TOEFL

There are three types of TOEFL tests, namely: Paper and Pencil-Based TOEFL, TOEFL Computer Based and Internet-Based TOEFL. The three test types are distinguished from the equipment used for testing. Type the first TOEFL test is the TOEFL test that we know so far, in which both questions and answers is done by using paper and pencil. While the second type of TOEFL test is a test model that still can be said is relatively new because it was first introduced in 1998. As mentioned in the name, this test uses a computer in the delivery of and participant test because these tests also will answer via the computer. Then the third type of test is the TOEFL test method is really new because it just beginning on popularized in 2005. This test is conducted as intended by its name, this test using the computer as a means of delivery point. But unlike the second test model, this test is done by using the internet connection that will make this a more practical test for bias in working on the go and the results are biased in the gain on the spot.

Rating or scoring system used for the Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL Internet-Based TOEFL, and the Computer Based TOEFL is different. This is done with intent to avoid misunderstandings in the interpretation of test scores reported by participants. The range of scores used by the Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL, and Internet-Based TOEFL is 310 (lowest score) to 677 (highest score), whereas for the Computer Based TOEFL, the lowest value is 0 and the highest value 300 (source: TOEFL Score User Guide, 2000-2001). About the overall level of difficulty for this type of course the same test, so it can be said those who obtain a score of 677 on the TOEFL Paper and Pencil Based expected to obtain a score of 300 on Computer Based TOEFL, and vice versa if a participant obtained a score of 213 tests in the TOEFL test that uses computer (Computer Based TOEFL), the corresponding score on the Paper and Pencil-Based TOEFL is 550.

In general, we recognize three levels of mastery of foreign languages, namely Basic Level (Elementary), Intermediate Level (Intermediate) and Advanced (Advanced). TOEFL score, experts typically classify the language of this score into four levels (Carson, et al., 1990): The first Basic Level (Elementary): participants who have a value of 310 to 420 that can be put into this category, both the Lower Secondary Level (Low Intermediate): participants have a value of 420 to 480 come into this category, the third High Level (High Intermediate): participants who have a value of 480 to 520 who come into this category, and the last Advanced Level (Advanced): participants who have value of 525 to 677 that can go into this category.

From the classification score above, may arise if the TOEFL test questions given to students of Native Americans or the British or the countries that use English as primary language, for example, whether they will have difficulty working on the TOEFL questions? From a study carried out by Adam Johnson in 1999 who did the test at several universities in Canada, the United States and Britain. 150 second-year student at Queen's University, Canada, received an average score of 612. 200 students the first year and second at the University of Tennessee, United States, is 628. 200 students the first year at the University of Durham, England, got the highest average score, namely 634. That is, for English speakers themselves, the questions TOEFL can be done easily, as evidenced from which they obtained a score at the level of Proficient or Advanced.

By knowing the classification level of mastery of English, as seen above, we can certainly understand why it seems reasonable that universities in countries that use English as main language, requires a certain minimum TOEFL score for the candidate of their international students. In the United States and Canada to be accepted in S1, they commonly set score is approximately 475 sd 550, whereas for S2 and S3 program entry requirements TOEFLnya scores be higher, around 550 sd 600. And several universities in Indonesia also have set a certain TOEFL score for its students. In regard to efforts to improve the quality of college graduates and are expected to give a positive impact also for the people.