Skip to Main Content

Comparing the Format of the Current, Shorter TOEFL with the Older TOEFL (prior to July 26, 2023)


Eliot Friesen-Meyers
Lesson by Eliot Friesen-Meyers
Magoosh Expert

Summary
The new TOEFL format introduced in July 2023 brings about several changes, particularly in the test's duration, the reading and writing sections, and the elimination of unscored questions, while maintaining the same scoring system and structure for the listening and speaking sections.
  • The TOEFL test changes will be effective from July 26th, 2023, introducing a new registration and scheduling experience.
  • Scoring remains unchanged, but the test duration is reduced to two hours from the previous three, primarily by streamlining instructions and modifying the reading and writing sections.
  • The listening and speaking sections remain the same, with the removal of experimental questions shortening the overall test.
  • The reading section now includes only two passages with ten questions each, reducing the section's duration significantly.
  • A new writing task, 'writing for an academic discussion,' is introduced, replacing a longer task and requiring only ten minutes to complete.
  • Magoosh provides updated materials and lessons to accommodate the changes, ensuring students are well-prepared for the new format.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the New TOEFL Format
00:58
Consistencies with the Previous Format
02:47
Key Changes in the TOEFL Format
04:08
Detailed Overview of Reading and Writing Section Adjustments
06:24
Magoosh's Support for the New Format

Related Blog Posts

On July 26, 2023, the TOEFL became shorter.  For more details about the changes, please see this article.