TOEFL iBT Overview 
The TOEFL consists of four sections, each of which is worth 30 points, contributing to a total of 120.

I. Reading 

• 2 passages 

• 10 questions each (last question is worth double credit) 

• 35 minutes (17.5 min per passage)

II. Listening 

• 3 lectures, 6 questions each 

• 2 conversations, 5 questions each 

• 36 minutes 

III. Speaking

• Task 1: 

• Independent opinion question (“Do you agree or disagree with the following....”).

• 15 seconds to prepare, 45 seconds to speak. 

• Task 2: 

• Read a 75-100 word announcement (university related) in 45-50 seconds.

• The text is then replaced by a picture of two people. 

• Listen to a conversation between a man and a woman about the announcement (60-80 seconds). 

• Task: Restate the plan presented in the announcement. Then state the opinion and reasons expressed by the dominant speaker.

• 30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak. 

• Task 3: 

o Read a 75-100 word academic passage in 45-50 seconds. 

o Listen to a lecture related to the passage. The lecture will provide either one or two examples of the concept presented in the reading. 

o Task: Explain the concept using the examples from the talk. 

o 30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak. 

• Task 4: 

o Listen to a lecture that presents two concepts and examples of each (60-90 seconds). 

o Task: Explain the two concepts, using the examples from 

the lecture. 

o 20 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak. 

IV. Writing 

• Task 1: 20 min- at least 220 words

• Read a ~250 word text in 3 minutes. The passage is then replaced by a picture of a professor, and the student then listens to a lecture related to the reading.

• Task: Summarize the points made in the lecture, explaining how they
  1) cast doubt on the points in the text; OR
  2) challenge specific claims/arguments in the text; OR
  3) answer the problems raised in the text; OR
  4) support the explanations in the text; OR
  5) strengthen points made in the text.
  *Note! 99% of the time the task is the first one-- to cast doubt on…
  
  

• Task 2: Independent Writing task - 10 min - at least 100 words

• Write a post responding to a professor's question.

*Note! Task 2 in the Official TOEFLiBT Tests Volume 1 and Volume 2 books (containing 5 full retired exams each) use the old version of Task 2, which has been replaced. Make sure to prepare for this task using updated material!