Test of English as a Foreign Language Syllabus 2026
Test of English as a Foreign Language Syllabus
TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2026: Overview
The TOEFL iBT syllabus 2026 was revised by ETS on January 21, 2026. The test now has 4 sections, 120 questions/tasks, and lasts under 2 hours.
The TOEFL iBT does not have a fixed list of chapters like school exams. The syllabus covers the 4 language skills needed in a university setting abroad. ETS designs every passage, audio clip, and prompt around real college-life scenarios such as professor-student conversations, campus announcements, lecture summaries, and forum-style academic discussions.
- TOEFL syllabus 2026 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing — all in English, computer-based, with no negative marking.
- TOEFL total questions: Reading 50, Listening 47, Writing 12 tasks, Speaking 11 tasks — total under 2 hours.
- TOEFL scoring 2026: 0-120 traditional scale + new 1-6 band scale; each section scored 0-30; scores released within 72 hours.
TOEFL Section-Wise Syllabus 2026
TOEFL Reading Syllabus 2026
The Reading section follows a multistage adaptive format. It contains 50 questions.
Passages are drawn from academic texts used in university courses. Task types include new formats like Complete the Words and Build a Sentence.
TOEFL Listening Syllabus 2026
The Listening section contains 47 questions. It uses a multistage adaptive format.
Audio clips include lectures, conversations, and campus announcements. New task types include Listen and Repeat.
TOEFL Speaking Syllabus 2026
The Speaking section contains 11 tasks. It includes the new Take an Interview task type.
Tasks require spoken responses to academic and campus-related prompts.
TOEFL Writing Syllabus 2026
The Writing section contains 12 tasks. It includes the new Build a Sentence task type.
Tasks require written responses to academic discussion prompts and lecture summaries.
TOEFL Syllabus 2026: Vocabulary and Grammar Topics
TOEFL Vocabulary Syllabus
Vocabulary is tested within the Reading and Listening sections. Words appear in academic contexts from university lectures and texts.
No separate vocabulary list is published by ETS.
TOEFL Grammar Syllabus
Grammar is tested through the Writing and Speaking sections. Sentence construction and accuracy are assessed in tasks like Build a Sentence.
No separate grammar list is published by ETS.
TOEFL Marking Scheme and Scoring 2026
Scores are reported on two scales: 0-120 and 1-6 (CEFR-aligned). Each section is scored 0-30.
Scores are valid for 2 years. Scores are released within 72 hours.
How is the new 1-6 band score linked to the TOEFL syllabus?
The 1-6 band scale is aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It maps overall performance to language proficiency levels.
The traditional 0-120 scale remains available alongside the new band scale.
TOEFL Computer-Adaptive Format and Syllabus Delivery
The Reading and Listening sections use a multistage adaptive format. Question difficulty adjusts based on performance in earlier stages.
The test is computer-based and delivered in English. No negative marking applies.
Recent Changes to the TOEFL Syllabus 2026
ETS completely revised the syllabus on January 21, 2026. New task types replaced parts of the older syllabus.
- Complete the Words
- Listen and Repeat
- Take an Interview
- Build a Sentence
TOEFL On-Screen Tools and Test-Day Mechanics
The test lasts under 2 hours. All sections are taken on a computer.
On-screen tools are provided during the test. Specific tool details are part of the test-day interface.
TOEFL Syllabus Compared to IELTS, PTE and Duolingo
The TOEFL syllabus 2026 differs from IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo in structure and task types. TOEFL now has 120 questions/tasks across 4 sections.
Each exam has its own scoring system and format. TOEFL uses a 0-120 scale and a 1-6 band scale.
How to Prepare for the TOEFL Syllabus 2026
Preparation should focus on the 4 language skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Practice with academic passages, lectures, and campus scenarios.
Familiarise with the new task types: Complete the Words, Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview, and Build a Sentence. Use official ETS materials for practice.
TOEFL Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Is the TOEFL syllabus the same for the home edition and the test centre? The syllabus is the same for both formats. The test content and structure do not change based on delivery mode.
How many questions are in the TOEFL 2026? The test has 120 questions/tasks in total: Reading 50, Listening 47, Writing 12 tasks, Speaking 11 tasks.
How long is the TOEFL 2026? The test lasts under 2 hours.
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2026
The TOEFL iBT 2026 exam has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The total number of questions is 120, and the total duration is 90 minutes.
| Section | Task Types in Syllabus | No. of Questions / Tasks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Read an Academic Passage | 50 | 30 min |
| Listening | Listen and Choose a Response, Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement, Listen to an Academic Talk | 47 | 29 min |
| Speaking | Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview | 11 | 8 min |
| Writing | Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Write for an Academic Discussion | 12 | 23 min |
Note: Reading and Listening section times are variable because both are multistage adaptive in 2026. Your second stage shortens or lengthens based on first-stage performance.
Is the TOEFL Syllabus the Same for Home Edition and Test Centre?
Yes, the TOEFL iBT syllabus is identical for both formats. The only difference is the delivery.
The Home Edition runs through an ETS-trained online proctor. The test centre version uses Koss stereophone audio equipment for clearer Listening playback.
TOEFL Section-Wise Syllabus 2026
The 2026 TOEFL iBT blends pure academic content with everyday campus English. Each section has its own task list, topic focus, and time block.
Indian students should pay extra attention to Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview tasks. Both are new in 2026 and have no preparation time.
TOEFL Reading Syllabus 2026
The TOEFL Reading section in 2026 tests how well you understand short academic and real-world English texts. The section is multistage adaptive, with about 50 questions in 30 minutes across three task types.
- Complete the Words: Fill in missing letters inside an academic paragraph. Tests vocabulary, spelling, and contextual understanding. Example topic: a paragraph on photosynthesis with 8-10 incomplete keywords.
- Read in Daily Life: Short real-world texts such as emails, hostel notices, library announcements, course advisor mailers, restaurant menus, syllabi, or campus event flyers. Question types include detail, purpose, and tone identification.
- Read an Academic Passage: Shorter than the old TOEFL — approximately 200 words per passage instead of 700. Topics include biology, environmental science, history, sociology, art history, and psychology. Question types: main idea, vocabulary in context, inference, factual detail, sentence insertion, summary.
TOEFL Reading topics in syllabus: climate change, urbanisation, marine biology, ancient civilisations, modern psychology, US/UK history, business ethics, anthropology, geology, behavioural economics, art movements, public health.
TOEFL Reading Practice Tests 2026
| TOEFL Reading Practice Tests 2026 | |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Reading Practice Test 1 | TOEFL Reading Practice Test 2 |
| TOEFL Reading Practice Test 3 | TOEFL Reading Practice Test 4 |
TOEFL Listening Syllabus 2026
The TOEFL Listening section now has 47 questions in 29 minutes and is also multistage adaptive. The syllabus covers 4 task types.
The section exposes you to North American, British, Australian, and New Zealand accents.
TOEFL Listening Syllabus 2026
The TOEFL Listening section has four task types. Each task tests the ability to understand spoken English in an academic setting.
- Listen and Choose a Response: A single sentence is played, and the test-taker picks the best reply from four options. The audio is under 10 seconds, so note-taking is not required.
- Listen to a Conversation: A three-minute dialogue on a campus topic between a student and a staff member, such as a professor, librarian, registrar, advisor, or hostel staff. It is followed by five multiple-choice questions.
- Listen to an Announcement: A 30-60 second campus notice covering exam schedule changes, event invitations, building closures, scholarship deadlines, or club meetings.
- Listen to an Academic Talk: A mini-lecture of 100-250 words on a single topic. Subjects rotate across biology, astronomy, US history, linguistics, economics, anthropology, geology, and literature.
TOEFL Listening topics in syllabus: deep-sea ecosystems, AI ethics, Renaissance art, plate tectonics, behavioural psychology, supply and demand, evolutionary biology, ancient Roman law, climate adaptation, sleep science, urban planning, language acquisition.
TOEFL Listening Practice Tests 2026
| TOEFL Listening Practice Tests 2026 | |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Listening Practice Test 1 | TOEFL Listening Practice Test 2 |
| TOEFL Listening Practice Test 3 | TOEFL Listening Practice Test 4 |
TOEFL Speaking Syllabus 2026
The TOEFL Speaking section was completely rebuilt in 2026. The old 4-task format is gone.
The new syllabus has 11 spoken responses across 2 task types in 8 minutes, all delivered through a microphone with no preparation time for most prompts.
- Listen and Repeat: Seven short English sentences are played one at a time. Each must be repeated exactly after the beep. There is no preparation time. This task tests pronunciation accuracy, stress, and intonation. Sentences cover daily campus situations, polite requests, and academic discussion fragments.
- Take an Interview: A simulated 4-question interview where replies are given in 45 seconds per question. Questions cover personal experiences, opinions on academic life, comparisons (e.g. group study vs solo study), and short discussion summaries. Speaking starts only after the beep with no preparation time.
TOEFL Speaking topics in syllabus: a memorable teacher, the best way to learn a new skill, study abroad motivation, the value of internships, online vs in-person classes, hostel vs off-campus living, summer break plans, favourite subject, group work pros and cons, social media in college, time management strategies.
Scoring is done by a combination of AI scoring (SpeechRater) and certified human raters. They evaluate fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and coherence on a 0-30 scaled score.
TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests 2026
| TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests 2026 | |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Speaking Practice Test 1 | TOEFL Speaking Practice Test 2 |
| TOEFL Speaking Practice Test 3 | TOEFL Speaking Practice Test 4 |
TOEFL Writing Syllabus 2026
The TOEFL Writing section now has 12 tasks in 23 minutes. ETS has removed the old 30-minute integrated essay.
It has been replaced with shorter, sharper task types.
TOEFL Writing Task Types
The TOEFL Writing section has three task types. Each task tests a different writing skill.
Build a Sentence
This task gives a set of scrambled English words. The test taker must rearrange them into a grammatically correct sentence.
It tests syntax, verb forms, prepositions, and word order. There are roughly 6-8 sentences in this task.
Write an Email (7 minutes)
This task presents a real-life scenario. Examples include requesting an extension from a professor, replying to a hostel notice, or declining a club invitation politely.
The test taker drafts a reply of 90-130 words. It tests formal versus informal register, greetings, closings, and tone.
Write for an Academic Discussion (10 minutes)
A professor poses a discussion question in an online forum. Two students post short opinions on the question.
The test taker writes a reply of 100+ words. The reply must state a stance with 2 reasons and an example.
TOEFL Writing Topics in Syllabus
The TOEFL Writing syllabus covers several academic topics. These topics appear in the writing tasks.
- Internships and employability
- Online learning vs classroom learning
- Social media's impact on study habits
- Group projects vs individual work
- The role of arts in STEM education
- Mandatory community service in college
- AI tools in coursework
- Sustainable campus design
- Mental health support in universities
- Language requirements for international students
TOEFL Writing Practice Tests 2026
Four practice tests are available for the TOEFL Writing section. Each test is a separate PDF file.
| Test | Link |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Writing Test 1 | TOEFL Writing Integrated task Sample 1 |
| TOEFL Writing Test 2 | TOEFL Writing Independent task sample 1 |
| TOEFL Writing Test 3 | TOEFL Integrated Sample Essay - Trans Lunar Phenomenon |
| TOEFL Writing Test 4 | TOEFL Independent Sample Essay - Personal enjoyment |
TOEFL Syllabus 2026: Vocabulary and Grammar Topics
The TOEFL syllabus is not explicitly grammar-based like Indian school exams. However, every section indirectly tests core grammar and academic vocabulary.
TOEFL Vocabulary Syllabus
The vocabulary syllabus focuses on academic words and their usage. Test takers should study the following areas.
- Academic word list: 570 Coxhead AWL words such as analyse, hypothesis, allocate, infer, evident, substantial, contemporary, perspective.
- Synonyms and antonyms in context — heavily tested in Reading Complete the Words and Vocabulary questions.
- Collocations: raise an issue, conduct research, draw a conclusion, address a concern.
- Idiomatic phrasing for Speaking interviews: in my view, on the other hand, what stood out was, the main takeaway.
- Topic-specific vocabulary: science (cell, gene, climate, orbit), arts (perspective, motif, baroque), business (revenue, market share, brand equity), humanities (ideology, hierarchy, ritual).
TOEFL Grammar Syllabus
The grammar syllabus covers core English grammar rules. These rules are tested across all sections.
- Tense usage: past simple, present perfect, future continuous, past perfect for narration.
- Subject-verb agreement — most penalised area for Indian test takers in the Writing section.
- Articles (a/an/the) and prepositions (in/on/at, between/among).
- Conditionals: first, second, third conditionals for academic argumentation.
- Active and passive voice: required for the Build a Sentence task and lecture summaries.
- Relative clauses: who, which, that, whose — essential for academic discussion replies.
- Punctuation: comma usage, semicolon, apostrophe for contractions and possession.
TOEFL Marking Scheme and Scoring 2026
TOEFL iBT 2026 introduces a dual-scale scoring system. ETS continues to issue the familiar 0-120 score during the 2026-2028 transition period.
The new system adds a 1-6 band score. This band is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
| Section | Score Range (Old Format) | Score Range (New Format) | What is Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 0-30 | 1-6 | Comprehension of academic and real-world texts |
| Listening | 0-30 | 1-6 | Understanding of lectures, conversations, announcements |
| Speaking | 0-30 | 1-6 | Pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, coherence |
| Writing | 0-30 | 1-6 | Grammar, sentence structure, task fulfilment, organisation |
| Total | 0-120 | 1-6 | Aligned with 1-6 CEFR bands |
Important syllabus-related scoring rules for 2026 apply. These rules affect how each section is scored.
TOEFL Syllabus 2026: Key Points
The TOEFL exam has no negative marking, so guessing is allowed when unsure. The MyBest Scores option combines the best section scores from multiple test attempts, but many universities do not accept it.
- MyBest Scores: Not accepted by many universities, including MIT, Caltech, and ETH Zurich.
- Score validity: 2 years from the test date.
- Score release: Within 72 hours from the test date, which is faster than the previous 4-8 days.
New 1-6 Band Score and Syllabus Link
Each band score corresponds to a CEFR level. Band 1 is roughly A1 (beginner), and band 6 is roughly C2 (mastery).
The bands describe how well a test taker handles the syllabus content, not just the number of correct answers. For example, a band 4 (B2) reader can handle the Academic Passage task with minor errors but may struggle with the Complete the Words task on technical topics.
TOEFL Computer-Adaptive Format and Syllabus Delivery
For the first time, the Reading and Listening sections in 2026 follow a multistage adaptive design. The Speaking and Writing sections remain linear because they are open-response tasks scored individually by AI and humans.
- Stage 1: Every test taker starts with the same medium-difficulty set in Reading and Listening.
- Stage 2: Based on accuracy in Stage 1, the system serves an easier, medium, or harder Stage 2 set. The harder set carries more weight in the final score.
- Adaptive at the section level: Unlike the GRE General, which adapts between Verbal sections, TOEFL adjusts within a single section between stages.
- Prep implication: Test takers must master the full topic range because adaptive tests reward consistent strong performance.
If a test taker scores in the top band of Stage 1 Reading, Stage 2 will include dense Academic Passages on topics like quantum mechanics or post-modern art. If the score is in the lower band, Stage 2 will favour shorter Read in Daily Life texts.
Recent Changes to the TOEFL Syllabus 2026
The January 21, 2026 redesign is the biggest TOEFL syllabus change since the 2005 launch of the iBT. Indian test takers should note these shifts:
- Section task overhaul: Four old Speaking tasks replaced by Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview. The Independent Essay was removed from Writing. New Build a Sentence and Write an Email tasks were added.
- Shorter test: Total duration dropped from 3 hours (pre-2023) and 116 minutes (post-July 2023) to roughly 90-115 minutes in 2026.
- Adaptive Reading and Listening: First time in TOEFL history.
- Dual scoring: 0-120 traditional scale plus a new 1-6 CEFR-aligned band scale for a 2-year transition window (2026-2028).
- Content rebalanced: Niche topics like Greek mythology reduced; modern globally relevant academic content added, such as AI ethics, sustainability, and public health.
- Faster results: Score release in 72 hours instead of 4-8 days.
- Better audio: Koss custom stereophones replaced standard headphones at test centres.
- Streamlined registration: Updated ETS account dashboard.
Source: ETS official TOEFL Transformation Announcement and the Manya Group, Magoosh, and BestMyTest editorial reports on the 2026 redesign, cross-verified with the an external review site TOEFL Updates 2026 news desk coverage.
TOEFL On-Screen Tools and Test-Day Mechanics
- Scratch paper: Provided at test centres for notes; Home Edition test takers use a small whiteboard.
- No calculator: TOEFL is a language test, not a quantitative one.
- Review and skip: Test takers can move back and forth within Reading and Listening sections within their time limits. Speaking and Writing tasks cannot be revisited once submitted.
- Volume control: Adjustable during the unscored audio check at the start.
- Timer: Always visible on screen. It can be hidden during Reading if distracting.
- No spell check or dictionary: Available in Writing, so manual proofreading is required.
- No breaks: The 2026 format has no breaks because the test is shorter than 2 hours.
TOEFL Syllabus Compared to IELTS, PTE and Duolingo
Indian students often compare the TOEFL syllabus with other English tests before booking. Here is a head-to-head view of what each test covers.
TOEFL iBT 2026 Syllabus Overview
The TOEFL iBT 2026 syllabus covers four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The total test takes under 2 hours.
ETS rolled out a complete syllabus overhaul on January 21, 2026. Reading and Listening are now multistage adaptive, the Speaking section was rebuilt with 2 new task types, and the Writing section dropped the Independent Essay in favour of Build a Sentence and Write an Email tasks.
TOEFL vs Other English Tests 2026
TOEFL iBT 2026 has 4 sections, while PTE Academic has 3 combined sections and Duolingo has a single adaptive test. IELTS Academic also has 4 sections.
| Feature | TOEFL iBT 2026 | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sections | 4 (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) | 4 (same) | 3 combined (Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening) | Adaptive, single test |
| Duration | Under 2 hours | 2 hr 45 min | 2 hours | 1 hour |
| Speaking format | Mic into computer (AI + human) | Live examiner | Mic into computer (AI) | Mic into computer (AI) |
| Score range | 0-120 + 1-6 band | 0-9 per section | 10-90 | 10-160 |
| Adaptive | Reading + Listening (multistage) | No | Yes (item-level) | Yes (item-level) |
| Reading topics | Academic + everyday | Academic + general | Academic | General |
| Result turnaround | 72 hours | 3-5 days (computer); 13 days (paper) | 48 hours | 48 hours |
For Indian students applying to US universities, TOEFL remains the most widely accepted test. For UK and Australian applications, IELTS still has the strongest brand recall. PTE is rising fast for Australian PR and Canadian immigration cases.
How to Prepare for the TOEFL Syllabus 2026
Follow a phased preparation plan over 8 weeks. Each phase targets a specific skill set.
- Phase 1 (Weeks 1-2): Diagnostic. Take the free ETS TOEFL diagnostic, identify weak sections, and review the official ETS TOEFL iBT Free Practice Test for the 2026 format.
- Phase 2 (Weeks 3-6): Section-by-section coverage. Dedicate one week each to Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing. Practise the new task types — Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview, Build a Sentence, Write an Email.
- Phase 3 (Weeks 7-8): Full-length mocks. Take 4-6 full mocks under timed conditions. Indian students should focus extra mock time on Listen and Repeat because it has zero preparation time.
- Phase 4 (Final week): Refinement. Review test-day logistics, ID requirements, and equipment setup if taking the Home Edition.
- Daily habit: 20 minutes of US podcast listening (NPR, This American Life, BBC News), 10 minutes of reading from The New York Times or The Atlantic, and 10 minutes of recorded speaking practice.
The TOEFL syllabus 2026 rewards consistent multi-skill practice. It is no longer enough to memorise one essay template or one Speaking introduction line because the new task types are short, sharp, and demand instant English production.
Indian students who treat TOEFL as a real-language proficiency check, not just a structured exam, will score consistently above 100 on the 0-120 scale.
TOEFL Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What is the TOEFL syllabus 2026?
The TOEFL syllabus 2026 covers four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing — with new task types like Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview, Build a Sentence, and Write an Email. The total test takes under 2 hours.
How many sections does the TOEFL exam have in 2026?
The TOEFL iBT 2026 has 4 sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored on a 0-30 scale, totalling 0-120 plus a 1-6 CEFR band.
Is the TOEFL syllabus the same as the exam pattern?
The syllabus refers to the topical content and task types you must master, while the exam pattern refers to the structure, timing, and marking scheme. On an external review site, both are addressed together because they overlap heavily in TOEFL preparation.
Has the TOEFL syllabus changed in 2026?
Yes. ETS rolled out a complete syllabus overhaul on January 21, 2026. Reading and Listening are now multistage adaptive, the Speaking section was rebuilt with 2 new task types, and the Writing section dropped the Independent Essay in favour of Build a Sentence and Write an Email tasks.
Is There a Fixed TOEFL Syllabus PDF?
No, ETS does not release a chapter-wise syllabus PDF for TOEFL. TOEFL is a proficiency test, not a content-based exam.
The closest official documents are the ETS TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner and the free Quick Prep practice set. Both are available on the ETS website.
Grammar Topics Tested in TOEFL
The grammar topics tested include subject-verb agreement, tenses (especially past perfect and present perfect), articles, prepositions, conditionals, relative clauses, active and passive voice, and punctuation.
The Build a Sentence task in the Writing section tests grammar most directly.
Vocabulary Words to Learn for TOEFL
Aim for the 570 Academic Word List by Coxhead. Add around 300-400 topic-specific words across sciences, humanities, business, and arts.
- Anki flashcards are a popular tool for vocabulary practice.
- Quizlet TOEFL decks are also widely used.
Is There Negative Marking in TOEFL?
No, TOEFL has no negative marking. Incorrect answers do not reduce your score.
You should attempt every question even if you are unsure of the answer.
Are Calculators Allowed in TOEFL?
No, calculators are not allowed in TOEFL. The exam is purely a language proficiency test with no numerical or mathematical questions.
How Long Does It Take to Cover the TOEFL Syllabus?
For a student with intermediate English, 6-8 weeks of focused preparation at 1-2 hours per day is enough. Advanced English speakers may need only 3-4 weeks.
The new task types like Listen and Repeat may require additional accent and pronunciation training.
Can You Skip Questions and Revisit Them in TOEFL?
Yes, within Reading and Listening sections you can navigate back and forth until the section timer runs out. This allows you to skip questions and return to them later.
Speaking and Writing tasks cannot be revisited. The response is recorded or submitted task by task.
What is the TOEFL Syllabus 2026?
The TOEFL syllabus 2026 covers four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The total test takes under 2 hours.
New task types have been introduced in the syllabus. These include Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, Listen and Repeat, Take an Interview, Build a Sentence, and Write an Email.
TOEFL Exam Sections and Scoring
The TOEFL iBT 2026 has 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored on a 0-30 scale.
The total score ranges from 0 to 120. A separate 1-6 CEFR band is also provided.
Syllabus vs Exam Pattern
The syllabus refers to the topical content and task types you must master. The exam pattern refers to the structure, timing, and marking scheme.
On an external review site, both are addressed together. They overlap heavily in TOEFL preparation.
Changes in the 2026 TOEFL Syllabus
ETS rolled out a complete syllabus overhaul on January 21, 2026. Reading and Listening are now multistage adaptive.
The Speaking section was rebuilt with 2 new task types. The Writing section dropped the Independent Essay in favour of Build a Sentence and Write an Email tasks.
Official TOEFL Syllabus PDF
ETS does not release a chapter-wise syllabus PDF. TOEFL is a proficiency test, not a content-based exam.
The closest official documents are the ETS TOEFL iBT Test Prep Planner and the free Quick Prep practice set. Both are available on the ETS website.
Grammar Topics Tested
The TOEFL syllabus tests several grammar topics. These include subject-verb agreement, tenses, articles, prepositions, conditionals, relative clauses, active and passive voice, and punctuation.
Tenses such as past perfect and present perfect are specifically tested. The Build a Sentence task in Writing tests grammar most directly.
Vocabulary Requirements
Aim for the 570 Academic Word List by Coxhead. Add around 300-400 topic-specific words across sciences, humanities, business, and arts.
Anki flashcards and Quizlet TOEFL decks are popular tools for vocabulary preparation.
Negative Marking
No, TOEFL has no negative marking. Incorrect answers do not reduce your score.
You should attempt every question even if you are unsure of the answer.
Calculators in the TOEFL Exam
No, calculators are not allowed in the TOEFL exam. TOEFL is purely a language proficiency exam with no numerical or mathematical questions.
Preparation Time Needed
For a student with intermediate English, 6-8 weeks of focused preparation is enough. This requires 1-2 hours per day.
Advanced English speakers may need only 3-4 weeks. The new task types like Listen and Repeat may require additional accent and pronunciation training.
Navigating Questions Within a Section
Yes, within Reading and Listening you can navigate back and forth. This is allowed until the section timer runs out.
Speaking and Writing tasks cannot be revisited. The response is recorded or submitted task by task.