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English Writing Skills: TOEFL, IELTS, & PTE

This guide supports academic and business writing, including a basic review of grammar fundamentals, writing guides, video tutorials on business writing, and resources for the TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE exams.

What are TOEFL, IELTS, & PTE?

TOEFL stands for Test Of English as a Foreign Language. TOEFL is an official test that measures a non-native English speaker's ability to speak English. In order to be admitted to GGU, international students must take the TOEFL and score at a certain level. Score requirements can be seen below. Click on the Study Materials tab to see books offered by the Business Library.

IELTS stands for International English Language Test Score. Like the TOEFL, the IELTS is a test of English speaking ability, and an alternative to taking the TOEFL. You can find the required IELTS score necessary to apply to GGU alongside the TOEFL score requirements below. Click on the Study Materials tab to see books offered by the Business Library.

PTE stands for the Pearson Test of English. Like the TOEFL and IELTS above, the PTE is a test of English speaking ability. GGU School of Law does not accept PTE scores, however the Ageno School of Business, Braden School of Taxation, and School of Accounting do accept PTE scores. Required scores can be seen below.

 

See below for GGU Score Requirements, Testing Alternatives, Study Materials, Take the TOEFL, Take the IELTS, and Take the PTE.

GGU TOEFL Codes

Institution Code for Golden Gate University
4329

English Language Learning

Free resources at the public library!

Improve your English using online tools and books from a public library near you.

All residents of California can use the San Francisco Public Library. To get a library card you must come to one of the library branches with photo ID and proof of address. Once you have your library card you can use the online resources from anywhere! Can't get to San Francisco? Check out your local library for English language materials.

Public libraries have books you can borrow, English language conversation groups, as well as online learning programs such as Gale Courses, LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), Mango Languages, and Rosetta Stone.

In addition, many smaller systems throughout the Bay Area have their own electronic and physical resources that can be of help.  Check the Oakland Public Library and the Peninsula Library System (which is a consortium of public and community college libraries in San Mateo County), as well as a library near you.

GGU Requirements: TOEFL, IELTS, & PTE

AGENO SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

TOEFL Internet-based test:                    79
Duolingo online English test             100
IELTS (Academic):                               6.5
Pearson Test of English (PTE)           57

QUALIFYING THROUGH ALTERNATIVE METHODS

Applicants may also qualify for admission by meeting one of the following requirements:

  • Completion of the equivalent of GGU's English 1A, Expository Writing and 1B, Research Writing at regionally accredited US college or university with grades of B or better.
  • Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited US college/university or equivalent from recognized college / university in other English Speaking country with at least 60 of the units earned in the US or in the English Speaking country.*
  • Master's degrees from regionally accredited US college/university or equivalent from recognized college / university in another English-speaking country.*
  • Seven years of documented, increasingly responsible, professional experience in the US or other English-speaking country.
  • APIEL (College Board) Undergraduate: 3 or higher, Graduate: 4 or higher.
  • Completion of three (3) years of high school in the US or another acceptable English-speaking country*
  • Completion of a British-standard "O-level" examination in English Language / Literature with a mark of C or higher.**
  • Completion of a British-standard "A-level" examination in English Language / Literature with a mark of A/O or D or higher.**

* Not all English medium educational systems fulfill this requirement. Qualifying countries are Australia, Anglophone Canada, Great Britain, Ireland and New Zealand.

** Not all countries offering O- and A-level examinations meet British examining board standards. Countries with this standard include: Bahamas, Belize, Brunei, Ghana, Great Britain, Guyana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Registration

The TOEFL is primarily given online at various approved locations. You must register before you take the test. Walk-in registration is not permitted. A helpful step-by-step registration instruction and identification requirements can be found online.

Locations and Dates

You can search for a location near you to see offered test dates.

Online vs Paper Test

The online version of the test includes sections on Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, takes approximately 4 1/2 hours.

The revised paper-delivered version of the test only contains sections on Reading, Listening, and Writing, and takes approximately 3 hours.  Here is an overview of the types of questions.

On the Day of the Test

Here is what you can expect to happen before, during, and after the test. There are restrictions on personal items that can be brought to the test. Here is a printable sheet with test tips.

Registration

You must register to book a IELTS test. A form must be filled out and taken to the desired testing center.  This form contains special instructions, including identification requirements.  Special Requirements for disabilities my be requested.

Prepare for the test

Be sure to prepare for your test by going through the practice questions and familiarize yourself with the test format. This site provides a good overview of the IELTS.

Locations

A desired testing location must be included on the registration form.

Format

The test is given in four parts covering Listening, Writing, Reading, and Speaking. The test will take approximately 2 hours 45 minutes.

Registration

You must register before you can schedule a PTE test. There are separate identification requirements based on whether you take the test in your country of origin or outside your country of origin.

Locations

Fees are based on location of test centers.

Format

The test is given in three parts, covering Speaking/Writing, Reading, and Listening. The test takes approximately 3 hours.