The Test Of English as a Foreign Language (or TOEFL, pronounced "toe-full", or sometimes just "toffle") measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand Standard American English at a college level. It is required for non-native applicants at many American and English-speaking colleges and universities. A TOEFL score is valid for 2 years, and then is deleted from the official database.
The new test consists of four sections. It is approximately four hours long. Information about each section is provided below.

All four sections can be taken on one day. Note-taking is allowed throughout the test to help test takers answer the questions.

Reading Three to five academic reading passages followed by omprehension questions that measure the ability to understand and analyze the meaning of the passages Familiar question types from the computer-based TOEFL test New question types in which test takers   demonstrate they have learned what they have read, either by filling out a table or completing a narrative summary choose a correct paraphrase of a reading

New features that make the testing experience easier for test takers, including a glossary and review     feature.

Listening Two to three conversations that include two or more speakers in each Four to six lectures, which include classroom dialogue Opportunity to take notes while listening Familiar question types from the computer-based TOEFL test New question types that measure test takers' ability to understand a speaker's attitude or meaning.

Speaking Two independent tasks about familiar topics. View a sample task.   Test takers state, explain, and support their response using personal knowledge and experience.

	Two tasks based on Reading and Listening material. View a sample task
	Tasks include a short reading passage and a short talk (These are shorter than those in the Reading and Listening sections.) Questions require test takers to combine information from both the reading and the listening material in the responses One task is based on a campus-related situation, and the other is based on academic classroom material. Test takers can take notes and use them to respond.
	Two tasks based on Listening material, including a short lecture or conversation. View a sample task.
	Questions require test takers to summarize key ideas from the talks in the responses One task is based on a campus-related situation, and the other is based on academic classroom material. Test takers can take notes and use them to respond.
	Trained raters evaluate test takers' ability in:
	Topic development - show they understand and can make connections, and convey relevant information Delivery - use clear, smooth, sustained speech for overall intelligibility Language use - demonstrate control of grammar and word choice, and respond coherently

Writing One Reading/Listening/Writing task   Academic reading and lecture Test takers must answer a question discussing the key points in the lecture and explaining how they relate to those in the reading passage.

	Reading passage appears first, then is removed from the screen during the lecture. Test takers can view the passage again while responding the question. Test takers can take notes and use them to respond
	One independent task about a familiar topic
	Test takers state, explain and support their response using personal knowledge and experience. This task is similar to the writing task on the computer-based TOEFL test and the Test of Written English (TWE).
	Trained raters evaluate test takers' ability to demonstrate an understanding of the material, as well as write clearly, accurately, and in a well-organized manner.

The integrated skills approach to assessment reflects real English use in everyday university situations--both in and out of the classroom.

Above reproduced from the Educational Testing Service Website, for more information click here. (http://www.ets.org.)