The new “TOEFL Go” test practice app has launched. Basically, it’s a souped-up online practice test for the TOEFL. I’m really happy to see this, as it is something I’ve asked for here (and elsewhere) for many years. There is a lot to like in this app. Specifically:
- It looks like a modern product. Test-takers no longer need to rely solely on official PDF files or a practice test that looks like it was “Made with Macromedia.”
- The reading test contains explanations why specific answer choices are correct and incorrect. A test-taker mentioned that to me within hours of the app’s launch. He was really pleased with this feature.
- The writing and speaking sections include AI grading, powered by the same AI used on the real test. In addition to a specific score, users will get some category-based feedback (for instance, speaking scores are accompanied by performance indicators for delivery, language use and topic development). Test-takers have been demanding this since like 2020. Every single day someone asks me where they can get their practice speaking and writing responses graded for free. Every. Single. Day.
- I like how I was able to easily compare my responses to sample responses provided by ETS.
- There is additional scored practice for test-takers to work on once they have finished with the main simulation.
A few weak aspects are worth mentioning as well. They are:
- The practice tests don’t have proper timers. Those should be implemented (at least as a toggle). Time management is a critical aspect of every standardized test.
- The text-to-speech used throughout the test is not great. The practice test should use whatever the real test uses, even if that means hiring voice actors.
- People familiar with the SpeechRater implementations at places like EdAgree and My Speaking Score will be a bit disappointed with the level of feedback provided here. Even I was expecting a bit more detail.
- The raw-to-scaled conversion on the reading test is disappointing. As you can see in my screenshot I got 50% of the answers correct – and the app told me I will score between 4 and 17 on the real test. I get asked about raw to scaled score conversions on a regular basis. IELTS even uses test-taker confusion about this aspect of the TOEFL in their marketing materials.
Some screenshots are below.
