TOEFL

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English language test designed to measure their mastery of English whose native language is not English. This test is developed and organized by ETS (Educational Testing Service) a nonprofit corporation based in the United States and first time organized in 1964. TOEFL score is usually one of entry requirements in 2400 universities in the United States, Canada and 80 other countries in the world (ETS: 1999). There are two types of TOEFL, 1) Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL ; and 2) Computer Based TOEFL. The first type of TOEFL test is the TOEFL test that we know, is which both questions and answers is done by using paper and pencil. Whereas the second type of TOEFL test is relative new test model because it was first introduced in 1998. As stated in that name, this test uses a computer and participants in the delivery because the test will answers this test and also via computer.

There are three parts of the TOEFL test to be done by test participants. The first part is the questions that measure the ability Listening Comprehension in total 50 questions, Structure and Written Expression, 40 questions, and Reading Comprehension, 50 questions. Whole matter was made in the form of multiple choice (except for the Computer Based TOEFL, there are matter essay test writing ability of participants in English and other variation forms of matter such as match, highlighting certain words in connection with the main idea of a reading, etc.). Whole test lasted within approximately 150 minutes, for the Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL, and approximately 240 minutes for the Computer Based TOEFL. A relatively long time for the Computer Based TOEFL tutorials are included procedures.

There are other types of TOEFL. For pre-selection or for internal purposes an institution, then the ETS as a developer and provider agency TOEFL test also conducts TOEFL ITP (ITP = Institutional Testing Programme). Number of questions and level of difficulty TOEFL ITP are not different with Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL and the Computer Based TOEFL, because the questions used in the TOEFL ITP is a matter that TOEFL test has been used before. Differences that need to be known by those who plan to take the TOEFL test is the TOEFL ITP score obtained from in its use is limited. For example universities and colleges in America, will only accept scores from the TOEFL Paper and Pencil Based or Computer Based TOEFL. Another difference is in terms of test cost. Currently, the cost of Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL and the Computer Based TOEFL is U.S. $ 110, while the TOEFL ITP is relatively cheaper cost of U.S. $ 25.

There should also know that the Paper and Pencil Based TOEFL and the Computer Based TOEFL is only organized in particular Test Center with the test schedule that have been determined in advance, while the TOEFL ITP implementation is more flexible schedule and in Indonesia is conducted by the IIEF (The Indonesian International Education Foundation) with coordinate with the central language in public universities. In addition to TOEFL ITP, there is also a TOEFL Prediction / Equivalent Test, that is usually used to estimate the TOEFL score before the relevant person take another TOEFL test (TOEFL Paper and Pencil Based, Computer Based TOEFL, TOEFL ITP). Type TOEFL Prediction test is generally organized by the institute / center language or places that hold training courses TOEFL.

In general, we recognize three levels of mastery of foreign languages, namely Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced. For TOEFL score, linguists usually classify this score into four levels following (Carson, et al., 1990):
- Elementary : 310 – 420
- Low Intermediate : 420 – 480
- High Intermediate : 480 – 520
- Advanced : 525 – 677
By knowing the classification level of mastery of the English language above, we can certainly understand why universities in countries that use English as its official language, require a TOEFL score for the candidate of their international students. To be accept in S1, they commont set score is around 475-550, while for S2 and S3 program entry requirements TOEFL score be higher is around 550 - 600.

Several universities in Indonesia has set a certain TOEFL score for that students (Huda, 1999). In connection with efforts to improve the quality of college graduates, a regulation require college students have a mastery of the TOEFL to a certain extent, is expected to have positive impact and we should support. Mastery of good English language is expected to increase the ability to think and work on a global level, a condition of employment in the future we need to prepare from now.