Your Guide to the TOEFL iBT and IELTS Computer Based Tests

If you are gearing up for your English proficiency tests online, this guide for the two most significant tests, TOEFL iBT and IELTS Computer-Based Test, is for you. This is a detailed guide to help you navigate the changes, prepare thoroughly, and excel in the online test.

• Guide to TOEFL iBT

Understanding the TOEFL iBT format and preparing effectively is like unlocking a treasure chest of opportunities! The TOEFL iBT test is taken at a test center. Make sure to check with the institutions you are applying to confirm their specific requirements.

Test Duration and Format

The TOEFL iBT online test lasts 2.5 hours, including a 30-minute check-in period. The test consists of four different sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

• Reading: 35 minutes, 20 questions – Read passages and respond to questions.
• Listening: 36 minutes, 28 questions – Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions.
• Speaking: 16 minutes, 4 tasks – Talk about familiar topics and discuss material you read and heard.
• Writing: 29 minutes, 2 tasks – Read a passage, listen to a recording, and type your response.

Speaking Section: You will answer by speaking into the microphone, and your response will be recorded. AI scoring and qualified human raters are used to score speaking activities. In the speaking section, you will likely hear an English accent from North America, the U.K., New Zealand, or Australia, how exciting!

Each section is scored out of 30, with the total score ranging from 0 to 120 points.

TOEFL iBT Test at a Test Center

You can take this test at many authorized test centers around the world, and It is available more than 170 times a year.

TOEFL iBT Security | To Keep Things Fair and Secure

The TOEFL iBT online test is available worldwide at thousands of authorized TOEFL iBT test centers.

• Reliable security measures are used like biometric voice identification, facial recognition, and electronic wanding at test centers.
• All grading is done anonymously, which helps prevent cheating between test takers and raters.
• Tests are sent directly from ETS to the test taker’s computer, reducing the chances of test content being stolen.

On Your TOEFL iBT Test Day

Check the ID requirements at the respective institutions and make sure the ID you intend to use on the day of the examination will be acceptable. The TOEFL iBT Information Bulletin (PDF) on the official ETS site contains policies and procedures that govern the TOEFL iBT.

If your test appointment is canceled or rescheduled by/to Educational Testing Service (ETS)

Weather conditions, technical issues, or some other reasons may lead to the cancellation of your test appointment or to the loss of your scores after you have finished the examination. Ideas to prevent such a situation may be found in the given Noel Bulletin under “Cancellation/Rescheduling of a Test Administration”.

Please make sure that your personal information in your ETS account is up to date, especially your phone number and email address. These are important for ETS to contact you directly.

Reporting Scores

Scores are available immediately, and you can choose to report or cancel your scores based on these unofficial results. For detailed information, refer to the TOEFL iBT Information Bulletin and the Equipment and Environment Requirements page.

Preparation Materials

For preparation material, you can refer to these books for commonly used phrases in the TOEFL iBT test, practice test, and 500 need-to-know words to help individuals grow their English language vocabulary.

• The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test 7^th Editon
• Essential Words for the Toefl, 7th Edition, Steven J. Matthiesen

Utilize simulated tests to adapt to new timing and format, and assess results to identify improvement areas and adjust your study plan.

• Guide to IELTS Online Test or Computer Based Test

The IELTS Online test, unfortunately, you cannot take in Nepal. There are only few countries including Brazil, Chile and other countries where you can take IELTS online test. (full list on https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/book/ielts-online-test) but the good news is that you can take the IELTS Academic test or General Test on a computer at the official test center, let the adventure begin!

Test Duration and Format

Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing sections (approximately 2 hours 40 minutes): These are delivered on an authorized test center, a computer-based IELTS test, but the speaking section will still be face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner.

Preparing for IELTS Online

• Listening Test: 4 recordings (social and academic contexts) with 40 questions in approximately 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes to transfer answers.
• Reading Test: 3 texts (academic or general training) with 40 questions in 60 minutes, including time to transfer answers.
• Writing Test: 2 tasks (descriptive/analytical for Academic; letter/essay for General Training) in 60 minutes.
• Speaking Test: 3 parts (introduction, candidate task card, and discussion) in 11-14 minutes.

Preparation Material

Get the complete preparation material from the British Council, including practice tests, courses, and personalized tutoring. Elevate your preparation with access to free materials, videos, and webinars to boost your confidence and skills. For the reference, you can find those materials at (https://www.britishcouncil.org.np/exam/ielts/prepare).

Preparation Tips for TOEFL iBT and IELTS Computer Based Tests

• Create a study plan and determine the required score for your target institutions.
• Start with a familiarization test available on the British Council’s official site to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Allocate study time for each section based on your needs, and set up a consistent study routine, specifying daily or weekly study hours.

Develop English Skills Daily

• Reading: Engage with English newspapers, journals, and books to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
• Listening: Listen to English podcasts, news, and audiobooks to enhance listening skills.
• Speaking: Practice speaking with friends, language partners, or through language exchange programs.
• Writing: Write essays, journal entries, or summaries to improve writing skills.

Personal Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a valid passport

Prepare now, thank us later! Grab this guide to successfully learn the TOEFL iBT and IELTS Computer based test requirements and formats. Prepare thoroughly and meet all technical and security requirements. Use official resources and practice consistently to improve your skills and confidence. You can achieve your desired scores and advance your academic or professional goals by effectively managing your preparation and test-day procedures.