TOEFL iBT · Listening
TOEFL iBT Listening: the 2026 tasks
Follow short responses, conversations, announcements and academic talks.
- ETS base time
- About 29 min
- Base item count
- 47
- Task families
- 4
The format, explained
Listen and Choose a Response
Choose a reply that fits what you hear. Meaning and intention matter, not just repeated words.
Conversations and announcements
Follow a campus exchange or a spoken notice. Look for the purpose, important details and what someone needs to do next.
Academic talks
Track an explanation and how its supporting ideas connect. The task does not require specialist background knowledge.
Where to start practising
- When practising, name the purpose of a recording before checking small details.
- Use brief notes for changes, reasons and next actions rather than trying to copy a full transcript.
- Review a missed answer by finding what you misunderstood: the words, the relationship or the speaker’s intention.
Common questions
Can I take notes?
Yes. ETS permits notes. Follow its specific rules for the test centre or Home Edition materials.
Should I prepare only with lectures?
No. Include short replies, conversations and announcements because those are also current task families.
Official format references
Format facts are based on these official sources. Check the provider’s current instructions before booking. The study advice is Professor Scott’s independent guidance.
Format reviewed:
Put the English into practice
Read & practise
Short lessons for related English foundations. These are not official exam questions or complete test simulations.
Join sentences with and, but and so
Choose a connector and use a comma between complete clauses.
Read & practiseHow to ask for clarification in English
Ask for repetition or an explanation, then confirm what you understood.
Read & practiseHow to agree partly and explain your concern
Name the point you accept, then explain the part you see differently.
Read & practiseKeep exploring
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