The internet based TOEFL or TOEFL iBT was introduced in 2005. It is gradually replacing the paper-based and computer-based versions of TOEFL. Note that in areas where the TOEFL iBT is not available, the paper-based TOEFL is still administered.

So what are the differences between paper-based TOEFL and internet-based TOEFL?

Paper-based TOEFL

The paper-based TOEFL has just three sections – reading, listening and grammar. It does not have a writing section.

The TOEFL iBT takes about 4 hours. It has four sections – reading (60-90 minutes), listening (60-90 minutes), speaking (about 20 minutes) and writing (about 60 minutes).

You will get a 10-minute break after the 2nd (listening) section.

TOEFL iBT

There is no grammar section in the TOEFL iBT. That said, you will still need good command over grammar, vocabulary, spelling and pronunciation to score well in the new TOEFL test.

TOEFL iBT scoring

TOEFL iBT has four sections. Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 30. Your scores in each of the four sections are then added together for a total test score of 0 to 120.

Most questions in the Listening and Reading sections are multiple choice questions with four answer choices.

A multiple choice question with only one correct answer is worth one point. Some multiple choice questions may be worth more than one point. In that case, it will be clearly indicated. The Drag-n-Drop Summary and Table Completion tasks in the Reading section involve partial scoring. That means even if some of your answers are not correct, you can still receive a portion of the total point value.