What is the TOEFL Essentials Test, as you can learn more about here, and how does it compare with the TOEFL iBT Test? This new test from Educational Testing Service (ETS) will offer universities an alternative English language admissions test to the TOEFL iBT. ETS hopes that universities that already accept the TOEFL iBT will also begin accepting the TOEFL Essentials test.
Table of Contents
TOEFL Essentials: Listening
TOEFL Essentials (TE): Comprising 31-45 questions, this section of the test takes approximately 21 to 34 minutes. You will answer questions about conversations and talks in various settings.
TOEFL iBT: You will listen to lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations. This section lasts 41 to 57 minutes.
TOEFL Essentials: Reading
TE: This section consists of 30-45 questions and takes approximately 22 to 33 minutes. You will answer questions about short academic and nonacademic texts.
TOEFL iBT: After reading 3-4 passages, you will answer 10 questions for each passage. This section lasts from 54 to 72 minutes.
TOEFL Essentials: Writing
TE: In this 24 to 34 minute section, you will answer 15 to 19 questions in two tasks. You will create sentences and write responses about everyday and academic situations.
TOEFL iBT: First, you spend 20 minutes with writing based on reading and listening content. Second, you spend 30 minutes answering a personal experience topic.
TOEFL Essentials: Speaking
TE: Consisting of three tasks with 19 responses, this test gives you 13 minutes to reexplain written and spoken input and to speak to a simulated interviewer.
TOEFL iBT: You will spend 20 minutes answering one independent speaking task and three integrated speaking tasks.
TOEFL Essentials: Personal Video Statement
TE: You are asked to complete an unscored personal video statement in which you explain insights about yourself so that you can represent yourself positively to institutions.
TOEFL iBT: This test does not allow you to make a personal video statement.
Type of Student
TE: You have a balanced approach to your education and learning.
TOEFL iBT: You should be an exceptionally motivated student who wants to be the best in your class. You also want to succeed in meeting your demanding educational goals.
Test Preference
TE: You want a faster-paced test with shorter language tasks.
TOEFL iBT: You prefer a more traditionally paced test that has longer tasks. You want a test that will comprehensively simulate an academic environment.
Type of English Measured
TE: You want a test that focuses on basic English language proficiency.
TOEFL iBT: You expect a test that directly measures your ability to communicate in an academic university environment.
Benefits of Test
TE: You can use a personal video statement that can showcase your personality and insights to others.
TOEFL iBT: You will be able to prove your academic English language proficiency.
Content and Personal Abilities Alignment
TE: You will take a test that adapts to your English proficiency level.
TOEFL iBT: This test will give you pre-selected content so that you can have a complete assessment of your academic English skills.
Speaking Section
TOEFL Essentials: You will complete a simulated virtual interview. To make the experience interactive, you will listen to and respond to a pre-recorded interview.
TOEFL iBT: You will complete a more traditional speaking test. Your responses to the independent and integrated prompts are recorded.
Duration of Test
TOEFL Essentials: You will take 1.5 hours with no breaks.
TOEFL iBT: You will spend about 3 hours, with a 10-minute break.
Location of Test
TOEFL Essentials: You can take this test at home.
TOEFL iBT: You can complete this test at home or at a testing center.
Score Reports
TOEFL Essentials: ETS will release your score report within six days.
TOEFL iBT: Similarly, you will get your test scores about six days. However, ETS may take up to 10 days before giving you your TOEFL Home Edition results.
Michael Buckhoff, mbuckhoff@aol.com