Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
47
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
47-55
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This article discusses the upcoming changes in the Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam and its potential advantages over the
IELTS exam. The Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam introduces a shorter test duration, streamlined instructions, and a focus
on contemporary academic skills. One of the notable changes is the introduction of the "Writing for an Academic
Discussion" task, which reflects the real-world writing demands faced by university students. The article highlights the
importance of aligning language assessments with the evolving needs of students and institutions and suggests that
IELTS and other exams should adapt and innovate to remain competitive. The abstract also mentions the need for
further research in language testing and assessment, particularly in areas like the mode of delivery for the speaking
section and the question types used in the reading and listening sections.
KEYWORDS
Language assessment, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, English proficiency, standardized exams, writing task, academic skills.
INTRODUCTION
English proficiency holds immense significance in
today's globalized world. As communication barriers
dissolve and international opportunities expand,
individuals seeking to demonstrate their language
skills often turn to standardized exams. While these
exams provide a measure of language ability, it is
Research Article
THE FUTURE OF LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT: ENHANCED TOEFL IBT TAKES
THE LEAD OVER IELTS FOR STUDENTS' SUCCESS
Submission Date:
July 11, 2023,
Accepted Date:
July 16, 2023,
Published Date:
July 21, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajps/Volume03Issue07-09
Sarvar Umirov
Eap/Esp Teacher At Tashkent State University Of Law, Uzbekistan
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajps
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
48
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
47-55
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
widely recognized among linguists that no single test
can fully capture the complexity and nuance of a
person's linguistic competence. Nevertheless, some
exams have established themselves as popular options
for language assessment, with IELTS being a widely
recognized choice. According to the comparison study
conducted by Abe et al. (2018), the IELTS measures
abilities related to daily conversation and academics
better than the TOEFL iBT but there has not been any
empirical scientific research.
In the past, IELTS enjoyed popularity primarily due to
effective advertising campaigns and a lack of viable
alternatives. TOEFL had certain drawbacks, such as the
inability to accept local payment systems and the
requirement of VISA cards for registration.
Additionally, TOEFL included unscored test questions,
leading test-takers to complete these questions
without knowing if they would contribute to their final
score. These issues created a less-than-ideal testing
experience for candidates.
Recognizing the need for improvements, the TOEFL
exam implemented some changes in 2021 to enhance
its appeal to test-takers. Despite these modifications,
there remained a demand for a comprehensive and
efficient language test that met the evolving needs of
both students and institutions. This demand is now
addressed by the upcoming changes scheduled for July
26, 2023, in the form of the Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam.
The forthcoming enhancements in the TOEFL iBT exam
promise to be a game-changer for individuals
considering an English language proficiency test. These
changes primarily revolve around test duration and the
introduction of a new writing task. With a significantly
reduced test time of under two hours, the Enhanced
TOEFL iBT exam emerges as the shortest among the
most popular English-language tests available.
Furthermore, the replacement of the Independent
Writing task with the "Writing for an Academic
Discussion" task adds a modern touch to the exam,
aligning it with the demands of contemporary
academic discourse.
In this article, I will explore the reasons why the
Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam may prove to be a superior
choice for students compared to IELTS. By examining
the advantages brought about by the upcoming
changes, I aim to provide valuable insights into the
enhanced test experience and its potential impact on
language assessment.
A Comparative Analysis of IELTS and Enhanced TOEFL
iBT: Unveiling the Benefits of Enhanced TOEFL iBT over
IELTS
Language proficiency assessment is a crucial step for
individuals seeking to demonstrate their competence
in the English language, particularly in an increasingly
interconnected world. The International English
Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
49
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
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2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
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P
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:
47-55
SJIF
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MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
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(2023:
6.
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)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) have long been
recognized as leading exams in this domain. These
assessments provide candidates with a benchmark to
showcase their language skills to educational
institutions, immigration authorities, and employers
worldwide. However, recent developments in the
TOEFL iBT exam have introduced significant
enhancements that warrant a closer examination of
the benefits it offers over IELTS. While there been
some surveys and research such as according to Erfani
(2012), the washback effect of IELTS and TOEFL iBT
tests on teaching and learning activities in test
preparation courses showing that TOEFL had more
negative washback, it is too early to conduct research
on Enhanced TOEFL iBT as it is not available till July 26,
2023.
Shorter Test Duration:
One notable advantage of the Enhanced TOEFL iBT
exam over IELTS is the significantly reduced test
duration. Starting from July 26, 2023, test-takers can
complete the TOEFL iBT exam in under two hours,
making it the shortest among the most popular
English-language tests available. This streamlined
approach is a direct response to the growing demand
for efficient language assessments that minimize the
time commitment required from candidates. By
shortening the test duration, the Enhanced TOEFL iBT
exam offers a more convenient and accessible option
for individuals with time constraints or those who
prefer a more concise testing experience.
User-Friendly Interface and Streamlined Instructions:
Enhanced TOEFL iBT further distinguishes itself by
providing a user-friendly interface and streamlined
instructions, ensuring a smooth testing experience.
The exam incorporates innovative design elements
and navigational features that prioritize clarity and
ease of use. Test-takers can navigate through the exam
sections seamlessly, enhancing their focus and
reducing potential distractions. The enhanced
interface minimizes the learning curve associated with
adapting to a new testing platform, allowing
candidates to allocate more mental energy toward
showcasing their true language skills.
Focus on Contemporary Academic Skills:
The evolving demands of academia necessitate
language tests that align with the contemporary
academic landscape. The Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam
recognizes this need and places a strong emphasis on
assessing skills that are crucial for academic success in
today's educational institutions. By replacing the
Independent Writing task with the "Writing for an
Academic Discussion" task, the exam reflects the shift
towards collaborative learning and scholarly discourse.
This task prompts test-takers to state and supports
their opinions within the context of an online class
discussion, mirroring the real-world communication
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
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SJIF
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(2023:
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OCLC
–
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Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
requirements of academic environments. This focus on
contemporary academic skills ensures that the
Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam remains relevant and
valuable to both test-takers and institutions seeking to
evaluate language proficiency accurately.
Wring tasks of enhanced TOEFL iBT tests real-life skills
of university studies.
Writing is often considered one of the most
challenging tasks in language proficiency assessments.
It requires not only a strong command of the language
but also the ability to effectively convey ideas and
arguments in a coherent and organized manner.
Statistics from various language exams consistently
reveal that writing tends to be the skill where test-
takers achieve the lowest scores compared to other
language abilities. However, it is important to
acknowledge that not all writing tasks are equally
relevant to the needs of individuals pursuing higher
education.
In the case of IELTS, the writing tasks, though widely
recognized, may not align perfectly with the
requirements of most university programs. For
instance, the requirement to describe a diagram, map,
or pie chart may not be a necessary skill for individuals
unless they are studying subjects like statistics or other
specialized fields. This particular task often proves to
be a daunting challenge for many test-takers.
Consequently, the relevance of such tasks in accurately
assessing language proficiency for academic purposes
becomes questionable.
On the other hand, the TOEFL exam has always
maintained an advantage in terms of its writing tasks.
The new "Writing for an Academic Discussion" task
introduced in the Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam reflects a
more authentic representation of the writing demands
faced by university students. This task simulates the
real-world scenario of reading a text and listening to
audio materials and then composing a response based
on the information presented. Such a task closely
mirrors the academic experiences of students who
regularly engage in reading books, articles, and
listening to lectures before writing their assignments
or participating in class discussions.
Moreover, the essay writing task in IELTS may not be a
skill required by all or even most university students.
The essay topics often revolve around issues that
primarily concern first-world countries, making it
challenging for test-takers from third-world countries
to connect or articulate their thoughts effectively. In
contrast, the "Writing for an Academic Discussion"
task in the Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam is a universally
essential skill, particularly in American universities. As
someone who has pursued a Master's degree in
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) at an
American university, I can affirm that this task was a
common requirement across all subjects. It not only
serves as a fundamental skill but also one that students
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
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)
OCLC
–
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Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
rely on extensively throughout their academic journey
and beyond.
By incorporating the "Writing for an Academic
Discussion" task, the Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam
recognizes the significance of preparing test-takers for
the realities of academic life. It acknowledges the
importance of being able to comprehend and respond
to scholarly material, fostering critical thinking skills,
and facilitating effective communication in academic
settings. This task reflects the authentic writing
demands of higher education, ensuring that test-takers
are assessed on skills that truly matter for their
academic success.
The Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam's introduction of the
"Writing for an Academic Discussion" task provides a
significant advantage over the traditional writing tasks
found in IELTS. While IELTS may include tasks that are
not universally applicable to all university programs,
the Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam embraces a writing task
that closely mirrors the real-world demands of
academic settings. By aligning the exam with the
essential writing skills required by students in
American universities and beyond, the Enhanced
TOEFL iBT exam ensures that test-takers are better
prepared for the academic challenges they will face
during their educational journey and beyond.
Duration Advantage:
Shorter Test Duration in
Enhanced TOEFL iBT
In today's fast-paced digital age, where attention
spans are shrinking and content is consumed in bite-
sized formats, the duration of an English language
proficiency test plays a significant role in attracting and
engaging test-takers. The Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam
recognizes this shift in the way people consume
information and offers a substantial advantage with its
shorter test duration.
Starting from July 26, 2023, the Enhanced TOEFL iBT
exam will be completed in under two hours, making it
the shortest among the three most popular English
language tests available. This condensed timeframe is
a valuable asset, particularly when considering the
prevalence of platforms such as TikTok and YouTube
Shorts, where videos are typically one to two minutes
in length. By adopting a shorter test duration, the
Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam aligns with this trend and
ensures that test-takers can complete the exam
efficiently without feeling overwhelmed or fatigued.
However, it is important to address a potential concern
regarding the accuracy of the provided timing for the
Writing section in the Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam. The
official information states that the Writing section
consists of two tasks with a total estimated timing of
29 minutes. Upon closer examination, there appears to
be an inconsistency in the allocation of time for the
individual tasks within this section.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
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American Journal Of Philological Sciences
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VOLUME
03
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P
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:
47-55
SJIF
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FACTOR
(2022:
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445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Considering that Task 1 of the Writing section is an
integrated task that requires test-takers to read a text
and listen to an audio recording before writing their
response, it is reasonable to assume that test-takers
would need approximately 20 minutes to complete this
task successfully. Additionally, it is essential to allocate
around 3 minutes for reading the text and 2-3 minutes
for listening, which are necessary for comprehension
and integration into the written response. These
combined time requirements already consume a
significant portion of the allocated 29 minutes.
Given this context, it becomes unclear how the
remaining time is distributed for the newly introduced
"Writing for an Academic Discussion" task, which is
anticipated to take approximately 10 minutes. The
numbers provided do not align seamlessly, raising
questions about the accuracy of the timing information
for the Writing section in the Enhanced TOEFL iBT
exam. It is imperative for the Educational Testing
Service (ETS), the organization responsible for the
TOEFL exam, to address this discrepancy and provide
clarification on the actual time allocation for each task
within the Writing section.
The shorter test duration offered by the Enhanced
TOEFL iBT exam is a notable advantage, particularly in
a digital landscape dominated by short-form content.
With the exam being completed in under two hours,
test-takers can engage with the assessment more
effectively, sustaining their attention and focus
throughout the duration of the test. However, it is
crucial for ETS to provide accurate and transparent
information regarding the time allocation for the
Writing section in order to ensure clarity and fairness
for all test-takers.
CONCLUSION
The Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam presents a compelling
case for being a superior choice for students compared
to IELTS. The forthcoming changes, including a shorter
test duration and the introduction of the "Writing for
an Academic Discussion" task, offer distinct
advantages that address the evolving needs of
language assessment.
One of the standout features of the Enhanced TOEFL
iBT exam is its significantly reduced test duration.
Completing the exam in under two hours caters to the
preferences of individuals in a digital age characterized
by shorter attention spans and the consumption of
bite-sized content. Aligning with platforms like TikTok
and YouTube Shorts, the shorter duration ensures that
test-takers can engage with the assessment efficiently
without feeling overwhelmed or fatigued.
Furthermore, the Enhanced TOEFL iBT exam places a
strong emphasis on contemporary academic skills. By
introducing the "Writing for an Academic Discussion"
task, it acknowledges the shift towards collaborative
learning and scholarly discourse in today's educational
institutions. This task closely mirrors the real-world
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
53
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
47-55
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
demands of university studies, enabling test-takers to
showcase their ability to comprehend and respond to
scholarly material, fostering critical thinking skills and
effective communication.
However, it is essential for the Educational Testing
Service (ETS) to address the potential discrepancy in
the timing information provided for the Writing
section. The allocation of time for each task within this
section needs clarification to ensure fairness and
accurate expectations for test-takers.
Implications for IELTS and English Language
Proficiency Tests
The upcoming changes in the Enhanced TOEFL iBT
exam introduced by the Educational Testing Service
(ETS) signify a paradigm shift in language testing and
assessment. These changes, particularly the shorter
test duration and the introduction of the "Writing for
an Academic Discussion" task, highlight the need for
other English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS,
to adapt and update their tasks to remain competitive
in the evolving landscape of language assessment.
The writing section of language proficiency exams,
including IELTS, has long been a topic of discussion and
criticism. The tasks in these exams often fail to align
perfectly with the requirements of contemporary
academia, leading to concerns about their relevance
and accuracy in evaluating language proficiency for
higher education. The Enhanced TOEFL iBT's inclusion
of the "Writing for an Academic Discussion" task
reflects the recognition of the importance of assessing
skills that are essential for academic success in today's
educational institutions.
Furthermore, the demand for shorter test durations
has become increasingly evident, considering the
shrinking attention spans and the prevalence of short-
form content consumption in the digital age. The
Enhanced TOEFL iBT's under two-hour test duration
caters to this need for efficiency and accessibility,
offering a more convenient testing experience for
candidates.
Unless IELTS or any other English language proficiency
tests respond quickly and effectively to the updates
introduced by the Enhanced TOEFL iBT, there is a high
possibility of these tests losing their competitive edge
and relevance in the market. The fate of Kodak, a giant
in its field that disappeared due to being overtaken by
innovative competitors, serves as a cautionary tale. To
avoid such a fate, it is crucial for IELTS and other
language proficiency tests to actively assess their
current tasks, particularly in the writing section, and
consider updating them to better align with the
demands of contemporary academia and the
preferences of test-takers.
The Enhanced TOEFL iBT's advancements underscore
the need for IELTS and other English language
proficiency tests to adapt and innovate. Updating the
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
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SJIF
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Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
tasks, particularly in the writing section, and
considering the reduction of test duration without
compromising exam accuracy are essential steps in
remaining competitive and relevant in the field of
language assessment. Failure to respond effectively to
these developments may result in losing their position
as market leaders, as competitors seize the
opportunity to offer more innovative and tailored
testing experiences.
Further Research Directions in Language Testing and
Assessment
While the IELTS and TOEFL exams have long been
recognized as leading English language proficiency
tests, there are still several areas within these exams
that warrant further research. Specifically, future
studies could focus on the speaking section's mode of
delivery, the question types used in reading and
listening sections, and the effect of different listening
task formats in IELTS and TOEFL.
One area of interest for future research is the mode of
delivery for the speaking section of popular exams,
such as IELTS and TOEFL. With advancements in
technology, the feasibility of recording voice over a
microphone as opposed to conducting face-to-face or
Zoom meetings should be explored. Investigating the
potential impact of these different modes of delivery
on
test-takers'
performance,
their
level
of
engagement, and the authenticity of the speaking
tasks could provide valuable insights for exam
developers and administrators.
Another aspect to consider is the question types used
in the reading and listening sections of popular English
language exams, particularly the prevalence of
multiple-choice questions in the TOEFL exam. While
multiple-choice questions offer a standardized format
for assessing comprehension, there is a need to
explore the effectiveness and appropriateness of
alternative question types. Research could investigate
the inclusion of tasks that require test-takers to
demonstrate higher-order thinking skills, such as open-
ended questions, short-answer questions, or tasks that
assess inference and critical analysis. Exploring the
impact of different question types on test-takers'
performance and their ability to showcase language
proficiency accurately could contribute to the ongoing
refinement of language assessment practices.
Additionally, the effect of different listening task
formats in IELTS and TOEFL exams deserves further
attention. In the IELTS listening section, questions are
answered simultaneously with the listening, while in
the TOEFL listening section, questions are answered
after the listening stops. Research could examine the
impact of these different timing approaches on test-
takers' comprehension, memory recall, and overall
performance. Understanding the implications of these
variations in listening task formats could inform the
design and administration of listening sections in
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SJIF
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(2022:
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OCLC
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1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
language proficiency tests, ensuring that they
effectively assess candidates' listening skills and
accurately reflect real-world listening scenarios.
Further research in language testing and assessment,
particularly in the context of popular exams like IELTS
and TOEFL, should investigate the mode of delivery for
the speaking section, explore alternative question
types in the reading and listening sections, and
examine the effect of different listening task formats.
By addressing these areas, we can enhance the validity,
authenticity, and reliability of language assessments,
providing valuable insights for exam developers,
administrators, and test-takers alike.
REFERENCES
1.
Abe, R., Koizumi, R., & Kato, M. (2018). TOEFL
iBT or IELTS? What's New from Juntendo
University, Tokyo. Juntendo Medical Journal,
64(2), 101-104. doi: 10.14789/jmj.2018.64.JMJ16-
WN13;
2.
Erfani, S. S. (2012). A Comparative Washback
Study of IELTS and TOEFL iBT on Teaching and
Learning Activities in Preparation Courses in
the Iranian Context. English Language
Teaching,
5(8),
185-195.
doi:
10.5539/elt.v5n8p185.
