TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025: Check Section-Wise TOEFL Pattern, Total Marks, Duration

ETS conducts the Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam, which is amongst the most widely recognised English proficiency exams for those wishing to study abroad. The test comprises four sections: reading, listening, speaking and writing.

The TOEFL test pattern assesses your English skills for the academic setting through its four sections, reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The average of all four sections’ scores makes it up to the total score. Here, we are going to discuss the TOEFL exam pattern, which is the first step for preparing to achieve the best band scores.

TOEFL Test Pattern 2024: The TOEFL pattern encompasses its four sections, from reading and listening to speaking and writing. The same goes for its total score. Taking averages from all four sections’ scores makes it up to the final band score.

You have to practise harder to achieve higher band scores for admission to foreign universities. ETS decides on the TOEFL paper pattern, which is the conducting body of TOEFL, and all the resources for preparation as per the TOEFL exam pattern and syllabus.

TOEFL results commonly become available online six days after the test date. The final score is calculated by adding the bands from all four skill areas. Aside from that, when registering for the TOEFL, you can select up to four universities to send the score report.

Once the TOEFL results are announced, ETS delivers official score reports directly to your chosen universities. You can view the most recent TOEFL Pattern below.

During the pandemic, ETS, the TOEFL exam's administering body, launched the TOEFL at Home that enables candidates to attempt TOEFL in the comfort of their home.

ETS has also reinstated the TOEFL Test on Paper in India in order to provide you with more access to the TOEFL exam. To attempt the TOEFL test, you must pay 16,900 INR for all three formats: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL at Home, and TOEFL paper-delivered.

TOEFL Syllabus: Your TOEFL iBT syllabus includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The following is the TOEFL exam format, which covers the TOEFL writing, TOEFL reading, TOEFL listening, and TOEFL speaking syllabuses:

The TOEFL Reading section incorporates two reading passages where each one is approximately 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage. The reading section takes around 35 minutes to finish your reading test. Overall, the TOEFL Reading scores are based on the number of correct responses in reading comprehension.

Task Type - 2 passages, 10 questions each

Total Questions - 20

Total Time - 35 minutes

The TOEFL Listening section comprises 3 lectures along with some classroom discussion. Each one of the lectures takes 3 to 5 minutes with 6 questions per lecture. Aside from the lectures, 2 conversations of classroom discussion take 3 minutes each and encompass 5 questions per conversation.

Throughout the exam, you can take notes on any audio item to assist you in answering questions.  Moreover, the Listening section should take around 36 minutes to complete.

Task Type - 3 Lectures (3-5 mins, 500-800 words, total 18 ques., 6 ques. each); 2 Conversations ( 3 mins, 12-25 exchanges, total 10 ques., 5 ques. each)

Total Questions - 28

Total Time - 36 minutes

To score high in the Speaking section, you should respond accurately to the task with minimal errors. You must show clear and consistent communication that aims for an intelligible and sustained conversation. Three main factors decide how you will be scored in the Speaking section: delivery, language use, and topic development.

Task Type - 1 Independent Task (prep time: 15 - 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec); 3 Integrated Tasks – Read/Listen/Speak (prep time: 15 - 30 sec; response time: 45 or 60 sec)

Total Questions - 4

Total Time - 16 minutes

The TOEFL Writing section embraces two essays which effectively address each topic. So, your response should be well-developed using relevant explanations and detailed support answers. Likewise, it should also demonstrate unity, progression, and coherence. If you want an excellent writing grade, show syntactic variation and acceptable word choice with minimal grammatical faults.

Task Type - 1 Integrated Task – Read = 3 min./Listen = 2 min./Write = 15 min. (20 minutes); 1 writing question for an academic discussion Task (10 minutes)

Total Questions - 2

Total Time - 30 minutes

As of 2024, India's TOEFL exam registration fee stands at ₹16,900 INR. This base fee covers the essential examination process. Additional charges apply for supplementary services such as late registration, exam rescheduling, and score review.

You should be aware of these potential extra costs to plan and manage your TOEFL registration process effectively. Therefore, you must consider these factors in order to budget accurately and ensure a smooth and stress-free testing experience.

TOEFL preparation involves two main approaches: self-study and attending coaching classes. Each method offers unique advantages and depends on individual preferences and financial considerations.

Self-study, utilising TOEFL books and resources, is cost-effective, making it suitable for those prioritising budget constraints. On the other hand, attending coaching classes provides professional guidance, potentially giving you an edge in TOEFL exam preparation.

The TOEFL test assesses your English proficiency at the university level through four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Understanding the test format, result interpretation, and score system is paramount to preparing effectively. ETS, the TOEFL exam's conducting body, offers both free and paid study materials readily accessible to you.

When you opt for self-study, you should leverage available resources involving official ETS study materials. Understanding the test structure and practising with sample questions enhances readiness. For those enrolling in coaching classes, expert guidance aids in honing specific skills required for each section.

Ultimately, whether through self-study or coaching classes, consistent practice, exposure to diverse English contexts, and familiarisation with the test format, these contribute significantly to TOEFL success. You need to assess your learning style, budget constraints, and the level of guidance required to decide on your TOEFL preparation approach.

TOEFL scores are widely accepted globally, spanning over 130 countries and containing more than 11,000 universities, colleges, and educational institutes.

Notable international education destinations recognise and take TOEFL scores, including the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. This broad acceptance provides you with diverse options for pursuing higher education. 

Registering for the TOEFL exam is relatively straightforward, allowing you to choose conveniently and book test centres that align with your preferences and schedules. This global recognition highlights the TOEFL's significance as a trusted measure of English language proficiency for academic pursuits on a global scale.

1. How do I send TOEFL scores to universities in other countries?

Your TOEFL test fee includes four free TOEFL score reports that ETS, the TOEFL exam's administering body, will send to your pre-selected universities. Those who wish to send their scorecards to additional universities must pay an extra charge. 

2. What is the TOEFL pattern?

The TOEFL exam has four sections: Reading (30–40 questions, 54–72 mins), Listening (28-38 questions, 41-57 mins), Speaking (4 tasks, 17 mins), and Writing (2 tasks, 50 mins). Assessing reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills contribute to the total score.

3. What are the sections in the TOEFL Exam Pattern?

The TOEFL Exam Pattern is divided into four parts: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Each part assesses various language skills in order to provide a thorough assessment of English competence.

4. How is the TOEFL Exam scored?

The TOEFL Exam is evaluated based on your performance in each section. The Reading and Listening sections are evaluated on a 0-30 scale, the Speaking section on a 0-30 scale, and the Writing section on a 0-5. The overall score is the sum of these section scores, with a maximum score of 120 attainable.

5. Can I take breaks during the TOEFL Exam?

Yes, there is a 10-minute break between the Listening and Speaking sections of the TOEFL Exam 2024. This break allows you to recuperate and prepare for the Speaking activities. It is critical to manage time wisely in order to make the most of this break within the overall exam time frame.