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The TOEFL changed significantly on January 21, 2026, and your practice needs to match. Whether you’re taking the new 2026 TOEFL or studying with older materials, Magoosh has you covered with free TOEFL practice tests for both formats.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about practicing for the TOEFL—including the new item types, updated scoring system, and section-by-section breakdowns. We do recommend that you read through this guide first before starting the practice test so that you know what to expect.
But if you’re already familiar with the TOEFL and its changes, enter your email above to start your free TOEFL practice test right now!
Table of Contents
- What to Expect on the 2026 TOEFL Practice Test
- Reading Section (2026 Format)
- Listening Section (2026 Format)
- Writing Section (2026 Format)
- Speaking Section (2026 Format)
- Legacy TOEFL Format (Pre-January 21, 2026)
- Understanding Your Practice Test Score
- Instructions for the Free Magoosh TOEFL Practice Test
- Why Take a TOEFL Practice Test?
- When Should I Take a TOEFL Practice Test?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- TOEFL Test Prep Tips
Practice Test Options
On the practice test page, you’ll have the ability to select from several options. If you’re taking the TOEFL after January 21, 2026, select the 2026 format. If you’re using older materials or took the test before that date, you can toggle to the legacy format.
| Format | Sections | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Length 2026 Exam | All 4 sections | ~1 hour 30 minutes |
| Full-Length Legacy Exam | All 4 sections | ~2 hours |
| Individual Section Tests | Your choice | Varies by section |
We recommend taking a full-length practice exam for the most realistic experience and accurate score predictions. However, if you’re short on time or want to focus on specific skills, section tests work great too.
Pro tip: In your Magoosh dashboard, you can easily toggle between the 2026 and legacy TOEFL formats. Choose based on when you’re taking your actual test.
What to Expect on the 2026 TOEFL Practice Test
As of January 21, 2026, the TOEFL looks quite different from before. Here’s what you’ll encounter:
| Section | Number of Items | Time Limit | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Up to 50 | ~30 minutes | 1-6 |
| Listening | Up to 47 | ~29 minutes | 1-6 |
| Writing | Up to 12 | ~23 minutes | 1-6 |
| Speaking | Up to 11 | ~8 minutes | 1-6 |
| Total | Up to 120 | ~1.5 hours | 1-6 (average) |
Key Changes from the Pre-2026 Format
The 2026 TOEFL introduces several major changes:
- Shorter test: About 1.5 hours instead of 2 hours
- New scoring scale: 1-6 bands (aligned with CEFR) instead of 0-120
- Adaptive testing: Reading and Listening sections adjust to your performance
- New item types: More interactive, shorter questions across all sections
- Modern content: Real-world scenarios alongside academic content
- Faster results: Scores available within 72 hours
Don’t let these changes worry you. The new format is actually designed to be less stressful, and the adaptive testing helps the test find your true ability level more efficiently.
Pro tip: During the test, don’t overthink whether questions are getting harder or easier. The adaptive algorithm works in the background—just focus on each question as it comes.
Reading Section (2026 Format)
The 2026 Reading section introduces three new item types and takes approximately 30 minutes. Reading is now adaptive, meaning later questions adjust based on your earlier performance.
Three Item Types You’ll Encounter
1. Complete the Words
You’ll see sentences with missing letters and need to fill in the blanks. This tests your vocabulary, spelling, and contextual understanding.
For example: “The scientist conducted an exper_____ to test her hypothesis.”
For this question type, you’ll be given a paragraph with 10 words that you’ll need to complete.
2. Read in Daily Life
These passages come from everyday materials like magazines, websites, and practical documents. This is new—the old TOEFL was entirely academic.
3. Read an Academic Passage
Traditional academic texts similar to what you’d encounter in university courses. Topics range from science and history to art and social sciences.
What Makes the 2026 Reading Section Different
- More variety: You’ll read both academic and everyday texts
- Adaptive difficulty: Questions adjust to your ability level
- Shorter items: Many questions take less time than traditional reading questions
Tips for Success
- Practice with both academic and everyday English texts
- Build vocabulary through context—the “Complete the Words” items reward this skill
- Work on reading speed, as you have about 30 minutes for up to 50 items
- Don’t get stuck on difficult items—the adaptive format means later items will adjust
Pro tip: For “Complete the Words” items, look at the entire sentence for context clues. Grammar and meaning work together to reveal the missing letters.
Listening Section (2026 Format)
The Listening section has been reimagined with four new item types and adaptive testing. You’ll have approximately 29 minutes for up to 47 items.
Four Item Types You’ll Encounter
1. Listen and Choose a Response
Short audio clips followed by response selections. These are quicker than traditional listening questions.
2. Listen to a Conversation
Real-world campus conversations between students and staff. These reflect the kinds of exchanges you’d actually have at a university.
3. Listen to an Announcement
Campus and academic announcements about events, deadlines, or procedures.
4. Listen to an Academic Talk
Traditional academic lectures similar to what you’d hear in a university classroom. This format will feel familiar if you’ve practiced with older materials.
What Makes the 2026 Listening Section Different
- More real-world content: Daily conversations alongside academic lectures
- Adaptive difficulty: Questions get harder or easier based on your performance
- Varied item lengths: Some items are much shorter than traditional listening questions
Tips for Success
- Practice listening to both academic lectures and everyday conversations
- Take notes on main ideas and key details, not every word
- Get comfortable with different accents and speaking speeds
- Don’t replay audio in your head—trust your notes and first impressions
Pro tip: For the adaptive sections, stronger performance early on leads to harder questions—which is actually a good thing. It means the test is recognizing your ability level.
Writing Section (2026 Format)
The Writing section now features item types that are more practical and shorter than the old essay tasks. You’ll have about 23 minutes for up to 12 items.
Three Item Types You’ll Encounter
1. Build a Sentence
You’ll construct grammatically correct sentences from given components. This tests grammar, word order, and sentence structure.
2. Write an Email
Brief, practical email composition for situations like responding to a professor or scheduling a meeting. Clear, appropriate communication is key.
3. Write for an Academic Discussion
You’ll post messages to an academic discussion forum, responding to prompts and engaging with classmates’ opinions.
What Makes the 2026 Writing Section Different
- Shorter, more practical tasks: No long essays required
- Email writing: A brand-new format that tests real-world communication
- Interactive elements: The Build a Sentence format is more like a puzzle
Tips for Success
- Practice writing clear, concise emails with appropriate tone
- Review basic grammar rules for sentence construction
- Get comfortable writing discussion posts that make a clear point
- Focus on clarity over complexity
Pro tip: For the email task, pay attention to tone. An email to a professor should be more formal than one to a classmate. Start practicing with both styles.
Speaking Section (2026 Format)
The Speaking section underwent the most dramatic change in the 2026 update. It’s now just 8 minutes (down from 16) with two main item types. The integrated speaking tasks from the old format are gone.
Two Item Types You’ll Encounter
1. Listen and Repeat
You’ll hear phrases and repeat them. This tests your pronunciation, intonation, and ability to accurately reproduce spoken English.
2. Take an Interview
You’ll participate in a simulated interview, responding to questions about various topics. This is more conversational than the old speaking tasks.
What Makes the 2026 Speaking Section Different
- Much shorter: About 8 minutes instead of 16
- No integrated tasks: You won’t read passages or listen to lectures before speaking
- More natural: The interview format mimics real-world conversations
- Repetition tasks: Accuracy and pronunciation are directly measured
Tips for Success
- Practice speaking English out loud daily
- Work on clear pronunciation and natural intonation
- Listen to native speakers and mimic their patterns
- For interview questions, organize your thoughts quickly before responding
Pro tip: For the Listen and Repeat items, focus on natural rhythm and stress patterns, not just pronouncing individual words correctly. English is a stress-timed language, and mimicking the flow matters.
Legacy TOEFL Format (Pre-January 21, 2026)
If you took the TOEFL before January 21, 2026, or if you’re using older practice materials, here’s what you need to know about the previous format.
Who This Section Is For
- Test-takers who took the TOEFL before January 21, 2026
- Students using older practice books or materials
- Anyone wanting to understand how the formats compare
Old Format Summary
| Section | Format | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 2 passages, 20 questions | 35 min | 0-30 |
| Listening | 5 tasks, 28 questions | 36 min | 0-30 |
| Speaking | 4 tasks (independent + integrated) | 16 min | 0-30 |
| Writing | 2 essays (integrated + academic discussion) | 29 min | 0-30 |
| Total | ~2 hours | 0-120 |
Score Conversion: Old to New
During the transition period (2026-2028), score reports include both the old 0-120 scale and the new 1-6 scale. Here’s how they compare:
| Old Scale (0-120) | New Scale (1-6) | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 114+ | 6.0 | C2 |
| 107-113 | 5.5 | C1 |
| 95-106 | 5.0 | C1 |
| 86-94 | 4.5 | B2+ |
| 72-85 | 4.0 | B2 |
| 58-71 | 3.5 | B1+ |
Using Older Practice Materials
Older TOEFL practice materials are still useful for:
- Building core English skills (reading, listening, grammar, vocabulary)
- Practicing academic content and topics
- Developing general test-taking strategies
However, you’ll need to adjust for:
- Different timing (old sections were longer)
- Different question types (especially Speaking and Writing)
- Different scoring expectations
Pro tip: If you have older practice books, use them for skill-building but take at least one practice test in the 2026 format before your real test.
Understanding Your Practice Test Score
The 2026 TOEFL uses a completely new scoring system. Here’s how to interpret your practice test results.
The 1-6 Band Scale
Each section is scored from 1 to 6 in half-point increments (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, etc.). Your overall score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band.
CEFR Alignment
The new scale aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), making it easier to understand internationally:
| CEFR Level | TOEFL Score (1-6) | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| C2 (Mastery) | 6.0 | Near-native proficiency |
| C1 (Advanced) | 5.0-5.5 | Comfortable in academic settings |
| B2 (Upper Intermediate) | 4.0-4.5 | Can handle coursework |
| B1 (Intermediate) | 3.0-3.5 | May need additional support |
Score Targets by Goal
| Your Goal | Target Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top universities (Ivy League, etc.) | 5.0-5.5+ | Highly competitive |
| Most graduate programs | 4.5-5.0 | Standard requirement |
| Undergraduate programs | 4.0-4.5 | Meets most requirements |
| Community colleges | 3.5-4.0 | Entry-level |
Remember: many programs also set minimum section scores, so balanced performance matters.
Pro tip: If your scores are unbalanced, focus on your weakest section. Improving from 3.5 to 4.5 in a weak area often helps more than going from 5.0 to 5.5 in a strong one.
Instructions for the Free Magoosh TOEFL Practice Test
Here’s how to get the most out of your free practice test:
Getting Started
- Enter your email above to access the practice test
- Choose your format (2026 or Legacy) based on when you’re taking the real test
- Select full-length or section tests based on your available time
Choosing Your Format
- Taking the TOEFL after January 21, 2026? Use the 2026 format
- Studying with older materials or took the test before January 2026? The legacy format lets you compare
- Not sure? Start with the 2026 format—it’s the current test
Recommended Approach
- Take a full-length test first to establish your baseline score
- Review all answers, including ones you got right
- Watch explanation videos for any confusing questions
- Focus your study on weak sections
- Take another full-length test to measure progress
What You’ll Get
- Estimated section and overall scores
- Detailed answer explanations
- Performance breakdown by question type
- Comparison to score targets
Don’t get discouraged if your first practice test score is lower than your goal. That’s exactly what practice tests are for—finding where you need to improve.
Why Take a TOEFL Practice Test?
A TOEFL practice test is one of the most powerful preparation tools available. Here’s why taking a full-length TOEFL practice test matters:
Establish Your Baseline
Before you can improve, you need to know where you’re starting. A practice test shows exactly which sections need work and how far you are from your goal score.
Learn the Format
The 2026 TOEFL has entirely new item types. Practice tests help you understand what to expect so there are no surprises on test day.
Build Stamina
Even at 1.5 hours, the TOEFL requires sustained focus. Practice tests train your mind to stay sharp through all four sections.
Develop Pacing
Each section has strict time limits. Practice teaches you how to move efficiently without rushing or running out of time.
Identify Patterns
After reviewing your practice test, you’ll notice patterns in the mistakes you make. This tells you exactly what to study.
When Should I Take a TOEFL Practice Test?
The timing of your TOEFL practice tests matters. Here’s a recommended approach:
If You Have 2+ Months to Prepare
- Week 1: Take a diagnostic practice test
- Ongoing: Study based on diagnostic results
- Monthly: Take another practice test to measure progress
- Final week: One last practice test for confidence
If You Have Less Than 2 Months
- Immediately: Take a diagnostic practice test
- Study phase: Focus on biggest weaknesses
- 1 week before test: Final practice test
How Many Practice Tests Should I Take?
For most students:
- Minimum: 3 practice tests (beginning, middle, end of prep)
- Recommended: 4-6 practice tests spread throughout prep
- Maximum: 1 full test per week
Don’t take more than one full-length test per week—you need time to review and improve between tests. It’s all important not to burn yourself out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still practice with older TOEFL materials?
Yes, older materials are still valuable for building core English skills. However, the question types and timing are different, so take at least one practice test in the 2026 format before your real test. Use old materials for vocabulary, reading comprehension, and listening practice, but familiarize yourself with new item types separately.
What’s a good score on the new 1-6 scale?
Very generally speaking, a 5.0 or higher is competitive for most top graduate programs, equivalent to about 100 on the old scale. Most graduate programs accept 4.5 (about 90 old), and undergraduate programs typically require 4.0 (about 80 old). For more detail, see our complete guide to good TOEFL scores.
Is the Magoosh practice test adaptive like the real test?
The Magoosh practice test simulates the 2026 TOEFL experience, including the new item types and scoring. For the most realistic adaptive testing experience, take the official ETS practice tests as well.
How do the new item types work?
The 2026 TOEFL replaces traditional questions with “items” that are often shorter and more interactive. Reading has fill-in-the-blank vocabulary items, Speaking has repetition tasks, and Writing includes sentence-building exercises. Our practice test lets you experience all of these.
When did the TOEFL change?
The new TOEFL format launched on January 21, 2026. If you took the test before that date, you received scores on the old 0-120 scale. If you take it on or after that date, you’ll receive scores on the new 1-6 scale.
Do I need to retake if I already have an old TOEFL score?
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from your test date. If your old score is still valid, most universities will accept it. During the transition period (2026-2028), score reports include both old and new scale equivalents to help institutions understand your results.
TOEFL Test Prep Tips
Beyond practice tests, here’s how to prepare effectively for the 2026 TOEFL. For a complete walkthrough, see our TOEFL preparation guide.
General Strategies
- Practice daily: Even 30 minutes of English practice adds up
- Focus on weaknesses: Spend more time on your lowest-scoring sections
- Use official materials: ETS resources reflect the actual test best
- Build vocabulary: Essential for Reading and throughout the test
Section-Specific Tips for the 2026 Format
Reading
- Read both academic articles and everyday English (news, magazines)
- Practice identifying words from context
- Work on reading speed without sacrificing comprehension
Listening
- Listen to English podcasts, lectures, and conversations
- Practice note-taking while listening
- Get comfortable with different accents and speaking speeds
Speaking
- Practice speaking English out loud every day
- Record yourself and listen back
- Work on natural rhythm and intonation
Writing
- Practice writing emails of varying formality
- Review basic grammar for sentence construction
- Write discussion posts that make clear points
Ready to Start?
You’ve got all the information you need. Now it’s time to put it into practice.
Take our free TOEFL practice test to see where you stand, then build a study plan based on your TOEFL practice test results. Whether you’re aiming for a 4.0 or a 6.0, consistent practice is the path to your goal score.
Start your free TOEFL practice test now, and take the first step toward your target score.
If you’re looking for comprehensive TOEFL prep with video lessons, practice questions, and score predictions, check out Magoosh TOEFL Prep. We’re here to help you succeed.
Good luck with your TOEFL preparation—you’ve got this!
