Difference between TOEFL Internet Based and TOEFL Paper Based
TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
TOEFL is one of the most popular English proficiency tests, TOEFL gives you two options, TOEFL paper-based, and TOEFL Internet-based, leaving you the hard task to choose between the two.
But as we know: TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
“Sometimes options can confuse you to the point where you no longer are in the state to decide one between the two.” TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
Here in this particular article, we are going to discuss the difference between TOEFL Paper Based and TOEFL Internet Based which will eventually clear your mind to choose the best for you.
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But before we move ahead let’s get a brief introduction to the TOEFL test. TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
What is the TOEFL test? TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
TOEFL(Test of English as a foreign language) as per its name suggests, is outlined to evaluate the linguistic ability of non-native speakers who dream to study overseas mainly in the USA.
This TOEFL test was first conducted in 1964. Since then it works as a sole evidence of English language in more than 5,200 colleges and universities across the globe.
Depending on the other factors this TOEFL test is further categorized into two types:
TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) and TOEFL PBT (Paper Based Test)
Its 4 hrs long test which evaluates not only your Reading and listening skills but also Writing and Speaking too. TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
Later this TOEFL test is scored on a scale of 0-120 points. TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
Each of the four testing skills I.e. Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking receives an individual score ranges from 0-30.
Later, the scaled score from the four sections is added together to determine the final score of this TOEFL test.
Now after getting familiar with the TOEFL test, let’s see the difference between TOEFL paper-based and TOEFL internet based.
Difference between TOEFL IBT and TOEFL PBT
On the basis of time
TOEFL Internet-based (IBT) is four hours long test whereas TOEFL paper-based (PBT) is a three hours long test.
While in TOEFL IBT and TOEFL PBT reading, writing, and listening test are common in both but the fourth section in TOEFL IBT is speaking whereas TOEFL PBT has a test name structure which is based on grammar. TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
Due to the reasons of different structure, TOEFL there is also a difference in the time duration of two of the test.
That means IBT is of four hours where PBT is for three hours. TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
On the basis of sections
Reading
The Internet Based TOEFL exams have 3-5 passages having 700 words each. Each passage contains 12-14 questions that are based on comparison, contrast & effect.
The ideal time that is given for reading section IBT is 60-100 minutes and the score scale of IBT is 0-30.
Whereas in PBT exam has 5 passages from academics text having 250-350 words each. v
The ideal time that is given for reading the section PBT is 55 minutes and the score scale of PBT is 31-67.
| Time period | Score scale | |
| Internet-based TOEFL | 60 minutes | 0-30 |
| Paper-based TOEFL | 55 minutes | 31-67 |
Writing
In writing a section of IBT, there are two task, one integrated task (on the basis of what is read and heard) and one independent task (opinion on a topic). The time allotted for this task is 20 minutes and the score scale is 0-5.
Whereas in PBT, there is only one independent task. The time allotted for this task is 30 minutes and the score scale is 0-30.
| Time period | Score scale | |
| Internet-based TOEFL | 20 minutes | 0-5 |
| Paper-based TOEFL | 30 minutes | 0-30 |
Listening
The listening test in IBT has 4-6 lectures and each lecture is of 3-5 minutes with 6 questions. Then in the next phase, there are 2-3 conversations of about 3 minutes and 5 questions each.
The time period for IBT is 60-90 minutes and it has a score scale of 0-30. TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
Whereas in PBT it has 3-4 mini-talks, each one 60-90 seconds having 3-5 questions. Then it has 2-3 extended conversations of 60-90 seconds with another set of questions.
The time period of PBT is of 30-40 minutes and have a score scale of 31-68. TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
| Time period | Score scale | |
| Internet-based TOEFL | 60-90 minutes | 0-30 |
| Paper-based TOEFL | 30-40 minutes | 31-68 |
Though, the thereof the above were common sections in both; TOEFL IBT and TOEFL PBT but the fourth section are different in TOEFL IBT it is Speaking Section and in TOEFL PBT it is Structure, let’s discuss. TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
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TOEFL IBT: Speaking Section TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
TOEFL IBT Speaking test is 20 minutes evaluation in which you will be asked 6 questions.
Out of 6, two questions will be based on familiar topics such as your family, hobbies or about your hometown.
Then you will be asked to give an opinion on a certain conversation. At the time of wrapping up this TOEFL Speaking section, you will be asked to summarise information from a short conversation. TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
The score of speaking section in IBT is 0-4 which will be converted into a 0-30 score scale.
| Time period | Score scale | |
| Internet-based TOEFL | 20 minutes | 0-4 |
TOEFL PBT: Structure
This test is only available in paper-based TOEFL based on grammar. It comprises of 40 questions.
The time period of this test is 25 minutes and the score scale is 31-68 TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
| Time period | Score scale | |
| Paper-based TOEFL | 25 minutes | 31-68 |
Conclusion
TOEFL IBT is 4 hours test, the score scale is from 0-120. In this even you get performance feedback skill for each skill in the test report.
Whereas TOEFL PBT is 3 hours test, the score scale is between 310-677. But in TOEFL PBT you don’t get any performance feedback regarding each skill in the test report.
| Time period | Score scale | |
| Internet-based TOEFL | 4 hours | 0-120 |
| Paper-based TOEFL | 3 hours | 310-677 |
Cost of TOEFL IBT and TOEFL PBT
The cost of TOEFL IBT differs from country to country which lies between $140- $185 TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
Whereas the cost of TOEFL PBT is fixed that is $140. TOEFL Internet Based vs Paper Based
| Cost | |
| Internet-based TOEFL | $140-185 |
| Paper-based TOEFL | $140 |
So, above we have toss every difference between the two tests, but the last string always depends upon the test taker I.e. you.
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You need to ask yourself which makes you more comfortable and according to your strengths, you should choose the one.
Hope this article has helped you in the better way. Good luck with your journey!
You can also explore other TOEFL iBT related articles here.
