You may have noticed that ETS, the company that produces the TOEFL, has released some exciting news! Starting in August 2021, they will be administering the TOEFL Essentials, a shorter and more convenient exam. But what is the TOEFL Essentials and what do you need to know about it?
What is the TOEFL Essentials?
The TOEFL Essentials is an internet-based adaptive test. Essentially, an adaptive test responds to the kinds of answers you give, becoming more or less difficult. Ultimately, this means that it can assess your English skills more quickly than a pre-established test.
Like many English proficiency exams, it tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking, providing a score from 1-12 in each category. You can also record a 5 minute personal video statement, although it isn’t a scored section. The final price will be between $100-120.
We’ll learn more as ETS releases more information, including 3 practice tests and a comparison with the IELTS and other English proficiency exams!
What are the advantages?
The TOEFL Essentials test is shorter, cheaper and more convenient than the regular IBT. It is approximately half as much as the regular TOEFL. Appointments are offered throughout the week, and you can even register for a test with only 24 hours’ notice. You also receive your scores quickly; both schools and test-takers can receive scores 6-8 days after the test. Additionally, you can send your scores to as many schools as you need to.
What do universities think about the new exam?
ETS plans on continuing to administer and support both exams, and calls the regular TOEFL the “gold standard.” Although most universities have not yet announced if they will accept the new exam, a survey of 250 U.S., U.K. and Canadian universities conducted by ETS suggested that 90% of universities would accept it for 2022 admissions.
What is the difference between the TOEFL essentials and the TOEFL? What about Duolingo?
Initially, the most obvious differences between the TOEFL and TOEFL essentials are cost, convenience, length. However, the two tests also differ based on content. The TOEFL Essentials tests 50% academic English and 50% general English, while the IBT tests entirely academic English. If your English exposure is more casual, the TOEFL Essentials might be easier. Students who do well on conventional tests may prefer the TOEFL.
Compared to the Duolingo test, the TOEFL Essentials is structurally similar. It is the same length, administered over the internet, and uses a similar adaptive technology. In many ways, this test is ETS’ answer to the Duolingo English proficiency exam. However, Duolingo offers combined subscores in Literacy, Conversation, Comprehension, and Production rather than the traditional four scores of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. The Duolingo questions are also generated by an AI, whereas the TOEFL Essentials questions are written individually by test designers.
Which test should I take?
These three tests are all very different—and don’t forget the IELTS! You can read about the differences between the best English proficiency exams in our blog post here or reach out to use to find out the best way to prep for each!
