ELI prepared for new internet-based TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) has morphed. Its newest form, launched in September 2005, should be good news to students enrolled in ELI classes.

That was the opinion expressed by ELI instructor Walt Babich, who traveled in May to Alexandria, VA, to attend an all-day program on “The Next Generation TOEFL Approach” conducted by the Educational Testing Service. The latest version of the proficiency exam, required for entrance into U.S. universities, more closely mirrors the types of academic tasks typically required of undergraduates than its predecessor did.

“The most significant change is the inclusion of integrated skills,” said Babich. “For example, a test-taker must use both reading and speaking skills or both listening and writing skills in order to complete a task.”

Other changes are the elimination of the separate grammar section and the inclusion of a speaking section. The new Internet-based format, which was launched in the United States and Europe in the fall of 2005, will become available in other parts of the world in 2006.

“ELI is committed to helping students prepare for the new test,” said Babich, who regularly teaches a TOEFL preparation class. “More importantly, our English for Academic Purposes classes prepare them for the challenges they will face after they pass the TOEFL.”