Fully understand your English level! What are some specific tips to improve your Toefl score?

Since TOEFL is not a pass/fail test like EIKEN, do you ever find yourself wondering how to judge whether your score is low or high?

This article explains your English level and what you can do based on your TOEFL iBT score. Please use it as a reference when deciding your current English ability and the score you should aim for.

In addition, we will introduce strategies for improving your score and tips that you can put into practice right away. Let's understand the TOEFL iBT score correctly and take effective measures.

Understand your English Proficiency Toefl iBT

TOEFL iBT scores are given on a scale of 0-30 for each of the reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections, and a total score of 0-120. Each section is divided into 4 or 5 proficiency levels (such as low intermediate or upper intermediate), and you can see what level you are in based on your score.

The explanation here is based on an overall score of 0-120.

TOEFL iBT score 40-50

This is beginner level. Scores in this range are not enough to qualify for admission to English-speaking schools abroad. It is equivalent to the pre-2nd grade of the Eiken test, which is equivalent to intermediate high school level.

TOEFL iBT score 50-60

Although you have a foundation in English, you are still at a beginner level. You need more practice, but you will improve if you devote more time to studying and use English as often as possible.

TOEFL iBT score 60-70

Although you are approaching average English ability, you still lack the basics. In particular, you need to increase your vocabulary and have more opportunities to be exposed to English. At this level, it is also important to train your "input" and "output." In order to acquire a higher level of English ability, it will also be important to increase your motivation. This is equivalent to the Eiken Grade 2 level, which is equivalent to graduating from high school.

TOEFL iBT score 70-80

There are some overseas universities where you can be accepted with a score within this range, but it is very difficult to keep up with the classes. In that case, you will need to take supplementary English lessons. On the other hand, you will have more opportunities to be exposed to English, so you will have more opportunities to use English, which will be a good opportunity to improve your English.

TOEFL iBT score 80-90

To get accepted into an English-speaking university, you need to aim for this score or higher. At this level, you understand the basics of grammar, but you may get confused, especially when the sentence is long. Since you may not be able to keep up with what is being said, it is a good idea to learn how to rephrase what is being said by looking at keywords. This is equivalent to the pre-1st grade level of the Eiken test, which is at the intermediate university level.

TOEFL iBT score 90-100

At this level, it is easy to get into a university abroad, and you can be confident in your English ability. However, when technical terms are used in class, you will need to reinforce your understanding of "academic concepts" in English. For example, legal concepts are explained in legal technical terms, so you will need supplementary English so that you can understand them. Also, if a difficult idea is explained in a complicated way during class, you may misunderstand it.

TOEFL iBT score of 100 or higher

This level is close to that of a native speaker, and you will be able to handle classes taught in English. Exams require communication skills, and it depends on whether you can speak with confidence. Expressing your opinions will be no problem if you do it regularly. This is equivalent to Grade 1 in the Eiken test.