Some colleges I'm applying to require a TOEFL iBT score for international students. Can someone help me understand what iBT means and how it differs from other TOEFL tests, if there are any?
TOEFL iBT stands for "Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test." It is an English proficiency test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and designed to measure the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. The test is conducted entirely online, which is why it's called an "Internet-Based Test."
The TOEFL iBT is different from the older version of the test, known as TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test), which was a paper-and-pencil test format. However, the TOEFL PBT was discontinued in 2017, and now, the TOEFL iBT is the primary version of this exam offered worldwide.
The TOEFL iBT assesses four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It uses a combination of multiple-choice questions, speaking tasks, and writing tasks to evaluate a test-taker's English abilities. The test is scored on a scale of 0-120, with each skill section receiving a score from 0-30. Colleges and universities have different minimum TOEFL iBT score requirements for international students, so it's crucial to check the specific requirements for the schools you're applying to.
In conclusion, TOEFL iBT is an internet-based test for non-native speakers of English to prove their proficiency in the language. It is widely accepted by colleges and universities in the United States and other countries with English-speaking educational programs.
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