Key Changes to the TOEFL in 2025: What You Need to Know
As you prepare for the 2025 TOEFL exam, it is crucial to be aware of the changes and understand how they may affect your approach to studying. The changes to the TOEFL iBT aim to make the test experience more efficient and less stressful for students, but they also maintain the academic rigor expected by universities. In this section, we will explore two common questions that students typically have about the recent updates to the TOEFL exam.
The 2025 TOEFL iBT introduces several important changes, with the most significant being the reduction in test length. Previously, the TOEFL iBT took around three hours to complete, but now it lasts just over two hours. This change makes the exam more focused and manageable, reducing the strain on test-takers while maintaining the same rigorous assessment standards.
Along with the reduction in test length, several sections of the exam have been modified. For example, the reading section now includes only two passages, each with 10 questions, as opposed to the previous format, which had three to four passages with more questions. In the speaking section, two tasks have been removed, leaving only four tasks to complete. Additionally, the writing section has been adjusted, with the Independent Writing task being replaced by a new “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task.
These updates were made to enhance the test-taking experience by streamlining the process and ensuring it accurately reflects the essential academic skills universities expect from students. While the exam is now shorter, it still measures your ability to read, listen, speak, and write in English.
The changes to the TOEFL iBT were implemented to make the test more efficient without sacrificing its ability to assess academic English proficiency. One of the primary goals was to reduce the length of the exam, making it less physically and mentally demanding while still covering the essential areas of academic language skills. The changes also reflect an effort to adapt to evolving academic environments, where students are expected to communicate effectively and efficiently.
Shortening the test allows test-takers to focus on demonstrating their proficiency in a more streamlined format, which helps them manage their time and energy better during the test. Additionally, the revisions allow ETS to align the test with current trends in language assessment, creating a more relevant and practical exam for students preparing for academic studies.
The changes in the 2025 TOEFL iBT do not necessarily make the test easier, but they do make it more efficient. The exam still assesses your ability to handle academic-level English in real-world contexts. Although the test is shorter, the level of difficulty remains consistent with previous versions. The test may still challenge students in areas such as reading comprehension, listening for details and nuances, speaking clearly and coherently, and writing logically and persuasively.
While the reduction in the number of tasks and sections may make the test feel less overwhelming, the skills being tested are unchanged. The goal of the updates is to reduce test fatigue and streamline the experience rather than to lessen the academic demands of the test. You will still need to demonstrate a strong command of English across all four skills—reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Now that we’ve addressed the common questions about the TOEFL’s changes, let’s take a closer look at the specific updates that have been made to the test. These changes affect the test structure, content, pacing, and timing, so it’s essential to understand how each section has been modified and how it will impact your preparation.
One of the most significant changes to the TOEFL in 2025 is the reduction in overall test length. Previously, the TOEFL iBT took approximately three hours to complete, but with the 2025 changes, the test now lasts about two hours. This reduction in test length means that you will have less time to complete each section, but it also means the test is more focused and efficient.
Although the test is shorter, the sections still assess the same core skills—reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The changes were implemented to reduce the mental and physical toll on test-takers, which can help you perform better under less stressful conditions. The reduction in length doesn’t necessarily mean that the test will be easier, but it does allow you to take the exam in a more manageable timeframe.
In the updated version of the TOEFL, the reading section has been shortened. Previously, the exam featured three to four reading passages, each with 12 to 14 questions. Now, the reading section consists of only two passages, each with 10 questions. The content of these passages remains largely the same, covering academic topics in subjects like the humanities, science, and social science.
The most notable change in the reading section is that you now have more time per question. This gives you a little extra breathing room to process the information and answer the questions thoughtfully. The pacing of the section has been adjusted to reflect the reduced number of passages, so you’ll be able to engage with the material more deeply without feeling rushed.
While the change in the number of passages and questions is a major adjustment, it also provides you with the opportunity to slow down and analyze the reading material in greater depth. It’s important to adapt your study habits to account for this change, focusing on practicing with two passages instead of the previous three or four. You can also experiment with adjusting your timing so that you get used to spending a bit more time per question.
The listening section has also seen changes in 2025. In the older version of the TOEFL iBT, the listening section included four to six academic lectures and two to three conversations. The 2025 version of the TOEFL has reduced the number of lectures, but the number of conversations remains the same. This change helps reduce the overall length of the test while maintaining the key listening skills required for the exam.
The types of questions in the listening section remain the same, and you’ll still be required to listen to academic lectures, conversations, and discussions, then answer questions that assess your understanding of key points, details, and speaker attitudes. Although the number of listening materials has decreased, you will still be expected to demonstrate the same level of comprehension and analytical skills as before.
If you are using older listening materials in your preparation, the main adjustment you need to make is to skip one of the lectures during your practice. By doing so, you’ll better simulate the current format and ensure that your practice matches the new test structure. Additionally, it’s essential to continue working on your note-taking skills, as this remains a crucial part of the listening section.
In summary, while the number of lectures has been reduced, the pacing and content of the listening section remain largely unchanged. The most significant adjustment you’ll need to make is in your preparation strategy, ensuring that you focus on the reduced number of lectures while continuing to practice key listening skills.
The speaking section of the TOEFL has undergone one of the most noticeable changes in 2025. Previously, the speaking section consisted of six tasks—two independent tasks and four integrated tasks. The new TOEFL has reduced the number of tasks to four, with one independent task and three integrated tasks. The major change is the removal of two tasks: Task 1 (the personal question) and Task 5 (the problem-solving conversation).
The remaining tasks in the speaking section are similar to those in the previous version of the test, but the total number of tasks is now lower, and the numbering of the tasks has changed. Task 1, which required you to answer a personal question, and Task 5, which involved discussing a problem-solving scenario, have both been removed.
For students preparing for the speaking section, this change requires an adjustment in how you practice. If you’re using older materials, you’ll need to ignore the tasks that have been eliminated and focus your preparation on the remaining four tasks. The speaking tasks still require you to integrate listening and reading materials into your responses, so it’s essential to practice these integrated tasks and focus on the timing, structure, and clarity of your responses.
This reduction in the number of speaking tasks may make the section feel less overwhelming, but it’s important to note that the level of difficulty remains the same. You’ll still need to demonstrate strong speaking abilities in a range of academic contexts, responding to questions that assess your ability to speak coherently and effectively.
The writing section has seen a significant change in 2025. While the Integrated Writing task remains the same, the Independent Writing task has been replaced with a new task called “Writing for an Academic Discussion.” In this new task, you are asked to respond to a professor’s question and contribute to an academic discussion on a specific topic. The new task requires you to express a well-supported argument clearly and concisely, with an emphasis on logical organization and academic writing conventions.
The Integrated Writing task, which asks you to summarize and synthesize information from reading and listening materials, has not changed and continues to assess your ability to integrate and organize information effectively. However, the new Independent Writing task—now “Writing for an Academic Discussion”—requires a different approach than the previous independent task. You will no longer be asked to simply express your opinion on a given prompt. Instead, you must engage with a topic more critically and contribute to an academic conversation, responding to a professor’s question in a way that demonstrates both clarity and depth.
For students who have been using older preparation materials, it’s important to continue practicing the Integrated Writing task as usual. However, the new Writing for an Academic Discussion task requires you to practice writing clear, well-supported arguments. This task places a greater emphasis on structure and logical reasoning, so you should focus on developing your ability to organize your thoughts and support them with relevant examples and evidence.
The changes made to the TOEFL iBT in 2025 are designed to streamline the exam and make it more efficient, but the core objectives of the test remain the same. You will still be assessed on your ability to read academic texts, listen to lectures and conversations, speak effectively in English, and write clearly in an academic context. The key differences in the new format are mainly related to the reduction in the number of sections and tasks, as well as adjustments to pacing and timing.
The overall impact of these changes is positive, as they make the exam more manageable and less exhausting while still assessing the same academic English skills. However, it’s important to adjust your preparation accordingly. If you’re using older prep materials, make sure to adjust your practice to match the new format by skipping some sections or tasks and adjusting your timing. By familiarizing yourself with the new structure and content of the TOEFL, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed on the 2025 exam.
The 2025 TOEFL iBT exam comes with a variety of changes that can significantly impact your preparation and test-taking strategy. These adjustments have been made to streamline the exam and make it more efficient, but they still maintain a focus on assessing your proficiency in academic English. In this section, we will dive into the details of the key changes to each section of the test, including how the new format affects the pacing, content, and timing.
The most noticeable change in the 2025 TOEFL iBT is the reduction in overall test length. Previously, the test took approximately three hours to complete, but with the latest updates, the exam now lasts just over two hours. This is a significant change, and it makes the test more manageable and less exhausting for students. However, the core elements of the test—reading, listening, speaking, and writing—remain the same, ensuring that the assessment of your academic English skills stays rigorous and comprehensive.
The reduction in test length is reflected in changes to each of the individual sections. Some sections have been shortened, while others have been restructured to allow for more focused and effective testing. Let’s break down the changes in each section of the exam.
In the previous TOEFL iBT format, the reading section consisted of three to four passages, with 12 to 14 questions per passage. The 2025 TOEFL has streamlined this section, reducing the number of passages to just two, each with ten questions. The content of the passages remains largely the same, consisting of academic texts on topics related to the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
One of the significant benefits of this change is that you now have slightly more time to answer each question. While the total number of questions has decreased, you are given a bit more time per question. This allows you to read and process the material in greater detail without feeling rushed. The key takeaway for your preparation is to adjust your pacing. If you’re using older prep materials, you should practice skipping one of the passages to reflect the new structure. Additionally, you should aim to spend approximately 1 minute and 48 seconds per question instead of the previous 1 minute and 40 seconds.
While the content and question types remain the same, the change in structure means that you need to adjust your study habits to focus on fewer passages with more time per question. You should practice active reading and work on improving your ability to extract key information efficiently from academic texts.
The listening section has also seen changes in 2025. In the older version of the TOEFL iBT, the listening section included four to six academic lectures and two to three conversations. The 2025 version of the TOEFL has reduced the number of lectures, but the number of conversations remains the same. This change helps reduce the overall length of the test while maintaining the key listening skills required for the exam.
The types of questions in the listening section remain the same, and you’ll still be required to listen to academic lectures, conversations, and discussions, then answer questions that assess your understanding of key points, details, and speaker attitudes. Although the number of listening materials has decreased, you will still be expected to demonstrate the same level of comprehension and analytical skills as before.
If you are using older listening materials in your preparation, the main adjustment you need to make is to skip one of the lectures during your practice. By doing so, you’ll better simulate the current format and ensure that your practice matches the new test structure. Additionally, it’s essential to continue working on your note-taking skills, as this remains a crucial part of the listening section.
In summary, while the number of lectures has been reduced, the pacing and content of the listening section remain largely unchanged. The most significant adjustment you’ll need to make is in your preparation strategy, ensuring that you focus on the reduced number of lectures while continuing to practice key listening skills.
The speaking section of the TOEFL has undergone one of the most noticeable changes in 2025. Previously, the speaking section consisted of six tasks—two independent tasks and four integrated tasks. The new TOEFL has reduced the number of tasks to four, with one independent task and three integrated tasks. The major change is the removal of two tasks: Task 1 (the personal question) and Task 5 (the problem-solving conversation).
The remaining tasks in the speaking section are similar to those in the previous version of the test, but the total number of tasks is now lower, and the numbering of the tasks has changed. Task 1, which required you to answer a personal question, and Task 5, which involved discussing a problem-solving scenario, have both been removed.
For students preparing for the speaking section, this change requires an adjustment in how you practice. If you’re using older materials, you’ll need to ignore the tasks that have been eliminated and focus your preparation on the remaining four tasks. The speaking tasks still require you to integrate listening and reading materials into your responses, so it’s essential to practice these integrated tasks and focus on the timing, structure, and clarity of your responses.
This reduction in the number of speaking tasks may make the section feel less overwhelming, but it’s important to note that the level of difficulty remains the same. You’ll still need to demonstrate strong speaking abilities in a range of academic contexts, responding to questions that assess your ability to speak clearly, coherently, and effectively.
The writing section has seen a significant change in 2025. While the Integrated Writing task remains the same, the Independent Writing task has been replaced with a new task called “Writing for an Academic Discussion.” In this new task, you are asked to respond to a professor’s question and contribute to an academic discussion on a specific topic. The new task requires you to express a well-supported argument clearly and concisely, with an emphasis on logical organization and academic writing conventions.
The Integrated Writing task, which asks you to summarize and synthesize information from reading and listening materials, has not changed and continues to assess your ability to integrate and organize information effectively. However, the new Independent Writing task—now “Writing for an Academic Discussion”—requires a different approach than the previous independent task. You will no longer be asked to simply express your opinion on a given prompt. Instead, you must engage with a topic more critically and contribute to an academic conversation, responding to a professor’s question in a way that demonstrates both clarity and depth.
For students who have been using older preparation materials, it’s important to continue practicing the Integrated Writing task as usual. However, the new Writing for an Academic Discussion task requires you to practice writing clear, well-supported arguments. This task places a greater emphasis on structure and logical reasoning, so you should focus on developing your ability to organize your thoughts and support them with relevant examples and evidence.
The changes made to the TOEFL iBT in 2025 are designed to streamline the exam and make it more efficient, but the core objectives of the test remain the same. You will still be assessed on your ability to read academic texts, listen to lectures and conversations, speak effectively in English, and write clearly in an academic context. The key differences in the new format are mainly related to the reduction in the number of sections and tasks, as well as adjustments to pacing and timing.
The overall impact of these changes is positive, as they make the exam more manageable and less exhausting while still assessing the same academic English skills. However, it’s important to adjust your preparation accordingly. If you’re using older prep materials, make sure to adjust your practice to match the new format by skipping some sections or tasks and adjusting your timing. By familiarizing yourself with the new structure and content of the TOEFL, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed on the 2025 exam.
With the introduction of the new 2025 TOEFL format, ETS has made significant updates to its official preparation materials. These updated materials are essential for test-takers who want to align their practice with the changes to the exam. It is important to use the most current resources to ensure your preparation reflects the new structure, pacing, and timing. In this section, we will explore the official TOEFL prep materials available, what has changed, and how they can help you prepare effectively.
One of the most crucial updates to official TOEFL prep materials is the inclusion of full-length practice tests that reflect the new 2025 test format. These practice tests simulate the exact experience of the new TOEFL iBT, complete with the revised sections and question formats. They are designed to help you get familiar with the updated structure of the test and practice under real exam conditions.
The updated practice tests are aligned with the new test length and section adjustments. For example, the reading section now consists of only two passages, and the speaking section includes only four tasks. By practicing with these updated tests, you can get a sense of how the exam will feel and how to manage your time efficiently. Additionally, you’ll be able to assess your performance and pinpoint areas that need improvement, allowing you to focus your study efforts on weaker areas.
ETS has also provided updated versions of the practice sets that include exercises in line with the new format. These practice sets focus on specific sections of the test and are an excellent way to drill individual skills such as reading comprehension, listening, speaking, and writing. Many of these sets are available in PDF format, which can be printed and worked through offline.
In addition to full-length practice tests, ETS has updated the practice sets for specific sections of the exam. These sets provide more targeted practice for each section, helping you focus on the individual skills required for success on the TOEFL. For instance, the reading practice sets reflect the new format with only two passages and ten questions per passage, allowing you to practice pacing and question types that match the 2025 test structure.
The listening practice sets have also been updated to reflect the reduced number of lectures in the 2025 exam. By working with these updated sets, you can practice your listening skills in a way that mirrors the real test format. Since the TOEFL listening section continues to feature conversations and academic lectures, practicing with these new materials will help you sharpen your ability to identify key details and main ideas in spoken English.
Similarly, the updated speaking and writing practice sets have been adjusted to account for the removal of certain tasks in the 2025 TOEFL. For example, in the speaking section, you will now practice only four tasks, rather than six, so these updated sets focus on the tasks that are still part of the exam. The writing practice sets now feature the new “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task, replacing the previous Independent Writing task. This change allows you to practice writing concise, well-organized responses that contribute to an academic conversation.
In addition to paid prep materials, ETS continues to offer free online resources to help students prepare for the TOEFL. These free resources include sample questions, online tutorials, and a TOEFL sample test. These resources allow you to get a feel for the test format and the types of questions you will encounter, without any cost.
The free TOEFL resources available online are a great starting point for your preparation. If you’re just beginning your TOEFL journey or want to supplement your other study materials, these free tools can help you practice the basics. The free TOEFL sample test provides a short version of the exam, giving you a sense of how the updated format works and allowing you to practice your skills under time pressure.
While these free materials are helpful, they are limited in comparison to the paid resources, which offer full-length tests, more in-depth practice, and access to detailed performance analytics. For comprehensive preparation, it is recommended that you combine these free resources with the full set of paid practice materials from ETS or other high-quality prep providers.
Using official TOEFL prep materials ensures that you are practicing with resources that are closely aligned with the actual test format and content. ETS is the organization that creates the TOEFL exam, so their prep materials are the best reflection of what you will encounter on test day. This is particularly important because the test format and structure have changed in 2025, and older prep materials may not reflect these updates.
By practicing with official resources, you can build confidence in your ability to manage the new test structure and focus your efforts on the areas where you need the most improvement. Since ETS updates its prep materials to match the latest test format, using these materials gives you a clear and reliable picture of what to expect on the TOEFL iBT.
When preparing with the updated official materials, it’s essential to keep in mind that while the core skills being assessed remain the same, the test structure has changed. This means that your practice must reflect the new timing and pacing. For example, with the reduction in the reading section and listening section, you should adjust your practice to spend the appropriate amount of time on each task, mirroring the actual exam conditions.
Similarly, with the elimination of certain speaking and writing tasks, your preparation should be focused on the tasks that remain. It’s essential to know which tasks have been removed and which remain, so you can adjust your practice accordingly. Practice sets and full-length tests will allow you to fine-tune your timing and responses, so you feel confident on exam day.
The updated materials also provide the opportunity to practice with the MyBest™ scores feature, which allows you to combine your best section scores across multiple test dates. This can help you maximize your performance and boost your overall score if you take the TOEFL more than once. Practice with these materials can ensure that you are well-prepared to make use of this feature if it applies to your situation.
The updated official TOEFL prep materials are an essential part of your study strategy for the 2025 TOEFL iBT. They reflect the changes to the test format, pacing, and content, ensuring that you are practicing with resources that align with the new exam structure. By incorporating these materials into your study plan, you can improve your skills and build confidence for the real test. Whether you are using full-length practice tests, individual practice sets, or free online resources, these official materials provide the most accurate representation of what to expect on exam day.
In the next section, we will discuss the updates to the TOEFL scoring system, particularly the introduction of MyBest™ scores, and how these changes may affect your strategy and decision-making.
The 2025 TOEFL iBT brings important updates to the scoring system, with the most notable change being the introduction of MyBest™ scores. These changes affect how your performance is evaluated and reported to universities, and they provide new opportunities for test-takers to showcase their best abilities. In this section, we will explore the key updates to the TOEFL scoring system, explain how they impact your test-taking strategy, and provide guidance on how to make the most of these changes.
One of the most significant changes to the TOEFL scoring system in 2025 is the introduction of MyBest™ scores. MyBest™ scores allow you to combine your highest section scores from different TOEFL test dates. If you take the TOEFL multiple times, ETS will automatically create a “superscore” that represents the highest possible score across all sections of the test.
For example, if you take the TOEFL more than once and score highest in the reading section on one test, highest in listening on another test, and highest in speaking on yet another test, ETS will combine these highest scores into a single report that reflects your best performance across all sections. This means that you don’t have to worry about a low score in any one section if you have higher scores from a different test date.
This change is especially useful for test-takers who are trying to improve their scores in specific sections. Instead of worrying about a single, less-than-perfect test score, you can focus on improving individual skills and retaking the test to achieve your best performance overall. The MyBest™ scores provide a more comprehensive view of your abilities, allowing universities to see the highest level of achievement across the test.
MyBest™ scores offer several advantages, but it is important to note that not all universities accept them. Many institutions now recognize and accept MyBest™ scores, and some even prefer them, as they provide a clearer picture of a student’s best academic skills. However, it’s essential to check with each university or program to determine whether they accept MyBest™ scores and how they evaluate multiple test scores.
Some universities may still prefer to see scores from a single test date, while others may allow you to submit your highest individual scores across multiple attempts. To avoid any surprises, it’s a good idea to research the admissions policies of the universities you are applying to. If you are planning to retake the TOEFL and want to take advantage of MyBest™ scores, it’s important to understand how your scores will be evaluated by your target institutions.
If your chosen universities do accept MyBest™ scores, it can be a great way to improve your overall test score without having to worry about retaking the entire exam. By strategically retaking sections where you feel you can improve, you may be able to create a stronger score profile that better reflects your strengths.
In the 2025 TOEFL iBT, the scoring system for each section remains largely the same. You will receive a score for each of the four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored on a scale of 0-30, and your total score is the sum of these section scores, with a maximum possible total score of 120.
While the introduction of MyBest™ scores allows you to combine the highest section scores from multiple test dates, the scoring for each section itself is still based on the same criteria as before. The Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections are each evaluated based on your ability to understand and produce academic-level English in various contexts. Your scores will reflect how well you perform in each of these areas, with higher scores indicating stronger proficiency.
The overall test score, ranging from 0 to 120, is a cumulative measure of your abilities across all four sections. Even with the ability to submit MyBest™ scores, it is still important to focus on preparing for all sections of the test. Strong performance in all areas will not only help you create a high total score but also improve your chances of meeting university admission requirements.
While the scoring system for Reading and Listening sections remains the same, the Speaking and Writing sections have undergone slight changes with the introduction of the new tasks in 2025. These changes are reflected in the scoring rubric, but the overall scoring scale (0-30 for each section) has not been altered.
For the Speaking section, the two removed tasks—Task 1 (the personal question) and Task 5 (the problem-solving conversation)—will no longer be evaluated. The remaining four tasks now have more weight in the overall speaking score, which means that the focus of your preparation should be on excelling in the integrated speaking tasks that remain.
In the Writing section, the “Writing for an Academic Discussion” task replaces the previous Independent Writing task. This new task focuses on evaluating your ability to contribute to an academic discussion in writing. While the Integrated Writing task remains unchanged, you should now direct your preparation to meet the expectations for this new writing task. The new writing rubric evaluates your ability to organize ideas logically, use clear and coherent language, and respond to an academic prompt with relevant examples.
With the introduction of MyBest scores and updates to the individual tasks, it is important to adjust your preparation strategy to maximize your potential for a high score. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of the new TOEFL scoring system:
If you have taken the TOEFL before and scored well in some sections but struggled in others, retaking the test and targeting your weakest sections can help you improve your MyBest scores. For example, if your reading and listening scores are strong but your speaking or writing scores need improvement, focus your efforts on improving your speaking and writing skills. When you retake the test, aim to improve those sections while maintaining your performance in the others. This strategy allows you to build on your existing strengths and optimize your overall performance.
If you are planning to take the TOEFL multiple times, take advantage of the MyBest scores feature. By focusing on improving specific sections during each attempt, you can gradually build up a set of high scores that will contribute to your best overall performance. Keep in mind that your best section scores across different test dates will be combined into your final MyBest score, so it’s important to retake sections when you feel confident about achieving a higher score.
Although MyBest™ scores allow you to focus on improving specific sections, it’s still essential to practice across all areas of the test. A balanced score across all sections is the best way to showcase your proficiency in academic English. Ensure that you are practicing for the reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections regularly, and make sure that you’re comfortable with the test’s structure and timing. A comprehensive preparation plan will help you excel in each section, giving you the best chance of achieving high scores.
The introduction of MyBest scores is a game-changer for TOEFL test-takers, offering more flexibility and the opportunity to present your best performance across multiple test attempts. While the basic scoring system for each section remains the same, the changes provide additional avenues to improve your test results and present a more accurate reflection of your abilities. By understanding these updates and tailoring your preparation to take full advantage of MyBest scores, you can improve your chances of reaching your desired TOEFL score and fulfilling the requirements of your target universities.
In the next section, we will take a look at what remains unchanged in the 2025 TOEFL, so you can better understand the consistency in the test’s core components.
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