TOEFL Syllabus 2026: Check Section-wise TOEFL Exam Syllabus

TOEFL

Raushan Kumar
Updated on Dec 12, 2025 14:35 IST

By Raushan Kumar, Assistant Manager Content

The TOEFL syllabus is not like a school syllabus with specific chapters or books to memorize. Instead, it tests your ability to use English in college. If you want to study abroad, you must practice four main skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

The TOEFL syllabus 2026 has changed to make the test shorter and more direct. In the Reading section, you will read short passages and solve "Complete the Words" questions. You do not have to read very long academic texts anymore. The Listening section now has quick conversations and announcements that are less than one minute long. This makes it easier to focus.

For the Speaking section, the syllabus includes a new "Listen and Repeat" task where you just say back what you hear. You also have an interview part. The Writing section is very different now. You must know grammar well for the "Build a Sentence" task.

Overall, the new TOEFL syllabus focuses on real-life English usage. It is designed to check if you can survive in a foreign university. Because the tasks are shorter, many students feel the new TOEFL exam is less tiring than before.

TOEFL Syllabus
Table of contents
  • TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2026 (Latest)
  • TOEFL Exam Pattern 2026
  • TOEFL Preparation Tips
  • TOEFL Sample Paper
  • TOEFL Exam Day Tips 2026
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TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2026 (Latest)

TOEFL syllabus PDF is divided into four sections - Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Each section has a fixed time, number of questions, and tasks. The test is designed in a way that feels similar to what you will face in a university abroad.

Section

Time

Questions/Tasks

What You Do

Reading

35 minutes

20 questions

Read passages and answer questions to show your understanding

Listening

36 minutes

28 questions

Listen to passages and answer questions to check understanding

Speaking

16 minutes

4 tasks

Speak on simple topics, and also give answers after reading or listening to short material.

Writing

30 minutes

2 tasks

Write one essay after reading and listening, and one short response in a discussion format.

TOEFL Reading Syllabus

2 passages are there In TOEFL Reading section. The passage is of around 700 words. Every one has 10 questions. You got 35 minutes to finish all of it. The topics come from college subjects like history, science or social studies. This part tests if you can find main ideas, understand small details, know word meanings and what the author trying to say. Sometimes you also need to guess meaning from the line.

TOEFL Listening Syllabus

In TOEFL Listening section, you listen 3 short lectures about 3 to 5 minutes and 2 small talks that last 3 minutes each. Each lecture has 6 questions and each talk got 5, total 28 questions. You have 36 minutes for the section. The topics usually about class discussion or campus things. This part test if you can take notes, understand tone, and what speaker wants to tell you.

TOEFL Speaking Syllabus

4 tasks in TOEFL Speaking test. The first one is Independent Task where you say your opinion on a simple topic. You get 15 second to think and 45 second to talk. The other 3 are Integrated Tasks. You have to read or listen first and then speak your answer. You get 20-30 seconds to plan and 45-60 seconds to talk.

TOEFL Writing Syllabus

In TOEFL Writing section, there are 2 writing tasks. First one called Integrated Task you read one short passage, listen to lecture and write small summary. You got 20 minutes for it. The next one is Academic Discussion Task where you write your own view in a short discussion type answer. You get 10 minutes for this one. Total writing time is near 30 minutes. This part check if you can write clearly with easy grammar, nice words and ideas that make sense.

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Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many times is the TOEFL exam conducted in a year?
A: 

The TOEFL exam is held more than 170 times a year at official test centers. Most people take the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test).

Q:   What is the syllabus of TOEFL exam?
A: 

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

Section

Skills Tested

Question Types

Time Allotted

Reading

Reading comprehension of academic texts

  • Multiple-choice

  • Insert a sentence

  • Complete a summary

35 minutes

Listening

Understanding spoken English in academic settings

  • Conversations

  • Lectures

  • Multiple-choice

36 minutes

Speaking

Verbal expression in academic contexts

4 Tasks:

  • 1 Independent task

  • 3 Integrated tasks (reading/listening + speaking)

16 minutes

Writing

Academic writing skills

2 Tasks:

  • 1 Integrated task (reading + listening + writing)

  • 1 Independent essay

29 minutes







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TOEFL Exam Pattern 2026

The TOEFL exam pattern is changing completely from January 21, 2026. ETS has made the test shorter and different. If you are planning to study abroad, you must know these changes. The old test was long, but TOEFL 2026 is faster and many students say it is easier. The traditional pattern of TOEFL exam can be checked below:

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  
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I prepare for TOEFL at home?
A: 

If you want a TOEFL preparation strategy without coaching, use self-study resources like ETS, do listening practice with podcasts, improve reading skills with articles, try speaking practice by recording yourself, and do writing practice with essays for better TOEFL score.

Q:   What is the total duration of the TOEFL iBT test?
A: 

The total duration of the TOEFL iBT test is approximately 2 hours (116 minutes). 

Q:   What is the pattern of TOEFL exam?
A: 

The TOEFL exam pattern comprises four sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing - along with the total score. Candidates can check the article above to understand the latest TOEFL exam pattern.

 

Section

Number of Questions / Tasks

Types of Content

Time Limit

Reading

20 questions (based on 2 passages)

Academic reading passages with comprehension questions

35 minutes

Listening

28 questions (3 lectures + 2 conversations)

Academic lectures and campus conversations

36 minutes

Speaking

4 tasks

1 Independent + 3 Integrated (read/listen + speak)

16 minutes

Writing

2 tasks

1 Integrated (read/listen + write) + 1 Independent essay

29 minutes

Total Duration

116 minutes

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TOEFL Preparation Tips

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 available on the ETS official website may be a better option. There are free prep materials, e-books, a beginner's guide and sample mock test papers to practise available on ETS website. 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. ETS, the conducting body of the TOEFL exam also provides free and paid study material, which is easily available on their official website. Students can either go for self-study or prepare themselves, apart from this, they can go for TOEFL coaching.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which books are best for TOEFL?
A: 

Some of the best TOEFL preparation books are:

  • The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test, 6th Edition: Made by ETS, it has real practice questions, sample essays, and 4 full practice tests.
  • Barron's TOEFL iBT: Gives 8 full practice tests, listening audios online, and reviews of all TOEFL sections.
  • Kaplan's TOEFL iBT Prep Plus: Has 4 full practice tests and 450+ sample questions with answers.
  • Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL iBT Test: Has many exercises, tips, and 7 mock tests for practice.
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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.  Once you are done with your preparation, you may test your abilities through TOEFL 2026 Sample Papers to see how far you have reached in your preparation. There are free sample tests available on the ETS Official Website

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. 

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 with Answers [Set 1]
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I practice for TOEFL exam?
A: 

Candidates can follow our preparation guide or visit the official website to learn about the at-home preparation strategy to score well in their next TOEFL exam. Candidates should note that the key to a good performance is to start early, cover the entire syllabus, and solve as many TOEFL sample papers as possible.

Q:   Should I take full TOEFL mock tests?
A: 

Yes. Take 2 full tests, one in Week 3, one in Week 4. This helps you get used to real test timing and improves your speed.

 

Q:   Where can I find free TOEFL practice tests?
A: 

Test takers can get hands on practice with the free TOEFL practice tests by downloading the TOEFL TestReady app. The TOEFL TestReady app contains:

  • Free TOEFL Practice Tests
  • 1 Free Actitivity of the Day
  • 1 Free Study Plan - Customised for You after you answer a few questions
  • Mock Tests
  • Sample Tests awith free Samplers
  • Guides, Books and Courses
  • Focused Practice
  • Value Packs
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TOEFL Exam Day Tips 2026

We have best TOEFL exam day tips for you to perform best on your exam day. As the day arrives, only item you must bring on the test day to your test centre is a valid and acceptable ID, which is a valid passport with name, photograph, and signature. 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 test taker)
  • Have your signature 

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

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Where can I get TOEFL practise papers?
A: 

Candidates are advised to source their study material from the official ETS website for authentic and up-to-date information and they can also solve practice papers that we have on our website here: TOEFL Sample Papers.

Q:   Which is the nearest TOEFL test centre from my location?
A: 

The nearest TOEFL exam centres will vary from the location you are applying for the registration. Candidates are advised to book their TOEFL test dates in advance for the nearest test centres and the dates they want to attempt the test. 

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Comments

(366)

B

Babita Das

a year ago

If the exam browser is not opening then what to do

Reply to Babita Das

Hello, My TOEFL iBT home edition EXAM's date is 19-05-2024. I don't know how to prepare and how I get 100+ score in this exam. Please, give me some advice please.

Reply to TIRTH GONDALIYA

S

Shalini

2 years ago

Hello I have given TOEFL home edition and my scores is 104 (reading 30, listening 29, speaking 19, writing 26). Will the Ireland universities accepts this score and home edition?

Reply to Shalini

R

Rahul Singha

2 years ago

Hello Shalini. You can take a look at popular universities in Ireland, here: https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/apply You can also get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with Ireland University Admissions 2023 here: https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/apply

N

NIKHIL YADAV

2 years 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 Singha

2 years 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 Singha

2 years 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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