Are you gearing up for the TOEFL exam in 2024? The new TOEFL Format 2024 comes with significant changes and updates designed to better evaluate your English proficiency. Here, we will walk you through all the key changes, provide valuable updates, and share effective preparation tips to help you excel in the new TOEFL format. From revised question types to updated scoring criteria, knowing what to expect will give you a competitive edge.
Whether you are aiming for higher education, professional advancement, or immigration purposes, mastering the latest TOEFL format is essential. Prepare confidently with our expert insights and achieve your best possible score on the TOEFL exam in 2024.
New TOEFL Format 2024: Latest Updates
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has introduced several changes to the TOEFL exam format for 2024:
- Simplified Registration: Starting July 26, 2023, registering for the TOEFL exam will be simpler through the ETS official website.
- Shortened Exam Duration: The exam duration has been reduced from 3 hours to under 2 hours (116 minutes).
- Condensed Reading Section: The reading section has been shortened to improve efficiency.
- Elimination of Unscored Questions: All unscored questions have been removed from the test.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Local payment options will be available to simplify fee payment for candidates.
- Improved Customer Service: A customer service center will operate seven days a week for 12 hours each day.
- New TOEFL Go! App: ETS has launched the TOEFL Go! app, offering free on-the-go preparation, instant feedback, scoring, coaching, and comparison features
Solve Free TOEFL Practice Papers:
TOEFL 2024 Exam Format Comparison: Old vs. New
The updated TOEFL format aims to reduce test-taker fatigue and stress, contributing to higher scores in most sections.
| Test Section | Old TOEFL Format (Long version) | New TOEFL Format (Short Version) |
|---|---|---|
Reading | 3–4 reading passages 10 questions each 54-72 minutes
72/(10*4) = 1.8 min per question
| 2 reading passages 10 questions each 36 minutes
1.8 min per question
NO CHANGES TO QUESTION TYPES |
Listening | 3–4 lectures, 6 questions each 2–3 conversations, 5 questions eachRandom unscored questions41–57 minutes + unscored questions
0.8 min per question - unscored questions | 3 lectures, each 3–5 minutes; 6 questions each 2 convos, each 3 minutes; 5 questions each No more unscored questions: 36 minutes
15-18 minutes to complete questions0.54-0.64 mins per question
NO CHANGES TO QUESTION TYPES |
Speaking | 4 speaking tasks, 17 minutes
- Speaking Independent Task 1 - Speaking integrated Task 2 - Speaking integrated Task 3 - Speaking integrated Task 4
| NO CHANGES TO THE SPEAKING SECTION |
Writing | 2 writing tasks, 50 minutes
- Writing Integrated Task 1, 20 minutes - Writing Independent Task 2, 30 minutes
| 2 writing Tasks, 30 minutes
- Integrated Task 1, 20 minutes - Academic Discussion Task 2, 10 minutes |
With fewer reading passages and a more efficient writing section, the exam is now easier to manage. However, the types of questions asked in each section remain the same, so it's essential to practice the updated format for optimal results.
TOEFL Paper Pattern 2024
Starting from July 26, 2023, a revamped TOEFL iBT paper pattern has been introduced to enhance student efficiency and streamline the test-taking process. While the overall structure and scoring system remain unchanged, adjustments have been made to reduce the time allocated for each section. Below are the details of the updated TOEFL pattern.
Section | Duration | Number of Questions | Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
Reading | 35 minutes | 20 questions | Reading 2 or 3 passages that are excerpts from academic textbooks and answering questions |
Listening | 36 minutes | 28 questions | Listening 3 lectures and 2 conversations and answering questions |
Speaking | 16 minutes | 4 tasks | 1 Speaking task about an independent topic and 3 integrated tasks with combined skills of listening & speaking/listening, reading and speaking |
Writing | 29 minutes | 2 tasks | Write a response by listening to a given topic and supporting an opinion |
Total Duration: About 2 hours (116 Minutes) | |||
Read More: TOEFL iBT
TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2024: Section-Wise Breakdown
The TOEFL exam syllabus remains divided into four core sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Below is a breakdown of the syllabus for each section based on the latest updates for 2024:
Section | Duration | Number of Questions | Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
Reading | 54–72 minutes | 30–40 questions | Reading 3 or 4 passages from academic texts and answering questions. |
Listening | 41-57 minutes | 28–38 Questions | Listening to 3-4 lectures and 2-3 conversations and answering questions |
10 Minutes BREAK | |||
Writing | 50 minutes | 2 tasks | Writing 2 responses one based on reading a passage, and another based on listening to a recording. |
Speaking (Home-Proctored Test) | 17 minutes | 4 tasks | Speak about a familiar topic and speak/discuss topics that are read and heard. |
Total Duration: About 3 hours | |||
The TOEFL exam in 2024 will offer both Internet-based (iBT) and Paper-delivered Test options.
- It comprises four mandatory sections: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- The total duration of the exam is approximately 116 minutes, with time allocated for each section.
- After completing the reading and listening sections, there will be a 10-minute break.
- Computerized scoring will be used for the reading and listening sections, while human scoring will be applied to the speaking and writing sections, with a maximum total score of 120.
Note: The Paper-delivered Test format is offered in locations where the iBT mode is unavailable.
Read More:
TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2024
The TOEFL syllabus consists of essential 4 sections Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Due to the latest updation in the TOEFL exam pattern from July 26, 2023, several changes have been made including test duration and reading section, writing task, etc.
The TOEFL iBT is conducted both paper-based and computer-based. The TOEFL exam pattern and syllabus are the same for both paper-based and computer-based tests.
TOEFL iBT Exam Pattern
Section | Number of Questions | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
Reading Duration - 35 minutes | Questions: 20 | Reading 2 passages from academic texts and answering questions. |
Listening Duration - 16 minutes | Questions: 28 | Expressing an opinion on a classroom discussion. |
Speaking Duration - 16 minutes | Questions: 4 tasks | Speak about familiar topics. |
Writing Duration - 29 minutes | Questions: 2 tasks | Candidates need to write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks, along with supporting their opinions in writing. |
Total TOEFL exam time duration - About 2 hours | ||
TOEFL Essential Syllabus
Section | Number of Questions | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
Listening Duration - 21-34 minutes | Questions: 30-45 | Questions are related to various general scenarios |
Reading Duration - 22-33 minutes | Questions: 30-45 | Short academic and nonacademic texts. |
Writing Duration - 24-30 minutes | Questions: 14-18 questions and 2 tasks | Building sentence questions and 2 writing tasks |
Speaking Duration - 13 minutes | Questions: 3 tasks | Retell out the written and recorded inputs & 1 simulated interview |
Personal Video Statement Duration - 5 minutes | 2 Questions | Questions based on personal self and opinions for 2 random topics |
Total TOEFL Exam Time Duration - About 1.5 hours | ||
Read More: TOEFL Syllabus 2024: Check Section-wise Syllabus Here
TOEFL Exam Total Marks
The TOEFL exam total marks are 120. While various ranges of scores indicate various levels of English language proficiency, there are no pass/fail criteria for TOEFL.
While there is no specific pass/fail score for the TOEFL, TOEFL cutoff criteria are set by universities and countries abroad. Candidates must obtain the minimum TOEFL exam total marks to clear the cutoff they set, to be accepted for admission.
TOEFL Test Scores
Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
Reading | 0–30 |
Listening | 0–30 |
Speaking | 0–30 |
Writing | 0–30 |
Total Score | 0–120 |
Read More: TOEFL Exam Score
TOEFL Exam Fees
TOEFL Test Types | TOEFL Exam Fee India |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT | Rs. 16,900 |
TOEFL iBT Paper Edition | Rs. 16,900 |
TOEFL Home Edition | Rs. 16,900 |
TOEFL Essentials Test | Rs. 10,010 |
Also Read: TOEFL Exam Fees 2024: Registration, Cancellation & Rescheduling Fees
TOEFL Preparation Tips
- Stay updated on the latest changes in the TOEFL exam syllabus and pattern.
- Utilize free TOEFL practice tests provided on the official website.
- Take advantage of free TOEFL mock tests available online.
- Practice with TOEFL sample papers from various external sources.
- Registered students can avail TOEFL preparation materials at a 40% discount, including additional score reports and discounts on future registrations
Read More: TOEFL Preparation Tips
TOEFL Preparation Tips for Reading Section:
- Enhance comprehensive and analytical skills by reading a variety of national and international magazines, newspapers, and textbooks.
TOEFL Preparation Tips for Listening Section:
- Improve listening comprehension by listening to academic lectures and popular podcasts.
TOEFL Preparation Tips for Writing Section:
- Practice writing essays within time constraints to refine writing skills and manage time effectively.
- Articulate opinions clearly through writing.
TOEFL Preparation Tips for Speaking Section:
- Engage in online/offline discussions and debates to express opinions confidently.
- Record and review self-speaking responses to refine speaking skills.
Quick Read: TOEFL 2024 Preparation Time: Check Month-wise Plan and Week-wise Plan