The First TOEFL Test From 1964–1979 | Discrete components of language skills and
knowledge | Multiple-choice items assessing vocabulary,
reading comprehension, listening comprehension, knowledge of correct English structure and grammar |
A Suite of TOEFL Tests From 1979–2005 | Original constructs (listening, reading, structure, and grammar) retained but two additional constructs added — writing and speaking ability | In addition to multiple-choice items assessing the original constructs, separate constructed-response tests of writing and speaking were developed —TWE®test and the TSE® test. |
The TOEFL iBT Test From 2005 to Present | Communicative competence — the ability to put language knowledge to use in relevant academic contexts | Academic tasks were developed that require
the integration of receptive and productive skills such as listening, reading, and writing or speaking, as well as multiple-choice items for listening and reading. |