TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2024 : Reading, Writing, Listening, & Speaking Section

The TOEFL test syllabus consists of four parts - reading, listening, speaking, and writing.ETS has made the syllabus for the TOEFL examination available for both the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essential, covering all sections including Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The total TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120, encompassing all four sections. TOEFL is widely recognized as a standard English proficiency exam and is accepted by more than 160 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and others.

The candidate has the option to review the most recent TOEFL examination syllabus to gain a better understanding of the test's structure. Although the TOEFL exam assesses English language proficiency, the types of questions, sections, and overall test format vary depending on the specific test variant. The TOEFL exam syllabus for the iBT test focuses on academic content, while the TOEFL Essential syllabus covers both academic and non-academic subjects. 

TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2024 (Current)

The TOEFL syllabus is structured to check the candidates' abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the university context. The TOEFL assessment and syllabus have been devised to measure the different aptitudes of the candidates and evaluate their familiarity with the English language. Here is a comprehensive TOEFL syllabus that comprises the writing, reading, listening, and speaking components of the test.

Here is a detailed TOEFL syllabus for the benefit of our TOEFL test-takers.

TOEFL Reading Syllabus

In this section, the exam taker will need to read through 3-5 passages and provide answers to 12-14 queries concerning each one. The scores for this segment will be determined by the number answers of correct responses to the reading comprehension questions.

• Question type: 3–4 passages, 10 questions each

• Total no. of questions : About 40

• Total time: 54-72 mins

Types of Questions in TOEFL Reading Section

• Analyzing factual data:   The main goals of question formats for factual information are to identify the key concepts, illustrative examples, and definitions. These queries include words like "According to the paragraph," "Paragraph X answers," and "According to the paragraph, which of the following? "Negative factual knowledge questions also include four possible responses, three of which are true; you just need to figure out which one is incorrect. 'NOT' and 'EXCEPT' should come to mind when you respond to these questions.

• Inference and Rhetorical: Inference questions require you to recognize information or comprehend an idea not directly mentioned in the reading passage. You can identify inference questions through words such as 'infer', 'imply', or 'suggest'. Additionally, in rhetorical questions, you need to determine the idea not explicitly stated in the passage. This entails answering questions about the author's purpose in presenting specific information.

• Sentence Simplification: Sentence simplification questions require you to select the sentence that conveys the same meaning as the original sentence in a simpler way. Your task is to choose a sentence that presents the most crucial information straightforwardly.

• Reading Vocabulary: In vocabulary questions, your task is to uncover or deduce the definition of the words and expressions utilized in the passage. These inquiries include phrases such as 'most similar in meaning' or 'the author's intention'.

• Insert Text Question: In the insert text questions, your task is to assess the logical sequence of ideas presented in the passage. Each reading passage in the reading section will include a single insert text question.

TOEFL  Listening Syllabus

This section includes both brief conversations and extended conversations. After the short exchange, one question will be presented with multiple potential solutions. You must select one answer. For the lengthier talks, numerous questions will be asked in relation to the discussion.

Question type a:

• 3–4 lectures (3-5 minutes long, about 500-800 words)

• 6 questions each

• About 30 questions in total

Question type b:  

• 2–3 conversations (about 3 minutes long, about 12-25 exchanges)

• 5 questions each; About 12 questions in total

Total no. of questions: 40+

Total time: 41–57 mins

Types of Questions in TOEFL Listening Section

• Gist-content and Gist-purpose: Gist-content questions require identifying the primary subject or concept discussed in the listening dialogue or lecture. Gist-purpose questions require you to determine the main objective or intention behind the conversation or lecture.

• Detail Questions : Responding to detailed questions requires recollecting specific information from the lecture. These questions delve into conceptual details rather than trivial ones.

• Function Questions: Function questions challenge you to identify the precise meaning of a statement within a given context, as the meaning can vary depending on the circumstances.

• Attitude Questions: Attitude questions assess your capacity to grasp the speaker's emotions or stance toward a particular subject.

• Organization Questions : Organization questions evaluate your grasp of the lecture's structural framework.

• Connecting Content Questions: In Connecting Content Questions, you must identify the interrelationships among ideas presented in the lecture.

• Inference Questions: Inference questions gauge your comprehension of ideas that are not explicitly articulated in the lecture.

TOEFL Speaking Syllabus

If you want to get the highest marks in the Speaking Section, your responses have to meet the task requirements with only minor errors or shortcomings. The examiners are searching for a conversation that is articulate and consistently maintained. Three main aspects make up the evaluation of this section.

Speaking Questions Covered in TOEFL Syllabus:

a) 1 independent task (prep time: 15 sec; response time: 45 sec)

b) 3 integrated tasks – Listen/Read/Speak (prep time: 30 sec; response time: 60 sec)

Total no. of questions:  4

Total time: 17 mins

Types of Questions in TOEFL Speaking Section

Question 1 - Independent speaking:

Your task is to express your thoughts, viewpoints, and personal encounters. You will be given 15 seconds to prepare your response and 45 seconds to deliver it orally.

Question 2 - Integrated Speaking: 

It focuses on situations that occur on campus. In this activity, you can read a passage discussing various topics related to campus life. Additionally, you will listen to a conversation about the same subject matter. Following this, you will be given 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to articulate your answer.

Questions 3 & 4 - Integrated Speaking: 

The questions will concern the academic programs. You will read a passage based on the academic topic for this exercise. Additionally, a lecture on the same topic will be heard by you. You have 30 seconds to think of a reply and 60 seconds to speak it. 
 

TOEFL Writing Syllabus

Writing a successful essay requires addressing a subject matter in-depth. The composition should be logically and systematically structured, with relevant examples and sufficient justification. Additionally, the writing should be unified, consistent, and coherent. To get a good grade, use a variety of syntax and an appropriate lexicon with minimal grammar mistakes.

Writing Questions Covered in TOEFL Syllabus:

a) 1 integrated task – Listen/Read//Write (20 minutes) (reading time: 3 min; Listening

time: 2 min; writing: 15 min)

b) 1 independent task (30 mins)

Total no. of questions: 2

Total time: 50 mins

Types of Questions in TOEFL Writing Section

Integrated writing task (20 minutes): 

You must read a brief essay and a short lecture. And then, depending on what you have read and heard, write your response. There is no maximum word count for your response. However, a 150–225 word response is usually considered effective.

Independent writing task (30 minutes): 

You must create an essay based on a question and an issue. Although there is no set limit on essay length, an excellent response usually has at least 300 words.

TOEFL Exam Preparation Tips

When it comes to getting ready for the TOEFL exam, there are two main approaches: self-study and attending coaching classes. Both methods have their own advantages, and neither is superior to the other. If budget is a major concern, opting for self-studies using TOEFL books and resources might be the more suitable choice. On the other hand, if you require expert guidance to gain an edge in your TOEFL preparation, enrolling in a coaching center would be a better option. Ultimately, it depends on your individual needs and preferences when deciding how best to prepare for this important exam.

The TOEFL Test evaluates the proficiency of candidates in comprehending English at a university level. It assesses their skills in four key areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. To effectively prepare for the test, it is essential for candidates to familiarize themselves with its format, scoring system, and results. ETS, the organization responsible for conducting the TOEFL exam, offers both free and paid study resources that are readily accessible to all. These materials serve as valuable aids during preparation and can greatly enhance one's chances of achieving success in the test.

How do I start preparing for TOEFL?

There are two options available to students who are preparing for the TOEFL exam: they can choose to study independently or seek guidance from a TOEFL coaching center. It is important for students to determine the right time to start their preparation. Additionally, those interested in joining coaching should be well-informed about the best TOEFL coaching centers in India.

Preparing for TOEFL Exam Reading Section

1. Candidates should read as much as possible in English. The main goal behind this activity is to keep the student's attention engaged with the English language at all times.

2. Converting short paragraphs into a question and answer format is a well-known method for fully grasping the meaning of a text. It's an effective technique to enhance your reading skills.

3. Newspapers, articles, and magazines in English are excellent resources for learning new terms.

4. Using articles and literary pieces to assess your work can also function as a valuable tool in determining your level of achievement.

5. Candidates should actively practice expanding their vocabulary. as this will help them flourish in their TOEFL Reading Section.

Preparing for TOEFL Exam Writing Section

1. In order to fully understand the recordings, candidates are required to attentively listen to short passages or readings and then write a summary of what they have heard.

2. Words that connect are vital as they show how sentences and paragraphs relate to each other, and also join multiple short sentences into a single longer statement.

3. While listening to recordings, candidates have the opportunity to recognize and analyze the writer's opinions, allowing them to delve deeply into their analysis and write about them extensively.

4. In order to fully comprehend the writer's viewpoint, the reader should carefully consider any potential counterarguments and articulate them using their own language.

Preparing for TOEFL Exam Speaking Section

1. As a self-exercise, candidates have the option to gather pictures from magazines and newspapers and then verbally depict them in less than a minute. To make this task more demanding, candidates can choose to describe the same subject multiple times, incorporating different adjectives and additional details.

2. To make their opinions clear and understandable, candidates should make use of linking words or phrases during this practice session.

3. Students have the option to evaluate their TOEFL iBT Speaking Skills by considering activities that relate to student life and providing reasons to support their preferences. They can then speak about their chosen activity for a minute.

4. Candidates can also develop the routine of reading newspapers and online articles, engaging in discussions about current events with their friends.

Preparing for TOEFL Exam Listening Section

1. It is important for candidates to understand that one of the most valued skills in the TOEFL Listening exam is the ability to quickly and accurately take notes.

2. In order to extract relevant information and use it to respond to questions, it is essential for the candidate to first develop the habit of listening to lengthy audios.

3. Knowing the genre of the speech gives you a significant advantage. Many inquiries will often arise regarding the nature of the conversation.

TOEFL Exam Day Tips

If you're preparing for the TOEFL exam, here are some valuable tips to help you excel on your big day. When the test day finally arrives, don't forget to bring your valid and acceptable ID to the test center. For Indian test-takers, a valid passport is mandatory and no other form of identification will be accepted. It's important to note that your passport must be up-to-date and in good standing in order to comply with this policy.

1. An original document (photocopies not allowed)

2. Carry Valid documents 

3. Have your full name mentioned in it as mentioned during registration

4. Have your photo in it (a recent photo matching the test takers)

5. Have your signature 

6. Before starting the Reading section, take a minute or two to compose yourself.

7. Make sure to dress in comfortable and warm clothes for your computer test, as most test centers are air-conditioned. It's important to avoid having cold feet (both literally and figuratively) on the day of the test.

Helpful Calculators:

• CGPA to Percentage
• SGPA to CGPA
• SGPA to Percentage