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TOEFL Syllabus 2025 - Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing Section
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Apr 25, 2025 02:15 PM IST | #TOEFL
The TOEFL exam syllabus is curated in a way that assesses the ability of students to communicate effectively in an academic setting in four main sections, namely, Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The TOEFL syllabus 2025 for both TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essential is released by the ETS on the official website. As per the latest TOEFL test syllabus 2025, the reading section has been condensed, and the total duration of the test is reduced. Candidates can go through the latest TOEFL exam syllabus PDF to learn more about the composition of the test. TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is an English proficiency exam conducted every year by ETS. It assesses the applicant's reading, speaking, listening and writing skills. This exam is required for students from a non-native English-speaking countries planning to study abroad. This exam is accepted in universities around the globe. Each university has its own minimum TOEFL score requirements. So, if you are planning to study abroad, make sure to prepare well for TOEFL 2025.
This Story also Contains
- TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2025: Section-Wise
- TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025
- TOEFL Exam Scores
- TOEFL Preparation Tips 2025
- TOEFL Exam Day Tips
Though the TOEFL exam is an English language proficiency test, the question types, TOEFL modules, and TOEFL test pattern are different for each test type. The TOEFL curriculum for the iBT test involves content related to academics, while the TOEFL Essential syllabus involves both academic and non-academic concepts. Read the article to learn more about the detailed concepts, question types, TOEFL PDF 2025, duration, and test patterns in the syllabus for TOEFL exam.
TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2025: Section-Wise
The TOEFL iBT is conducted in both centre-based and at-home formats. The detailed TOEFL 2025 exam syllabus and number of TOEFL exam subjects are provided below.
TOEFL 2025 iBT Syllabus Highlights
Section | Number of Questions | Tasks |
Reading (35 minutes) | 20 Questions | Reading passages from academic texts and answering questions. |
Listening (36 minutes) | 28 Questions | Expressing opinions on classroom discussions and lectures. |
Speaking (16 minutes) | 4 tasks | Speak about familiar topics and discuss topics read by the examinee. |
Writing (29 minutes) | 2 tasks | Candidates need to write essay responses based on reading and listening tasks. In addition, state and support opinions during discussions. |
Total duration: About 2 hours | ||
The candidate has to perform the following tasks, which are part of the TOEFL exam syllabus 2025 in the TOEFL exam paper:
Read, listen, and then speak in response to a question.
Listen and then speak in response to a question.
Read, listen, and then write in response to a question.
The detailed breakdown of the four sections in the syllabus for TOEFL 2025 exam is given below. This also matches the TOEFL 2025 PDF.
TOEFL Reading Section Syllabus
The TOEFL iBT Reading section measures the candidate’s ability to read and understand the material, books, etc. that are used in an academic environment. The reading section of the TOEFL exam syllabus 2025 is detailed below.
TOEFL Reading Syllabus
Particulars | Description |
Skills Assessed |
|
Question/Tasks | Two reading passages, each approximately 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage |
Total Duration | 35 minutes |
TOEFL Preparation Tips
Candidates can able to Know the best tricks to approach every section and crack the test.
Check NowThe TOEFL exam syllabus for the reading section measures the candidate’s ability to understand conversations both in academic and non-academic contexts. The TOEFL essential reading section will have 30 to 45 questions on four types of reading task items:
Vocabulary-based questions
Reading short texts (15-150 words) and answering the MCQs
Reading an academic table and answering the questions in true or false or not stated options
Read an academic passage of 200 words on topics like science, history, business, art, etc., and answer 6 questions related to it.
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The section has to be completed in 35 minutes.
For better understanding, Download IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test.
TOEFL Listening Section Syllabus
The TOEFL iBT Listening Section measures the candidate’s ability to understand conversations and lectures in English. The listening section of the TOEFL exam syllabus 2025 will include the following:
Basic comprehension
Pragmatic understanding (speaker's attitude and degree of certainty) and connecting information
TOEFL Listening Syllabus
Particulars | Description |
Skills Assessed |
|
Question/Tasks |
|
Total Duration | 36 minutes |
The TOEFL test syllabus for the listening section measures the candidate’s ability to understand conversations both in academic and public contexts. The speakers in this section have accents from North America, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc. The candidate has to understand their accents and provide the answer.
The listening section of the TOEFL test syllabus will have 30 to 45 questions on four types of listening items:
Listening to a question or statement between two speakers and selecting the appropriate response.
Listening to a short conversation on topics like dining, entertainment, health, travel or housing etc., and answering questions about them.
Listening to a short announcement that is academic-based and answering two questions.
Listening to a short academic talk of 100 to 250 words based on topics like history, business, art, science, etc. and answering four questions
The section has to be completed in 36 minutes.
TOEFL Speaking Section Syllabus
The Speaking section of the syllabus of TOEFL exam measures the ability of the student to speak English effectively in an academic setting. This section of the TOEFL course syllabus 2025 will have 4 tasks that will mirror real-life situations that we may encounter both in and outside of a classroom. The TOEFL essential speaking section contains three (3) tasks of 19 responses. Here are the tasks involved in TOEFL syllabus 2025 for speaking section.
Task 1: Read out a part about dialogues related to campus life.
Task 2: Listen and repeat 8 sentences about a scenario in an academic or social setting.
Task 3: Participate in a simulated interview with a prerecorded interviewer. The candidate needs to answer five (5) questions related to their experiences and opinions on the given topics.
The details regarding the questions are as follows:
Question 1: It is called an "independent speaking task" as it will require the candidate to find a solution by using their own ideas, opinions, and experiences.
Questions 2–4: These sets of questions are called "integrated speaking tasks,” where the candidate has to combine their English-language skills—listening and speaking, or listening, reading and speaking—as they would do in and outside the classroom.
The candidate will be given 15–30 seconds to prepare a response for each question, which should be 45 or 60 seconds long. The Speaking section of TOEFL 2025 has to be completed in 16 minutes.
TOEFL Writing Section Syllabus
The TOEFL iBT Writing section of the TOEFL syllabus 2025 in India evaluates the candidate’s ability to write in English in an academic setting. The candidate must be able to present their ideas in a cogent and articulate manner. Here are the tasks involved in TOEFL syllabus 2025 for writing section.
The TOEFL essential reading section will have 14 to 18 questions and 2 tasks:
Integrated writing task (20 minutes): The candidate has to read a short passage, listen to a short lecture, and then write down what they read and listened to.
Independent writing task (10 minutes): This part will include writing an essay based on one’s experience or opinion in response to a writing topic.
The 14 to 18 questions are based on building sentences with the words or rearranging them in order to make the sentence grammatically correct.
One task is email writing for making a recommendation or providing a solution for a problem.
Another task is to either describe a photo on social media to your social media friends or write an opinion for a discussion held in an online class.
The responses have to be typed using a computer system. The responses of candidates will be sent to ETS, where scoring is done using AI scoring and certified human raters. This ensures fairness and quality. The time duration of the writing section is 29 minutes.
TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025
From July 26, 2023, ETS has implemented a new TOEFL exam pattern for more efficiency and also eliminates hassles. TOEFL test duration for individual sections has been cut down along with changes in the exam pattern. TOEFL exam subjects and syllabus remains the same in the new pattern that includes all four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. This is as per the TOEFL exam pattern PDF.
However, writing and speaking tasks are interdependent. Prospects must keep track of changes introduced by ETS to not be at a disadvantage when preparing for the exam. Refer to the following TOEFL 2025 exam pattern for a better understanding:
TOEFL Pattern 2025
Section | Duration (in minutes) | Number of Questions/Tasks |
Reading | 35 | 20 questions |
Writing | 29 | 2 tasks |
Listening | 36 | 28 questions |
Speaking | 16 | 4 tasks |
Total Duration: 116 minutes | ||
TOEFL Exam Scores
TOEFL is a true reflection of one’s proficiency in the English language. An unbiased score received after the TOEFL exam can help the candidates apply for universities abroad. This exam is accepted in more than 160 countries. Over 13,000 educational institutes accept TOEFL exam scores.
The total marks of the TOEFL exam range between a score of 0-120. Whereas, the scores for each section range between 0 and 30. Preparing well before the time is the key to covering the total TOEFL test syllabus. To understand the proficiency level of your received score, refer to the following table:
Section | Level of Proficiency |
Reading |
|
Writing |
|
Listening |
|
Speaking |
|
Understand the syllabus thoroughly and browse the TOEFL syllabus 2025 pdf and preparation material for preparing for the TOEFL.
TOEFL Preparation Tips 2025
TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language can be considered quite challenging, however, students can easily ace the exam with the right tips and tricks. Familiarising themselves with the TOEFL Syllabus and Pattern 2025 is important along with some TOEFL preparation tips, which are as follows:
- Be aware of TOEFL format 2025: Students must be familiar with the format and types of questions in all 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking.
- Start preparation early: Students must begin their TOEFL Prep at least 6 to 7 weeks before the test date. This helps them to understand the exam structure clearly.
- Consistent Practise: Practising daily with the help of different resources, mocks, flashcards, and tutors is beneficial while preparing for TOEFL exam syllabus 2025.
- Listening Abilities: Start listening to music, podcasts, shows, news, and other content in English to analyse the tone and accent of a native English speaker.
- Use TOEFL prep resources: There are several TOEFL books 2025 which are available for test takers for practice. Students can use these resources for practice tests, strategies, and tips.
TOEFL Books 2025
To achieve a good score in the TOEFL exam, the candidates must practice intensively. There are sample papers, TOEFL books and various mock tests carefully curated by study abroad professionals. Students can also look for various TOEFL book pdf 2025 available on different online platforms. These books include the complete TOEFL exam syllabus 2025
Official TOEFL iBT Tests, Volume 1 (Latest Edition) by ETS
Official TOEFL iBT Tests, Volume 2 (Latest Edition) by ETS
The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test (Latest Edition) by ETS
Kaplan TOEFL iBT Prep Plus (Latest Edition) by Kaplan
Barron's TOEFL iBT (Latest Edition) by Barron's Educational Series
Magoosh TOEFL Vocabulary Flashcards by Magoosh
Delta's Key to the TOEFL iBT
Princeton Review TOEFL Testing
Essential Words for the TOEFL (Latest Edition) by Barron's Educational Series
McGraw-Hill Education TOEFL iBT with CD-ROM (Latest Edition) by McGraw-Hill Education
TOEFL Exam Day Tips
Students must reach the scheduled place where TOEFL is to be conducted early, preferably, at least 20-30 minutes before the commencement of the exam. There are some other things students must keep in mind on the day of TOEFL exam. These are as follows:
- Do not study or practise on the exam day. It will increase the stress.
- Sleep early and rest well one night before the test day. A fresh mind helps in performing well.
- Go through some TOEFL sample paper.
- Dress comfortably as per the weather. Comfort is key to keeping your focus on the test.
- Take a minute or two to compose before starting to attempt the Reading section of TOEFL.
- After answering the Writing tasks, students must proofread and review the written essay if there is adequate time left.
- Manage the TOEFL test duration efficiently by giving adequate time to each section. Do not spend too much time on one question.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the reading section in the TOEFL exam?
The reading section of TOEFL tests your ability to read, interpret and understand materials used in an academic environment. This will ensure the examiner regarding your reading skills through 2 passages of around 700 words each. These passages will be followed up with 10 questions.
2. Is the syllabus of TOEFL 2025 the same for all the four sections?
No, each of the four sections will have a different syllabus as they assess different skills of the applicant. The 4 sections of TOEFL might include questions from academic or non-academic scenarios.
3. Why should one consult the TOEFL syllabus?
The syllabus will tell the composition of the TOEFL 2025 exam, tasks one has to complete, and much more, which will make exam preparation more effective. You can refer to the TOEFL syllabus PDF download for better understanding.
4. What is the TOEFL syllabus for the speaking section?
There is no definite syllabus for the speaking section, but since this section tests your speaking skills, you can prepare for this section by focusing on developing your pronunciation in English and improving your fluency. Applicants can record themselves while speaking and review the recording to identify improvement areas.
5. How can one practice for the listening section?
One can practice for the listening section by listening to conversations, lectures, etc. and taking notes to answer the possible questions based on them. Regular practice will make you a better listener.
6. How much time is given to a candidate to complete the writing section?
The writing section consists of two writing tasks: the writing task for academic discussion has to be completed in 10 minutes and the integrated writing task in 20 minutes, so the total time for this section is around 30 minutes.
7. What is the fee for the TOEFL exam in 2025?
The TOEFL exam fee in India is USD 205, which is approximately Rs. 17,140. The fee covers the cost of administering the test and processing the student’s score. Check the official ETS website for the latest information regarding the TOEFL exam fee.
8. What subjects are on the TOEFL test?
The TOEFL test measures non-native English speakers' English language ability. The test examines your ability to communicate effectively in an academic context rather than specific subjects. The exam assesses four major aspects of English language proficiency: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These TOEFL sections measure your ability to comprehend and interpret, write clear and concise English, understand spoken English, and speak clear and concise sentences in an academic context.
9. What is the TOEFL syllabus?
The TOEFL measures your English language ability for admission purposes worldwide. The TOEFL consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. These sections assess your ability to communicate effectively in an academic setting. Here is a breakdown of each section:
Reading Duration: 35 minutes, and number of questions: 20
Listening Duration: 36 minutes, and number of questions: 28
Speaking Duration: 16 minutes, and number of tasks: 4
Writing Duration: 29 minutes, and number of tasks: 2
10. Is TOEFL a difficult exam?
The difficulty of the TOEFL varies on an individual's English proficiency, academic background, and preparation. However, in general, the TOEFL is considered to be a challenging test. The reading and listening sections are particularly difficult, as they require you to understand complex academic texts and spoken language. The writing and speaking sections are also challenging, as they require you to produce clear, concise, and grammatically correct English in an academic setting.
11. What are the TOEFL passing marks?
There are no specified passing marks for TOEFL. Every institution sets its own minimum scores for the TOEFL exam every year. The average accepted score range is generally between 70 and 100.
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Have a question related to TOEFL ?
Hello,
One the most general tips for the preparation of both tests would be to go for a structured approach and understand the format of the tests respectively and work on improving grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation along with it take regular tests and reviews them. Both have 4 section, Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, so all four must be kept in focus, and thus you must plan your time according to your needs and areas of improvement.
Now, for TOEFL, it's recommended to use resources from ETS, that is, official materials and tests.
For IELTS, it's recommended to use resources from IDP, British Council and Cambridge, that give you sample tests and questions.
Wishing an all the very best for the test.
Vanshika Agarwal 07 December,2024
GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT are standardized tests often required for admission to universities abroad, but they serve different purposes. The **GRE** (Graduate Record Examination) is used for admission to graduate programs and some business schools, focusing on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The **TOEFL** (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and **IELTS** (International English Language Testing System) assess English language proficiency, often required for non-native speakers applying to English-speaking countries; TOEFL is more common in the U.S., while IELTS is popular in the U.K. and other regions. The **GMAT** (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically for business school admissions, testing quantitative, verbal, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills, and is required for MBA programs. I would advise that you get in touch with a prominent abroad education advisor - a great one will really help you through the entire process, end-to-end.
chandresh iyer 10 September,2024
If you have good English proficiency, both IELTS and TOEFL should be manageable, but each has its unique format. IELTS is considered more straightforward in terms of language and structure, especially its speaking test, which involves a face-to-face conversation with an examiner. TOEFL, on the other hand, is entirely computer-based, including the speaking section. In terms of preparation time, if you're confident in your English skills, around 2 to 4 weeks of focused study, mainly familiarizing yourself with the test format and practicing timed exercises, should be sufficient. Ultimately, the "easier" test depends on your comfort with the test style.
chandresh iyer 11 September,2024
For students aiming to study in public universities, English language proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and TOEIC are often required because they are specifically designed to assess English skills in an academic context, which is crucial for success in such institutions. DELF, which tests French language proficiency, may not be sufficient for English-speaking universities. For personalized guidance on which exams are necessary and how to prepare, Invicta Career Consultancy can provide valuable support and tailored advice, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.
Amrita Koner 27 July,2024
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are both standardized tests used to assess English language proficiency, but they have some key differences. IELTS is typically used in the UK, Australia, and Canada, while TOEFL is more commonly accepted by U.S. universities. IELTS includes four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with the Speaking test conducted face-to-face. In contrast, TOEFL also covers Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, but the Speaking section is recorded and evaluated later. IELTS is paper-based or computer-based, whereas TOEFL is primarily internet-based (iBT). Additionally, IELTS uses a band scoring system ranging from 1 to 9, while TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120. The IELTS is often seen as more suitable for British English and everyday contexts, while TOEFL is more academic and American English-focused.
chandresh iyer 27 August,2024
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