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The Listening Section (2026 version)


Lucas Fink
Lesson by Lucas Fink
Magoosh Expert

Summary
The new TOEFL listening section, launching in 2026, introduces a shorter, more adaptive format emphasizing real-world communication, with a mix of daily life and academic recordings.
  • The listening section features two adaptive modules, adjusting in difficulty based on performance, with a total duration of about 27 minutes.
  • Introduces a 'Choose a Response' question type focusing on short conversational English, testing understanding of tone and context.
  • Daily life conversations and academic recordings are brief, aiming to assess practical English comprehension and the ability to grasp implied meanings and academic content without prior knowledge.
  • The section prohibits replaying recordings, emphasizing the importance of active listening and note-taking for longer passages.
  • Strategies for success include staying engaged, practicing summarization, and daily listening practice with English media to improve comprehension and note-taking skills.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the New TOEFL Listening Section
01:00
Understanding 'Choose a Response' Questions
02:10
Navigating Daily Life Conversations and Academic Recordings
04:21
Effective Note-Taking Strategies
07:52
Strategies for Success in the Listening Section