The TOEFL iBT test introduces transformative updates effective January 21, 2026, reshaping its structure to enhance efficiency, adaptability, and relevance for modern academic English proficiency assessment. These changes, announced by ETS, shorten the overall test duration while incorporating adaptive technology and contemporary content themes. Tests taken before January 20, 2026, follow the existing format, allowing test-takers flexibility in scheduling.
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Overall test structure
Reading Section
Reading shifts to an adaptive format with 35-48 questions over 18-27 minutes, adjusting difficulty based on early performance across multiple stages. Passages draw from contemporary sources like academic articles, magazines, and interdisciplinary texts, emphasizing real-world comprehension over outdated topics. This replaces the prior 3-4 passages with 54-72 minutes, focusing on efficiency and personalization.
Listening Section
Similar to Reading, Listening adopts adaptive testing with 35-48 items in 18-27 minutes, covering lectures (3 items, 3-5 minutes each with 6 questions) and conversations (2 items, 3 minutes each with 5 questions). Content modernizes to include campus dialogues, podcasts, and global academic discussions, eliminating random unscored items from the old 41-57 minute structure. Visuals like graphs enhance integrated listening skills.
Writing Section
Writing condenses to 12 tasks in 23 minutes, incorporating sentence building, email responses, and academic discussions requiring summaries. This evolves from the previous integrated (20 minutes) and independent (30 minutes) tasks, prioritizing practical writing like concise arguments over lengthy essays. The format tests quick synthesis and clarity for academic contexts.
Speaking Section
Speaking shortens to 11 prompts in 8 minutes, featuring sentence repetition for pronunciation and structured interviews simulating real exchanges. Traditional tasks (independent opinion, integrated campus/academic) are fully replaced, emphasizing fluency in brief, realistic scenarios without extended prep time. This overhaul aims for authentic communication assessment.
Scoring Impact
All sections now score 1.0-6.0 (0.5 increments), averaged for a total band aligned with CEFR, replacing 0-30 per section/0-120 total. Dual reporting aids transition through 2028, with scores available faster.
Sections score 1-6 (0.5 increments), averaged for CEFR-aligned total; dual reporting through 2028. Faster results enhance accessibility.
Improving your TOEFL score involves consistent practice, skill-building, and familiarizing yourself with the test format. Key strategies include:
Develop daily English exposure by reading, listening, speaking, and writing in English regularly, such as reading news or listening to podcasts to enhance language immersion.
Practice note-taking during listening and integrated speaking/writing tasks to better retain information and answer related questions accurately.
Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to understand the test structure, improve timing, and build test-day confidence.
Focus on improving typing speed and familiarity with the computer interface since writing tasks are typed.
For reading, practice skimming for main ideas, scanning for keywords, and becoming familiar with common question types.
In speaking, organize responses clearly, practice natural pacing, minimize fillers, and record yourself for self-review.
For writing, outline your essays before writing, use transition words, provide clear examples, and leave time to proofread for grammar and coherence.
Use official ETS materials, TOEFL-prep books like “The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test” and online courses for structured learning and authentic practice questions.
Stay relaxed and confident during the test, as nervousness can affect performance; practicing under realistic conditions helps build this.
Regular practice, focused skill development, and understanding the TOEFL test pattern are crucial to improving scores across all four modules.
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