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Test preparation

TOEFL

Build the academic English you need.

TOEFL iBT is an English language proficiency test designed to measure the academic English skills needed for communication in higher-education environments. The test evaluates four core areas — Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking — using tasks that reflect academic, classroom and everyday university contexts. The current TOEFL iBT uses a multistage adaptive format for Reading and Listening, allowing the test experience to adjust according to a candidate's performance. The test takes approximately two hours, although the exact number of questions and timing can vary.

TOEFL language training at The Howards Council
Test length
About 2 hours
Sections
4
Primary score scale
1 to 6
Test format
Computer-based · Adaptive

About this course

Learn with a clear purpose.

Who it's for

For students and other candidates preparing to demonstrate their English language ability for universities, higher education and other academic environments where TOEFL iBT scores are accepted.

What you’ll work on

  • ✓  Reading — adaptive tasks including everyday and academic texts
  • ✓  Listening — conversations, announcements and academic talks
  • ✓  Writing — sentence building, email and academic discussion tasks
  • ✓  Speaking — listen-and-repeat and interview tasks
  • ✓  Computer-based test format and adaptive sections
  • ✓  Academic English strategies, task practice and timed preparation

How the test works

Four skills, one academic English test.

01

Reading

About 30 minutes

Tasks include completing words, reading everyday materials and understanding academic passages. The section adapts to the test taker's performance.

02

Listening

About 29 minutes

Tasks include choosing an appropriate response and understanding conversations, announcements and academic talks. The section adapts to the test taker's performance.

03

Writing

About 23 minutes

Tasks include building sentences, writing an email and responding to an academic discussion prompt.

04

Speaking

About 8 minutes

Tasks focus on listening and repeating spoken English, and responding to questions in an interview format.

Versions

Choose the right version.

TOEFL iBT at a test centre

Taken on a computer at an authorised TOEFL test centre. Check the official ETS website for current availability and booking requirements.

TOEFL iBT Home Edition

Taken on a computer at home under live human proctoring, subject to current ETS availability and requirements.

Marking scheme

How you are marked.

Overall score

  • ✓  The updated score scale ranges from 1 to 6 in half-point increments.
  • ✓  The overall score is based on the four section scores and rounded to the nearest half point.

Academic reading and listening

  • ✓  Understanding written information and vocabulary in context
  • ✓  Following conversations, announcements and academic talks
  • ✓  Working accurately with adaptive test tasks

Writing and speaking

  • ✓  Building clear, grammatically appropriate sentences
  • ✓  Communicating ideas in written responses
  • ✓  Speaking clearly and responding appropriately to interview questions

For tests taken from January 21, 2026, score reports use the 1–6 scale. During the two-year transition period, reports also include a comparable overall score on the 0–120 scale. Always check the current ETS score guidance.

How we prepare you

Your path to progress.

STEP 1

Understand the current test

Learn the updated task types, adaptive sections, test structure and scoring scale.

STEP 2

Build the four skills

Develop academic reading, listening comprehension, sentence construction, writing and spoken responses.

STEP 3

Practise the task formats

Work through relevant task types and become familiar with computer-based test instructions and timing.

STEP 4

Review and refine

Identify areas that need more practice and continue developing accuracy and clarity.

Start learning

Find your right batch.

Contact us for current batch timings, availability and course details.

Questions

Good to know before you start.

How long does the TOEFL iBT take?

ETS advises allowing approximately two hours. Actual test time and item counts can vary because the updated test adapts to performance.

How is TOEFL iBT scored in 2026?

From January 21, 2026, the four sections and overall score use a 1–6 scale in half-point increments. During the two-year transition period, a comparable overall score on the 0–120 scale is also provided.

What are the TOEFL iBT sections?

The test assesses Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. The updated format includes tasks such as completing words, reading everyday materials, writing emails, building sentences, listening and repeating, and responding in an interview.

Is the TOEFL iBT adaptive?

Yes. Under the format introduced on January 21, 2026, the Reading and Listening sections adapt to the test taker's performance. Timing and item counts may vary.

Can I take TOEFL iBT at home?

ETS offers the TOEFL iBT Home Edition under live human proctoring, subject to current availability and requirements. Check the official ETS website before booking.

Where can I check official test details and fees?

Test availability, booking requirements and fees can change. Check the official ETS TOEFL website for the latest information.

How can I enquire about a course?

Contact us on WhatsApp or through the contact page to enquire about the course you are interested in.

How do I find the right class for me?

Contact us with your learning goal and preferred schedule, and we'll help you understand the available options for TOEFL.

How can I get course fees and details?

Contact us for the latest fee information, course details and available options for TOEFL.

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