The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam syllabus isn't a traditional list of chapters to memorise; it's a comprehensive skills-based framework that evaluates your ability to read, listen, speak, and write English in academic contexts. Whether you're planning to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, or any of the 160+ countries accepting TOEFL scores, understanding the complete syllabus is your first step toward success.
This guide breaks down every section, task type, and skill you need to master for the 2026 exam format.
|
Wisdom Corner: What You Need to Know About TOEFL 2026 The TOEFL iBT evaluates English proficiency through four sections. Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing with a total test duration of 67-85 minutes. Accepted by over 12,000 universities worldwide, TOEFL scores remain valid for 2 years and serve as the standardised benchmark for international student admissions. Unlike traditional exams, TOEFL doesn't test memorised content but rather your ability to use English effectively in real academic situations.
|
Complete Syllabus Summary Table
|
Section |
Content Areas |
Key Skills |
Study Focus |
|
READING |
• Academic passages |
• Vocabulary |
Academic Word List, reading practice, skimming/scanning techniques |
|
LISTENING |
• Lectures |
•Comprehension |
Academic podcasts, TED talks, note-taking practice, and different accents |
|
SPEAKING |
• Personal topics |
• Pronunciation |
Speaking practice, recording yourself, shadowing exercises, and quick responses |
|
WRITING |
• Grammar |
• Grammar accuracy |
Grammar review, writing practice, timed |
TOEFL Exam Pattern and Marks
Understanding the TOEFL Exam pattern and marks distribution is essential for strategic preparation. The 2026 format introduces significant changes:
|
Section |
Duration |
Questions |
Score Range |
|
Reading |
18-27 minutes |
35-48 items |
1.0 - 6.0 |
|
Listening |
18-27 minutes |
35-45 items |
1.0 - 6.0 |
|
Speaking |
~8 minutes |
11 tasks |
1.0 - 6.0 |
|
Writing |
~23 minutes |
12 tasks |
1.0 - 6.0 |
|
Total |
67-85 min |
Variable |
1.0 - 6.0 |
Scoring System Explained
The 2026 TOEFL uses a dual scoring system during the transition period (2026-2028):
Primary Score: 1-6 Band Scale
- Each section scored from 1.0 to 6.0 in half-point increments
- The overall score is the average of four sections, rounded to the nearest 0.5
- Aligned with CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
Transition Score: 0-120 Scale
- Comparable overall score provided on traditional 0-120 scale
- Helps universities still using the old scoring system
- Each section previously scored 0-30 points
TOEFL Exam Subjects: Complete Syllabus Breakdown
The syllabus for the TOEFL exam is structured around four core subjects (sections) that comprehensively assess your English language abilities. Let's explore the detailed TOEFL exam syllabus for each section:
1. Reading Section - Detailed Syllabus
Duration: 18-27 minutes | Questions: 35-48 items | Score: 1.0-6.0
Task 1: Complete the Words
What it tests: Vocabulary, context comprehension, spelling
Format: Academic passages with words missing the second half of letters
Example: 'The scientist condu____ several experime____' (Answer: conducted, experiments).
Skills required: Strong vocabulary, understanding context clues, and accurate spelling
Task 2: Read in Daily Life
What it tests: Practical reading comprehension, information extraction
Format: Short texts (15-150 words): emails, notices, menus, schedules, text messages. Example content: Campus announcements, professor emails, event posters, library notices
Skills required: Quickly locate specific information, understand purpose, and identify key details
Task 3: Read an Academic Passage
What it tests: Academic reading comprehension, analytical thinking.
Format: University-level textbook excerpts (300-400 words).
Topics covered: Natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), social sciences (psychology, sociology, economics), humanities (history, literature, art), environmental studies, technology
Question types:
- Main idea and purpose
- Supporting details and facts
- Vocabulary in context
- Inference and implication
- Author's purpose and tone
- Sentence simplification
- Insert text questions
Reading Syllabus - Topics & Content
|
Subject Area |
Example Topics |
|
Natural Sciences |
Climate change, ecosystems, genetics, astronomy, and geology |
|
Social Sciences |
Human behaviour, cultural studies, economics, and urban planning |
|
Arts & Humanities |
Art movements, literature analysis, philosophy, and historical events |
|
Technology |
Innovation, digital transformation, engineering, and renewable energy |
|
Business |
Marketing strategies, organisational behaviour, entrepreneurship |
Adaptive Format Explained
The Reading section uses multi-stage adaptive testing:
- Module 1: All test-takers start with the same difficulty level
- Module 2: Difficulty adjusts based on Module 1 performance
- High performance: Unlocks harder academic passages
- Lower performance: Provides more daily life content at an appropriate level
2. Listening Section - Detailed Syllabus
Duration: 18-27 minutes | Questions: 35-45 items | Score: 1.0-6.0
Task 1: Listen and Choose a Response
What it tests: Understanding spoken English, appropriate responses
Format: Brief audio clips (30-60 seconds) followed by multiple-choice questions. Content: Short conversations, questions, statements
Skills required: Quick comprehension, identifying appropriate responses, and understanding context
Task 2: Listen to a Conversation
What it tests: Following extended dialogues, understanding the purpose
Format: 2-3 minute conversations with 5 questions each
Conversation types:
- Student-professor office hours discussions
- Academic advising meetings
- Student service interactions (library, registration, housing)
- Group project discussions among students
Skills required: Tracking main ideas, understanding the speaker's purpose, identifying problems and solutions, and noting the speaker's attitudes
Task 3: Listen to an Announcement
What it tests: Understanding brief campus communications
Format: Short announcements under 1 minute
Announcement types:
- Campus event notifications
- Policy changes and updates
- Schedule modifications
- Emergency information
Skills required: Quick information extraction, identifying key details, understanding implications
Task 4: Listen to an Academic Talk
What it tests: Comprehending classroom lectures
Format: Lecture excerpts (2-4 minutes) with 6 questions each
Lecture topics:
- Biology, chemistry, and physics concepts
- History and historical analysis
- Literature and art history
- Business and economics principles
- Environmental science
- Technology and innovation
Question Types in Listening
|
Question Type |
What It Tests |
Example Question |
|
Main Idea |
Understanding the overall purpose or topic of the lecture or conversation |
“What is the lecture/conversation mainly about?” |
|
Supporting Details |
Ability to identify specific facts or examples mentioned |
“What example does the professor give?” |
|
Function |
Understanding why a speaker says something in a particular context |
“Why does the professor say this?” |
|
Attitude |
Identifying the speaker’s opinion, feeling, or stance |
“What is the student’s opinion about…?” |
|
Organisation |
Understanding how the lecture or talk is structured |
“How is the lecture organised?” |
|
Connecting Content |
Recognising relationships between ideas, people, or events |
“What is the relationship between…?” |
|
Making Inferences |
Drawing logical conclusions based on implied information |
“What can be inferred about…?” |
Note-Taking Strategy
You ARE allowed to take notes during the Listening section. Effective note-taking includes:
- Main topics and subtopics
- Key terms and definitions
- Examples and supporting details
- Relationships (cause-effect, comparison, sequence)
- Speaker attitudes and opinions
3. Speaking Section - Detailed Syllabus
Duration: ~8 minutes | Tasks: 11 items | Score: 1.0-6.0
Task 1: Listen and Repeat (7 items)
What it tests: Pronunciation, intonation, fluency
Format: Hear a sentence, repeat it immediately
Preparation time: None - immediate repetition required
Sentence types:
- Campus-related statements: 'The library closes at 10 PM on weekdays'
- Daily life sentences: 'I need to pick up my textbooks from the bookstore'
- Academic contexts: 'The professor extended the deadline for the research paper'
Skills assessed:
- Clear pronunciation
- Natural intonation patterns
- Appropriate pacing and rhythm
- Accurate word stress
Task 2: Take an Interview (4 questions)
What it tests: Spontaneous speaking, opinion expression, coherent responses
Format: Four questions on a topic, progressively challenging
Response time: 45 seconds per question
Preparation time: None - immediate response required
Question progression:
|
Question No. |
Difficulty Level |
Question Type |
Example Prompt |
|
Question 1 |
Easy |
Personal Preference |
“What’s your favourite way to study?” |
|
Question 2 |
Moderate |
Describing Experience |
“Describe a challenging assignment you completed.” |
|
Question 3 |
Moderate |
Opinion with Reasoning |
“Do you think group projects are effective? Why?” |
|
Question 4 |
Challenging |
Complex / Abstract Issue |
“How can universities better support international students?” |
Skills assessed:
- Spontaneous idea generation
- Coherent organisation (intro, body, conclusion)
- Logical reasoning and examples
- Fluency and natural pacing
- Appropriate vocabulary usage
Common Speaking Topics
|
Topic Category |
Example Questions |
|
Education |
Study habits, online vs classroom learning, and favourite subjects |
|
Campus Life |
Extracurricular activities, campus facilities, and student services |
|
Technology |
Social media, digital tools for learning, and technology impact |
|
Environment |
Sustainability, recycling, and environmental awareness |
|
Work & Career |
Career goals, internships, work-life balance |
Scoring Criteria for Speaking
Your speaking responses are evaluated on:
- Delivery (0-4): Clarity, pronunciation, pacing, intonation
- Language Use (0-4): Grammar accuracy, vocabulary range, sentence variety
- Topic Development (0-4): Coherence, logical progression, supporting details
4. Writing Section - Detailed Syllabus
Duration: ~23 minutes | Tasks: 12 items | Score: 1.0-6.0
Task 1: Build a Sentence
What it tests: Grammar, syntax, sentence construction
Format: Scrambled words/phrases that need to be arranged
Example: Given: [professor / the / explained / theory / complex / the] Answer: 'The professor explained the complex theory.'
Skills required:
- Understanding word order rules
- Subject-verb agreement
- Proper use of articles (a, an, the)
- Adjective placement
- Adverb positioning
Task 2: Write an Email
What it tests: Practical academic writing, professional communication
Format: Respond to realistic campus situations via email
Word count: 50-80 words approximately
Email scenarios:
- Requesting an extension from the professor
- Inquiring about course registration
- Coordinating group project with classmates
- Reporting technical issues to the IT department
- Scheduling an office hours meeting
Skills required:
- Appropriate greeting and closing
- Clear statement of purpose
- Professional yet natural tone
- Specific details and requests
- Proper email structure
Task 3: Write for an Academic Discussion
What it tests: Academic argumentation, opinion expression, and discussion participation.
Duration: 10 minutes
Word count: Minimum 100 words
Format: Read the professor's question and 2 student responses, then write your own contribution
Discussion topics:
- Educational policies and practices
- Social issues and solutions
- Technology and society
- Environmental challenges
- Career and professional development
Response requirements:
- State your position clearly
- Provide 2-3 supporting reasons
- Include relevant examples
- Acknowledge or build on others' ideas
- Use formal academic language
Writing Skills Checklist
|
Skill Area |
What to Master |
|
Grammar |
Tenses, conditionals, passive voice, modals, articles |
|
Vocabulary |
Academic word list, transition words, and formal expressions |
|
Organization |
Clear introduction, body paragraphs, logical conclusion |
|
Development |
Supporting details, examples, explanations, and elaboration |
|
Coherence |
Smooth flow, transitions, pronoun reference, logical connection |
What is the TOEFL Exam?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardised test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), TOEFL is recognised by over 12,000 universities and institutions in 160+ countries.
The TOEFL exam assesses your ability to use and understand English at the university level. It evaluates how well you can combine reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills to perform academic tasks. The test is specifically designed to measure English proficiency in academic settings, making it the preferred choice for students planning to study abroad in English-speaking countries.
Maximize your TOEFL savings: Take advantage of EduVouchers' exclusive TOEFL discount code
TOEFL Syllabus and Exam Pattern - Complete Summary
What Has Changed in 2026?
|
Old Format |
New Format (2026) |
|
116 minutes test duration |
67-85 minutes (adaptive) |
|
Fixed difficulty for all |
Adaptive Reading & Listening |
|
0-120 scoring scale |
1-6 band scale (CEFR aligned) |
|
Traditional question types |
Modern, practical question types |
|
Score in 4-8 days |
Score in 72 hours |
|
4 integrated speaking tasks |
2 task types (11 items total) |
|
30-minute essay + integrated |
3 task types (sentence, email, discussion) |
Preparation Timeline
Recommended preparation schedule based on current English level:
3-4 Months (Beginner to Intermediate):
- Month 1: Build vocabulary foundation, grammar review
- Month 2: Practice reading and listening daily
- Month 3: Focus on speaking and writing
- Month 4: Full-length practice tests, review weak areas
2 Months (Upper Intermediate to Advanced):
- Weeks 1-2: Understand the new 2026 format thoroughly
- Weeks 3-4: Practice section by section
- Weeks 5-6: Focus on weak sections
- Weeks 7-8: Full tests, timing practice, score analysis
Essential Study Resources
- Official ETS Materials: TOEFL iBT official guide, practice tests on the ETS website
- Vocabulary: Academic Word List (AWL), subject-specific terminology
- Practice platforms: Official TOEFL prep course, Magoosh, BestMyTest
- Listening practice: Academic podcasts, TED Talks, university lectures
- Reading: Academic journals, news websites (Scientific American, The Economist)
- Speaking: Record yourself, language exchange partners, speaking apps
- Writing: Grammar checkers, writing forums, practice essays
TOEFL Exam Questions - Sample Overview
Understanding TOEFL exam questions helps you prepare effectively. Here's what to expect:
Reading Question Types
|
Question Type |
Example / Task Description |
|
Complete the Missing Letters |
“The archaeolo____ discovered ancient arti____” → archaeologist, artifacts |
|
Daily Life Comprehension (MCQ) |
“According to the email, when is the library closed?” |
|
Main Idea |
“What is the passage mainly about?” |
|
Detail Question |
“According to paragraph 3, what causes…?” |
|
Vocabulary in Context |
“The word elaborate in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to…?” |
|
Inference |
“What can be inferred about…?” |
Listening Question Types
|
Question Type |
Example / Task Description |
|
Main Purpose |
“Why does the student visit the professor?” |
|
Detail |
“What does the professor say about…?” |
|
Function (Replay Audio) |
“Why does the professor say this?” |
|
Attitude |
“What is the professor’s opinion of…?” |
|
Organisation |
“How does the professor organise the lecture?” |
Speaking Question Examples
|
Task Type |
Example Prompt |
|
Listen and Repeat |
“The assignment is due next Wednesday at 5 PM.” |
|
Interview Q1 (Personal) |
“What do you usually do in your free time?” |
|
Interview Q2 (Experience) |
“Describe a teacher who influenced you.” |
|
Interview Q3 (Opinion) |
“Some people prefer studying alone. Others prefer study groups. Which do you prefer and why?” |
|
Interview Q4 (Abstract) |
“How can universities better prepare students for the job market?” |
Writing Question Examples
|
Task Type |
Example / Task Description |
|
Build a Sentence |
[successfully / completed / students / the / project / their] |
|
Email Writing |
“Write an email to your professor requesting a meeting to discuss your research paper.” |
|
Academic Discussion |
“Should universities require students to take courses outside their major? Read the discussion and add your perspective.” |
TOEFL Question Pattern - Key Strategies
Understanding the TOEFL question pattern helps you develop effective strategies:
Reading Strategies
- Skim the passage first to understand the main idea
- Read questions before detailed reading
- Use context clues for vocabulary questions
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
- Pay attention to transition words and discourse markers
- Note organisational patterns (cause-effect, comparison, chronological)
Listening Strategies
- Take effective notes (main points, examples, relationships)
- Listen for signal words (however, for example, in conclusion)
- Focus on the speaker's tone and attitude
- Don't get distracted by unfamiliar words - focus on the overall meaning
- Pay attention to emphatic statements
Speaking Strategies
- Speak clearly at a moderate pace - don't rush
- Use simple, clear sentences over complex structures
- Provide specific examples to support points
- Practice thinking in English to improve spontaneity
- Use transition phrases (first, additionally, in conclusion)
Writing Strategies
- Plan before writing (30 seconds for email, 1 minute for discussion)
- Write clear topic sentences for each paragraph
- Use varied sentence structures
- Leave 1-2 minutes for proofreading
- Focus on clarity over complexity
Conclusion
The TOEFL exam syllabus is comprehensive but manageable with systematic preparation. The 2026 updates make the test more efficient, fair, and aligned with real academic communication needs. Understanding what the TOEFL exam is, why the TOEFL exam is required, and the detailed syllabus for the TOEFL exam empowers you to prepare strategically.
Success on the TOEFL depends on understanding the full syllabus, practising with authentic materials, and developing genuine proficiency in English. Start your preparation early, use official ETS resources, and focus on building real-world academic English skills. With the right approach and dedication, achieving your target TOEFL score is entirely achievable.
Related Article:
