Understanding TOEFL 2026
This guide explains what TOEFL 2026 is, how to use our study materials effectively, and the recommended learning path to prepare for your test.
Written by Kate Feng, TOEFL Content Developer
What is TOEFL 2026?
TOEFL 2026 is a major redesign of the TOEFL iBT test, launching in January 2026. ETS (the test maker) has restructured all four sections with new task types that focus on practical English skills you'll actually use in academic and professional settings.
The test is shorter but more varied. Instead of lengthy passages and integrated tasks, you'll encounter a mix of short, focused exercises that test vocabulary, pronunciation, practical communication, and academic comprehension.
Test Structure at a Glance
| Section | Time | Task Types |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | ~35 min | Complete the Words (vocabulary), Daily Life Reading (emails, notices), Academic Text (shorter passages) |
| Listening | ~36 min | Choose a Response (pragmatic), Announcements, Campus Conversations, Academic Talks |
| Speaking | ~13 min | Listen and Repeat (pronunciation), Virtual Interview (fluency) |
| Writing | ~30 min | Build a Sentence (grammar), Write an Email, Academic Discussion |
How These Guides Work
Our TOEFL 2026 learning system is organized into structured, chapter-based guides for each section. Here's how to use them effectively:
Guide Structure
Each section (Speaking, Writing, Listening, Reading) has its own guide with multiple chapters:
- Chapter 1: Overview — Explains the entire section: what's tested, how it's scored, the different task types, and a 3-week study plan to follow.
- Chapter 2+: Task-Specific Deep Dives — Each subsequent chapter focuses on one task type in detail, with strategies, examples, common mistakes, and practice tips.
What You'll Learn in Each Guide
- What's New — How TOEFL 2026 differs from the previous format
- Scoring — How your responses are evaluated and what matters most
- Task Breakdowns — Step-by-step explanations of each task type
- Strategies & Templates — Proven approaches and response structures
- Common Mistakes — Traps to avoid and how to handle them
- Practice Plans — Week-by-week schedules to build your skills
Recommended Learning Path
Follow this path for the most effective preparation. Each step builds on the previous one.
Build Your Foundation (Optional but Recommended)
Start with Grammar 101 and Vocabulary 101 if you need to strengthen core skills. These apply to all sections.
Read All Four Section Overviews
Go through Chapter 1 of each section guide. This gives you a complete picture of what TOEFL 2026 involves.
Deep Dive into Your Weakest Section
Read the task-specific chapters for the section you find most challenging. Practice that section first.
Work Through Remaining Sections
Systematically study each section's task-specific chapters. Don't skip any section.
Practice with Real Questions
Use our Practice Hub to apply what you've learned with actual TOEFL 2026 question formats.
TOEFL 2026 Section Guides
Click on any section to access its complete guide. Start with Chapter 1 (Overview) to understand the full section, then proceed through the task-specific chapters.
Foundation Guides
These guides cover fundamental skills that appear across all TOEFL sections. Recommended if you need to strengthen your grammar or vocabulary before diving into section-specific content.
Specialized Grammar Guides
After Grammar 101, explore these for section-specific grammar patterns:
Current TOEFL Format (Pre-2026)
Taking the test before January 2026? These guides cover the current TOEFL iBT format with its integrated tasks and longer passages.
Start Your Preparation
Begin with the Speaking Section Overview to understand how the guides work, then continue through each section systematically.
Start with Speaking Guide