This article highlights the differences between internet Based TOEFL Vs Paper based TOEFL. Read on to know the differences between the available formats of the test.

Internet Based TOEFL Vs Paper Based TOEFL

Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the test administered globally for candidates who are not the native English speakers and are vying for admissions in universities in English speaking countries. TOEFL is conducted in 2 formats, which are Paper Based Test and internet Based Test. The scores of both the tests are valid for 2 years and will be sent to four universities for free and you will have to pay if you want the scores to be sent for more than 4 universities. Previously there was also Computer Based Test which was discontinued in the year 2006 and the scores from this test are now invalid. While taking a test, it is very important to know the differences in the test formats offered.

Paper Based TOEFL

This test is conducted as paper based in places where the internet based tests are not available. The test takers are advised to register in advance for this format of test as the seats are limited. The registration can be done online also. This test format is recommended for people who want a paper-pencil based test compared to a test on computer screen.

Internet Based TOEFL

Taking TOEFL which is internet based in very popular now and is said to be more advantageous as the test is conducted more number of times in this format. Note taking during the test is also another advantage for the test takers opting for internet based TOEFL.
 
Basic Differences Between Paper based TOEFL And Internet Based TOEFL

Paper Based Test (PBT)
Internet Based Test (iBT)
3 ½ hours long
4 ½ hours long
Cost - US $ 140
The cost of internet based test differs from country to country from US $ 140 and US $ 185
The score scale for this test is between 310 to 677 points
The score scale for this test is between 0 to 120 points
The score sheet is mailed to the test takers 5 weeks after the test
The score sheet is mailed to the test takers in 15 working days after the test
There is no speaking section in the paper based test
There is speaking section in internet based test
There is structure section in paper based test
There is no structure section in internet based test
Paper based test is conducted 6 times in a year
Internet based test is conducted 30 to 40 times in a year

There are also differences in the section wise structure of Paper based TOEFL and internet Based TOEFL. The table below stresses on the differences:

Sections in TOEFL
Paper Based TOEFL
Internet Based TOEFL
Listening Section
Number of Questions – 50
Time Limit – 30 to 40 minutes
Number of Questions – 34 to 51
Time Limit – 60 to 90 minutes
Writing Section
Number of Questions – 1 topic
Time Limit – 30 minutes
Number of Questions – 2 tasks
Time Limit – 60 minutes
Structure Section
Number of Questions – 40
Time Limit – 25 minutes
There is no structure section in internet based test
Speaking Section
There is no speaking section in paper based test
Number of Questions –6 tasks
Time Limit – 20 minutes

TOEFL score helps you to be recognized by university all over the world which uses English language as language of instruction. Although the internet based TOEFL is more popularly accepted, it is left to the test takers to decide whether they want paper based test or internet based test. The preparation of the test depends upon the format which the candidates choose. So choose your format and prepare accordingly.


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