TOEFL score: Levels, grades, benchmarks for results

Once we are studying for the TOEFL exam, these doubts come to us: How are we qualified? Will it be a classic scoring system from 1 to 10 or a more verbal system like “Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor”? Will I have to sign up for a level I want to take when I do the paperwork for the exam? How will I be evaluated? What is the equivalence with the CEFR?

First of all, the exam uses its own evaluation system from 1 to 120 points that is equivalent to the CEFR, it is not necessary to register at any previous level to take it, you only have to show up on the day of the evaluation with your ID, passport or document equivalent identity.

Likewise, the evaluations consist of 4 parts distributed in 3 hours where the written, comprehension and speaking abilities will be evaluated. The results of the exam will determine what type of certificate you obtain and its equivalences with other international English certificates. For more information on how to prepare for a TOEFL exam, we recommend that you contact our Speakingathome teachers.

TOEFL level: How the assessment is carried out

The assessment lasts 3 hours and consists of 4 parts: Writing (writing), Reading (reading comprehension), Listening (listening comprehension) and Speaking (oral expression). Writing consists of writing 2 texts: one with previously given information and another is a personal opinion regarding the given information.

Reading consists of a series of questions related to different texts on various topics that must be answered.

Listening consists of listening to audios and answering the questions related to them. Finally, Speaking consists of answering questions given by the examiner, and said answers are recorded so that they can be evaluated by examiners later.

 The TOEFL exam can be given in 2 ways: at home or in an authorized center in your city. If you decide to take the exam from home, you will have the following requirements: A computer with internet and a webcam (where there will be a person watching through it), nothing to use headphones or microphones that are not connected to the computer, have everything clean and tidy on the surface where you have the computer, make a 360 degree pan showing that you do not have anything with which you can copy yourself in the room where you are taking the exam.

Also, you have to download a program and extension from the website indicated by the organization that will allow you to take the exam and verify that you are not cheating on your computer.

When taking a TOEFL exam at an authorized center, you must show up in the evaluation room without any electronic device (mobile, Ipod, etc.) or watches, you only show up with your identity documentation, you will be given a pen and paper to take notes, but once you finish you must return the paper and pen.

The exam is given through a computer supplied by the center with all the necessary equipment to take the exam (Microphones and headphones).

References for TOEFL results and score

The TOEFL uses the CEFR measurement system (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) which consists of the following: A1 and A2, demonstrate a basic competence in the use of English, usually corresponding to younger students.

The B1 and B2 is the equivalent to a medium and medium-high level of English and certifies that the individual knows English. Finally, C1 and C2 are the equivalent of an advanced use of English that can be used in all kinds of situations.

Regarding the equivalences between the CEFR system and the TOEFL, it is as follows:

• 01 to 34 points in TOEFL is an A2 level
• 35 to 45 points in TOEFL is a B1 level
• 46 to 93 points in TOEFL is a B2 level
• 94 to 104 points in TOEFL is a C1 level
• 115 to 120 points in TOEFL is a C2 level

Correspondence between TOEFL score and level of English

The TOEFL scoring system consists of the following: 30 points per section (Writing, Listening, Reading, and Speaking) and the sum of those gives 120 points, but the TOEFL evaluation system is not like a traditional exam but like an endurance race.

The evaluation is given from 1 to 120, and as the correct answers are added, it will be determined what range of proficiency in English the examinee has had.

Scoring consists of the following: 0-34 is a basic level of English, 35-45 is an intermediate level, 46-93 is upper-intermediate, 94-104 is high, and 115-120 is very high.