TOEFL Updates

The most current TOEFL information is in our forum.

Info updated on: Monday, November 25, 2002

What's new on the TOEFL?

• The test is getting harder
• Two different formats of the test
• Bulletin
• Price
• New essay topics
• New TOEFL software
• New rule for breaks during the test

Harder Test

Many TestMagic students have commented that the computer TOEFL is much harder than they expect. For example, one student who could usually get from 18 to 23 on the Listening Section on the PowerPrep TOEFL, only got 13 on the official test.

Other people say that the Reading Comprehension is harder than ever.

Two Different Formats

TestMagic students have reported two different formats of the test:

First Format:

Listening Section: 30 questions

Structure Section: 25 questions

Reading Section: 55 questions (5 passages)

Second Format:

Listening Section: 50 questions

Structure Section: 20 questions

Reading Section: 44 questions (4 passages)

2000-2001 Bulletin

TOEFL has just released its new bulletin for 2000-2001. There are several changes that affect all people who are planning to take the TOEFL.

First, the price has gone up, again. The TOEFL now costs US$110 and US$118 in Canada.

Second, TOEFL has added some new essay topics. These topics are available for download by clicking here. Some of these topics are rather difficult. Here are some examples of the new essay topics:

 - Some people think that it is acceptable for businesses to do anything to make a profit. What do you think? 

- The 21st century has begun. What are some changes that you think will come in this century?

Third, ETS has finally released official computer TOEFL practice. TestMagic has it and has analyzed it thoroughly. Here are some general comments about the software:

- most students say the reading is getting harder and harder 

- vocabulary is becoming more important since many of the hard grammar questions have very difficult words

- there are fewer sentence insertion (black box) questions in the software than you will see on the real test

- there are very few questions that make you find another synonym in the same passage.

Finally, TOEFL now requires test takers to leave the room for a five-minute break during the test.