Job Discussion Forums

[Miyazaki]

I'm administering the listening section of a TOEFL practice test (probably from Barron's, Longman or ETS - haven't decided yet).

Is there a way of converting the students' listening scores on the listening test from one of the above test prep. books?

Also, the books I got a hold of are: (1) Barron's paper and pencil TOEFL; (2) ETS iBT test prep; and (3) Longman iBT test prep.

Any TOEFL experts out there? Thanks!

[tedkarma]

I tutor TOEFL, TOEIC, and IELTS, but I don't quite understand what you are asking.

Specifically, "Is there a way of converting the students' listening scores on the listening test from one of the above test prep. books?"

Barrons is BEST by far. Use that. But I am not sure what you are asking about the raw score? Converting their score to what? They are not interchangable.

[Miyazaki]

Thanks, Ted.

Then you'd be someone that could probably set me straight with this.

How can I convert / estimate the practice listening test score from Barron's to the listening section on the real TOEFL paper-based test?

The listening section on a paper-based TOEFL has 50 items and, if I undertstand it correclty, the maximum score on the listening section is 68. Is this correct?

One formula I came across on the internet today went something like this:

Multiple the raw score X 10 and then divide by 3. This formula was for all sections combined on the practice TOEFL but I think you could do this for indiviual sections also, to get the scaled score.

So, if I administer the listening practice test, I just multiply individual student scores by 10 and then divide by 3, which will give me a rough corresponding / estimate score for the actual TOEFL test.

Correct?

[tedkarma]

For only that component of the test, yes.

[Miyazaki]

So I'm on the right track then?

Thanks.

[ls650]

[Sherri]

I regularly administer and grade the Institutional TOEFL paper-based test. This is what happens.

1. You count the number of correct responses for each section. This is called the "raw score"

2. You use a conversion chart which is unique to that test to convert the raw scores and enter them as "converted scores" Add up the converted scores for each section.

3. Then you use the formula, multiple by 10 and divide by 3. (I use an excel spreadsheet, saves masses of time.) Then you have the final score.

So you need to get the conversion chart for the test you administered in order to get a converted score. Some of the Longman Practice Test books have this in the teachers book. Otherwise I don't think you can do it.
For the ITP that I administer, I have to send back the conversion tables every time.

I hope this helps
Sherri

[Miyazaki]

Thank you Sherri!

[Sherri]

I was just working with a colleague today who is teaching TOEFL, we found a conversion chart in the back of the Longman book to match their practice tests. I am pretty sure that all of the Longman practice tests (PBT) have conversion charts.

Have a look in the back--it is there.
Sherri

[Miyazaki]

I'll have a look.

The Longman texts that I have now are both for iCBT and don't seem to have a conversion chart for the paper based test listening section.

Today I bought a package of 15 authentic tests from ETS ranging from 1996 - 2003. Answers are provided, however there is no conversion scale with this material either.

Thanks again

[Jizzo T. Clown]

SHERRI--

Is there any way you could make that spreadsheet available? I'm sure MANY people would appreciate it!

On another note...

I just divide by .3--saves a step.

[Sherri]

JTC
Good idea about the.3.

It is easy to make the spreadsheet, you just have to put the formula in the fields. But if anyone wants one already formatted, send me a PM.

The conversation tables are in the books for the PBT not the newer iBT books.

Happy TOEFLing
Sherri