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"English Language
Proficiency Tests:
Distinguishing TOEFL
from the Rest"

Introduction…

English proficiency tests are essential to many
individuals' academic and professional journeys
worldwide
...
While many English proficiency tests
are available, the TOEFL is widely recognized as a
leading English proficiency test for academic
purposes
...
Understanding
these differences can help individuals make
informed decisions about the test best suits their
needs and goals
...

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the
most widely recognized and respected tests of English
proficiency, particularly for academic purposes
...
Whether you are a student looking
to apply to universities abroad, a professional seeking to
advance your career, or someone looking to demonstrate your
English proficiency, it is essential to choose the test that best
meets your needs and goals
...
By understanding these differences,
you can make a more informed decision about which test to
take and how to best prepare for it
...
Purpose: The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
aims to evaluate the English proficiency of non-native English
speakers who want to study in an English-speaking academic
environment
...
Other English proficiency tests, on the other hand, are
designed to evaluate the overall English language skills of the
test-taker and may not be specific to academic purposes
...

An immigrant in Canada who wants to apply for a job in an
English-speaking workplace may take the TOEFL to show that
they have the necessary English skills
...
This ensures that the
student has sufficient English to succeed in an academic
environment
...
This demonstrates that the person has the
necessary English skills to live and work in the country
...
This shows that the person has the
necessary English skills to communicate effectively in their
professional field
...
Format: TOEFL is a computer-based test, meaning that the
test is taken on a computer, and the answers are recorded
electronically
...
The test design can affect the test-taker’s
experience, scoring, and results
...

An internet-based English proficiency test, such as the IELTS
(International English Language Testing System), may have the
test-taker complete reading and listening tasks on the
computer and writing and speaking tasks with a human
examiner
...
They can take the test at a
designated testing center on a scheduled date and receive their
scores electronically
...
This can provide faster results for the
test-taker
...
They can take the test from a
convenient location, such as their home or office
...
Length: The TOEFL is more extended than many other English
proficiency tests, with a total testing time of 4 hours
...
The length of other English
proficiency tests may vary, with some taking only a few hours
and others taking an entire day
...

The OET (Occupational English Test), specifically designed for
healthcare professionals, takes a full day to complete with
writing, reading, listening, and speaking tasks
...
A more extended test like the
TOEFL may require more time and practice, while a shorter test
like the PTE may be more suitable for those with less time
...

Test Focus: A more extended test like the TOEFL may provide a
more comprehensive evaluation of the test-taker’s English
skills, while a shorter test like the PTE may focus on specific
language skills such as speaking and writing
...
Content: TOEFL tests all four language skills, including
reading, writing, listening, and speaking
...
Other English
proficiency tests may only focus on some of these skills, such as
reading and writing or listening and speaking
...

The PTE (Pearson Test of English) focuses on the test-takers
ability to speak and write English in a real-life context rather
than in an academic setting
...

Professional Purposes: Other English proficiency tests, such as
the PTE, may be more suitable for those who want to
demonstrate their English proficiency for professional
purposes, such as for work or immigration purposes
...
For example, a test that only focuses on
speaking and writing may be more suitable for those who want
to improve their speaking and writing skills, while a test that
focuses on all four skills may be more comprehensive
...
Scoring: TOEFL scores are given on a scale of 0 to 120, with
each of the four skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening)
being scored separately
...
Other English
proficiency tests may have different scoring methods, with
some tests providing a single overall score while others giving
separate scores for each skill
...

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
provides a single overall score and separate band scores for
each of the four skills
...

Professional Purposes: Other tests, such as the IELTS, with a
single overall score, may be more suitable for demonstrating
English proficiency for professional purposes, such as
immigration or work
...
A test with separate
scores for each skill may allow for a more in-depth evaluation
of specific language abilities
...


6
...
This is due to its reputation as a reliable and
valid measure of English proficiency for academic purposes
...
Other
English proficiency tests may have limited acceptance, with
only some universities and institutions recognizing them as a
valid measure of English proficiency
...

The PTE is recognized by a limited number of universities and
institutions, mainly in English-speaking countries such as
Australia, the UK, and New Zealand
...

Professional Purposes: Other tests, such as the PTE, with
limited acceptance, may not be as suitable for demonstrating
English proficiency for professional purposes, such as
immigration or work
...
It is essential to check the particular

requirements of the institution or agency before choosing a
test
...
Cost: TOEFL is generally more expensive than other English
proficiency tests
...
This is due to the reputation and widespread
acceptance of the TOEFL and the resources required to
administer the test and maintain its quality
...

The cost of taking the PTE Academic is approximately $220 in
Australia
...


Institution Requirements: The cost of the test may also depend
on the specific requirements of the institution or agency
...

Test Quality: The cost of the test can also reflect the reputation
and quality of the test
...


8
...
This allows testtakers to prepare for the examination and improve their scores
adequately
...


Examples:

Official TOEFL iBT Study Guide: This guide provides an overview
of the test format, content, and scoring, as well as practice
questions and test-taking tips
...

Use Cases:

Self-Study: Test-takers who prefer self-study can utilize the
wide range of resources available for the TOEFL to prepare for
the test independently
...

Improvement: The availability of test preparation materials can
help test-takers to identify their weaknesses and improve their
scores on the TOEFL
...


9
...
This makes it easier for test-takers to schedule a test
that fits their schedule and retake it if needed
...

Examples:

TOEFL iBT: The TOEFL iBT is offered up to 50 times a year in
many countries, with multiple monthly test dates available
...

Use Cases:

Test Scheduling: The frequent availability of testing dates for
the TOEFL makes it easier for test-takers to schedule a test that
fits their schedule
...

Test Convenience: The frequent availability of testing dates
makes the TOEFL a more convenient option for test-takers than
other English proficiency tests with limited testing dates
...


10
...
This
extensive network makes it easier for test-takers to find a
convenient testing center near them, reducing the time and
cost associated with travel
...
The availability of multiple testing
centers is particularly beneficial for test-takers who need to
take the test quickly, as they have more options for testing
dates and locations
...

Other English proficiency tests may have limited testing
centers, making it more challenging for test-takers to find a
convenient testing location
...
In
addition, having limited testing centers can also lead to
variations in the test's administration and scoring, affecting the

results' reliability and consistency
...


11
...
This includes ID verification, where
test-takers must present a valid government-issued ID that
matches the name on their test registration
...
These strict security
measures provide that TOEFL results accurately reflect a testtakers English proficiency
...
Results: TOEFL results are available online within ten days
of taking the test, allowing test-takers to quickly receive their
scores and use them for academic or professional purposes
...
In comparison,
results for other English proficiency tests may take longer to be
released, which can delay the admission or visa process
...
Test Duration: TOEFL is longer than many other English
proficiency tests, with a total testing time of 4 hours
...
However, the longer test duration
may also be a disadvantage for some test-takers, as it requires
a significant investment of time and energy
...
Test Difficulty: The difficulty level of the TOEFL may vary
depending on the test taker’s English proficiency
...
This variation in
difficulty level makes the TOEFL a more accurate measure of a
test taker’s English proficiency, as it is tailored to their abilities
...


15
...
The
test content evaluates a test-takers ability to understand and
use English in a university setting
...


16
...
These item types include multiple-choice questions,
essay writing, and speaking tasks
...
The multiple-choice
questions assess a test taker’s knowledge of vocabulary,
grammar, and reading comprehension
...
The speaking
tasks assess a test-takers ability to communicate effectively in
English and respond appropriately to different questions
...
Test Re-Take Policy: The policy for re-taking the TOEFL
varies
...
The TOEFL also has a policy of
only reporting the highest score achieved by a test-taker, which
means that test-takers may need to carefully consider their

preparation before re-taking the test
...


18
...
This validity period is established to ensure that test-takers
English proficiency is current and relevant to their academic or
professional needs
...
It is essential for test-takers to be
aware of the validity period for their test results and to plan
accordingly to ensure that their scores are valid for the period
they need them

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