Introduction
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English language proficiency test that is widely used by universities and colleges around the world as part of admission requirements for international students. TOEFL comprises four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. In this article, we will focus on the TOEFL Reading Test, which has undergone significant changes in its scoring system.The Old Scoring System
The old scoring system for the TOEFL Reading Test comprised 36 to 70 multiple-choice questions, depending on the test version. The test taker was required to read three to five academic passages and answer the questions based on the information provided in the passages. The score range was from 0 to 30, and the time limit was 60 to 100 minutes. The score was based on the number of correct answers, with no penalty for wrong answers.The New Scoring System
The new scoring system for the TOEFL Reading Test, which was implemented in August 2019, is called \"Section Scores.\" This scoring system divides the old Reading Test into two sections: \"Individual Learning\" and \"Integration.\" The Individual Learning section comprises 14 to 18 questions and tests the student's ability to comprehend the text independently. The Integration section comprises 8 to 11 questions and tests the student's ability to integrate ideas from two related passages. Each section is scored separately, and the scores are then combined to give a single score, ranging from 0 to 30. However, unlike the previous system, the new system imposes a penalty for wrong answers, which means test takers need to think twice before making a guess. The time limit for each section is 20 minutes, and test takers cannot move to the next section unless they have completed the current section.The Implications of the New Scoring System
The new scoring system for the TOEFL Reading Test has several implications for test takers. First, test takers need to improve their reading speed and accuracy if they want to score well in each section. They need to become familiar with different types of academic texts, including scientific, social science, and humanities, and develop their vocabulary to comprehend complex ideas. Second, test takers need to practice integrating ideas from multiple sources. This requires critical thinking skills and the ability to identify key ideas and arguments in each text. They need to pay attention to the relationship between the ideas and how they relate to the overall theme of the text. Finally, test takers need to develop test-taking strategies to manage their time effectively. They need to read the questions before reading the passage, skim the passage to get a sense of its organization and main ideas, and annotate the passage as they read, to remember important details. In conclusion, the new scoring system for the TOEFL Reading Test requires test takers to develop a range of skills to succeed. It tests their ability to comprehend, integrate, and analyze information from different academic sources, and rewards those who can do so with speed, accuracy, and critical thinking. Test takers should set aside sufficient time to prepare for the test, practice regularly, and seek assistance if needed.下一篇:返回列表