TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025:Format, Types, Score Chart
There Are 4 Sections in TOEFL: Reading, Listening, Speaking, & Writing
The Duration of the TOEFL Exam is 2.5 Hours
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025
The TOEFL exam pattern consists of 4 sections- reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The TOEFL exam is conducted by ETS. The full form of TOEFL is Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is one of the most popular English proficiency test after IELTS exam. Those who wish to study or work abroad, take this exam to prove their English language proficiency. Here is a table to help you explain the TOEFL exam pattern in detail:
| SECTION | NUMBER OF QUESTIONS | DURATION (approx.) | TYPES OF QUESTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 36 to 56 | 54 to 72 Minutes | 3 or 4 passages for reading from academic texts via MCQs |
| Listening | 34 to 51 | 41 to 57 Minutes | Analyzing lectures, conversations, and classroom discussions visa MCQ |
| Speaking | 4 Tasks | 17 Minutes | Independent and integrated speaking tasks to express opinions check your command of spoken English |
| Writing | 2 Tasks | 50 Minutes | Essay writing |
The above table has summarized all 4 sections and their task details. For section-wise elaboration of the TOEFL exam pattern, read further.
TOEFL Section Wise Exam Structure
The TOEFL exam has 4 sections, as noted above. Each section has many types of questions that you must practice. Here is the TOEFL paper pattern in every section:
TOEFL Reading Section
The TOEFL reading section analyzes your ability to read, analyze, and understand academic texts. These are also called passages written about various fields like literature, history, and science. Here are the details on TOEFL exam pattern for reading section:
| No. of Questions | 36 to 56 |
| Time Limit | 60 to 80 minutes |
| Question Types | Multiple choice, text completion, and paraphrasing questions. |
TOEFL Listening Section
This TOEFL listening section will assess your ability to comprehend spoken English. In this, you will listen to recordings of conversations or lectures. It is one of the 4 main parts of TOEFL exam structure that you must prepare for.
| No. of Questions | 34 to 51 |
| Time Limit | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Question Types | Multiple-choice questions based on listening to conversations, lectures, and discussions |
TOEFL Speaking Section
The TOEFL speaking section will assess your ability to communicate in English. Your clarity and cohesiveness will be assessed. Your responses will have to range from personal opinions to summarizing information.
| No. of Questions | 4 |
| Time Limit | 20 minutes |
| Question Types | Independent speaking tasks (express your opinion) and integrated speaking tasks (combine listening and reading responses) |
TOEFL Writing Section
The TOEFL writing section will test your ability to convey and express in written English. Whether it is an argument or an opinion.
| No. of Questions | 2 |
| Time Limit | 50 minutes |
| Question Types | Integrated writing task (combine information from a reading passage and a listening excerpt) and independent writing task (write an opinion-based essay) |
TOEFL iBT: Home Edition vs Exam Centre
The TOEFL iBT happens in two modes. One is the home edition in which you can take the test from anywhere. In the second mode, you have to go to the exam centre. Here is a table for you to understand the differences:
| BASIS | TOEFL HOM EDITION (ONLINE) | TOEFL on COMPUTER (TEST CENTER) |
|---|---|---|
| Test Delivery | This exam is taken remotely in any location with a stable internet connection. | This has to be taken at the official test center. |
| Test Environment | You have to take the exam in a quiet and private location. | You must take the test in a secure and monitored test center. |
| Test Format | Computer-based format for all 4 sections. | This also has a computer-based format for all 4 sections. |
| Speaking Test | This is done with a video call with an examiner. | This has to be in person with a real examiner in the test center. |
| Availability | These are available on specific dates. this offers more flexibility with regard to location and time. | These are only available on fixed dates at designated venues or test centers. |
| Result Availability | These results are out within 6 days | These take 10 to 13 days to get out. |
| Test Duration | The test duration is same, 2.5 hours. | The test duration is same, 2.5 hours. |
| Cost | The cost is similar to the test center but can vary depending on the location. | The cost is similar to the home edition but can vary depending on the location. |
| Test Security | ID verification tests will be taken online. You might require a computer with a webcam, mic, and a stable internet connection. | The ID verification happens in person at the test center. There is strict monitoring throughout the test duration. |
TOEFL Exam Scoring Pattern
Each section is scored between 0 to 30 marks. As noted before, you have to score well in each one of them to get a good TOEFL score. Here is the TOEFL pattern for scoring:
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Reading | 0-30 |
| Writing | 0-30 |
| Speaking | 0-30 |
| Listening | 0-30 |
| Total | 0-120 |
Conclusion
To sum up, the TOEFL exam pattern is not tough to understand. However, you will have to practice a lot in order to score well. For this, you can rely on TOEFL practice test and study the TOEFL exam syllabus well. These tests will assist you in getting used to the actual difficulty of the exam. Another great approach would studying under the guidance of an expert at Gradding.com! You can book a free demo class today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The TOEFL exam pattern consists of 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. This test is designed to test your English language skills.The total time duration of this exam is 116 minutes. Each section is scored out of 30 marks. Collectively, scores from all the sections are counted for overall score. This overall score is out of 120.
There are no passing or failing scores in TOEFL exam. Every organization and institute set their respective parameters.
The scores you obtain after taking the TOEFL exam are valid for two years from the exam date.
The TOEFL exam pattern consists of 4 sections in the following order:
1.Reading
2.Listening
3.Speaking
4.Writing
No there is no negative marking on the TOEFL exam. The test taker is not penalized for wrong or inaccurate answers. Hence, you must attend every question even if you are unsure of the answer.
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