TOEFL Syllabus 2023: Check Section-wise Exam Syllabus Here

TOEFL

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Rahul Singha

Rahul SinghaStudy Abroad Expert

Updated on Sep 5, 2023 05:44 IST

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: The TOEFL syllabus has been designed to assess the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of candidates in a university setting. The TOEFL exam and the TOEFL syllabus have been designed to assess various skills of the candidates and know their English language proficiency. Here is the complete TOEFL syllabus covering the writing, reading, listening, and speaking aspects of the TOEFL exam. The full form of TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language and the TOEFL exam is one of the most popular English assessment tests for candidates looking to travel to the USA, Canada or any major English-speaking country for higher education. The TOEFL exam is conducted by ETS and currently, the TOEFL test is available in three formats, TOEFL iBT (Internet-based format), TOEFL at Home (home-based TOEFL test) and TOEFL Test on Paper (held at both the TOEFL test centre and at home). In this article, we are going to be focussing on the TOEFL exam syllabus 2023. 

Latest Updates

TOEFL Exam Pattern to get Shorter starting July 26

ETS the conducting body of the TOEFL exam has shortened the TOEFL exam pattern to just under 2 hours and planned several improvements in the TOEFL test overall experience to go live on July 26, 2023. The improvements will only further ETS’s cause to provide a seamless experience to TOEFL English language test takers who are looking to study abroad. Know more about the changes in the TOEFL exam pattern on our website. 

We have provided a comparison between the current TOEFL exam pattern and the TOEFL exam pattern that would come into effect starting July 26, 2023.

Sections TOEFL Exam Pattern (outdated)

TOEFL Exam Pattern (current)

[w.e.f July 26]
TOEFL Reading Section

Duration: 54 – 72 minutes

Questions 30-40

Duration: 35 minutes

Questions 20

TOEFL Listening Section

Duration: 41-57 minutes

Questions: 28 – 39

Duration: 36 minutes

Questions 28

TOEFL Speaking Section

Duration: 17 minutes

Questions: 4 tasks

Duration: 16 minutes

Questions: 4 tasks

TOEFL Writing Section

Duration: 50 minutes

Questions: 2 tasks

Duration: 29 minutes

Questions: 2 tasks

 

Total Duration: 162 – 196 minutes 

Total Duration: 116 minutes

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TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2023 (current)

Here is the latest TOEFL syllabus for the benefit of our TOEFL test-takers.

Sections Number of Questions / Duration Description
TOEFL Reading Section 20 questions For the TOEFL Reading section, candidates would be required to read multiple passages and answer 20 questions.
35 minutes
TOEFL Listening Section 28 questions For the TOEFL Listening section, candidates would be required to answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions.
36 minutes
TOEFL Speaking Section  4 tasks For the TOEFL Speaking Section, candidates would be required to talk about a familiar topic and discuss material they have read and listened to.
16 minutes
TOEFL Writing Section 2 tasks For the TOEFL Writing Section, candidates would be required to read a passage, listen to a recording and type their response.
29 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Reading 

Description: The TOEFL Reading Section includes two reading passages, each approximately 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage. It should take about 35 minutes to complete the Reading section. The section is scored based on the number of correct reading comprehension responses.
Question type:

2 passages, 10 questions each
Total no. of questions: 20
Total time: 35 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Listening

Description: The TOEFL Listening Section includes 3 lectures, some with classroom discussion, each 3–5 minutes; 6 questions per lecture and 2 conversations, each 3 minutes; 5 questions per conversation. You can take notes on any audio item throughout the test to help you answer questions. It should take about 36 minutes to complete the Listening section.

Question type:
a) 3 Lectures (3-5 minutes long, about 500-800 words), 6 questions each, Total 18
b) 2 conversations (about 3 minutes long, about 12-25 exchanges), 5 questions each, Total 10

Total no. of questions: 28
Total time: 36 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Speaking

Description: For you to earn the highest scores in the Speaking Section, your responses must fulfil the demands of the task given with only minor mistakes or lapses. The test graders are looking for a highly intelligible and sustained conversation. Three main factors comprise scoring for the section, viz, delivery, language use, and topic development.
Question type:
a) 1 independent task (prep time: 15 - 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec)
b) 3 integrated tasks – Read/Listen/Speak (prep time: 15 - 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec)
Total no. of questions: 4
Total time: 16 minutes

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Writing

Description: The two essays should effectively address a topic each. The response should be well-organized and well-developed using relevant explanations and detailed support. Furthermore, it should also display unity, progression, and coherence. If you want to achieve a high writing score, make sure that you demonstrate syntactic variety and appropriate word choice with minor grammatical errors.
Question type:
a) 1 Integrated task – Read/Listen/Write (20 minutes) (reading time: 3 min; Listening time: 2 min; writing: 15 min)
b) 1 Writing for an Academic Discussion task (10 minutes)
Total no. of questions: 2
Total time: 30 minutes

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Highlights of TOEFL Exam Pattern 2023

TOEFL pattern: Given below is a detailed TOEFL Exam pattern 2023 for the benefit of our test takers. 

Section TOEFL Exam Pattern Description
TOEFL Reading Section

Duration: 35 minutes

Questions 20

Read passages and respond to questions.
TOEFL Listening Section

Duration: 36 minutes

Questions 28

Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions.
TOEFL Speaking Section

Duration: 16 minutes

Questions: 4 tasks

Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard.
TOEFL Writing Section

Duration: 29 minutes

Questions: 2 tasks

Read a passage, listen to a recording, and type your response.

State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.

  Total Duration: 116 minutes  

TOEFL Preparation Tips

How to prepare for TOEFL: There are two ways all exam-takers prepare for TOEFL i.e. self-study and attending coaching classes. Both these methods of studying have unique benefits and no one way is better than the other. If money is the prime consideration, then self-studies through TOEFL books and resources may be the better option. Similarly, if you need professional guidance to ensure you have an advantage in TOEFL exam preparation, then enrolling in a TOEFL coaching centre is the better option.

TOEFL Test monitors the candidates’ ability to understand the English language at the university level. The four sections on which the candidate’s ability is judged are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While preparing for the test, first of all, candidates should understand the format of the test, results, and the scores system of the test. ETS, the conducting body of the TOEFL exam also provides free and paid study material, which is easily available.

How do I start preparing for TOEFL?

Students can either go for self-study or prepare themselves, apart from this, they can go for TOEFL coaching. However, students should know when to start preparing for the TOEFL exam. Also, students who wish to join coaching should be aware of the top TOEFL coaching centres in India.

TOEFL Sample Paper

TOEFL Practice Test: Since it is an English language test, TOEFL requires its candidates to have a good command of the English language. Like the other standardized tests required to study abroad, TOEFL is divided into sections. Every section has its own importance and hence needs to be prepared accordingly. With four sections in total, the exam requires dedicated time to cover and excel in each section. Once you are done with your preparation, you may test your abilities through TOEFL 2023 Sample Papers to see how far you have reached in your preparation. It is essential to understand how to practice for TOEFL: Practice Tests and Samples.

Solve TOEFL Exam Sample Papers

Provided below are a mix of TOEFL Practice Papers, TOEFL mock tests and TOEFL Sample papers for the benefit of TOEFL test takers. They have been sourced from the official website and candidates can visit the official ETS TOEFL website for more similar content. 

TOEFL Writing Section Sample Paper [Set I] TOEFL Reading Section Sample Paper [Set I]
TOEFL Speaking Section Sample Paper [Set I] TOEFL Listening Section Sample Paper [Set I]
TOEFL Sample Paper 2021 with Answers [Set 1]

TOEFL Exam Day Tips

We have got some of the best TOEFL exam day tips for you to perform your best on your TOEFL exam day. As the day arrives, the only item you must bring on the test day to your test centre is a valid and acceptable ID which is a valid passport for Indians taking the test, there are no exceptions to this policy. Kindly note that your passport has to be 

  • An original document (photocopies not allowed)
  • Valid (expired documents are not allowed)
  • Have your full name mentioned in it as mentioned during registration
  • Have your photo in it (a recent photo matching the test takers)
  • Have your signature 

Also, remember that no other personal items are allowed inside the test centre except your ID as they may be inspected or confiscated.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2023 FAQs

How do I start preparing for TOEFL?

Preparation is key. Candidates are advised to start early as this would give them ample time to set time aside for the revision of the study material. As the saying goes, no one size fits all. Hence, there is no set method that would guarantee you a successful TOEFL performance. candidates should work on their strengths, improve their weaknesses, and above all be honest in their preparation.  

Given the ongoing pandemic, can I take the TOEFL test from home?

In response to the current pandemic COVID-19, ETS the conducting body of the TOEFL test has decided to launch the  TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition test for locations where TOEFL iBT is available for the convenience of students wanting to study abroad. 

What are the benefits of appearing for the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test?

Do you have any TOEFL tips to share?

What is the fee of the TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition test?

ETS has kept the fee of the TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition test at par with the test centre rates, i.e. US$190. Any extra cost has been absorbed by ETS to make the test more accessible to the test taker.

How can I pass TOEFL?

There is no such thing as failing or passing the TOEFL exam. Every university would have its own TOEFL Score cut-off and students are required to achieve scores higher than the set grade. Candidates should note that higher TOEFL scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat in the university and also make them a front runner for any scholarships being offered by the university. A low TOEFL score would require the student to re-take the exam to improve his/her performance.

How many times can I take TOEFL?

The TOEFL test can be attempted as many times as the candidate wants, but to take a re-test the candidate has to wait for a 3-day period after attempting the first test. 

How many hours is the TOEFL test?

The duration of the total TOEFL test takes about 3 hours to complete, but candidates should plan for 3.5 hours, allowing 30 minutes for check-in. 

What is a good TOEFL score?

There is no such thing as a good TOEFL score. Every university would have its own TOEFL Score cut-off and students are required to achieve scores equal or higher than the set grade. Candidates should note that higher TOEFL scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat at the university and also make them a front runner for any scholarships being offered by the university.

What is the validity of the TOEFL score?

Your TOEFL scores are valid for two years after the declaration of your result. 

What is the TOEFL exam syllabus?

The TOEFL iBT syllabus for students includes testing the candidates' reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. A more detailed layout of the TOEFL syllabus can be found below. Here is the latest TOEFL syllabus for the benefit of our TOEFL test-takers.
Section Number of Questions / Duration Description
Reading 3–4 passages - 10 questions each For the TOEFL Reading section, candidates would be required to read multiple passages and answer 30 - 40 questions.
54-72 minutes
Listening 3-4 Lectures and 2-3 Conversations - 10 questions each For the TOEFL Listening section, candidates would be required to answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions.
41-57 minutes
Speaking 4 tasks For the TOEFL Speaking Section, candidates would be required to talk about a familiar topic and discuss material they have read and listened to.
17 minutes
Writing 2 tasks For the TOEFL Writing Section, candidates would be required to read a passage, listen to a recording and type their response.

Comments

(363)

N

NIKHIL YADAV

2 months ago

Hello I have given my TOEFL exam today and I have completed reading and listening successfully mean while in speaking I have read the question first 3 words loudly in preparation time does that effect my scorecard.please reply me please

Reply to NIKHIL YADAV

R

Rahul SinghaStudy Abroad Expert

a month ago

Hello Nikhil. Hope you are doing well. I seem to have overlooked your comment and my apologies for the same. I am guessing you have got your results by now. Reading the question out loud should not ideally affect your TOEFL test scores.

Do 93 overall TOEFL scores (R27, L27, W25, S14) leads rejection during Germany embassy interview, besides I have got unconditional offer from university? For Master Degree.

Reply to safiullah Ahmadzai

R

Rahul SinghaStudy Abroad Expert

6 months ago

Hello Safiullah. The English language requirement is mostly university specific. Hence, if your university is convinced of your English-speaking skills then you would not have an issue with your student visa. However, you would be asked a couple of questions at the student visa interview and it is i

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n

nitin mandalapu

8 months ago

hello my exam got under reviewed (i am not getting my score ) for a month and i don't know when i will get my results, but i need to get that score for my college applications. so in mean while, will i able to take another exam and can i get score with in a week ? while my exam is in under reviewed

...more

Reply to nitin mandalapu

R

Rahul SinghaStudy Abroad Expert

6 months ago

Hello Nitin. the waiting period between two TOEFL exams has been reduced to 3 days. So you can appear for a second TOEFL exam after 3 days of appearing for your first TOEFL exam. I hope I have been able to answer your query. I would also advise you to write to TOEFL enquiring about the delay in repo

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g

gopi krishna

8 months ago

Hello in my tofel score is total 81 , but speaking score is 12 UD universities eligible or not

Reply to gopi krishna

R

Rahul SinghaStudy Abroad Expert

6 months ago

Hello Gopi. You are required to elaborate on your query for me to help you better. If you are looking for assistance with university admissions, get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply

Hello Dear, What are the benefits of reporting scores to four universtites, colleges... Also, is 79 good to get fully funded scholarship? Thanks in advance

Reply to Aliyar Mohammadi

R

Rahul SinghaStudy Abroad Expert

a year ago

Hello Aliyar. Reporting your score to 4 preferred universities is part of your TOEFL registration fee. You are not required to pay extra. A lot of colleges require scores to be sent directly from the conducting body. a TOEFL total score of 79 will not qualify you for a fully funded scholarship. Beca

...more

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