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Overview
The complete TOEFL syllabus tests your ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English, specifically in an academic context. It evaluates how well you can use English in a university environment.
You can choose between two formats: the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) and the TOEFL Home Edition, which you can take from your own space. For 2025, the syllabus remains unchanged, focusing on academic English through tasks that reflect real university scenarios. English is the sole medium of the exam, designed to reflect the language skills you will need for your studies abroad.
TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2025 (Latest)
The TOEFL exam measures your skills in reading academic texts, understanding spoken lectures, speaking clearly on familiar topics, and writing essays based on what you read and hear. Here’s the updated TOEFL syllabus for 2025, designed to give you a clear view of what to expect.
|
Section |
Number of Questions / Duration |
Overview |
|
Reading |
20 questions / 35 minutes |
You will read two academic passages (about 700 words each) from subjects like history, science, and social sciences. Tasks include identifying main ideas, details, inferences, vocabulary meanings, rhetorical purposes, and author perspectives. Skills tested include skimming, scanning, and critical thinking. |
|
Listening |
28 questions / 36 minutes |
This section features three short lectures (3–5 minutes each) on university subjects such as biology or art, plus two conversations between students and professors or peers. You will answer questions on facts, main ideas, purposes, attitudes, and connections. Note-taking, summarising, and inference skills are essential. |
|
Speaking |
4 tasks / 16 minutes |
Tasks include one independent task where you express your opinion on a familiar topic (15 seconds prep, 45 seconds response). Three integrated tasks require reading a short text and listening to a related talk or conversation, then summarising or offering solutions (prep times vary from 15 to 30 seconds; speaking times up to 60 seconds). The focus is on organisation, clarity, grammar, and pronunciation. |
|
Writing |
2 tasks / 29 minutes |
The integrated writing task asks you to summarise information from a reading and lecture (20 minutes). The second task involves writing an essay presenting and supporting your opinion on an academic topic (10 minutes). Your writing will be assessed for coherence, structure, vocabulary range, and grammar accuracy. |
TOEFL Exam Syllabus for Reading
The Reading section contains two passages, each around 700 words, followed by 10 questions per passage. You will have 35 minutes to complete this part of the exam. Your score depends on how many reading comprehension questions you answer correctly.
- Number of passages: 2
- Questions per passage: 10
- Total questions: 20
- Duration: 35 minutes
TOEFL Syllabus for Listening
The Listening section includes three academic lectures and two campus conversations. Each lecture is 3 to 5 minutes long and may include classroom discussions. Conversations are about 3 minutes each and reflect real student interactions. You can take notes during the audio clips to help you answer the questions. This section takes around 36 minutes to complete.
- Number of lectures: 3
- Questions per lecture: 6
- Number of conversations: 2
- Questions per conversation: 5
- Total questions: 28
- Duration: 36 minutes
TOEFL Exam Syllabus for Speaking
The Speaking section includes four tasks that test how well you express your thoughts in spoken English. You will be expected to give clear, well-structured answers with good pronunciation and grammar. Your score depends on how effectively you deliver your response, use language, and develop your ideas.
- Number of tasks: 4
- Task types:
– 1 Independent task (prep time: 15–30 seconds; response: 45 or 60 seconds)
– 3 Integrated tasks (read/listen/speak) (prep time: 15–30 seconds; response: 45 or 60 seconds)
- Total time: 16 minutes
TOEFL Syllabus for Writing
The Writing section includes two tasks that test how well you present ideas in written English. You must write clearly, stay on topic, and support your points with relevant examples. Your score depends on how well you organise your thoughts, use grammar, and maintain flow in your writing.
- Number of tasks: 2
- Task types:
– 1 Integrated task: Read, listen, then write (Reading: 3 minutes, Listening: 2 minutes, Writing: 15 minutes)
– 1 Academic discussion task (10 minutes)
- Total time: 30 minutes
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025
|
Section |
Duration |
Number of Questions |
What You’ll Do |
|
Reading |
35 minutes |
20 |
Read academic passages and answer questions that test comprehension and reasoning. |
|
Listening |
36 minutes |
28 |
Listen to short lectures and conversations, then answer questions based on them. |
|
Speaking |
16 minutes |
4 tasks |
Speak on familiar topics and respond to content you read and heard. |
|
Writing |
29 minutes |
2 tasks |
Summarise a reading and lecture, then express your opinion in a written response. |
TOEFL Preparation Tips For Each Section
Reading Section Tips
- Start by skimming the passage to get the overall idea.
- Pay close attention to transition words. They help you follow the argument.
- Practise with academic reading material to get used to the test format.
Listening Section Tips
- Take clear, structured notes as you listen to each clip.
- Listen for tone, intent, and context and not just the words.
- Get familiar with various English accents through podcasts or online lectures.
Speaking Section Tips
- Use a timer to practise answering within the allotted time.
- Record your responses to evaluate fluency, grammar, and pronunciation.
- Refer to sample speaking tasks to understand expectations and scoring patterns.
Writing Section Tips
- Structure your response into clear paragraphs: introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Use a mix of sentence types to show your writing range.
- Always leave time to review and fix grammar or word choice errors.