If you last looked at the TOEFL a year or two ago, most of what you remember about the tasks has changed. The update affects every section. Here is a complete overview of the current test and what it means for your preparation.
The new structure
| Order | Section | Task types | Items (base) | Approx. time | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reading | 3 | 50 | 30 min | Two-stage adaptive |
| 2 | Listening | 4 | 47 | 29 min | Two-stage adaptive |
| 3 | Writing | 3 | 12 | 23 min | Same for all |
| 4 | Speaking | 2 | 11 | 8 min | Same for all |
Because Reading and Listening are adaptive, the exact number of items and time can vary slightly from test to test. ETS advises allowing about two hours in total, including directions and administration.
Reading: three task types
- Complete the Words: you read short academic paragraphs of about 70–100 words. After a complete first sentence, some words have their second half missing, and you type the missing letters. Each paragraph has 10 gaps.
- Read in Daily Life: short, practical texts of about 15–150 words, such as notices, menus, schedules, emails, receipts and social posts, each followed by two or three multiple-choice questions.
- Read an Academic Passage: a passage of about 200 words on a subject such as history, science or business, followed by five questions on facts, vocabulary, inference and purpose.
What this means: vocabulary, spelling and fast reading of short texts matter more than before. Long-passage endurance matters less.
Listening: four task types
- Listen and Choose a Response: hear a short question or statement and choose the best reply.
- Listen to a Conversation: a short two-person conversation, followed by two questions.
- Listen to an Announcement: a short campus or classroom announcement, followed by questions.
- Listen to an Academic Talk: a short talk of about 100–250 words, followed by four questions.
Every recording plays once and you can take notes. Recordings include a range of English accents.
What this means: recordings are shorter, and the test assesses everyday campus language and implied meaning as well as academic content.
Writing: three task types
- Build a Sentence: arrange word groups to complete a reply in a short exchange (10 items).
- Write an Email: a multi-sentence email in an academic or social situation (7 minutes).
- Writing for an Academic Discussion: contribute your opinion to an online class discussion (10 minutes). ETS guidance says an effective response has at least 100 words.
The integrated reading-listening-writing essay is gone. See our TOEFL Writing section guide for structures and tips.
Speaking: two task types
- Listen and Repeat: you hear seven sentences set in one scenario and repeat each one. Response time is short, about 8–12 seconds per sentence.
- Take an Interview: a prerecorded interviewer asks you four connected questions; you have 45 seconds for each. Early questions are about your experience; later ones ask for your opinion on a broader issue.
What this means: Speaking is shorter but rewards accurate listening memory and the ability to give developed answers without preparation time.
The new score scale
Since January 2026, each section and the overall score are reported on a 1–6 scale in half-point steps, aligned with CEFR levels. During a transition period running into 2028, score reports also show a comparable 0–120 total. Our TOEFL 1–6 score scale guide explains how bands are calculated and how they relate to CEFR.
What "adaptive" means for you
In Reading and Listening, the test has two stages. Everyone starts with a first-stage module; how you perform there determines whether your second-stage module is easier or harder. A few practical consequences:
- Accuracy in the first stage matters. Rushing early questions to "save time" can route you to an easier second stage.
- Harder questions later can be a good sign. If the second stage feels tougher, that is not a reason to panic.
- Navigation is limited. In Listening you cannot return to earlier questions, and in Reading you can typically review answers only within the current module. Treat each module as final once you leave it.
- Item counts may vary. The number of questions you see can differ slightly from someone else's test.
Writing and Speaking are not adaptive: every test taker gets the same set of tasks.
A four-week adjustment plan
If you are switching from old-format preparation, or starting fresh, this outline covers every new task at least twice:
| Week | Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete the Words drills | Choose a Response | Build a Sentence sets | Listen and Repeat |
| 2 | Read in Daily Life | Conversations and announcements | Write an Email (timed) | Take an Interview |
| 3 | Academic Passage | Academic Talk | Academic Discussion (timed) | Both tasks, recorded and reviewed |
| 4 | Two full mock tests, each followed by a full review of every section |
What has not changed
- TOEFL iBT still tests Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking.
- It is still an academic English test widely used for university admission.
- You still need to check each institution's published requirement.
Old vs new at a glance
| Before January 2026 | Since 21 January 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Section order | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking |
| Reading | Long academic passages | Complete the Words, daily-life texts and short academic passages |
| Listening | Lectures and campus conversations | Short responses, conversations, announcements and academic talks |
| Writing | Integrated essay and academic discussion | Build a Sentence, email and academic discussion |
| Speaking | Independent and integrated tasks with preparation time | Listen and Repeat and a four-question interview |
| Delivery | Linear | Reading and Listening adaptive; Writing and Speaking linear |
| Score scale | 0–30 per section, 0–120 total | 1–6 bands, with a comparable 0–120 during the transition |
If you have an older preparation book, use it for general vocabulary and reading practice only. Its task descriptions and timings no longer apply.
How to adjust your preparation
| If you prepared for the old test | Adjust by |
|---|---|
| Practised long reading passages | Add fast reading of short daily-life texts and Complete the Words drills |
| Practised long lectures | Practise short conversations, announcements and responses |
| Practised the integrated essay | Practise the email and academic discussion tasks under time |
| Practised independent speaking with prep time | Practise Listen and Repeat and unprepared interview answers |
Check before you book
- Confirm that your institution accepts the current TOEFL iBT and what score it requires, on the 1–6 scale, the 0–120 scale or both.
- Check whether scores from tests taken before January 2026 are still accepted, if you have one.
- Review ETS's official test information for any updates since this article was published.
Practise the new format
Because the tasks are new, format familiarity is worth more than usual. EnglishHub's TOEFL iBT simulator is built for the updated 2026 format, with 50 full mock tests, 200 practice sets and AI feedback on writing and speaking. Your first mock is free: start a TOEFL mock test, or explore the TOEFL hub.
EnglishHub is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS. TOEFL and TOEFL iBT are trademarks of ETS. Always confirm the latest test details on the official ETS website.
Frequently asked questions
When did the TOEFL iBT format change?
The updated TOEFL iBT began on 21 January 2026. It introduced new task types, adaptive Reading and Listening sections and a new 1–6 score scale.
How long is the new TOEFL iBT?
The test content takes about 90 minutes: roughly 30 minutes for Reading, 29 for Listening, 23 for Writing and 8 for Speaking. ETS advises allowing about two hours in total for directions and check-in. There is no scheduled break.
Is there still a TOEFL essay?
The old integrated writing task has been removed. Writing now includes Build a Sentence, Write an Email and Writing for an Academic Discussion.
Are old TOEFL preparation books still useful?
Only partly. General skills still help, but books written for the pre-2026 test describe tasks and timings that no longer exist. Use materials written for the January 2026 format.
Can I still take the TOEFL at home?
ETS has offered a home-based version of the TOEFL iBT. Check the official ETS website for current availability, requirements and which institutions accept it.
