The TOEFL (Test of
English as a
Foreign Language), pronounced "toe-full," provides
proficiency testing services for
international students - those who do not speak English as their
native tongue - planning to study in the
United States,
Canada, or other countries where English is the primary
language of instruction. Administered by the
Educational Testing Service, the TOEFL is available to all individuals
worldwide regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, or religion. Scores on the test are required by more than 4,300 two- and four-year
colleges and universities, professional
schools, and
sponsoring institutions. Most students take the test on
computer, but where access to computer-based testing is limited, a
pencil and paper version is available.
The TOEFL is broken into two parts: the Test of Written English and the Test of Spoken English. All test-takers must write an essay, which may be typed or handwritten. Software practice kits are available, as are audiocassette tests. Centers around the world offer the twenty-minute oral portion of the exam.
Source: http://www.toefl.com/