Anybody planning to take the TOEFL exam should know how scoring works. Essentially, most varsities and other institutions around the world require a TOEFL score as proof of an overseas language speaker’s ability in the English language. In this blog post, details of the TOEFL scoring system are shared, including a TOEFL score chart, a TOEFL total score, a TOEFL speaking score, and, lastly, the TOEFL score range.

The Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) test comprises questions from four broad sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each of the independent sub-tests is designed to test a student’s ability in only that particular aspect of the language. Let’s take a quick peek at each of the four sections.

Reading

In this sub-test, you will be given 3-4 passages, each followed by 10 questions. These passages will be based on parts of university-level textbooks; the topics are quite varied and represent academic themes.

You will be tested on how well you are able to understand and analyze written texts, identify main ideas, understand the vocabulary in context, and make inferences.

Listening

The section consists of 3-4 lectures with 6 questions each and 2-3 conversations with 5 questions each. The lectures and conversations could be based on any real-life academic situations such as classroom discussions or office hours.

Your ability to understand spoken English, identify main ideas and details, recognize the speaker’s purpose, and make inferences will be actively tested during this section.

Speaking

There are six tasks in total: two independent and four integrated tasks. The independent tasks require you to present your opinions on familiar topics. The integrated tasks need you to respond based on reading and listening materials.

You will be tested on your ability to speak clearly and fluently, use appropriate grammar and vocabulary, and think clearly and coherently.

Writing

There are two writing tasks within the section: an integrated writing task and an independent writing task. The integrated writing task requires reading a passage, listening to a discussion on it, and then writing on this. The independent writing task asks for an essay on an independent topic.

This task will test how well you can Construct well-organized essays, proper grammar and vocabulary, development, and support of ideas.

Also read: TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Each section of the TOEFL is scored separately, and the scores are combined to yield a total score. A detailed look at how each section is scored appears below.

Reading and Listening

The scoring of the Reading and Listening sections is based on the number of correct answers. Every correct answer adds to your raw score, which is then converted into a scaled score from 0 to 30.

Reading: Your raw score comes from the total number of correct answers against the total number of questions. This raw score is then converted into a scaled score by use of a TOEFL score chart.

Listening: As with the Reading section, your raw score for the Listening section is rescaled to a scale of 0 to 30.

Speaking

The Speaking section is evaluated with the help of human raters, as well as an automated scoring system. There are six tasks that are rated from 0 to 4. Then, each of the scores for the tasks is summed and converted to a scaled score from 0 to 30.

Writing

The Writing section is also assessed by human raters, in combination with an automated scoring system. Each of the two tasks is rated on a scale from 0 to 5. These scores are combined and then converted to a scaled score ranging from 0 to 30.

Integrated Task: Your response is evaluated based on the summarization of selected information from the reading and the listening, as well as how well it is integrated into a written summary.

Independent Task: The quality and development of your ideas, the organization, and language use are assessed.

The overall TOEFL score involves summing scaled scores from all four sections. So, the TOEFL total score ranges between 0 and 120. Here is a quick breakdown:

Reading: 0-30

Listening:0-30

Speaking:0-30

Writing:0-30

Your TOEFL total score is the aggregate of these four scores, including a comprehensive assessment of your ability to use English.

Example Calculation

Suppose you receive the following scaled scores:

Reading: 25

Listening: 23

Speaking: 22

Writing: 24

Your TOEFL total score would be 25 + 23 + 22 + 24 = 94.

Understanding Your Scores

Understanding your TOEFL scores will help you interpret your performance and determine where to improve. Each score separately reflects one of the aspects of your language skills.

Score Report Breakdown

Your TOEFL score report will consist of:

Section Scores: Individual scores for Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

Total Score: The sum of your three section scores.

Performance Feedback: Detailed feedback regarding your performance in each section, identifying your strengths and weaknesses.

The TOEFL score range for each section is 0 through 30, and the total score ranges from 0 through 120. Let’s look at the score ranges:

High (22-30): Excellent proficiency in understanding and using English.

Intermediate (15-21): A good level of proficiency, but with room for improvement.

Low (0-14): Limited proficiency, showing that more study and practice will be required.

Performance Level Descriptors

Scores come with performance level descriptors, which describe in detail what your scores mean. These include:

Reading: High, 24-30; Intermediate, 15-23; Low, 0-14

Listening: High, 22-30; Intermediate, 14-21; Low, 0-13

Speaking: Good, 26-30; Fair, 18-25; Limited, 10-17; Weak, 0-9

Writing: Good, 24-30; Fair, 17-23; Limited, 1-16

TOEFL Test scores can be valid up to two years from the date you take the test. You can retake the TOEFL if you do not get satisfying scores or if they have expired. There is no restriction to the number of times that you may retake the test; however, it is highly recommended to have good preparation before taking the examination once more.

Retaking the TOEFL: Tips to Improve

Analyze Your Scores: The score report will help you identify your weak areas.

Practice Regularly: TOEFL practice materials will help you improve your skills.

Seek Feedback: Establish a tutor or take a course in TOEFL preparation to get personal feedback.

Use English Daily: Participate in reading, listening, speaking, and writing activities that include using English.

Registering for a Retake

When you are ready to take the test once more, log on to the official TOEFL website for online registration. Be sure to select test date that allows you sufficient time for preparation.

In conclusion, a student intending to sit for the TOEFL examination must know the details about the TOEFL scoring system. Knowing how your scores are calculated, from the TOEFL score chart down to a detailed breakdown of scoring by each section, can help set real targets and finally achieve English proficiency. Be it a high TOEFL speaking score that one aims for or the knowledge of an overall TOEFL total score, this blog shall guide the preparation toward its successful completion and finally to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Knowing the TOEFL score range and how to read your score report will make it easier to know your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Remember, practice and preparation are everything. Good luck with your TOEFL journey!