摘要：TOEFL iBT Exam Reform in 2023
Introduction: The TOEFL iBT exam is a popular English language proficiency test used by students and professionals worldwide. It m
TOEFL iBT Exam Reform in 2023
Introduction: The TOEFL iBT exam is a popular English language proficiency test used by students and professionals worldwide. It measures your English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and provides a score that is widely recognized by colleges, universities, and employers. However, as the world of education and technology evolves, so too must the TOEFL iBT exam be reformed to stay relevant and effective. In this article, we will explore the upcoming changes to the TOEFL iBT exam in 2023 and what it means for test takers.
Section 1: Exam Format Changes
Part 1: One of the significant changes to the TOEFL iBT exam in 2023 is the modified exam format. The current exam consists of four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with a total testing time of about four hours. The revised format will include several changes, such as:
- Shortening the total testing time to three hours.
- Reducing the number of reading passages and questions from 3-4 to 2-3.
- Adding new question types, such as multiple-choice and matching, to the reading and listening sections.
- Increasing the length of speaking tasks to 4-6 minutes.
Part 2: The new exam format is designed to enhance efficiency and provide a better testing experience for candidates. Shortening the testing time and reducing the number of reading passages and questions will reduce test fatigue and stress, making it easier for candidates to focus on their performance. The inclusion of new question types will provide a more comprehensive assessment of the test taker's language proficiency, covering a broader range of skills. Longer speaking tasks will enable candidates to showcase their language skills and help examiners evaluate their oral communication more accurately.
Section 2: Online Proctoring and Security Changes
Part 1: Another significant change coming to the TOEFL iBT exam in 2023 is online proctoring. With the global pandemic, many organizations have moved to remote work and distance learning, leading to an increase in remote exams like TOEFL iBT. The current online exam format lacks critical security features that ensure fair and reliable test results. Therefore, New Security Measures will be added to the test, including:
- Online ID Verification: Candidates will be required to verify their identity using their government-issued ID for example.
- AI-Powered Proctoring: The new exam format will use AI-powered online proctoring to detect suspicious behavior during the exam, such as looking out of the screen or having more than one person in the view.
- Browser Lockdown: Lockdown browsers will be added to the test platform to prevent unauthorized web access and software downloads during the exam.
Part 2: These new security features aim to ensure the fairness, reliability, and validity of the exam, providing a level playing field for all candidates. Online identity verification will prevent impersonation and ensure that the person taking the exam is the actual candidate. AI-powered proctoring will detect any suspicious behavior during the exam, reducing the risk of cheating and enhancing the integrity of the exam. Browser lockdown will prevent unauthorized web access and software downloads during the exam, ensuring the exam is taken under test conditions.
Section 3: Scoring Changes
Part 1: The third significant change to the TOEFL iBT exam in 2023 is the scoring changes. Different skills will be differently weighed, and the results they receive will reflect that. With the new scoring changes, the new scoring system will be as follows:
- Reading: 0-30, with a weight of 25%.
- Writing: 0-30, with a weight of 25%.
- Listening: 0-30, with a weight of 25%.
- Speaking: 0-30, with a weight of 25%.
- Overall Score: 0-120.
Part 2: The new scoring system aims to reflect the importance of each language skill in real-life situations. For instance, speaking and writing skills have a higher weight as they are critical for effective communication in academic and professional settings. The new scoring system will also provide candidates with more detailed feedback on their performance and proficiency in each skill area. The overall score will still be 0-120, ensuring that the test's format and purpose remain unchanged.
Conclusion: These changes to the TOEFL iBT exam in 2023 are designed to maintain the test's validity, relevance, and convenience. The revised exam format, online proctoring and security features, and new scoring system all aim to enhance the exam's efficiency and accuracy, ensuring that it remains one of the most reliable English language proficiency tests worldwide. As a test taker, it's essential to keep these changes in mind and prepare accordingly to ensure a successful test day.
