About TOEFL® iBT
The Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL® iBT) is a test meant for measuring the ability of non-native English speakers to communicate in English, involving both verbal and written communication. The exam is divided into 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing.
Old Format
In the previous format, the exam had a duration of 3 hours. The Reading section comprised 30-40 questions with 3-4 reading passages, and test-takers were given 54-72 minutes to complete this section.
The Listening section consisted of 28-38 questions, and test-takers were allotted 41-57 minutes to complete it. The Writing section required 50 minutes and included 2 tasks, while the Speaking section lasted for 17 minutes and encompassed 4 tasks.
There were also unscored test questions. Students were presented with multiple sets of questions, and only a portion of those sets were considered for scoring. This method allowed for a blind test of learning.
New Format
Starting July 26, 2023, several new enhancements will be introduced to the TOEFL iBT® test, offering test takers an even better experience. One notable improvement is the reduction in test duration, with the test now taking just under 2 hours to complete.
The changes to the TOEFL iBT® test aim to streamline the overall experience for test takers. The instructions and navigation have been simplified, ensuring a smoother and more efficient testing process.
In the Reading section, there will be a decrease in the number of reading passages. Test takers will now encounter only two reading passages, with 10 questions each. This modification allows for a more focused and condensed reading section.
The time allotted to complete the Writing section has been reduced to only 29 minutes. There is no major change in the Speaking section, while the time allotted to Listening Section has been reduced to 36 minutes with 28 questions.
Furthermore, the revised TOEFL iBT® test will no longer include any unscored test questions. This means that all questions presented to test takers will contribute to their final score, providing a more accurate evaluation of their English proficiency.