TOEFL iBT · Reading
TOEFL iBT Reading: the 2026 tasks
Learn what Complete the Words, everyday texts and academic passages ask you to do.
- ETS base time
- About 30 min
- Base item count
- 50
- Task families
- 3
The format, explained
Complete the Words
Fill in missing portions of words in a short text. Context and the structure of the sentence work together.
Read in Daily Life
Understand short everyday texts such as notices and messages. Identify their meaning and useful details.
Read an Academic Passage
Understand a focused academic text, including its main idea, supporting details and vocabulary in context.
Where to start practising
- Read around a gap before deciding which word form fits.
- For a message or notice, ask who it is for and what changes for that reader.
- For an academic paragraph, distinguish the main point from the example used to explain it.
Common questions
Do I need specialist knowledge?
ETS designs the tasks so that prior specialist knowledge is not needed. Base your answer on the text.
Is this only long academic reading?
No. The current task families also include short everyday texts and partially completed words.
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
All exam guidesIndependent exam preparation. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the test providers.