Exam · TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT — the American route.

TOEFL iBT is the English test most US universities prefer (though most also accept IELTS). It is fully computer-delivered, runs about two hours, and tests "academic English" — listening to lectures, reading textbook passages, summarising what you just read into what you just heard. If you are applying to the US, this guide is for you.

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What's different about TOEFL vs IELTS?

100% American academic English

All audio is North American. All readings are from textbook-style academic sources. No British / Australian accents. No general-conversation register.

Integrated tasks

TOEFL's signature: you read a passage, then listen to a lecture about the same topic, then write a summary comparing the two. IELTS has nothing like it. Bangladeshi students often underestimate this section.

Computer-delivered only

You type all your essays. You speak into a microphone for the Speaking section — no human examiner. Useful if you find face-to-face interviews stressful.

Scoring 0–120

Each of the four sections scores 0–30; the total is the sum. Most US grad schools want 90+ overall, top schools 100+, with no single section below 22.

The four sections, in TOEFL order

Reading · ~35 min · 2 passages · 20 questions

Academic textbook passages, ~700 words each. Questions cover vocabulary, inference, sentence-rewording, and a final "summary" question worth 2 points.

Sentence-rewording questions: look for paraphrase + retained meaning. Trap answers either drop a key idea or add a wrong one.
The final summary question — get 3 main ideas (not details) into 3 of the 6 options.
You can revisit questions within a section. Use that — flag, move on, come back.

Listening · ~36 min · 5 audio segments · 28 questions

Three lectures (3–5 min each) and two campus conversations (advisor meetings, librarian queries). Take notes. Notes are allowed and essential.

Set up a left-column / right-column notes layout — main ideas left, examples right.
Don't try to transcribe. Capture structure: thesis, two examples, conclusion.
"Function" questions (why did the professor say X?) — focus on attitude and emphasis, not literal meaning.
Bangladeshi students often miss the campus-conversation segments because they assume "informal = easy." It isn't — register is the test.

Speaking · ~16 min · 4 tasks · into a microphone

Task 1 — independent opinion (45 sec answer). Tasks 2–4 — integrated: read a passage, hear audio, then speak. The hardest section for most Bangla speakers.

15-second prep window is short — pre-build a template: "I prefer X because of A and B. Firstly... Secondly..."
Speak loudly and clearly into the mic — TOEFL graders rate clarity heavily.
Integrated tasks need 60-90 seconds of speech with no pauses. Practice timing.
It is better to give a complete, slightly slower answer than to rush and trail off.

Writing · ~29 min · 2 tasks · typed

Task 1 (integrated, 20 min, ~150-225 words): read a passage, listen to a lecture that contradicts it, summarise both sides. Task 2 (academic discussion, 10 min, >100 words): respond to a professor's question in a discussion board format.

Task 1 has a fixed structure — three reading points, three matching lecture rebuttals. Memorise the template.
Task 2 wants you to engage with two prior student posts shown to you, add a new angle, and support it.
Type fast. Most Bangladeshi students undertype Task 2. Get to 130+ words.

Score targets to aim for

80+ — entry-level US universities, community college transfer.
90+ — most public US universities, many private mid-tier.
100+ — top 50 US universities, most graduate programs.
105+ with 24+ in Speaking — Teaching Assistantship eligibility for most PhDs.
110+ — Ivy League and equivalent. Realistic with focused 4-6 month prep from a 90.

TOEFL in Bangladesh

TOEFL iBT is delivered by ETS at authorised centres. As of recent cycles, Dhaka has multiple ETS-authorised venues; Chattogram is intermittent.

TOEFL iBT Home Edition — sit from home if you have a quiet room, a reliable connection, and a webcam-equipped computer. Same score, same acceptance.
Score reporting — official scores in 4-8 days. You can send to 4 institutions free, more for a fee.
Validity — 2 years.

Confirm centre availability, fees, and dates on the official ETS TOEFL website. Slots fill 6–8 weeks ahead in peak admissions months (Oct-Dec, Feb-Apr).

The 90-day TOEFL plan

Days 1–14: Baseline mock + American-accent immersion (NPR, The Daily, TED-Ed).
Days 15–45: Note-taking system + integrated task templates + grammar repair.
Days 46–75: Two full mock tests per week, with section-specific drills for weakest area.
Days 76–90: Speaking template polish, typing speed, final mock under exam conditions.

Start the plan

Common TOEFL pitfalls for Bangladeshi candidates

Speaking pace too slow

45-second / 60-second answers must be full. Long pauses hurt the rating more than minor grammar errors. Practice with a timer until pacing is automatic.

Typing too slow on Writing

If you type at < 25 wpm in English, you will fall short. Spend two weeks on typing.com or keybr.com before final prep.

Not understanding "campus conversation" register

American advisor / student talk is fast, idiomatic, and assumes shared culture. The fix: watch US college vlogs. Yes, really.