I took the TOEFL Home Edition a couple of days ago. I’m not allowed to mention anything specific about the test, but I can share a few general observations. They are:
- My experience was fine. There were no problems with the ProctorU platform and the ETS test software.
- The TOEFL hasn’t changed since last year. It is the same old test. No surprises.
- ETS really ought to take advantage of the “rules” box in the ProctorU platform. Currently they leave it blank, but it would be a great place to write rules about things like picking up your cellphone during the break, wearing earrings or having a drink.
- The test difficulty level is about the same as all of the official ETS materials.
- One of the reading questions was stupid. I stared at the screen for about five minutes trying to pick the correct answer.
- I didn’t know how to access the ProctorU chat box during the test. I had to ask, and was told to use alt-tab. I would not have know that if I had not asked.
- Be sure your computer is plugged in. The test is delivered in full-screen mode, so you won’t see your battery status.