The TOEFL iBT at a glance
The TOEFL iBT task types introduced in 2026, section by section, so you know exactly what you will be asked to do.
In this lesson you will
- Name the four sections and their task types
- Understand that reading and listening are adaptive
- Know where to check official, up-to-date details
Learn
The TOEFL iBT measures academic and everyday English for university study. From January 2026 it uses shorter, more varied tasks in four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking.
Reading: Complete the Words (fill in missing letters in a short academic paragraph), Read in Daily Life (notices, emails, adverts) and Read an Academic Passage.
Listening: Listen and Choose a Response (pick the best reply to a short sentence), Listen to a Conversation, Listen to an Announcement and Listen to an Academic Talk.
Writing: Build a Sentence (put words in order to make a reply), Write an Email and Write for an Academic Discussion. Speaking: Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview.
Reading and Listening are adaptive: the difficulty of later questions depends on how you do earlier. Timings, numbers of questions and rules can change — always check ets.org for the latest official information.
| Section | Task types |
|---|---|
| Reading | Complete the Words · Read in Daily Life · Read an Academic Passage |
| Listening | Choose a Response · Conversation · Announcement · Academic Talk |
| Writing | Build a Sentence · Write an Email · Academic Discussion |
| Speaking | Listen and Repeat · Take an Interview |
Examples
- Complete the Words: “Plants make th___ own food.” → their
- Build a Sentence: arrange words into “I still need to finish the report.”
- Take an Interview: answer questions about your study habits.
Vocabulary
adaptive
changing difficulty depending on your answers
task type
a kind of question or activity
academic
related to university study
iBT
internet-based test
section
one of the four parts of the test
Practice
Which task is in the Reading section?
Lesson quiz
How many sections does the test have?
Review
Key points
- Four sections with short, varied tasks.
- Reading and Listening adapt to your level.
- Check ets.org for current details.
What you learned
- ✓ I know the TOEFL task types.
- ✓ I know what adaptive means.
- ✓ I know where to find official information.