How is the Paper Based TOEFL Scored (should I guess??)

International Students
1

<p>Hi Everybody–</p>

<p>Does anyone know how the paper-based TOEFL is scored? On the SAT, you get penalized for a wrong answer, so it’s best to leave some blank if you have no clue.</p>

<p>Is it the same on the paper-based TOEFL? Do they penalize you for wrong answers, or is it best to answer every question?</p>

<p>Any help would be appreciated!</p>

<p>-Greg B</p>

2

<p>[TOEFL:</a> Paper-based Test: Frequently Asked Questions](<a href=“http://www.ets.org/toefl/pbt/faq/]TOEFL:”>http://www.ets.org/toefl/pbt/faq/)</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the reply! </p>

<p>The information there is less than helpful, however. </p>

<p>Here’s what it says:</p>

<pre><code> * Make every effort to complete each section. Data indicate most test takers get higher scores if they finish the test.
* There is a chance that random guessing at the end of a section can seriously lower scores. The best strategy is to pace yourself so you have enough time to consider each question without guessing.
</code></pre>

<p>This does not really help me much at all. What I THINK they are saying is that you DO get penalized for guessing. </p>

<p>However, their advise is really kind of useless. Sure, the BEST strategy is to have enough time to consider without guessing. HOWEVER, what do you do if you still have NO CLUE on a question? Guess? Or not?</p>

<p>Seems they would say “not.”</p>

4

<p>There is a chance that random guessing at the end of a section can seriously lower scores.</p>

<p>I think that means that you are penalized for wrong answers. But you right, I don’t think they ever explicitly discuss the scoring policies on the website.</p>

5

<p>Okay, now I am confused. From the TOEFL PBT bulletin, page 12:</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>If there is no penalty for wrong answers, how can random guessing “seriously lower scores”?</p>

6

<p>EXACTLY!</p>

<p>If there is no penalty for wrong answers, then how can random guessing possibly hurt your score? It can’t possibly. In fact, if you only get scored on correct answers, then your best strategy should ABSOLUTELY guess if you’re running out of time.</p>

<p>They are talking out of both sides of their mouth.</p>

<p>The only conclusion I can come to is that you DO get penalized for wrong answers, but they just don’t want to tell you that.</p>

<p>Why the big mystery? They tell you EXACTLY how the SAT is scored— which allows you to strategize… so why not be clear with the TOEFL?</p>