What is the difference between TOEFL iBT and normal TOEFL?

Hello Neha,

In today's academic and professional landscape, the TOEFL iBT has become the benchmark for assessing English proficiency, primarily due to its comprehensive approach and convenience. The iBT version is conducted online, reflecting modern communication methods and educational practices. It covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through a computer-based format that offers a more interactive and realistic assessment of language abilities.

On the other hand, the traditional or "normal" TOEFL, often referring to the Paper-Based Test (PBT), is less prevalent in the digital age but still exists for locations where internet access is limited. While both tests aim to evaluate your English proficiency, the iBT version’s digital format aligns more closely with contemporary academic and professional settings, making it the preferred choice for most institutions and test-takers.

 

 

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an exam that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. There are different formats of the TOEFL, with the most common being the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) and the paper-delivered test.

Here’s a clear comparison between the two:

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test):

1. Format: Administered online via the internet.
2. Sections: Four sections - Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
3. Reading: Involves reading passages and answering questions.
4. Listening: Includes listening to lectures and conversations and answering questions.
5. Speaking: Requires speaking into a microphone on various topics.
6. Writing: Involves writing essays based on given prompts.
7. Availability: Widely available around the world at numerous testing centers.
8. Scoring: Each section is scored from 0-30, with a total score ranging from 0-120.
9. Advantages: More comprehensive assessment of English skills.
   Speaking section allows direct evaluation of verbal communication skills.
10. Immediate and widespread availability of test centers.

TOEFL Paper-Delivered Test:

• Format: Administered in a paper format.
• Sections: Three sections - Reading, Listening, and Writing.
• Reading: Similar to the iBT, involves reading passages and answering questions.
• Listening: Similar to the iBT, includes listening to lectures and conversations.
• Writing: Involves writing essays, similar to the iBT.

Note: No Speaking section in the paper format.

• Availability: Limited to areas where the TOEFL iBT is not available.
• Scoring: Each section is scored from 0-30, with a total score ranging from 0-120.
• Advantages: Suitable for regions with limited internet access.
  Familiar format for those accustomed to traditional paper tests.

Key Differences:

• Medium: iBT is internet-based; the paper-delivered test is on paper.
• Speaking Section: Only available in the iBT.
• Availability: iBT is more widely available globally.
• Scoring and Content: Both tests are scored similarly, but the iBT provides a more rounded evaluation due to the inclusion of the Speaking section.

TOEFL iBT offers a more comprehensive and widely available format that includes all four language skills, while the paper-delivered test is an alternative for regions without internet-based testing facilities.

 

The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) and the TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) differ primarily in their delivery method and content areas. The iBT is the more modern form, delivered via the internet, and assesses reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. It reflects more interactive and integrative tasks that mimic real academic scenarios.

The PBT, while still in use, is less common and typically available only in areas without adequate internet facilities. It lacks a speaking component due to its format and instead includes a structured writing (TWE) test. The scoring scales also differ, with the iBT scored out of 120 and the PBT out of 677 points. Most educational institutions prefer the iBT due to its comprehensive assessment of all four language skills and its reflection of real-world language use in an academic setting.

Please get in touch with us if you would need more individualized advice from our study abroad consultant. Best of luck!

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It has different formats, but the most commonly recognized one today is the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test). Here’s a breakdown of the differences between TOEFL iBT and the traditional paper-based TOEFL:

TOEFL iBT:

1. Format: Delivered via the internet at testing centers.
2. Sections: Four sections - Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
3. Reading: 3-4 passages with questions.
4. Listening: Lectures and conversations with questions.
5. Speaking: Tasks that involve speaking into a microphone.
6. Writing: Essays and responses to prompts.
7. Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
8. Scoring: Each section is scored from 0 to 30, with a total score range of 0 to 120.
9. Popularity: Widely accepted by universities and institutions globally.

Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT):

• Format: Conducted on paper at testing centers.
• Sections: Three main sections - Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, and Reading Comprehension. There is also a separate Test of Written English (TWE).
• Listening Comprehension: Listening to passages and answering questions.
• Structure and Written Expression: Grammar and structure questions.
• Reading Comprehension: Passages with questions.
• Writing: A separate written essay task (TWE).
• Duration: About 2.5 hours, plus 30 minutes for the TWE.
• Scoring: Each section is scored from 31 to 68, with a total score range of 310 to 677. The TWE is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6.
• Availability: Less common and less widely accepted compared to the TOEFL iBT.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mode of Delivery: TOEFL iBT is online, while PBT is paper-based.
2. Sections: TOEFL iBT includes a speaking section, which the PBT does not.
3. Scoring and Duration: TOEFL iBT has a unified scoring system and is slightly longer.
4. Acceptance: TOEFL iBT is more widely accepted globally.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right test based on your preferences and the requirements of the institutions you are applying to.