Recent changes in the Test of English as a Foreign Language, which is administered to international students and non-native speakers of English who aspire to study in the United States, will soon be implemented at Ohio University.
On Sept. 24, the Educational Testing Service launched the new format of the TOEFL, an Internet-based exam that tests listening, reading, writing and speaking skills - which are new to the test.
Most of the incoming international students are taking the computer-based version of the TOEFL
said Scott Jarvis, director of the Ohio Program for Intensive English and chair of the Linguistics Department.
The Internet-based version of TOEFL will be administered globally by 2006. ETS, a private testing company, produces the language test, which is used by accredited universities worldwide.
The new Internet-based TOEFL is a different format and involves more integrated skills whereas the current version has separate sections for listening comprehension grammar and reading
Jarvis said.
OU currently administers a paper-based version of the TOEFL to foreign students at the beginning and end of each quarter. Jarvis said the exam might be initially taken upon a student's arrival in Athens, or retaken if his or her scores have not met departmental standards.
To be accepted into an area of study, a student's performance must meet a minimum that varies by department. A 677 is the highest possible score. To study journalism, business administration or physical therapy, students need a 600 on the written format. A score of 550 is required to pursue education or political science disciplines.
The scoring equivalencies change with each format of the test. On the Internet-based test, for example, a student will need to score a 100 in order to be eligible to pursue journalism, business administration or physical therapy.
A comprehensive list of total score comparisons can be found at the ETS Web site, www.ets.org/toefl.
There is going to be a big transition to smooth things out
said Gerry Krzic, associate director for OPIE. Krzic said some disadvantages that come with the new Internet format, which is administered at designated testing centers, include the cost and the time it takes to score the exam. Tests cost $140, and processing takes 15 days. The paper format currently proctored by OU takes only two to three days to return scores and costs $30.
That expense adds to international students' financial burden, which includes a visa and a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee, Krzic said.
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Anna Maria Georgalis
