Understanding the TOEFL Score Scale: How Each Section Is Evaluated

TOEFL Score Scale

TOEFL is among the exams that are most relevant in the admission process that is taken by the student intending to study abroad. It evaluates your level of using and comprehension of English in a learning set up. However, most students do not understand the scale of TOEFL score. Learning the evaluation process of each part can make you be a better planner, faster learner, and better scorer.

There are two-and-a-half sections in the TOEFL scoring system which we are going to deconstruct in this blog and explain how each section is graded along with understanding a good score.

In case you are serious enough, then you can enroll into best TOEFL online coaching or structured TOEFL online classes where you can be guided towards attaining your target score.

What Is the TOEFL Score Scale?

TOEFL iBT test may be divided into four parts:

  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing

Each part is graded up to 0 to 30 points and therefore the total score of TOEFL is 0 to 120. This is referred to as the official TOEFL score scale.

This scale is utilized in universities across the globe in order to assess the level of proficiency and the preparedness of a student to enroll in an academic course.

We can learn about the evaluation of each section.

Reading Part Assessment (Score Range: 0-30)

The Reading part is used to check your ability to comprehend and read academic texts.

You will be required to:

  • Identify main ideas
  • Interpreting vocabulary within a context.
  • Make inferences
  • Identify correlation among concepts.
  • Make logical conclusions

How Scores Are Determined

The quality of your score is determined by the amount of correct answers. Every question counts 1 point and your unofficial score is translated into the official TOEFL scale of scores which lies between 0 and 30.

What a Good Reading Score Would Look Like

  • Advanced: 24-30
  • High-Intermediate: 18-23
  • Low-Intermediate: 4-17

Enrolling in online courses at TOEFL will contribute to you refining your academic reading tactics and improving the rate and accuracy of reading.

Evaluation of listening skills (Score Range: 0-30)

Listening section is used to determine your ability to understand English conversations and lectures. You need to:

  • Catch key points
  • Apprehend speaker intention.
  • Recognize tone and attitude
  • Record important information.
  • Tracing the stream of scholarly debates.

How Scores Are Calculated

Your Listening score is calculated as you would in the Reading section, by the amount of correct answers. This will then be translated to the 0-30 TOEFL score scale.

Listening Score Proficiency Level:

  • Advanced: 22-30
  • High-Intermediate: 17-21
  • Low-Intermediate: 9-16

Listening accuracy can be enhanced to high levels with practice with expert guidance in the best TOEFL online coaching programs.

Speaking Section Assessment (Score Range 0-30)

The Speaking section is one of the most problematic sections to most of the test-takers. You must adequately, logically, and fluently answer questions. The answers to your questions are echoed and rated by human ratees and AI markers.

What Evaluators Look For

Speaking score is calculated basing on:

  • Delivery: articulateness, articulation, fluency.
  • Language Use: grammars, vocabularies.
  • Topic Development: coherence, organization, structure.

Each task would be graded against 0-4 scale and the results would be translated into the resulting scale of TOEFL 0-30.

Proficiency Levels

  • Advanced: 25-30
  • High-Intermediate: 20-24
  • Low-Intermediate: 16-19

TOEFL online classes have been known to improve students faster after one-on-one feedback.

Writing Section Evaluation (Score Range: 0-30)

Writing will be composed of two tasks, which include an integrated task and independent essay. Examiners evaluate:

  • How well you organize ideas
  • Elucidateness of explanations and arguments.
  • The use of grammar and vocabulary.
  • Physical capacity to combine listening and reading information (in the integrated task)
  • Flowering and integrity of the essay.

How Scoring Works

Each essay is rated from 0 to 5. The sum of the scores is then adjusted to the actual official TOEFL score scale of 0-30.

Proficiency Levels

  • Advanced: 24-30
  • High-Intermediate: 17-23
  • Low-Intermediate: 13-16

Proper writing strategy teaches you to be clear and organized with your writing and hence the best TOEFL online coaching programs will assist you to become clear and organized with your essays.

What Is a Good TOEFL Score?

The excellent score is based on your desired university. Here’s a general idea:

  • Top universities: 100+
  • Good universities: 90-100
  • Moderate universities: 70-89

The awareness of the TOEFL score scale would enable you to have achievable targets and progress towards them.

Final Thoughts

TOEFL scoring grading system is clear and well organized. In every section, there is a certain evaluation technique that is aimed at assessing the actual academic English skills. When you have learned about the principles of using the TOEFL score scale, it becomes possible to plan your preparation and pay more attention to the areas that you should improve.

In case you want to have a high score, best TOEFL online coaching or structured TOEFL online classes can provide you with professional advice, practice exams, and personalized feedback- everything you should have in order to get to your dream university.