TOEFL
OVERVIEW
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test of English proficiency for non-native speakers. It is used to assess a student's ability to use and understand English at an academic level. The TOEFL is accepted by over 10,000 universities and colleges in over 150 countries around the world.
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the most recent version of the TOEFL. It is a computer-based test that measures all four skills of English: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The test takes about four hours to complete and is divided into four sections:
Reading: 60-80 questions about academic passages
Listening: 30-40 questions about lectures and conversations
Speaking: Two tasks in which you speak to a computer about a variety of topics
Writing: Two tasks in which you write essays about different topics
The TOEFL iBT is scored on a scale of 0 to 120, with a total score of 240. The average score for international students is 80.
To register for the TOEFL iBT, you can visit the ETS website. The cost of the test is $245.
Here are some tips for preparing for the TOEFL iBT:
Take a practice test to get an idea of your current level of English proficiency.
Use a TOEFL preparation course or book to learn about the different question types and strategies for answering them.
Practice speaking and writing in English as much as possible.
Relax the day before the test.
TOEFL SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Part 1 Questions - General
PART 1 QUESTIONS: 1 - 10
Personal preference: Do you prefer to get up early in the morning or stay up late?
Agree or disagree: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "All high school students should wear school uniforms."
Three choices: For your next assignment, the professor expects you to create a presentation. You can work alone, with a partner, or with a group. Which would you choose?
Advantages and disadvantages: Some teenagers work while attending high school. Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a part-time job while in school.
Cause and effect: What are some of the causes and effects of climate change?
Problem and solution: What is a problem that you see in your community? What is a solution to this problem?
Opinion: What is your opinion on the death penalty?
Comparison: Compare and contrast two different types of transportation.
Prediction: What do you think the future of technology will be like?
Hypothetical: What would you do if you won the lottery?
PART 1 QUESTIONS: 11 - 20
What is the correct way of baking a cake?
Description: Describe a time when you were lost.
Problem-solving: You are late for an important meeting. What do you do?
Decision-making: You have been offered two jobs. One job pays more money, but the other job is in a field that you are more interested in. Which job would you choose?
Opinion: What is your opinion on the importance of education?
Comparison: Compare and contrast two different types of music.
Prediction: What do you think the future of work will be like?
Hypothetical: What would you do if you could travel back in time?
Personal experience: Tell me about a time when you learned something new.
Creative: Could a robot fall in love with a human?
PART 1 QUESTIONS: 21 - 30
Fact vs. opinion: Is the following statement a fact or an opinion? "The best way to learn a new language is to immerse yourself in the culture."
Pros and cons: What are the pros and cons of living in a big city?
Contrast: What is the difference between a novel and a short story?
Cause and effect: What are the causes and effects of poverty?
Problem and solution: What is a problem that you see in the world today? What is a solution to this problem?
Hypothetical: What would you do if you could have any superpower?
Comparison: Compare and contrast two different types of art.
Prediction: What do you think the future of space travel will be like?
Personal experience: Tell me about a time when you overcame a challenge.
Creative writing: Write a short story about a world where everyone is telepathic.
PART 1 QUESTIONS: 31 - 40
Argument: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "The death penalty is a just punishment for certain crimes."
Interpretation: What is the meaning of the following proverb? "A picture is worth a thousand words."
Persuasive: Write a speech to persuade your classmates to volunteer their time to a local charity.
Critical thinking: What are some of the challenges of living in a multicultural society?
Creative writing: Write a poem about the beauty of nature.
Storytelling: Tell a story about a time when you learned something important.
Problem-solving: How would you solve the problem of homelessness in your city?
Advocacy: What are some of the challenges facing the environment today? What can you do to help?
Opinion: What is your opinion on the role of technology in education?
Prediction: What do you think the future of education will be like?
PART 1 QUESTIONS: 41 - 50
Comparison: Compare and contrast the traditional and online education models.
Problem and solution: What are some of the problems with the current healthcare system? What are some solutions to these problems?
Personal experience: Tell me about a time when you helped someone in need.
Creative writing: Write a short story about a world where animals can talk.
Hypothetical: What would you do if you could live forever?
Opinion: What is your opinion on the importance of social media?
Prediction: What do you think the future of transportation will be like?
Cause and effect: What are the causes and effects of climate change?
Fact vs. opinion: Is the following statement a fact or an opinion? "The Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world."
What is your preferred way to make a cup of coffee?
Part 2 Questions - Dialogues
PART 2 QUESTIONS: 1 - OIl Pipeline
Opening:
A new oil pipeline is being built across the country. The pipeline is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the economy. However, environmental groups are concerned that the pipeline will pollute the environment and contribute to climate change.
Scene:
Ava and Ben are sitting on a bench in the quad on a college campus in 2023.
Ava: Hey, Ben, did you see that article about the new oil pipeline that's being built? Ben: Yeah, I saw it. It's going to create a lot of jobs and boost the economy.
Dialogue:
Ava: But it's also going to pollute the environment and contribute to climate change. Ben: I know, but we need to balance the needs of the economy with the needs of the environment. Ava: I don't think we can balance those two things. We need to choose one or the other. Ben: I think we can find a way to do both. We just need to be creative. Ava: How? The pipeline is going to cross through some of the most sensitive ecosystems in the country. It's going to contaminate water supplies, destroy wildlife habitats, and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Ben: I know it's not going to be easy, but I think it's possible. We can use new technologies to minimize the environmental impact of the pipeline. And we can invest in renewable energy sources to offset the greenhouse gas emissions. Ava: I'm not sure I believe you. The oil industry has a long history of environmental destruction. And I don't trust them to do the right thing. Ben: I understand your skepticism. But I think it's important to be open to new ideas. If we don't try to find a way to balance the needs of the economy with the needs of the environment, we're going to end up with neither. Ava: I still don't think it's possible. But I'm willing to listen to your ideas.
Ava and Ben continue to debate the issue of the oil pipeline. They both have strong opinions, and they're not going to change each other's minds. But they're both passionate about the issue, and they're both willing to fight for what they believe in.
Question: What is Ava's opinion, and what are her reasons?
PART 2 QUESTION: 2 - Abortion
Topic: Abortion
Characters:
Clara: A woman who is pro-choice.
David: A man who is pro-life.
Dialogue:
Clara: I saw that you're pro-life on your social media. I'm curious, why do you believe that abortion should be illegal?Â
David: I believe that abortion is the taking of a human life. And I believe that all human life is sacred.Â
Clara: But what about cases of rape or incest? Or when the mother's life is in danger?Â
David: I think those are difficult cases. But I still believe that abortion should be illegal in most cases.Â
Clara: But why? If the mother's life is in danger, then surely it's justified to have an abortion?Â
David: I don't think so. I think that even in those cases, there are other options available. Like, for example, the mother could have a C-section.
 Clara: But what if the mother doesn't want to have a C-section? What if she doesn't want to carry the baby to term?Â
David: I think that's a decision that the mother has to make. But I still believe that abortion is wrong.Â
Clara: I respect your opinion. But I don't agree with it. I believe that women should have the right to choose what happens to their own bodies.
 David: I understand your point of view. But I still believe that abortion is wrong.
Closing:
Clara and David continue to debate the issue of abortion. They both have strong opinions, and they're not going to change each other's minds. But they're both passionate about the issue, and they're both willing to fight for what they believe in.
Question: State Claras opinion, and the reasons for it.
PART 2 QUESTION: 3 - Death Penalty
Topic: The death penalty
Characters:
Emily: A woman who is against the death penalty.
Frank: A man who is in favor of the death penalty.
Dialogue:
Emily: I saw that you're in favor of the death penalty on your social media. I'm curious, why do you believe that it's a just punishment?Â
Frank: I believe that the death penalty is a deterrent to crime. And I believe that it's the only way to ensure that certain criminals are never able to harm anyone again.Â
Emily: But what about the risk of executing an innocent person?Â
Frank: I know that there's always a risk of executing an innocent person. But I believe that the risk is worth it.Â
Emily: But why? If there's even a small chance that an innocent person could be executed, then surely it's not worth it?Â
Frank:* I think the risk is small enough that it's worth it. And I believe that the death penalty is a just punishment for certain crimes.Â
Emily: I respect your opinion. But I don't agree with it. I believe that the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment.Â
Frank: I understand your point of view. But I still believe that the death penalty is a just punishment for certain crimes.
Closing:
Emily and Frank continue to debate the issue of the death penalty. They both have strong opinions, and they're not going to change each other's minds. But they're both passionate about the issue, and they're both willing to fight for what they believe in.
Question: State Franks opinion, along with his motivating reasons
PART 1 QUESTION 4 - Gun control
Topic: Gun control
Characters:
Ashley: A woman who supports stricter gun control laws.
Ben: A man who opposes stricter gun control laws.
Dialogue:
Ashley: I saw that you're opposed to stricter gun control laws on your social media. I'm curious, why do you believe that stricter gun control laws won't work?Â
Ben: I believe that stricter gun control laws will only punish law-abiding citizens. And I believe that criminals will always find a way to get their hands on guns, regardless of the laws.Â
Ashley: But what about the mass shootings that happen all the time? Don't you think that stricter gun control laws could help to prevent those?
 Ben:  I think that there are other factors that contribute to mass shootings, such as mental health and social media. And I don't think that stricter gun control laws will address those factors.Â
Ashley: But I think that stricter gun control laws could at least make it more difficult for people to get their hands on guns. And that could save lives.Â
Ben: Â I understand your point of view. But I still believe that stricter gun control laws won't work.Â
Ashley: I respect your opinion. But I don't agree with it. I believe that stricter gun control laws are necessary to protect our communities.Â
Ben: I understand your point of view. But I still believe that stricter gun control laws will only punish law-abiding citizens.
Closing:
Ashley and Ben continue to debate the issue of gun control. They both have strong opinions, and they're not going to change each other's minds. But they're both passionate about the issue, and they're both willing to fight for what they believe in.
Question: Outline Ben's opinion, and the reasons for it
PART 2 QUESTION 5 - ImmigrationÂ
Topic: Immigration
Characters:
Carlos: A man who is in favor of open borders.
Diana: A woman who is against open borders.
Dialogue:
Carlos: I saw that you're against open borders on your social media. I'm curious, why do you believe that open borders are a bad idea?Â
Diana: I believe that open borders would lead to an increase in crime and poverty. And I believe that it would be unfair to the people who are already living in our country.Â
Carlos: But I think that open borders would lead to a more prosperous and diverse country. And I believe that it would be the right thing to do for the people who are fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries.Â
Diana: I understand your point of view. But I still believe that open borders would be a bad idea.Â
Carlos: I respect your opinion. But I don't agree with it. I believe that open borders are the best way to ensure a bright future for our country.Â
Diana:* I understand your point of view. But I still believe that open borders would be a disaster.
Closing:
Carlos and Diana continue to debate the issue of immigration. They both have strong opinions, and they're not going to change each other's minds. But they're both passionate about the issue, and they're both willing to fight for what they believe in.
Question: Explain the opinion of carlos, citing his reasons
PART 2 QUESTION 6 - Healthcare
Topic: Healthcare
Characters:
Elena: A woman who supports universal healthcare.
Frank: A man who opposes universal healthcare.
Dialogue:
Elena: I saw that you're opposed to universal healthcare on your social media. I'm curious, why do you believe that it's a bad idea? Frank:* I believe that universal healthcare would be too expensive. And I believe that it would lead to a decrease in the quality of care. Elena: But I think that universal healthcare would be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run. And I believe that it would give everyone access to the care they need, regardless of their income. Frank:* I understand your point of view. But I still believe that universal healthcare would be too expensive. Elena: I respect your opinion. But I don't agree with it. I believe that universal healthcare is the best way to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare. Frank:* I understand your point of view. But I still believe that universal healthcare would be a disaster.
Closing:
Elena and Frank continue to debate the issue of healthcare. They both have strong opinions, and they're not going to change each other's minds. But they're both passionate about the issue, and they're both willing to fight for what they believe in.
Question: What is Elana's opinion and why?
PART 2 QUESTION 7 - Climate change
Topic: Climate change
Characters:
Grace: A woman who believes that climate change is a serious threat.
Henry: A man who believes that climate change is not a serious threat.
Dialogue:
Grace: I saw that you don't believe in climate change on your social media. I'm curious, why do you believe that it's not a serious threat? Henry:* I believe that the evidence for climate change is inconclusive. And I believe that the effects of climate change are being exaggerated. Grace: But I think that the evidence for climate change is overwhelming. And I believe that the effects of climate change are already being felt, and they're only going to get worse. Henry:* I understand your point of view. But I still believe that the evidence for climate change is inconclusive. Grace:* I respect your opinion. But I don't agree with it. I believe that climate change is the most serious threat facing our planet today. Henry:* I understand your point of view. But I still believe that climate change is not a serious threat.
Closing:
Grace and Henry continue to debate the issue of climate change. They both have strong opinions, and they're not going to change each other's minds. But they're both passionate about the issue, and they're both willing to fight for what they believe in.
Question: Define Graces opinion, with her reasons
PART 2 QUESTION 8 - Minimum wage
Topic: The minimum wage
Characters:
Isabella: A woman who believes that the minimum wage should be increased.
Jacob: A man who believes that the minimum wage should not be increased.
Dialogue:
Isabella: I saw that you don't believe in increasing the minimum wage on your social media. I'm curious, why do you believe that it's not a good idea?Â
Jacob:* I believe that increasing the minimum wage would lead to job losses. And I believe that it would make it harder for small businesses to survive.Â
Isabella: But I think that increasing the minimum wage would help to reduce poverty and inequality. And I believe that it would boost the economy by putting more money in the pockets of low-wage workers.Â
Jacob:* I understand your point of view. But I still believe that increasing the minimum wage would lead to job losses. Isabella:* I respect your opinion. But I don't agree with it. I believe that increasing the minimum wage is the right thing to do for our economy and our society.Â
Jacob:* I understand your point of view. But I still believe that increasing the minimum wage would be a mistake.
Closing:
Isabella and Jacob continue to debate the issue of the minimum wage. They both have strong opinions, and they're not going to change each other's minds. But they're both passionate about the issue, and they're both willing to fight for what they believe in.
Question: State Isabella's opinion, and her reasons
PART 2 QUESTION 9 - The Environment
Topic: The environment
Characters:
Olivia: A woman who is passionate about environmental protection.
Peter: A man who is more concerned about economic growth than environmental protection.
Dialogue:
Olivia: I saw that you're not as concerned about the environment as I am on your social media. I'm curious, why do you believe that environmental protection is not as important as economic growth?Â
Peter:* I believe that economic growth is essential for improving people's lives. And I believe that environmental protection can sometimes come at the expense of economic growth.Â
Olivia: But I think that environmental protection is essential for our long-term survival. And I believe that we can find ways to balance economic growth with environmental protection.Â
Peter:* I understand your point of view. But I still believe that economic growth is more important than environmental protection.Â
Olivia:* I respect your opinion. But I don't agree with it. I believe that we need to protect our environment for future generations.Â
Peter:* I understand your point of view. But I still believe that economic growth is more important for people's lives today.
Closing:
Olivia and Peter continue to debate the issue of the environment. They both have strong opinions, and they're not going to change each other's minds. But they're both passionate about the issue, and they're both willing to fight for what they believe in.
Question: Explain Peters viewpoint, stating his reasons
PART 1 QUESTION 10 - Vacations
Topic: Vacations
Characters:
Rebecca: A woman who prefers to take relaxing vacations.
Steven: A man who prefers to take adventurous vacations.
Dialogue:
Rebecca: I saw that you're going on a hiking and camping trip next month. That sounds like so much fun!Â
Steven: Yeah, I'm really excited. I love being outdoors and exploring new places.Â
Rebecca: I'm more of a beach person myself. I like to relax and soak up the sun.Â
Steven: That's cool too. I just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.Â
Rebecca: I totally understand that. I think it's important to take some time for yourself and just relax.Â
Steven: Exactly. And there's no better way to do that than on vacation. Rebecca: I agree. So, where are you going on your trip? Steven: We're going to the Rocky Mountains. I've always wanted to hike in the Rockies, so I'm really excited.Â
Rebecca: That sounds amazing! I've never been to the Rocky Mountains, but I've heard they're beautiful.Â
Steven: They are. And I'm sure we're going to have a great time. Rebecca: I'm sure you will. Have fun!
Closing:
Rebecca and Steven continue to talk about their upcoming vacations. They both have different ideas of what makes a perfect vacation, but they're both excited to get away and relax.
Question: State Stevens opinion, giving his reasons
Part 3 Questions - Opinion
PART 3 QUESTIONS: 1 - 10
What do you think is the most important quality in a friend?
Do you believe in fate or free will?
What is your favorite book and why?
What is your dream job and why?
What is one thing you would change about the world if you could?
What is your favorite thing to do for fun?
What is your biggest fear?
What is your favorite memory?
What is your favorite quote and why?
What is your advice for someone who is feeling lost?
PART 3 QUESTIONS: 11 - 20
Do you think that social media is a good or bad thing?
What is your opinion on the death penalty?
Do you believe that there is such a thing as a "right" or "wrong" religion?
What is your stance on gun control?
Do you think that abortion should be legal?
Do you believe that climate change is a real and urgent problem?
What is your opinion on the current state of the economy?
Do you think that the government should provide healthcare for all?
What is your opinion on the role of women in society?
Do you think that there is too much emphasis on material possessions in our society?
PART 3 QUESTIONS: 21 - 30
Do you think that technology is making us more or less social?
What is your opinion on the increasing popularity of reality TV?
Do you believe that there is too much emphasis on standardized testing in education?
What is your stance on the legalization of marijuana?
Do you think that the current political system is working for the people?
Do you believe that there is too much inequality in the world?
What is your opinion on the future of work?
Do you think that we are living in a post-truth world?
What is your opinion on the role of artificial intelligence in society?
Do you think that we are facing a climate crisis?
PART 3 QUESTIONS: 31 - 40
Do you think that the internet has made it easier or harder to be creative?
What is your opinion on the increasing popularity of online dating?
Do you believe that there is too much emphasis on self-promotion in our society?
What is your stance on the use of social media for political activism?
Do you think that the current education system is preparing students for the future?
Do you believe that there is too much focus on material success in our society?
What is your opinion on the future of transportation?
Do you think that we are living in a time of great progress or decline?
What is your opinion on the role of art in society?
Do you think that we are becoming more or less tolerant of other cultures?
PART 3 QUESTIONS: 41 - 50
Do you think that the increasing use of technology is making us more or less connected to each other?
What is your opinion on the role of social media in our lives?
Do you believe that there is too much emphasis on celebrity culture in our society?
What is your stance on the use of surveillance technology by governments?
Do you think that the current economic system is sustainable?
Do you believe that there is too much emphasis on competition in our society?
What is your opinion on the future of work and the role of automation?
Do you think that we are living in a time of great change or continuity?
Do you believe that there is too much emphasis on individualism in our society?
Do you think that we are becoming more or less aware of the interconnectedness of the world?
PART 3 QUESTIONS: 51 - 60
Do you think that the increasing popularity of streaming services is a good or bad thing?
What is your opinion on the increasing use of artificial intelligence in our lives?
Do you believe that there is too much emphasis on political correctness in our society?
What is your stance on the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes?
Do you think that the current education system is preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century?
Do you believe that there is too much emphasis on materialism in our society?
What is your opinion on the future of food and the role of technology in agriculture?
Do you think that we are living in a time of great opportunity or great danger?
Do you believe that there is too much emphasis on the past in our society?
Do you think that we are becoming more or less aware of our own mortality?
PART 3 QUESTIONS: 61 - 70
Do you think that the increasing popularity of virtual reality is a good or bad thing?
What is your opinion on the increasing use of drones in our lives?
Do you believe that there is too much emphasis on social media influencers in our society?
What is your stance on the use of gene editing for medical purposes?
Do you think that the current criminal justice system is fair?
Do you believe that there is too much emphasis on punishment in our society?
What is your opinion on the future of energy and the role of renewable resources?
Do you think that we are living in a time of great hope or great despair?
Do you believe that there is too much emphasis on the future in our society?
Do you think that we are becoming more or less aware of the interconnectedness of the universe?