Updated on Jul 11, 2025
Santana Banerjee
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025: The TOEFL Exam is conducted in iBT format and consists of four sections such as Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section includes a specific pattern of questions. For example, in the Reading section, candidates must answer 20 questions from multiple-choice academic passages. Accordingly, the Listening section contains 28 questions based on lectures and conversations. In contrast, the Speaking section requires test-takers to express their opinions. The writing section involves writing an academic discussion task. The TOEFL 2025 Exam is scored out of 120 points and takes about 116 minutes to complete.
To prepare effectively, candidates are advised to use official TOEFL practice papers and create a test-ready account to solve mock tests and try free online practice tests. These resources offer AI algorithm-based feedback to help candidates maximise their score potential.
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TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights
ETS administers the TOEFL iBT Exam Pattern, which consists of four sections. The scoring pattern of the TOEFL Exam involves a combination of AI scoring and ETS-certified raters to ensure a fair practice of score reporting. Refer to the table below to check the key highlights of the TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025.
TOEFL Exam Format
The TOEFL 2025 Exam is scored out of 120 points, and its overall test duration is approximately 116 minutes. While the total length is fixed, each section of the TOEFL varies in duration and the types of questions it contains. Check below to know about the TOEFL Exam Format in detail:
TOEFL Exam Pattern: Section-wise Question Types
According to the TOEFL Exam Pattern, in the reading section, candidates must answer questions based on passages. In the listening section, they must focus on three lectures and classroom discussions. In the speaking and writing sections, test-takers are given one independent and some integrated tasks to assess their English proficiency. Candidates can refer to the following to check the standard question types for each section.
TOEFL Reading Section
In the Reading section, candidates must read two passages (each 700 words) and then answer 10 questions from each passage. Check the highlights below:
- Two multiple-focus passages, each 700 words
- 10 questions from each passage
- Question types include comparison and contrast, as well as cause-and-effect.
TOEFL Listening Section
The questions in the Listening section are based on three lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations. Check the key points below:
- Three lectures and classroom discussion, each 3-5 minutes
- Six questions from each lecture, a total of 18 questions
- 2 conversations, each 3 minutes.
- Five questions from each conversation, total of 10 questions
TOEFL Speaking Section
In the Speaking section, candidates need to complete four tasks. They get up to 30 seconds to prepare a response for each task. The total duration of this section is 16 minutes. Let's check the key highlights of this section:
- One independent task is to express an opinion on a familiar topic
- Three integrated tasks based on what is read and heard.
- Up to 30 seconds to prepare for each response and 1 minute to respond.
TOEFL Writing Section
Candidates need to complete two tasks in the writing section. One task is based on what is read and heard, and the other one is based on an academic discussion task. Check below to know its requirements:
- One 20-minute integrated task based on what is read and heard.
- One 10-minute Writing for an Academic Discussion task to state and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.
TOEFL Syllabus 2025
The TOEFL Syllabus 2025 typically contains factual information related to topics, reading passages, classroom discussions, opinion-based questions, etc. Refer to the table below to check section-wise topics in the TOEFL Syllabus.
TOEFL Exam Preparation
TOEFL Exam Preparation starts with understanding the test content and structure. Candidates need to familiarise themselves with the types of questions they will face in the TOEFL Exam. Following this, they can take help from official practice papers available on the ETS official website. Here are some valuable tips to help test-takers prepare for the TOEFL 2025 Exam.
- Practice official practice papers: To access the resources, test-takers must open www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare.html and download digital books that include practice tests, exercises, and detailed explanations for each section. Candidates can also access an online practice test for INR 8478 to solve a test simulation with real questions and feedback.
- Improve vocabulary: Candidates should start reading books and novels to enhance their vocabulary. One of the most helpful books is Iain M. Banks's Culture novels.
- Strengthen listening skills: Aspirants can listen to podcasts and online videos of motivational speakers to strengthen their listening skills.
- Join group discussion forums: Participating in group discussion forums on Facebook can help candidates enhance their critical thinking skills, particularly when it comes to discussion-based TOEFL topics.
Also Read: TOEFL Exam Dates 2025
ETS TOEFL Practice Test
The TOEFL Practice Test is available at www.ets.org. Candidates are advised to attempt this practice test to assess their strengths and weaknesses. This practice test must be taken at least 1 month before the test date to allow sufficient time for improving weak areas.
TOEFL Test Ready
The TOEFL Test Ready allows candidates to predict their scores based on their preparedness. To navigate this feature, candidates must create a free TOEFL TestReady Account at www.ets.org to access a free practice test, a daily activity, a tailored study plan, mock tests, section tests with sample questions, focused practices, guides, and books. Most importantly, in the Test Ready account, AI algorithms provide valuable feedback to candidates to maximise their score potential.
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
What is the format of the TOEFL iBT 2025 exam?
The exam format of the TOEFL iBT 2025 is online or computer-based. Candidates need to answer multiple-choice questions from the reading and listening sections. Accordingly, from the writing and speaking sections, candidates need to write opinion-based answers on a given topic.
What is the test content and structure of TOEFL iBT 2025?
The TOEFL iBT 2025 consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The total score of the exam is 120, with a total duration of 116 minutes.
How to prepare for the TOEFL iBT Exam?
To prepare effectively, candidates are advised to use official TOEFL practice papers and create a test-ready account to take mock tests and try free online practice tests.
Why should I use the official TOEFL iBT Prep?
TOEFL iBT Prep helps candidates reduce anxiety, improve their English skills, and enhance their preparedness.
What is the syllabus of the TOEFL iBT Speaking section?
The speaking section comprises topics such as the Independent Speaking Task, the Integrated Speaking Task about a campus-related topic, and the Integrated Speaking Task about understanding an academic topic.
What is the syllabus of the TOEFL iBT Reading section?
The syllabus of the TOEFL iBT Reading section contains factual information-related questions, inference-based questions, vocabulary-based questions, compare/contrast, cause/effect-based questions, text insertion in context questions, and prose summary questions.
Is the TOEFL easier than the IELTS test format?
The most significant difference between TOEFL and IELTS is in the Speaking section. TOEFL is more beneficial for candidates who prefer the computer-based test format and are familiar with the English language keyboards.
What is the scoring pattern of the TOEFL Reading section?
In the reading section, the TOEFL scoring pattern ranges from 0 to 30. In this section, candidates need to attempt a total of 20 questions, and for each correct answer, they receive a 1-point increment.
What is the scoring pattern of the TOEFL Speaking and Writing sections?
The Speaking Section focuses on content delivery, language use, and the ability to develop ideas. At the same time, the Writing Section assesses grammar, vocabulary, and the relevance of content to an academic topic. A combination of AI and ETS raters rates these two sections.
Is there a penalty for incorrect answers on the TOEFL iBT Exam?
No, the best part about the exam is that it does not have a provision for negative marking.
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