TOEFL Essentials case studies
TOEFL Essentials · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The TOEFL Essentials test is an English-language proficiency assessment developed by ETS, the same organization behind the TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, GRE and Praxis. It appears in ETS's English-language product line alongside the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL ITP, TOEFL Primary and TOEFL Junior, and it is grouped on the ETS product menu under "TOEFL®" with a separate registration entry. Like the other TOEFL-family tests, its purpose is to let learners demonstrate English proficiency to institutions that require evidence of language ability, and it is presented as one of the routes test takers can choose when they need a recognized English credential rather than a subject-specific admissions exam. Because this page is an independent study resource, no official affiliation with ETS is claimed and no endorsement is implied. Topics on this exam: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The TOEFL Essentials case studies are 5 cases and about 1,302 words.
1The Late Library Book
You are a student at a university. You borrowed a book from the library. The book was due on March 1. You returned it on March 10.
294 words, about 1 min2Choosing a Research Topic
You are taking a writing course. The final paper requires you to argue a position on a topic related to technology and society. You have three potential topics: 1) The impact of social media on teenagers' mental health. 2) The use of AI in hiring decisions.
264 words, about 1 min3The Group Presentation
You are part of a group of four students preparing a 10-minute presentation for a class. The presentation is in one week. Your group has divided the work: each person will speak for 2.5 minutes. You are responsible for the introduction and conclusion.
289 words, about 1 min4The Listening Comprehension Test
You are taking a listening test. You hear a conversation between a student and a professor. The professor says: 'I understand you're concerned about your grade on the midterm. The average was 75, and you scored 68.
239 words, about 1 min5Summarizing a Lecture
You are a student in a biology class. You have just listened to a 20-minute lecture on the topic of antibiotic resistance. The professor discussed how bacteria evolve resistance through natural selection, the role of overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and medicine, and the need for new antibiotics. She also mentioned a recent study that found a 30% increase in resistant infections in hospitals over the past five years.
216 words, about 1 min