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Overview of the TOEFL


Lucas Fink
Lesson by Lucas Fink
Magoosh Expert

Summary
The new version of the TOEFL, launching on January 21, 2026, introduces significant changes aimed at providing a more accurate assessment of English proficiency in real-life academic situations.
  • The TOEFL iBT measures English usage in academic settings, focusing on reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills.
  • The 2026 version shortens the test duration to less than an hour and a half, introduces adaptive reading and listening sections, and incorporates new question types.
  • Scoring transitions to a one to six band system, aligning with the CEFR, while maintaining the zero to 120 scale during a transition period.
  • Test content now includes both academic texts and everyday materials, reflecting a broader range of English usage.
  • The test can be taken at official centers or at home, with strict monitoring to ensure integrity.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the New TOEFL
01:09
Why Take the TOEFL
03:10
What's New in 2026
04:34
Understanding the Test Format