Factor Analysis of the Test of English as a Foreign Language for Several Language Groups

A factor analytic study of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) was undertaken to determine the component abilities that underly performance on the test for several major language groups. Alternative analytic procedures were employed that included (a) computing separate factor solutions for each language group, (b) rotating separate solutions to a common target, and (c) examining the relationships between factors and a variety of candidate background variables. The structure of the test is discussed in terms of the similarities and differences found in each language group. The implications of the results for test development, for the interpretation of TOEFL subscores, and for English language training are presented.