Fill in the BlanksNEW 2026
Complete sentences using words from an academic passage. Tests vocabulary and reading comprehension.
TOEFL Preparation
Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL iBT Prep
Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test
TOEFL iBT is the world's most widely accepted English proficiency test for university admission, accepted by over 13,000 institutions in 160+ countries. Developed and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service).
Major update effective January 21, 2026: New 1-6 score scale (CEFR-aligned), adaptive Reading & Listening, new task types in Writing & Speaking, shorter test time (~2 hours), results in ~72 hours.
~2 hrs
Duration
4
Sections
1-6
Score Range
2 years
Valid For
TOEFL vs IELTS - Which should you take?
Format
TOEFL: All computer-based
IELTS: Computer or paper; Speaking is face-to-face
Speaking
TOEFL: Recorded responses to prompts
IELTS: Live interview with an examiner
Score
TOEFL: 1-6 (new 2026 scale)
IELTS: 1-9 band scale
Duration
TOEFL: ~2 hours
IELTS: ~2 hours 45 minutes
Results
TOEFL: ~72 hours
IELTS: 3-5 days
Focus
TOEFL: Academic English (campus/university)
IELTS: Academic or General Training
Best for
TOEFL: US/Canadian universities
IELTS: UK, Australia, NZ, immigration
2026 Test Structure
Reading
Listening
Writing
Speaking
New Scoring (January 2026)
Each section is scored 1-6 in 0.5 increments. Your overall score is the average of all four sections, rounded to the nearest 0.5. During 2026-2028, reports also show the old 0-120 score for reference.
Example Calculation
Reading5.0
Listening4.5
Writing4.0
Speaking4.5
Overall Score
4.5
(5.0 + 4.5 + 4.0 + 4.5) ÷ 4 = 4.5
MyBest® Scores: Your report also shows the best score from each section across your last 2 years of TOEFL tests combined.
Reading
Adaptive
Tests your ability to understand academic and real-world texts. Since January 2026, it uses a multistage adaptive format - question difficulty adjusts based on your performance across three task types.
Task Types
1Complete the Words (Fill in Letters)NEW 2026
Fill in missing letters in words within a paragraph. Tests vocabulary and spelling in context.
Focus on context - the surrounding words tell you what the missing word should be. Read the whole sentence before filling in.
2Read Words in Daily LifeNEW 2026
Short, functional texts similar to those you encounter on campus or in daily academic life - website excerpts, notices, short articles.
Skim for the main point first, then read questions. These texts are shorter than traditional TOEFL passages.
3Read an Academic Passage
Longer academic texts on a wide range of topics (science, history, social science, arts). Multiple choice and other question types follow each passage.
Answer questions in order - passages are long, so losing your place is costly. Note paragraph topics as you read.
Question / Task Types
- ✓Multiple choice (single answer)
- ✓Multiple choice (multiple answers)
- ✓Fill in missing letters
- ✓Sentence insertion
- ✓Prose summary
- ✓Category chart / table completion
- ✓Vocabulary in context
- ✓Factual information & inference
- ✓Rhetorical purpose
Top Tips
→The section is adaptive - harder questions mean you're doing well! Don't panic if difficulty increases
→Read the passage first, then questions - trying to pre-read questions on adaptive tests wastes time
→For "Not in the passage" questions: if you can't find it after scanning twice, it's probably not there
→Prose summary questions are worth 2 points - spend more time on them
→Vocabulary questions: use context, not memorised definitions
→Pace yourself - you won't have time to re-read passages
→Academic passages cover topics from many fields - broad general knowledge helps
Tips by Target Band
Band 3-4Focus on vocabulary. Read short academic articles daily (BBC Learning English, VOA News).
Band 4-5Practice skimming and scanning. Work on inference questions specifically.
Band 5+Read original academic texts (journal abstracts, textbook chapters). Focus on rhetorical structure.
Listening
Adaptive
Tests your ability to understand spoken English in academic and everyday settings. Now adaptive, with four task types including campus conversations, announcements, and academic lectures.
Task Types
1Listen and Choose a ResponseNEW 2026
Hear a short statement or question - no text on screen. Choose the most appropriate response from multiple options. Tests natural spoken English comprehension.
There is no text - you must listen carefully. Focus on the function: is it a question? a request? a complaint?
2Listen to a ConversationNEW 2026
Short everyday or campus-life conversations (student-to-student, student-to-professor). Each conversation is followed by 2 multiple-choice questions.
Listen for the problem or purpose of the conversation - questions usually ask about the main point or what someone will do.
3Listen to an AnnouncementNEW 2026
Campus or classroom announcements (40-85 words). Official notices about schedule changes, events, or procedures. Followed by several multiple-choice questions.
Announcements are short - listen for key details: who, what, when, where. Take quick notes on specifics.
4Listen to an Academic Talk
Academic lectures on a wide range of topics. More complex vocabulary and concepts. Multiple questions follow each lecture.
Note the main topic and key supporting points. Professors often signal important information: "The key point is…", "Remember that…"
Question Types
- ✓Choose a response (new 2026)
- ✓Main idea / gist
- ✓Detail questions
- ✓Function questions ("Why does the professor say this?")
- ✓Attitude questions
- ✓Organisation questions
- ✓Connecting content (making inferences)
Top Tips
→Take notes throughout - you can't replay audio
→North American English accents are most common, but other accents appear
→The adaptive format means harder questions = better performance so far
→For "Choose a Response": no text appears on screen - pure listening required
→Announcements are short but detail-heavy - be ready to focus immediately
→In academic talks, listen for structure: definition → example → implication
→Questions about attitude require you to notice tone and word choice, not just content
Tips by Target Band
Band 3-4Build stamina by listening to English daily for 30+ minutes. Use English subtitles first, then none.
Band 4-5Practice note-taking with TED Talks and university lectures on YouTube.
Band 5+Focus on academic lectures in your target field. Practice recognising rhetorical signals.
Writing
Updated 2026
Significantly updated for 2026 with three task types (up from 2) and a shorter time limit. Tasks focus on functional writing skills relevant to real academic and professional situations.
Task Types
1Build a SentenceNEW 2026
Form a grammatically correct and meaningful sentence from a set of words. The sentence must respond to a statement or question shown on screen. Tests grammar, word order, and sentence construction.
Read the prompt carefully - the sentence must respond to it logically, not just be grammatically correct.
2Write an EmailNEW 2026
Write a short functional email in response to a specific situation (e.g. contacting a professor, responding to a campus notice). Time limit: 7 minutes. Must address all content points in the prompt.
Use correct email format: greeting, body paragraphs addressing each requirement, closing. Match the tone to the situation - formal if writing to a professor.
3Writing for an Academic Discussion
Write a post on a class discussion board supporting an opinion on a given topic. A professor's question and two student responses are shown. You add your own contribution (~150 words).
Read both student posts carefully - your post should add something new or build on what's been said. Don't just repeat their points.
Scoring Criteria
Task DevelopmentHigh
Fully addresses all parts of the task with relevant, developed ideas
Language UseHigh
Range and accuracy of vocabulary and grammar structures
OrganisationMedium
Clear structure, logical flow, appropriate use of linking language
Register & AppropriacyMedium
Correct tone for the task type (formal email vs. discussion post)
Top Tips
→Email task: always include a greeting (Dear Professor Smith,) and closing (Best regards,)
→Discussion post: your opinion must be supported with a reason and example
→Build a Sentence: check subject-verb agreement and tense carefully
→Do NOT use overly complex vocabulary just to impress - accuracy matters more than range
→Stay on topic - irrelevant content doesn't earn marks
→Check your work for basic errors in the final minute
→Academic discussion: reference what other students said to show engagement
Tips by Target Band
Band 3-4Practice email writing daily. Use clear paragraph structure for every response.
Band 4-5Work on expanding sentences and using varied connectors (however, in addition, as a result).
Band 5+Focus on nuance: hedging, academic register, and referencing others' ideas critically.
Speaking
Updated 2026
Tests your ability to communicate naturally in English. Updated for 2026 with new task types. All responses are recorded and scored. Includes more conversational English alongside academic tasks.
Task Types
1Listen and RepeatNEW 2026
Listen to a word, sentence, or short phrase and repeat it as clearly as possible. Tests pronunciation, intonation, and spoken English clarity.
Focus on clear pronunciation over a "perfect" accent. Natural stress and intonation matter more than sounding like a native speaker.
2Take an InterviewNEW 2026
Short interview-style questions about everyday topics, campus life, academic preferences, or personal experiences. Respond naturally and at length.
Extend your answers beyond one sentence. Use the structure: answer + reason + example. "I prefer… because… For instance…"
Scoring Criteria
DeliveryHigh
Clear speech at a natural pace, good pronunciation and intonation
Language UseHigh
Appropriate vocabulary, grammatical accuracy and range
Topic DevelopmentHigh
Relevant, well-structured responses with supporting details
Top Tips
→Speak clearly and at a natural pace - don't rush
→Your accent does NOT affect your score - only clarity does
→Use transition phrases: "First of all…", "Another point is…", "For example…"
→Record yourself speaking and listen back - identify hesitation patterns
→Practice speaking about everyday campus topics: classes, study habits, preferences
→Do NOT memorise scripted answers - evaluators are trained to detect this
→Brief pauses to think are natural - a moment of silence beats "ummm…ummm…"
→For repeat tasks: focus on stress and natural rhythm, not just individual sounds
Tips by Target Band
Band 3-4Practice speaking on common topics for 1 minute without stopping. Record yourself daily.
Band 4-5Work on fluency - reduce filler words. Practice interview-style Q&A with a partner.
Band 5+Focus on natural connected speech, contractions, and rhythm patterns of spoken English.
AI-Powered TOEFL Practice
Practice all four TOEFL skills. Each task generates a real TOEFL-style prompt and gives instant AI feedback with an estimated 1-6 band score.
Reading
Academic Passage - MCQ
Read an academic text and answer multiple-choice questions on detail, inference, and rhetorical purpose.
Listening
Campus ConversationNEW 2026
Answer questions about a student-to-student or student-to-staff conversation.
Academic Lecture
Take notes on a university lecture and answer comprehension questions on detail, organisation, and inference.
Writing
Write an EmailNEW 2026
Write a short functional email to a professor or campus office addressing all required content points.
Academic Discussion Post
Read a professor's question and two student posts, then write your own contribution to the discussion (~150 words).
Speaking
Listen & Repeat PracticeNEW 2026
Practice repeating academic phrases focusing on stress, intonation and clarity. Write what you would say.
Interview QuestionsNEW 2026
Answer personal and campus-life questions in full. Use answer + reason + example structure.
Study Schedule Tips
3+ monthsDo full adaptive mock tests monthly. Focus on weakest section daily. Build academic vocabulary systematically.
1-3 monthsAlternate between sections. Do timed practice. Analyse errors carefully. Learn new 2026 task formats.
2-4 weeksDaily full practice tests. Review all question types. Focus on test strategy and time management.
1 weekLight review only. Don't try to learn new material. Rest well. Check your test centre location and ID requirements.
Your Prompt
0 words
Score Concordance (New 1-6 vs Old 0-120)
Score Requirements by Country / Institution
⚠️
Score requirements change regularly. The new 1-6 scale launched January 2026 - always verify requirements with the institution or immigration authority directly.