TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024 (Download PDF): Check Section-wise Pattern, Total Marks, Duration

The TOEFL exam is a crucial step for non-native English speakers aiming to study in English-speaking countries. Understanding the TOEFL exam pattern 2024 is essential for effective preparation. The test is divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section assesses different language skills, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your English proficiency. By familiarizing yourself with the TOEFL exam structure and types of questions, you can improve your performance and achieve a higher score.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the TOEFL exam format, tips for each section, and answers to common questions to help you succeed

TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024: Check Question Types & Scores

Table of Content

  • TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024
  • TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2024
  • TOEFL Exam Marks Pattern
  • TOEFL Proficiency Levels
  • TOEFL iBT Test
  • TOEFL iBT Paper Edition
  • TOEFL Reading Section Pattern
  • TOEFL Listening Section Pattern
  • TOEFL Speaking Section Pattern
  • TOEFL Writing Section Pattern
  • Previous Vs New TOEFL Exam Pattern
  • TOEFL Exam Fee 2024
  • TOEFL Preparation Tips

TOFL Exam Pattern 2024

TOEFL exam pattern 2024 consists of 4 sections, which include, Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing, with a total score of 120. The students should practice more and more for better scores. The TOEFL Exam pattern is decided by ETS, which is the conducting body and governs the TOEFL exam. All of the TOEFL preparation materials are prepared while focusing on the TOEFL test pattern.

TOEFL scores are declared within six days after the commencement of the test and the total score can be found as the total sum of all four skill areas. During TOEFL registration, candidates get the option of selecting up to four institutions that can send the score report. Candidates can check out the updated TOEFL Exam Pattern below:

Section TOEFL Exam Pattern Description
TOEFL Reading Section

Duration: 35 minutes

Questions 20

Read passages and respond to questions.
TOEFL Listening Section

Duration: 36 minutes

Questions 28

Answer questions about brief lectures or classroom discussions.
TOEFL Speaking Section

Duration: 16 minutes

Questions: 4 tasks

Talk about a familiar topic and discuss material you read and heard.
TOEFL Writing Section

Duration: 29 minutes

Questions: 2 tasks

Read a passage, listen to a recording, and type your response.

State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.

  Total Duration: 116 minutes  

Note: TOEFL exam evaluates various language skills essential for success in academic environments and provides a total score ranging from 0 to 120.

Due to the pandemic, ETS, the governing body of the TOEFL exam, has introduced the TOEFL at Home option, allowing candidates to take the test safely from their homes. ETS has resumed the TOEFL Test on Paper in India to broaden access for test-takers. Candidates opting to take the TOEFL test have three formats available: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL at Home, and TOEFL paper-delivered test. The cost for all three formats of the test is ₹16,900 INR. This initiative aims to accommodate candidates’ needs while ensuring their safety and providing flexibility in test-taking options.

Solve Free TOEFL Practice Papers:

TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2024

The TOEFL exam syllabus for 2024 includes reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills essential for academic success. Each section has specific question types, total number of questions, and allotted time to complete, providing a comprehensive assessment of English proficiency.

Here is the updated syllabus of TOEFL :-

Section

Description

Description

Total Number of Questions

Total Time

Reading

Consists of two reading passages, each approximately 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage. Takes about 35 minutes to complete.

Two passages, 10 questions each

20

35 minutes

Listening

Includes 3 lectures (3-5 minutes long) with classroom discussion and 2 conversations (about 3 minutes long). 6 questions per lecture and 5 questions per conversation. Takes around 36 minutes.

Three lectures with 6 questions each, and two conversations with 5 questions each

28

36 minutes

Speaking

Involves one independent task and three integrated tasks, focusing on delivery, language use, and topic development. Each task has preparation and response times.

One independent task and three integrated tasks

4

16 minutes

Writing

Requires two essays – one integrated task and one writing for an academic discussion task. Each essay should be well-organized, developed, and coherent.

One integrated task and one writing for an academic discussion task

2

30 minutes

Read More: TOEFL Syllabus 2024

TOEFL Exam Marks Pattern

All the sections are ranged between 0 to 30 marks and are combined in the end for a total score of 120.

Section

Score Range

Mean Scores

Reading

0-30

20

Writing

0-30

19

Speaking

0-30

19

Listening

0-30

20

Total

0-120

78

TOEFL Proficiency Levels

Candidates TOEFL scores are described their proficiency level in the English language. Achieving an average TOEFL score of 24+ in the exam is considered an advanced level of proficiency. Here is the descriptions of TOEFL exam scores in the given table:

Sections

Levels

Reading

  • Advanced (24–30)
  • High-Intermediate (18–23)
  • Low-Intermediate (4–17)
  • Below Low-Intermediate (0–3)

Listening

  • Advanced (22–30)
  • High-Intermediate (17–21)
  • Low-Intermediate (9–16)
  • Below Low-Intermediate (0–8)

Speaking

  • Advanced (25–30)
  • High-Intermediate (20–24)
  • Low-Intermediate (16–19)
  • Basic (10–15)
  • Below Basic (0–9)

Writing

  • Advanced (24–30)
  • High-Intermediate (17–23)
  • Low-Intermediate (13–16)
  • Basic (7–12)
  • Below Basic (0–6)

TOEFL iBT Test

Section Number of Questions Duration Task
Reading 2 Passages
20 Questions
35 Minutes Reading passages and responding to questions.
Listening 3 Lectures, 2 Conversations
28 questions
36 Minutes Answering questions based on lectures and classroom discussions.
Speaking 4 Tasks 16 Minutes Talking about a familiar topic and responding to questions based on audio and texts.
Writing 2 Tasks 29 Minutes Responding to questions based on audio and texts and giving and supporting an opinion. 

Read More: TOEFL Score Chart

TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

Sections Number of Questions Duration Tasks
Reading

3 or 4 Passages

30-40 Questions

54-72 Minutes Reading Passages and Answering Questions.
Listening

3-4 Lectures, 2-3 Conversations

28-39 Questions

41-57 Minutes Answering Questions about lectures and Classroom Discussions. 
Break  —- 10 Minutes  —
Writing 2 Tasks 50 Minutes Writing Responses to Reading & Writing
Speaking (Taken at home) 4 Tasks 17 Minutes Talking about familiar topics and discussing audio and texts in tasks

Read More: TOEFL PBT

TOEFL Reading Section Pattern

 

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

Composition
  • 2 reading passages
  • 700 words long passages
  • 10 questions per passage
  • 3-4 reading passages
  • 700 words long passages
  • 10 questions per passage
Skills Assessed
  • Understanding of texts in post-secondary education
  • Summarizing and drawing inferences from the text
  • Understanding of texts in post-secondary education
  • Summarizing and drawing inferences from the text
Duration

35 Minutes

54-72 Minutes

Question Types

Multiple-type questions with one and more than one correct answer as per the question. 

Multiple-type questions with one and more than one correct answer as per the question. 

Score Scale (raw scores converted to scores on the scale)

0-30

0-30

TOEFL Listening Section Pattern

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

Composition
  • 3 Lectures including classroom discussions (3-5 minutes, 6 Questions each)
  • 2 Conversations, (3 minutes, 5 questions each)
  • 3 Lectures including classroom discussions (3-5 minutes, 6 Questions each)
  • 2 Conversations, (3 minutes, 5 questions each
Skills Assessed
  • Basic Comprehension
  • Understanding of Attitutde and degree of certainty
  • Connecting Information
  • Basic Comprehension
  • Understanding of Attitutde and degree of certainty
  • Connecting Information
Duration  36 Minutes 41-57 Minutes
Question Types Multiple Type Questions with one and more than one correct answer as per the question Multiple Type Questions with one and more than one correct answer as per the question
Score Scale (Raw scores converted to scores on the scale) 0-30 0-30

TOEFL Speaking Section Pattern

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

Composition
  • 4 Tasks
  • 1 Independent Speaking Task
  • 3 Integreted Tasks (Listening, Reading, Speaking)
  • 4 Tasks
  • 1 Independent Speaking Task
  • 3 Integreted Tasks (Listening, Reading, Speaking)
Skills Assessed
  • Ability to speak in Academic Settings
  • Articulate Ideas Clearly and Effectively
  • Basic Comprehension
  • Understanding of Attitude and Degree of Certainty
  • Connection in Information
Duration  16 Minutes 17 Minutes (Conducted online at home)
Question Types
  • Speaking about opinions and preferences
  • Speaking about Topics from Lectures and Texts
  • Speaking about opinions and preferences
  • Speaking about Topics from Lectures and Texts
Score Scale (Raw scores converted to scores on the scale) 0-30 0-30

TOEFL Writing Section Pattern

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

Composition
  • Integrated Writing Task
  • Writing for an Academic Discussion
  • Integrated writing task
  • Independent writing task about a personal experience or opinion
Skills Assessed
  • Ability to Write in Academic Settings
  • Articulate Ideas in an Organized way and Clearly
  • Ability to Write in Academic Settings
  • Articulate Ideas in an Organized way and Clearly
Duration 29 Minutes 50 Minutes
Question Types
  • Comparing and Analysing Information from Text and Audio
  • Sharing Opinion in an Online Classroom Discussion
  • Comparing and analysing information from text and audio
  • Essay writing on an issue or expressing an opinion 
Score Scale (Raw scores converted to scores) 0-30 0-30 

Old Vs New TOEFL Exam Pattern

SECTIONS PREVIOUS PATTERN NEW PATTERN (w.e.f July 26)
TOEFL Reading section Duration: 54 – 72 minutes
Questions: 30-40
Duration: 35 minutes
Questions: 20
TOEFL Writing section Duration: 50 minutes
Questions: 2 tasks
Duration: 29 minutes
Questions: 2 tasks
TOEFL Listening section Duration: 41-57 minutes
Questions: 28 – 39
Duration: 36 minutes
Questions 28
TOEFL Speaking section Duration: 17 minutes
Questions: 4 tasks
Duration: 16 minutes
Questions: 4 tasks
  Total duration: 162-196 minutes Total duration: 116 minutes

TOEFL Exam Fee 2024

TOEFL Fees in India 2024: The registration fee for the TOEFL exam varies from location to location. The TOEFL exam fee in India is ₹16,900 INR. Apart from this, candidates also need to pay extra for other services like late registration, rescheduling the exam, or score review. 

Read More: TOEFL Exam Fee

TOEFL Preparation Tips

Preparing for the TOEFL exam requires a strategic approach, and candidates often choose between self-study and attending coaching classes. Each method has its own advantages, and the choice depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Self-study using TOEFL books and resources is cost-effective and allows flexibility in study schedules. On the other hand, enrolling in a TOEFL coaching center provides professional guidance and support, enhancing preparation.

The TOEFL test evaluates candidates’ English language proficiency at the university level across four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Understanding the test format, scoring system, and result interpretation is crucial for effective preparation. ETS, the conducting body of the TOEFL exam, offers both free and paid study materials, readily accessible to candidates. Familiarizing oneself with these resources can significantly aid in preparation for the exam.

Read More:

TOEFL Exam Format 2024- FAQs

What is the TOEFL Exam Format for 2024?

The TOEFL exam consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section assesses different language skills, including reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking fluency, and writing proficiency.

How long is the TOEFL exam?

The total duration of the TOEFL exam varies depending on the test format. However, the test lasts around 4 hours.

How is the TOEFL exam scored?

The TOEFL exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 120, with each section scored separately. The reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections are each scored on a scale of 0 to 30.

Can I take the TOEFL exam online?

Yes, the TOEFL exam is available in both online and paper-based formats. The online version of the exam, known as TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test), allows test-takers to take the exam from the comfort of their own home.



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