Differences Between iBT and CBT

iBT vs CBT

The Educational Testing Service administers a test among individuals who want to gauge their ability in using the English language. This test is called TOEFL, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language. You need to take the TOEFL test if you want to study in America. This is a requirement among non-native, English speakers so that they can be admitted into the college or university of their choice. There are different types or formats of test in the TOEFL. These include the iBT and CBT TOEFL exams.

“iBT” stands for “Internet Based Test” while “CBT” stands for “Computer Based Test.” A lot of confusion occurs since taking the iBT also means using a computer. Then is the iBT also called a CBT? Let’s find out. The iBT is different from the CBT in terms of test content. The iBT can be considered as the upgraded version of the CBT. The iBT exam was introduced in the year 2005.  This is to keep pace with our emerging technology trends since we are living in a computer era. This proves to be offering more convenience than the paper-based tests.

Since the introduction of the iBT, the CBT tests have been completely replaced with it. The CBT-type of exam was discontinued in the year 2006. And if you ever had taken a CBT examination, your scores are no longer valid. Several countries have adapted the iBT which include the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and other parts of the world.

You must finish the iBT test within four hours. Both the iBT and CBT tests cover the four parts of language. This includes: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The reading section is considered to be the lengthiest part of the test aside from the listening section. The reading part is easy only lengthy. It is easy because the passages you are going to read are academic in nature. You don’t have to possess very high levels of English vocabulary.

The listening section of the iBT is targeted to measure how well you understand the most important details and ideas in a passage or conversation. You will hear the recording only once, but you are allowed to write notes while listening to the passages. You can then refer to your notes when answering the questions.

On the other hand, the speaking section entails you complete six tasks. Some of the tasks require you to answer questions in a spontaneous manner. This type of task can evaluate your ability to convey your thoughts clearly. Another task is to summarize or synthesize the material you have previously read and listened to. This type of task can be used to evaluate how well you are able to summarize effectively and communicate with words.

The writing section consists of one integrated task and one independent task. You are required to write a summary regarding the passage you have heard during the integrated task. On the other hand, during your independent task, you are required to write an opinion regarding an issue.

Summary:

1. There are different types or formats of tests in the TOEFL. These include the iBT and CBT TOEFL exams.
2. “iBT” stands for “Internet Based Test” while “CBT” stands for “Computer Based Test.”
3. The iBT test can be considered the upgraded or newer version of the CBT. The iBT was introduced in the year 2005.
4. Since the introduction of the iBT, the CBT tests have been completely replaced with it and were discontinued in the year 2006.
5. Both the iBT and CBT tests cover the four parts of language. This includes: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

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