
There are four sections in the TOEFL iBT test: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The TOEFL iBT is an internet-based test taken on a computer at authorized test centers. The total test time is around 2 hours. The TOEFL Syllabus focuses on academic English skills, not grammar rules or memorized word lists. Understanding the syllabus is the first step to smart TOEFL preparation.
The TOEFL Reading section checks how well you understand academic texts. You will read university-level passages and answer questions about them. This section tests your ability to find main ideas, understand details, make inferences, and know key vocabulary.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 20 questions |
| Duration | 35 minutes |
| Number of Passages | 2 academic passages |
| Passage Length | Around 700 words per passage |
| Passage Topics | University-level subjects like science, history, arts, social science |
| Skills Measured | Reading for basic information, inference, reading to learn |
| Score Range | 0 to 30 points |
The TOEFL Speaking section checks how well you can speak English in an academic environment. You will answer questions into a microphone. Your responses are recorded and scored by trained raters. There are 4 tasks in total. The total time for the TOEFL Speaking Section is 16 minutes.
| Task | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Speaking Task | 45 seconds prep + 45 seconds speaking | State and support your opinion on a familiar topic. You draw on your own ideas and experience. |
| Integrated Speaking Task 1 | 50 seconds prep + 60 seconds speaking | Read a short passage, listen to a talk on the same topic, then explain how they relate. |
| Integrated Speaking Task 2 | 20 seconds prep + 60 seconds speaking | Listen to a campus conversation, then summarize the problem and the solutions discussed. |
| Integrated Speaking Task 3 | 20 seconds prep + 60 seconds speaking | Listen to an academic lecture, then summarize the main points using examples from the talk. |
Speaking Assessment Criteria
| Criterion | What It Measures | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | How clear and fluent your speech is. Includes pronunciation, pacing, and intonation. | 33.3% |
| Language Use | Your ability to use grammar and vocabulary accurately and effectively. | 33.3% |
| Topic Development | How well you connect ideas, give details, and stay on topic to answer the question. | 33.3% |
The TOEFL Writing section tests your ability to write in English for academic purposes. You must type your responses on a computer. There are two writing tasks that measure different skills.
| Task | Time Limit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Writing Task | 20 minutes | Read a short passage of 300 words. Listen to a 2-minute lecture on the same topic. Write a response of 150-225 words explaining how the lecture relates to the reading. |
| Academic Discussion Task | 10 minutes | Read a professor’s question in an online class discussion. Read two student responses. Write your own post of at least 100 words stating and supporting your opinion. |
Good preparation is key to mastering the TOEFL Syllabus 2026. Use these strategies for each section.
TOEFL can be challenging for beginners because it uses academic English. But with 2-3 months of focused practice using the TOEFL Preparation Guide, beginners can reach their target score. Start with basic English and slowly move to academic content.
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. After 2 years, most universities will not accept the score and you must retake the test.
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