Free TOEFL Mock Tests › The new TOEFL iBT format (2026): sections, timing and scores
The new TOEFL iBT format (2026): sections, timing and scores
The TOEFL iBT changed in 2026. The test is now shorter, Reading and Listening adapt to your level, and there are new task types such as Complete the Words and Build a Sentence. This guide explains each section and how long it takes.
Take a free 2026-format mock test
The four sections at a glance
| Section | Questions | Time | Task types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 50 | 18–21 min (Module 1) + 9 min (Module 2) | Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Read an Academic Passage |
| Listening | 47 | 18 min (Module 1) + 7 or 11 min (Module 2) | Conversations between two people and longer talks such as lectures |
| Writing | 12 | 23 min | Build a Sentence (10), Write an Email, Write for an Academic Discussion |
| Speaking | 11 | 8 min | Interview-style questions you answer out loud |
According to the ETS specifications, the whole test takes about 1 hour 23 minutes to 1 hour 29 minutes. Some Reading and Listening questions are unscored questions that ETS is trying out, and you cannot tell which ones they are, so treat every question as if it counts.
Reading and Listening are now adaptive
Reading and Listening are both two-stage adaptive. Everyone first takes a "router" module. Based on how you do, your second module is either a lower or an upper module. If you do well in Module 1, Module 2 is harder, and that is what lets you reach the top bands. This makes careful work in Module 1 especially important.
Writing and Speaking are linear: everyone taking the same form gets the same tasks.
New task types
Reading
- Complete the Words (30 questions): a short academic paragraph where the second half of every other word is missing. You type the missing letters. Practise Complete the Words.
- Read in Daily Life: short real-world texts such as notices, emails, menus, ads and chat messages, each with a few multiple-choice questions.
- Read an Academic Passage: a short textbook-style passage with questions on detail, inference, vocabulary and where a sentence fits best.
Writing
- Build a Sentence (10 questions): put word chunks in order to make a correct reply to what someone says. Practise Build a Sentence.
- Write an Email: respond to an everyday situation and cover three points.
- Write for an Academic Discussion: read a professor's question and two students' posts, then add your own view.
How the 2026 TOEFL is scored
Each section is now reported on a 1–6 band scale in half-band steps, and the bands are lined up with the CEFR levels (A1 to C2). Reading and Listening are machine-scored at one point per question. Writing and Speaking responses are scored by AI, using features such as grammar, coherence and fluency. Universities set their own minimums, so check each one's requirements.
How to prepare in the last few weeks
- Take a full timed Reading test and Writing test to find your starting level.
- Drill your weakest task type every day. Untimed practice with instant checking is the fastest way to fix patterns.
- Take at least one full mock test every one or two days in the final week, under real timing.
- Review every wrong answer and write down why you missed it.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the new TOEFL iBT?
About 1 hour 23 minutes to 1 hour 29 minutes in total, according to the ETS 2026 specifications. The exact length depends on which second-stage Listening module you get.
How many questions are in the 2026 TOEFL Reading section?
Fifty questions: thirty Complete the Words items and twenty Read in Daily Life and Read an Academic Passage questions, split across two modules.
What is the 2026 TOEFL score scale?
Each section and the total are reported as bands from 1 to 6, aligned with the CEFR levels.
Is the new TOEFL adaptive?
Reading and Listening are two-stage adaptive: your Module 2 difficulty depends on your Module 1 performance. Writing and Speaking are not adaptive.
iBT Practice Lab is independent, unofficial practice with original questions. TOEFL and TOEFL iBT are registered trademarks of ETS. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS. Format details are based on the ETS TOEFL iBT 2026 test specifications; check ETS for the latest official information.