The Difference between TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT

Non-native English speakers can prove their English language competency for academic, professional, and immigration purposes by taking the TOEFL. The TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program) and TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) are the two primary TOEFL test formats. Despite the fact that both exams evaluate English language proficiency, test-takers should be aware of a few significant variations between the TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT.

Test Format and Delivery

To evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native speakers, a standardized test known as the TOEFL is employed. The TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program) and TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Testing) are the two primary TOEFL test formats.

Institutions and organizations that are unable to access the internet-based version of the test can take the TOEFL ITP exam on paper. Reading Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, and Listening Comprehension make up the three portions of the test. The test is graded between 310 and 677 points and takes about 2.5 hours to finish.

The TOEFL iBT, on the other hand, is an internet-based test that evaluates a non-native speaker’s capacity to utilize and comprehend English at the university level. Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing are its four divisions. The test is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 120 and takes about 3.5 hours to complete.

The TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT have different question types. several-choice questions are part of the TOEFL ITP test, whereas integrated tasks that call for the simultaneous application of several language skills are part of the TOEFL iBT test. For instance, a test-taker could have to read a piece, pay attention to a lecture, and then respond to a prompt by writing an essay.

In conclusion, the TOEFL iBT is an internet-based test that evaluates the proficiency of non-native speakers of English in using and understanding the language at the university level. While the TOEFL ITP is a paper-based test that is given by institutions that cannot access the internet-based version. Additionally, the two exams’ question formats are different, with TOEFL ITP featuring mostly multiple-choice questions and TOEFL iBT featuring both these and integrated tasks.

Sections and Skills Assessed

Reading Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, and Listening Comprehension make up the three components of the TOEFL ITP. The hearing, grammar, and reading test are evaluated. There is no speaking section and the test is multiple-choice.

Here are a few sample TOEFL ITP questions and their responses:

Question 1:

The city of Venice is built on ____ islands that are separated by ____ canals.

A. 118 / many

B. Many / 118

C. 118 / much

D. Much / 118

Answer: A. 118 / many

Question 2:

The room was filled with a ____ of smoke that made it difficult to breathe.

A. Bunch

B. Lot

C. Group

D. Cloud

Answer: D. Cloud

Question 3:

The lecture on art history was very ____ and I found myself struggling to stay awake.

A. Exciting

B. Interesting

C. Engaging

D. Boring

Answer: D. Boring

Question 4:

Although she has a lot of experience, she was ____ for the job because she lacked the required qualifications.

A. Chosen

B. Refused

C. Considered

D. Hired

Answer: B. Refused

Question 5:

I would have arrived on time if I had ____ the train.

A. Catch

B. Caught

C. Will catch

D. Had caught

Answer: B. Caught

While the TOEFL iBT has four sections—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—the traditional TOEFL does not. The four language skills—reading, listening, speaking, and writing—are all evaluated on this test. There are reading and listening portions, speaking to prompts, and essay writing assignments.

Following are some sample TOEFL iBT question categories with examples and responses:

1. Reading Comprehension Example Question:

What is the passage mainly about?

A. The history of the internet

B. How to create a website

C. The impact of the internet on society

D. How to use social media

Answer: C. The impact of the internet on society

2. Listening Comprehension Example Question:

What is the lecture mainly about?

A. The history of jazz music

B. The life of Louis Armstrong

C. The influence of jazz on other types of music

D. The different types of jazz instruments

Answer: C. The influence of jazz on other types of music

3. Speaking Example Question:

Do you agree or disagree with the statement: “All high school students should be required to learn a second language.”

Answer: It depends on the personal opinion given. However, it is important to present clear arguments and support that opinion.

4. Writing Example Question:

Some individuals think it’s crucial for kids to learn about their country’s history and culture. Some people think that kids should spend more time learning about the globe and its various cultures. Which one do you support? Give specific arguments and examples to back up your response.

Answer: It depends on the personal opinion given. However, it is important to present clear arguments and support that opinion.

Scoring

Scores on the TOEFL ITP are presented in whole or half-point increments, with a range of 310 to 677. The TOEFL iBT, on the other hand, reports scores in increments of one point and has a score range of 0 to 120.

A score above 627 on the TOEFL ITP is regarded as outstanding, a score between 550 and 626 as good, a score between 450 and 549 as fair, and a score below 450 as poor.

In contrast, on the TOEFL iBT, a score above 100 is regarded as excellent, one between 80 and 99 as good, one between 60 and 79 as fair, and one below 60 as poor.

The various question kinds and degree of difficulty have an impact on the scoring system and evaluation standards for these exams. Therefore, the minimum score requirements for both types of assessments vary depending on the educational institution or industry.

Test Availability and Frequency

ETS authorizes specific testing centers to administer TOEFL ITP, which may have limited availability. Educational institutions often use it for internal purposes. Conversely, TOEFL iBT is widely accessible at test centers worldwide and is administered more frequently throughout the year, allowing test takers to choose convenient dates.

Purpose and Recognition

Educational institutions often use the TOEFL ITP to assess students’ English language skills internally. However, as it’s less widely recognized than the TOEFL iBT, it might not be accepted for admission.

Thousands of colleges and companies worldwide recognize TOEFL iBT as valid proof of English language competency. It is a popular option for people looking for entry into higher education, work possibilities, or immigration for purposes in English-speaking.

As previously stated, there are some notable changes between the TOEFL ITP and TOEFL iBT. You should first evaluate your goals before deciding between the TOEFL ITP and iBT. After then, make sure to adequately prepare for the test before sitting for it. Taking TOEFL preparation classes from Ultimate Education is one way to achieve this. Register now!