The TOEFL iBT in 2026: format, task types and scoring
Since January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT has a new format: shorter tasks, 12 task types across four sections, adaptive Reading and Listening, and scores on a 1–6 band scale. This guide covers the TOEFL iBT only; TOEFL ITP and TOEFL Essentials are different tests.
Start free test (20 min) — See how the new task types feel: a 20-minute Reading and Listening test with an estimated band range.
| Section | Task types | Items | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Read an Academic Passage | 50 | 30 min |
| Listening | Listen and Choose a Response, Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement, Listen to an Academic Talk | 47 | 29 min |
| Writing | Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Write for an Academic Discussion | 12 | 23 min |
| Speaking | Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview | 11 | 8 min |
The four sections
The sections always come in this order: Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking. Base times are about Reading 30 minutes, Listening 29 minutes, Writing 23 minutes, Speaking 8 minutes, about 90 minutes in all. With instructions, ETS says the test takes under two hours.
Reading and Listening are adaptive in stages: how you do in the first part of the section decides which set of questions you get in the second part. You still answer every question; the stage only changes which questions they are. Writing and Speaking are the same for everyone.
Reading task types
Complete the Words: a short academic paragraph in which the second half of every other word is missing after the first sentence. You type the missing letters.
Read in Daily Life: short non-academic texts such as notices, emails, menus, schedules or social media posts, each followed by two or three multiple-choice questions.
Read an Academic Passage: a short passage on a subject such as history, science or business, followed by five questions on facts, vocabulary, inference, the main idea and how the ideas relate.
Listening task types
Listen and Choose a Response: you hear one short question or statement, which is not shown on screen, and choose the best reply.
Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement and Listen to an Academic Talk: longer recordings followed by questions. Speakers have North American, British and Australian accents, and each recording plays once.
Writing task types
Build a Sentence: you put scrambled words in order to make a sentence that answers another speaker.
Write an Email: about 7 minutes to write an email for a set purpose, such as making a suggestion or solving a problem.
Write for an Academic Discussion: about 10 minutes to add your view to an online class discussion after reading a professor's question and two student posts. ETS suggests at least 100 words for an effective response.
Speaking task types
Listen and Repeat: you hear seven sentences from one campus or classroom scene and repeat each one. The sentences get longer and more complex.
Take an Interview: a recorded interviewer asks four questions, and you answer each one in a set time. The first questions are about facts and your experience, and later ones ask for an opinion you support.
How the 1–6 scale works
Each section gets a band from 1 to 6 in half-band steps. The overall band is the average of the four section bands, rounded to the nearest half band.
For two years after January 2026, score reports also show a comparable total on the old 0–120 scale. Official scores are available in about 72 hours and are valid for two years.
Frequently asked questions
When did the new TOEFL format start?
On January 21, 2026. Tests taken from that date use the new task types and the 1–6 band scale.
Is the new TOEFL iBT shorter?
Yes. ETS says it takes under two hours. Base times add up to about 90 minutes, plus instructions.
Is Integrated Writing still part of the test?
No. The 2026 Writing section has Build a Sentence, Write an Email and Write for an Academic Discussion.
Does this guide cover TOEFL ITP?
No. TOEFL ITP is a separate paper-based test used by institutions. ETP prepares you for the TOEFL iBT only.
What is a good TOEFL score now?
It depends on the institution. Many publish requirements as an overall band and sometimes section minimums; check the band each place asks for and compare it on the 1–6 scale.
Related pages
Sources
- Updated TOEFL iBT Test Overview (ETS, 2025), p.4 test structure; p.21 scoring, Table 1, Table 2; p.22 Table 3 — checked 2026-10-13
- Understanding TOEFL Scores (ETS) — checked 2026-10-13
English Test Practice is an independent practice site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS. TOEFL and TOEFL iBT are registered trademarks of ETS. Results from our tools and practice tests are estimates, not official scores.