The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test is primarily used by universities in the U.S. to test for English language proficiency of foreign students seeking regular admissions. The TOEFL is also used as a placement test for pre-admission English programs designed to help foreign students improve their English before attending regular university courses. While the IELTS is the preeminent English Language Proficiency test used by British universities, the TOEFL is the main test used by American universities. The focus of this paper is on the use of the TOEFL test and whether or not such use is appropriate. Thus the following presents a discussion of the use of the TOEFL test. Opinions to include A's position against this testing and B's position for this testing with arguments for and against the use of this test are included. While there are pros and cons associated with the use of this test, it is argued that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and the test should be used for multiple purposes such as university admissions and English course placement.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test is a test designed to assess English language ability. This test was first designed to test language proficiency of non-English speaking people to determine their ability to study any subject at an American university (Eduers, 2010). Currently the TOEFL test is "the most widely accepted English-language test in the world" (ETS, 2010, p. 1). Most individuals who take the TOEFL test are planning to study at a college or university where English is the language used for instruction. Most foreign students entering a U.S. university are required to show a required degree of English language proficiency (Exam English, 2009; Pappamihiel, Nishimata, & Mihai, 2008). Scholarship programs, government agencies, and licensing and certification agencies also use TOEFL scores to assess English pro...