TOEFL 2026: The Complete Guide to Changes and How to Ace the New Test

Starting January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT undergoes its most significant transformation in years. ETS is fundamentally reshaping the test from a purely academic assessment to a comprehensive English proficiency exam that measures both academic and real-world language skills.

If you're planning to take the TOEFL in 2026 or beyond, here's everything you need to know—and how to prepare effectively.

What's Changing in TOEFL 2026?

The core philosophy behind TOEFL 2026 is simple: real-world English matters. While the current test focuses exclusively on academic contexts, the new format recognizes that successful English speakers need to navigate everyday situations too—from reading emails and notices to participating in interviews and casual conversations.

Reading Section Changes

The Reading section sees a dramatic shift from long academic passages to a variety of shorter texts from diverse sources:

• Multiple shorter passages instead of two 700-word academic texts
• Diverse sources: Academic texts, websites, magazines, newspapers
• Adaptive difficulty that adjusts based on your performance
• New task types: "Complete the Words" (fill in missing letters) and "Read in Daily Life" (interpret emails, notices, menus)

Listening Section Changes

The Listening section introduces adaptive testing and non-academic contexts:

• Two-module adaptive structure: Module 1 routes you, Module 2 adjusts difficulty
• Non-academic listening: Public announcements, everyday conversations
• New task types: "Choose a Response" and "Listen to Announcements"
• Important: You cannot return to previous questions

Speaking Section Changes

This is perhaps the biggest overhaul. The Speaking section moves to the end of the test and adopts a completely new format:

• 11 questions in 2 sections instead of 4 open-ended tasks
• Listen and Repeat: 7 sentences testing pronunciation and fluency
• Take an Interview: 4 sustained questions on one topic, simulating a real interview
• Higher emphasis on pronunciation, fluency, and rapid response

Writing Section Changes

The Writing section adds practical, real-world writing tasks:

• New Email Writing task: Write professional emails for everyday scenarios
• Build Sentences: Arrange words into grammatically correct sentences
• Traditional integrated and discussion tasks may still appear

How to Ace TOEFL 2026

Here are proven strategies to prepare for the new format:

1. Practice Real-World English Daily

Read diverse content—news articles, emails, notices, menus. The new test rewards those comfortable with everyday English, not just academic texts.

2. Focus on Pronunciation and Fluency

The new Speaking section emphasizes how you sound, not just what you say. Practice repeating sentences with natural rhythm and clear pronunciation. AI-powered tools like PrepEx's Petra speaking coach can give you instant feedback.

3. Get Comfortable with Interview-Style Questions

Practice answering questions about yourself, your experiences, and everyday topics. Think of it like a natural conversation, not a scripted response.

4. Build Adaptive Test-Taking Skills

Since the test adapts to your performance, maintain focus throughout. Strong early performance leads to appropriately challenging later questions.

5. Practice Email Writing

Learn professional email conventions—appropriate greetings, clear structure, and polite closings. This skill is tested directly in the new format.

6. Use AI-Powered Practice Tools

Platforms like PrepEx are already updated for TOEFL 2026, offering practice for all new task types including Interview Speaking, Email Writing, Listen & Repeat, and Daily Life Reading. The instant AI feedback helps you improve faster than traditional study methods.

The Bottom Line

TOEFL 2026 is a significant but positive change. By testing real-world English skills alongside academic abilities, ETS is creating a more practical assessment that better reflects how you'll actually use English in university and beyond.

Start preparing now. The students who succeed will be those who embrace the new format early and practice with purpose.

Ready to start practicing for TOEFL 2026? Try PrepEx free and get AI-powered feedback on all new task types.