TOEFL iBT

The TOEFL iBT, administered by ETS, is the most widely accepted English proficiency test for studying in the US, and is also recognized by institutions in the UK, Canada, and Australia. The test is computer-based and consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, with a total score range of 0–120 (each section 0–30). Since the 2023 revision, the test duration has been shortened to about two hours, and the Writing section now includes an "Academic Discussion" task. For Chinese test takers, the main challenges are the integrated tasks in Speaking and Writing, which require listening or reading before responding, testing information integration and real-time output. The Listening section features academic lectures and campus conversations at a relatively fast pace. Most US undergraduate programs require scores of 80–100, while top graduate programs often require 100+, and some programs have minimum speaking scores (e.g., 23–26). TOEFL scores are often more persuasive for scholarship applications and language course waivers.