Michael Goodine's Blog, page 37

Changes in Official TOEFL Tests, Volume 2 (4th Edition)

A bit delayed, but here is a list of all the changes (that I could spot) in the fourth edition of “Official TOEFL iBT Tests, Volume 2.” You can find the changes in Volume 1 over here. In addition to the changes listed below, note that the independent writing task has been replaced with an […]

TOEFL Registration/Profile Problem

Scattered reports over the past couple of weeks of problems when attempting to create a profile on the official TOEFL site. Affected users say that they get stuck on the page with “Search Service” at the top. Whatever the user selects, they just get sent back to the same page. That renders them unable to […]

The Costs of the Tests People take

I wrote yesterday about my sample of 16 international students admitted to Columbia University.  I mentioned that 15 took the Duolingo English Test, and one took the TOEFL. What does that mean in terms of revenues at testing firms? Well, that one dude who was admitted with a TOEFL score took the test three times, […]

On the Tests People Take

Including the last few stragglers, 16 international students at Columbia University reached out to me for help with the ALP Essay Exam (need help?  Contact me!) for this year’s fall term.  As always, I asked them what tests they used to get admitted to the school in the first place.  The results were: Duolingo English […]

You Should Read More – Part 46

I have far too many unread copies of “The New Yorker.”  I have signed up for the $6 promotional deal quite a few times and now I’ve got a big pile of unread issues on my shelf. My catch-up strategy nowadays is to read copies of the magazine when I’m on long flights.  This month […]

Now Begins the Next Gen TOEFL?

I read on Pereless that ETS is seeking to hire a “Director of Technology- Next Gen ELL.” The job listing says: “The Director of Technology – Next Gen ELL role provides strategic leadership, engineering and development roadmap guidance and subject matter expertise to assigned areas of Technology to drive meaningful business outcomes for the next […]

Video Guide to TOEFL Speaking Question 2

Hey, here’s my new video guide to TOEFL Speaking Question 2!  Check it out!

TOEFL Prices Might Increase Soon

It is worth mentioning that the cost of taking the TOEFL test generally increases (in some countries) on July 1. Last year, price hikes ranged from $10 to $105. Students who are planning to take the test may want to lock in their registrations before the cost goes up. As always, I could be wrong. […]

More GRE Cheating in 2024

Poets and Quants reported last month that The Ohio State University will no longer accept at-home GRE scores due to concerns about cheating. Says the article: “Business schools have overturned acceptances to dozens of African MBA candidates after they were suspected of cheating on the virtual GRE. The cheating scandal on the at-home GRE test, […]

More on ETS Downsizing, Relationship with College Board

Inside Higher Ed has greatly expanded and updated its article on the situation at ETS.  Do check it out again if you haven’t looked since it was posted yesterday. One thing that grabbed my attention was a note that “ETS will no longer administer the SAT.” This comes after 77 years of ETS involvement in […]