Complete Guide to the TOEFL Exam: Format, Sections, and Scoring Explained

The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the most widely taken version of the TOEFL. It tests your ability to read, listen, speak, and write in English through tasks that mirror real-life academic situations.

• Mode: Internet-based
• Duration: ~2 hours
• Test Fee: Varies by country (~$190 USD)
• Validity: 2 years

Accepted by: Over 11,500 universities in 160+ countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

TOEFL iBT is conducted around the year and is available both at test centers and via the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.

The TOEFL iBT consists of 4 sections:

I. Reading (22–30 minutes)

• Tasks: 2 academic passages (~700 words each), followed by 10 questions each.
• Skills Tested: Reading for gist, inference, vocabulary, author’s tone, purpose.
• Question Types: Multiple choice, insert a sentence, table completion.

Sample Question: Read the passage. What is the main purpose of paragraph 2?

A. To contrast two types of fossils

B. To explain the importance of sedimentary layers

C. To describe how fossils are dated

D. To show a limitation of fossil evidence

Correct Answer: C

II. Listening (36 minutes)

• Tasks: 3 lectures (3-5 mins) and 2 conversations
• Skills Tested: Listening for details, attitude, main idea, purpose.
• Question Types: Multiple choice, matching, ordering events, highlighting.

Sample Question:

Why does the professor mention the Great Depression?

A. To highlight an economic effect

B. To introduce a historical event

C. To compare two time periods

D. To explain consumer behavior

Correct Answer: A

III. Speaking (16 minutes)

• Tasks: 4 tasks
• Task 1: Independent (opinion-based)
• Tasks 2–4: Integrated (combine listening, reading, and speaking)
• Topics: Campus issues, academic discussions, personal preferences

Sample Question: (Task 1)

"Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better to study with friends than to study alone. Give reasons and examples to support your opinion."

🗣 Students get 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to respond.

IV. Writing (29 minutes)

• Task 1: Integrated Writing (Reading + Listening + Writing)
• Task 2: Independent Writing (Opinion-based essay)

Sample Question: (Task 2)

"Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People today spend too much time on personal enjoyment rather than working for the betterment of society."

📝 Word count: 300+

Each section is scored from 0 to 30, with a total score of 0 to 120. Here's a breakdown of how each section is evaluated:

✅ Reading & Listening:

• Automatically scored

• Objective questions with one correct answer

• Total number of correct answers converted to a scaled score (0–30)

  
  

✅ Speaking:

• Scored by human raters and AI

• Evaluated on 3 criteria:

1. Delivery – fluency, pronunciation, pacing

2. Language Use – grammar, vocabulary range and accuracy

3. Topic Development – clarity, logic, coherence

✅ Speaking Rubric Example (0–4 scale per task):

• 4: Well-developed response, clear delivery

• 3: Generally good with minor issues

• 2: Limited development or noticeable errors

• 1: Very limited response

• 0: Off-topic or unintelligible Scaled up to 0–30.

  
  

✅ Writing:

• Also scored by both human raters and AI

• Evaluated on:

1. Development – clarity and completeness of ideas

2. Organization – logical flow, coherence

3. Language Use – grammar, syntax, vocabulary

4. Task Fulfillment – did the essay answer the question?

• Practice TOEFL-style questions using official resources.

• Build academic vocabulary with tools like Quizlet or Magoosh.

• Listen to academic podcasts (e.g., TED Talks, BBC).

• Practice timed essays and record your speaking.

• Use ETS's Official TOEFL Guide and free sample tests.

The TOEFL iBT is a powerful tool to unlock study-abroad opportunities. Its academic focus and computer-based delivery make it a favorite for universities worldwide. Understanding its format, scoring system, and question types helps you create a more focused study plan. Use this guide to start your TOEFL journey with clarity and confidence.