TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2025: Section-wise Exam Details, Duration

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the world’s most respected assessments for English proficiency. It is a widely accepted test in English-speaking countries. If you are planning to study abroad, then you may need to take the TOEFL exam as proof of your English proficiency. Therefore, it is essential to understand the TOEFL exam syllabus first. There are no major changes to the TOEFL syllabus for 2025.

This article gives an overview of the TOEFL exam syllabus for 2025, covering each section, question type, scoring details, and essential preparation tips.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus

The TOEFL exam syllabus for 2025, established by ETS (Educational Testing Service), is designed to evaluate English language skills across four key domains: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The exam follows a consistent structure, whether you choose the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) at a test centre or opt for the Home Edition.

The TOEFL test exists in two different formats.

• The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the most widely used version. The test takes place at a test centre through computer-based administration.
• The TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) exists as a testing option for locations where internet-based testing is not available. The test is rarely used in practice.

TOEFL Exam Duration: The TOEFL iBT lasts 116 minutes. The PBT version takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.

TOEFL Exam Details at a Glance:

Test-takers can download a section-wise TOEFL syllabus PDF from the official ETS website or refer to practice resources to get detailed topic breakdowns and sample questions.

Also read: TOEFL vs. IELTS – Which is Easier?

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Reading Section

The Reading section gauges your ability to comprehend and analyse academic texts. You’ll face 2 passages, each about 700 words, with 10 questions per passage. The section is designed to mirror the types of readings typically encountered in university courses, making it a critical component of the TOEFL exam syllabus.

• Duration: 35 minutes
• Questions: 20 (10 questions per passage)
• Skills Tested: Main idea identification, detail analysis, inference, vocabulary, tone, organisation

TOEFL Reading Question Types

Within the Reading section, you’ll encounter:

• Factual Information & Negative Factual Information: Direct fact retrieval or spotting what is not true.
• Inference Questions: Drawing logical conclusions from the text.
• Vocabulary Questions: Interpreting the meaning of academic words in context.
• Sentence Simplification & Insert Text: Rearranging or replacing sentences for clarity and flow.
• Prose Summary: Synthesising information from large portions of text.
• Reference Questions: Identifying what a pronoun or noun refers to in the context.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Speaking Section

The TOEFL Speaking section evaluates your ability to communicate ideas fluently and effectively in academic and everyday scenarios. You will be required to complete 4 speaking tasks in 16 minutes.

• Duration: 16 minutes
• Tasks: 4 (1 Independent, 3 Integrated)
• Skills Tested: Clarity, coherence, pronunciation, and task development

TOEFL Speaking Question Types

• Task 1 (Independent Speaking): Express your opinion on a familiar topic.
• Tasks 2-4 (Integrated Speaking): Combine reading, listening, and speaking skills to summarise, discuss, and analyse information.
  • Task 2: Read a passage and listen to a conversation, then respond.
  • Task 3: Listen to an academic conversation or lecture, then summarise.
  • Task 4: Discuss a topic based on a short academic reading and audio.

Each response should display clear argumentation, logical structure, and relevant examples.

If you’re unsure which English proficiency exam to choose, check out our article on Which Test Is Better – IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo?

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Listening Section

The Listening section challenges your ability to understand spoken English in academic contexts, including lectures, discussions, and conversations between students and professors.

• Duration: 36 minutes
• Questions: 28
• Content Types: 3 lectures (with possible classroom discussions) and 2 conversations

TOEFL Listening Question Types

Be prepared for diverse question formats:

• Main Idea and Detail Questions: Capture general topics and specific information.
• Function & Attitude Questions: Determine speaker’s intent or attitude.
• Organisation Questions: Identify structural logic in audio segments.
• Connecting Content: Make connections across chunks of audio information.
• Inference Questions: Deduce unstated meaning from dialogue or lectures.

TOEFL Exam Syllabus: Writing Section

The Writing section assesses your capacity to write clearly, logically, and persuasively in an academic context.

• Duration: 29 minutes
• Tasks: 2 (1 Integrated, 1 Independent)
• Skills Tested: Organisation, grammar, vocabulary, argumentation

Task Details:

• Integrated Writing Task: Read a brief passage, listen to an academic lecture, and write a response integrating both sources.
• Independent Writing Task: Express your opinion or experience in response to a straightforward question, supporting your viewpoint with reasons and examples.

Why is Understanding the TOEFL Exam Syllabus Important?

A clear grasp of the TOEFL exam syllabus is a competitive advantage. Here’s why:

• Efficient, Targeted Preparation: Knowing exactly which skills and question types are tested allows you to structure your study sessions, prioritise weak areas, and avoid wasted time.
• Reduced Exam Anxiety: Familiarity with the TOEFL exam pattern and format helps you walk into the exam room with confidence.
• Score Optimisation: Understanding section-wise demands enables you to allocate time and energy for maximum score gains.

Final Thoughts

Whether you dream of joining a top university abroad or want to enhance your language credentials for global job opportunities, mastering the TOEFL exam syllabus is your passport to success. Each section of the exam tests crucial academic and real-world English skills, so invest in effective and consistent preparation. Use the detailed breakdowns above to streamline your study plan, and remember: familiarity with the TOEFL exam paper and format breeds confidence.