There are various ways that are used to see someone’s English proficiency. One of the most frequently heard is the TOEFL and there are many TOEFL preparation institutions in Jakarta. However, in addition to the TOEFL, there is also a so-called TOEIC. Are the two things the same or different? What is the difference between TOEFL and TOEIC?
Basically, the two have something in common, which is that they both aim to know someone’s English language skills. This can be seen from the score a person gets after completing the test. Certificates or scores obtained will later be used for the purposes of each individual.
Another basic similarity is that both tests are administered by ETS (educational testing service). Where what is measured is the ability to speak English with American characteristics. To be able to see the difference between TOEFL and TOEIC, let’s look at the understanding between the two.
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. From the meaning alone you can understand that this test is carried out to measure someone’s English language skills whose mother tongue is not English (American).
TOEIC or Test of English for International Communication is an English language test that is carried out to measure a person’s communication skills. Usually, this test is devoted to career or work interests. Judging from the meaning alone, of course, you can understand that the difference between the two is fundamental.
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The difference between TOEFL and TOEIC is not only seen in terms of understanding. To find out more about the differences between TOEFL and TOEIC, you can check out these things:
TOEFL
TOEFL originally appeared in Washington DC, United States. This started with the establishment of CAL or an applied linguistics center with its first director, Charles A. Ferguson. In addition to Washington, this program is also given to him in the Middle East. One of the programs that Ferguson created was ESL (English as a second language) or English as a second language.
Starting from that, Ferguson and his colleagues developed the TOEFL as a program at CAL for several years. In 1964 the first TOEFL test began to be taken. Since the beginning of the implementation of this test, its implementation has been managed by ETS. From its inception until around 2004 this test was carried out in writing.
It wasn’t until 2005 that this test method was introduced online. Thus, this test is carried out based on the internet. Previously, around 1998, tests using computers were first introduced. Thus, the tests carried out are computer-based.
Computer-based tests are known as CBT (Computer based tests) while internet-based tests are known as IBT (internet-based tests). Since the emergence of IBT, the role of CBT has been replaced. Thus, in 2006 it was decided that the computer-based results were declared invalid. To be clear, here are the three types of tests:
- PBT ( Paper Based Test ). Here you will do the test manually, namely on paper. Regarding the material, this test is less than other types of TOEFL tests. This is because it only has three sessions, namely listening, reading, and structure. For those who have their own writing session, it is usually placed on a separate paper.
- CBT ( Computer Based Test ). If you choose CBT it will be done directly on the computer. The test implementation stage was divided into four sessions, namely listening, reading, structure and writing.
- IBT ( Internet Based Test ). This is a test that is carried out using a computer and is directly connected to the internet. The implementation stage of this test is more than the previous two types of tests. The test stages consist of five stages, namely listening, reading, structure, writing and speaking.
Seeing the differences in the tests, although only different media and TOEFL strategies were used, the range of scores obtained also had differences. For TOEFL PBT, the scores obtained range from 310 to 677. Next is CBT with an assessment between 30 to 300. Lastly, IBT, ranges from 8-120.
After completing the test, in approximately 2 weeks a certificate containing the score will be issued. The validity period of the certificate is 2 years. After two years the score will be declared invalid.
TOEIC
The difference between TOEFL and TOEIC is also seen in the history of its formation. When the TOEFL test was first taken in 1964, the TOEIC was only developed in 1979. The TOEIC is intended to measure a person’s English proficiency at intermediate and advanced levels.
TOEIC has also become the standard of English proficiency in all companies in the world. However, there are several purposes of this test other than company needs. The first is for academic purposes. Where by knowing the students’ English language skills, the teacher can find out what students can accept and understand.
The second is for the needs of government agencies. Just like private companies, government agencies also need to know the score of their employees to recruit and promote employees. Unlike the TOEFL test, which tends to have several stages, the TOEIC test only consists of listening and reading sessions.
If the TOEFL has a lot of score ranges when viewed from the type. It is different from TOEIC which only has a score range between 10 to 990. Usually, if you want to work abroad, a minimum score is usually set above 450.
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TOEFL Preparation Course Jakarta
In Jakarta, there are many places that provide TOEFL preparation services. Through the TOEFL preparation course in Jakarta, it becomes easier and more precise. This is because the teaching staff are professional and have the right teaching material modules. Through a TOEFL preparation institution, your learning process will be more planned.
When compared with self-study, of course studying at a TOEFL preparation institution is considered more appropriate. Although there must be some money spent, at least this will be equivalent to the results obtained compared to if you had to learn on your own. At the TOEFL preparation course in Jakarta, you can maximize your learning process in a short period of time.
Through TOEFL Preparation Jakarta, you can find out more about what TOEFL strategies can be used for the process of taking the test. This of course can be used to help you in the process of doing the test so that the score you get will certainly be better.
Find Out TOEFL Strategy
For students, especially high school students, it is usually their first opportunity to take the TOEFL test as a prerequisite for entering college. You will be judged quite good in English if the score you get is more than 400 or even more than 450.
Some students already know this information from the start so they will prepare it carefully. However, there are some students who do not get this information so they do not have enough time to prepare it.
Whether or not you have enough time is not a big problem if you already know the strategy. The following is a TOEFL strategy that you can use in preparation for the test.
First, the basic thing you can do is to have sufficient knowledge of the English language. Some of you may have known English lessons since elementary school or even in play groups. Remembering this means that you already know quite a lot about the English language.
Second, make the most of your time to prepare. If the time you have is urgent then starting earlier will be better. You can prepare it by using the services of a preparatory agency or prepare it yourself.
Third, the next TOEFL strategy is that you can make a daily routine schedule. This can be done by self-study using books or online exercises. Exercise should be done regularly every day so as not to rush when the time for the test is near.
Fourth, learn English more deeply through the things you like. For example, if you like watching movies, then you can use English subtitles to learn more about it. When you like reading novels, then you can read foreign novels that have not been translated.
Fifth, try to remember difficult words. Enriching vocabulary can be done through the methods listed in number four. When you don’t understand the words written in the text of the film or book, you can take notes and then read them again. That way your vocabulary will be richer.
Sixth, try to write in English. This TOEFL strategy will not be useful if you only remember the existing vocabulary. Another thing you need to practice is writing. By writing, it means that you not only know what the English language is, but it is also important that you know how to write it.
Seventh, make a notebook. In each of your learning processes, make small notes that you can take anywhere. Also, note down the various things you just learned. That way, you can read it anywhere to maximize the learning process.
Eighth, know the test well. This is because there are several answers that can be misleading. This can cause us to get stuck in answering the wrong one. For that, you can understand the questions well and be diligent in practicing the questions. Currently, there are many websites that can be used to try the test preparation and you can take advantage of this convenience.
Ninth, learn from relevant topics. This is because the TOEFL will be very unlikely or will not even talk about some things such as politics, history, or state conflicts. That way, you don’t need to focus on terms that are often used for the theme.
Tenth, set goals. Make sure you know what minimum score you will achieve and in how long you will study. With this goal, you will not get a score that is too bad. However, it must also be balanced with consistency in learning.
Eleventh, read carefully the instructions and examples listed in the question book. This TOEFL strategy is intended to reduce the chance that you will get it wrong in doing the questions. In addition, also listen to the instructions for how long you are given the opportunity to answer each question.
Twelve, try to learn from others. The learning process will be maximized when you can practice what you have learned with others. In addition, studying with a partner can also be used as an opportunity to exchange ideas so that you will get new ideas and things.
Twelve points above the TOEFL strategy you can do to prepare. However, before taking the test, there are several things that you need to prepare. It looks simple but will help you in the process of working on the problem.
At night before taking the test, it’s a good idea if you prepare everything needed. For example, stationery, identity cards, forms if needed or whatever is needed to take the test. Make sure everything is in the bag.
The next thing you can do is make sure you have enough time for yourself before the day you need to get enough sleep so you can concentrate while working. In addition, set an alarm so you have enough time to get ready and have breakfast. So, you are not late or in a hurry to come to the test location.
Back to the preparation for the TOEFL, there are various TOEFL Preparation Jakarta institutions. One of them is English bridge. Located in a strategic area, English Bridge offers an open class system for every student. In addition, you will also be taught about TOEFL strategies.