Exciting Changes Coming to the TOEFL iBT Exam: Shorter, Simpler, and More Transparent
ETS, the organization behind the TOEFL iBT exam, is set to roll out a series of updates in the next few months, aiming to make the exam easier and more convenient for test-takers. These changes will enhance the overall experience and streamline the assessment process, reflecting ETS's commitment to continuous improvement. Here are the key updates to look forward to:
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Shorter Exam Duration: Starting from Sunday, July 23, 2023, the TOEFL iBT exam will be completed in less than two hours. This significant reduction from the previous duration of over three hours aims to provide a more efficient testing experience for candidates.
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Streamlined Exam Structure: Effective from July 23, 2023, the examination system will undergo improvements to maintain a clear and organized flow throughout the test. ETS recognizes the importance of structured instructions to enhance candidate performance.
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Enhanced Writing Task: The exam will feature a new and modern task called "Writing for Academic Discussion." This task replaces the previous freelance writing section, offering a more focused and engaging approach to assess candidates' writing abilities.
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Shorter Reading Section: To optimize efficiency, the reading section of the TOEFL iBT exam will be shorter. Additionally, all non-marked questions will be removed, ensuring that candidates can fully concentrate on the essential reading comprehension tasks.
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Simplified Registration Process: ETS is simplifying the exam registration process to make it more user-friendly. Prospective test-takers can now create an account and register for the TOEFL iBT on their desired date with greater ease compared to the previous system.
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Transparent Scoring: Starting from Wednesday, July 26, 2023, examinees will receive immediate access to their test scores after completing the exam. This change allows candidates to see their results promptly, and in the event of any score adjustments, they will receive timely notifications.
Amit Sevak, the CEO of ETS, expressed the organization's dedication to innovating the assessment process, particularly within the realm of education and learning. These changes have been designed in response to the needs and aspirations of customers and stakeholders, highlighting ETS's commitment to serving them as a top priority.
Candidates who have already registered for the TOEFL iBT exam have the option to change their exam date free of charge to experience the new updates. ETS also welcomes candidates to participate in the exam even before the changes come into effect.
To support test preparation, ETS has already released an updated version of the TOEFL iBT free practice materials on their website. Additionally, in the coming weeks, more free and paid exam preparation resources will be updated, providing test-takers with valuable study materials.
It's important to note that despite these updates, the TOEFL iBT scores will remain reliable, valid, and secure. ETS assures score users that the exam continues to be the most respected and preferred test for academic English-language proficiency worldwide. These additional changes contribute to an enhanced test-taking experience, saving time and ensuring peace of mind for candidates.
The TOEFL iBT exam, created by ETS, remains the gold standard for measuring academic English-language proficiency and is widely accepted by over 11,500 organizations in more than 160 countries. Whether for study, work, or immigration purposes, the TOEFL iBT test has helped millions of students pursue their dreams of studying abroad in major English-speaking destinations, including the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
