Know all the types of questions asked in the paper like MCQs, Match the Following, etc. This will help you target your reading and listening to find relevant info within the passage.
• Skimming and Scanning: Develop your skimming and scanning skills to quickly grasp the main ideas of the passage. Moreover, learn how to find the specific info you using these methods.
• Use Resources to Prep: Take advantage of the TOEFL mock tests, books, and articles to improve your reading skills. These can help you get used to the long length of the text and its complexity. Moreover, it will also clarify the types of questions asked and how to answer them.

Listening

In this section, students will get headphones that will play audio for them. These can be 3-5 long passages or lectures and 2-3 convo between two or more people. The lectures are 3 to 5 minutes long and have 6 questions each for you to solve. Moreover, the convos played are each about 3 mins. along with 5 questions that assess your ability to comprehend English.

Here is how you can leverage the pattern:

• Activeness: Hearing the info presented in the audios with focus, taking notes, and more will help you with this model. Even the pauses can give clues about the speaker’s attitude and meaning. Hence, listen actively to the audio.
• Accents: Moreover, it is crucial to prep for this model with different accents. You can use podcasts, news, and movies to expose yourself to new styles of English and practice for the test.
• Review and Analysis: After taking mocks for listening, review your answers and analyze your errors. Find the areas where you struggle, like following complex topics, and focus on them.

Tip: The TOEFL exam marks pattern is based on the test structure across its four models. Hence, know how to allot your time efficiently to score well.

Writing

This section has two tasks:

• Reading a short passage and listening to a related audio to write a summary
• Writing an essay expressing your opinion on a specific topic

Here is how to take advantage of knowing this structure:

• Develop Strong Essay Skills: Follow a clear and logical outline when planning your writing task. Start with an engaging intro and add several body paragraphs with facts or examples to give depth to your essay.
• Focus on Clear Language: Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences to express your ideas. Moreover, try using clear and correct vocab and grammar to enrich your writing.

Speaking

This model consists of 4 tasks: one independent and three integrated. In the independent task you are asked to speak on a familiar topic. Moreover, for the other 3 tasks, you have to add the info from reading and listening passages with your ideas. Keep the Toefl exam marks pattern in mind for this section. Also, you have limited time to prep and speak on each of these tasks.

Here is how to improve your speaking skills:

• Structure your Responses: Have a clear structure when planning your answer. You can either start with your opinion, or a famous quote you know, or discuss why the topic is necessary. Moreover, try giving more than two reasons to support your stance.
• Focus on Fluency: Avoid long pauses and filler words such as um, uh, and like, as much as you can.

Conclusion

A high TOEFL score is possible by knowing and leveraging the test structure and its marking scheme. By prepping diligently, the question types in the time allotted during the test, you can ready yourself for the day. Happy testing!