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TOEFL iBT Tips 53

Score Comparisons

A fi eld test conducted from November 2003 to February 2004, involving 3,284 test takers in 30 countries

provided data to compare performance on the new iBT test with performance on the computer-based test.

It did not compare performance between the new iBT test and the paper-based TOEFL. Paper-based and

computer-based score comparisons shown in the tables on the following pages were developed based upon

data from 6,556 examinees who took both the paper-based and computer-based tests between November

1997 and March 1998.

Score comparison tables are provided in score-to-score and range formats for

• reading

• listening

• writing

• total score

Although score comparisons can be useful in understanding the relationship between scores on the three

versions of the TOEFL test, it is important to note that differences among the tests make it diffi cult to draw

exact comparisons.

The difference in the three versions of the test can be seen most clearly in the writing component. The new

iBT Writing section is composed of two writing tasks: one independent essay and one integrated writing

task. The computer-based Structure and Writing sections include multiple-choice questions and an essay.

The paper-based Structure and Written Expression section consists of multiple-choice questions only, and

the required essay score is reported separately from the total score. Therefore, the scores for these three

sections are calculated differently.

In addition, when comparing total scores, one should keep in mind that while the TOEFL iBT test meas￾ures speaking, neither the computer-based nor the paper-based version of the test measures speaking.

Speaking Score Comparisons

There is no speaking score comparison because the TOEFL CBT test does not measure speaking. However,

the current Test of Spoken English (TSE) does measure speaking. ETS conducted a standard-setting study

with international teaching assistant administrators in September 2004 to establish acceptable scores for

International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) on the speaking portion of the new TOEFL test.

The panel of 18 experts established two separate requirements:

1. The TOEFL iBT Speaking section score needed to have the lowest level of ITA contact with under￾graduate students was set as 23 out of 30 score points.

2. The TSE score equivalent of 50 was established as 26 out of 30 score points for the TOEFL iBT Speak￾ing section.