Order of sections in TOEFL

[Shouvik]

1. Are the sections randomly assigned/ordered or do they come in order :

* Reading: 3-5 passages(12-14 questions; 700 word/passages), 60-100 minutes to complete, 30 points
* Listening: 4-6 lectures, 6 questions each, 500-800 words(4-6 minutes); 2 -3 conversations, 5 questions each, 400 - 500 words(2-3 minutes); 60-90 minutes to complete; 30 points.
* BREAK: 10 MINUTES
* Speaking: 2 independent task(1 personal experience, 1 preference/choice); 2 integrated task(read-listen-speak), reading 100 words, conversation 200 words(1-2 minutes), Lectures 200-300 words(1-2minutes); 2 integrated task( listen-speak), conversation 200 words(1-2 minutes), lecture 200-300 words(1-2 minutes); 20 minutes to complete; 30 points.
* Writing: 1 independent task; 1 integrated task(read-listen-write)-reading 250-300 words & lecture 250-300 words(2 minutes); 50 minutes to complete; 30 points

2. Is each passage in the reading section separately timed or do I get a bulk amount of 60-100 minutes to complete all 3 - 4 passages?

3. Is each lecture in the listening section separately timed or do I get a bulk amount of 60-90 minutes to complete all listening questions?

4. The reason I am asking questions 2 and 3 is that I would like to take some 2 - 3 minutes rest between passages and lectures.

This would allow me to focus better as well as reenergize myself.

What would you suggest to keep one's cool/focus?

[3yellowcat]

Hi Shouvik
Yes, this is the sequence of the sections in the test. For the reading section, you 'll have the first passage and 20 min. to complete it. Then, they 'll give you 2 passages and 40 minutes. Usually, I finish them 5 min. before the time elapses and I take a break. For me, this is the best moment, bec. I don 't know whether the reading section will continue or it will start the listening. If there is again reading , then you 'll have again 2 passages for 40 min. ( and I take again a short break after it ). I don 't know what to tell you about the listening...I have never taken a break here. I took the test several times, and only once I had a longer listening section. In the rest of my exams, I had a longer reading . In the speaking section, it is obvious that you cannot take any break. But in the writing, if you finish the first task earlier and you don 't push the " continue" button, you may take another break. I hope this helps. Good luck.

[Shouvik]

Hey, thanks for the answer!

I am still a little bit confused as my freinds tell me these sections in the TOEFL can come in ANY random order and not Reading, Listening, BREAK, Speaking and Writing?

Are they correct?

Is the TOEFL guranteed to come in fixed order Reading, Listening, BREAK, Speaking and Writing?

I know that the Speaking section is like a torrent! I am sure even native english speakers would be intimidated by this section!

[3yellowcat]

Hi, your friends are not right. The test comes in this order ONLY : reading, listening, break, speaking, writing. NO random order. Good luck.