TOEFL 2026 Reading • Chapter 1

TOEFL 2026 Reading

Updated · TOEFL 2026 facts and guidance updated.

Vocabulary in context, practical texts, academic comprehension

3 Types
Task variety
~30 min
Approx. base time
1–6
Reported score
50
Base items
Start Practicing Now

What's New in TOEFL 2026

The earlier format focused on longer academic passages. The 2026 format tests three different reading skills: recognizing words from partial letters and context (Task 1), extracting specific information from practical documents (Task 2), and understanding academic arguments (Task 3).

Old Format (Pre-2026)

  • ✕ Longer academic passages
  • ✕ 700+ words per passage
  • ✕ 10 questions per passage
  • ✕ Only academic text type

New Format (2026)

  • ✓ 3 task types (~30 minutes)
  • ✓ Complete the Words (vocabulary, NEW)
  • ✓ Daily Life Reading (practical, NEW)
  • ✓ Academic Text (about 200 words, shorter)

The 3 Reading Tasks

Task 1: Complete the Words Vocabulary

70–100 words per passage | 10 completions | Follow the section timer

What You'll Do

Read a short academic paragraph where some words have missing letters. The first sentence stays intact. From the second sentence, the second half of every other word is removed until there are 10 targets. Supply the missing letters using context and the visible first halves. This is a brand new task type that tests vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension together.

Original practice paragraph — 10 completions

Urban trees change the conditions around busy streets. They red___ surface temper______ because th___ leaves pro____ shade wh___ roots abs___ water fr__ soil af___ rain a__ release mois____. These effects can make a shaded street more comfortable than an equally busy road with little vegetation, especially during a hot afternoon in summer. City planners therefore consider both the number of trees and the amount of open soil when they design public spaces for residents.

Example completions: reduce, temperatures, their, provide, while, absorb, from, after, and, moisture.

On the official test, supply the missing letters. In PrepEx exercises, follow the field instruction if it asks for the whole word.

How to Solve These (Step by Step)

  1. 1 Read the full sentence first. The word's meaning depends on context. "mi___" could be "might," "minor," or "mixed"; the completed word must also fit the number of missing letters. The sentence tells you which.
  2. 2 Identify what part of speech is needed. Use the whole phrase to work out whether a noun, verb, modifier, or function word belongs in the gap.
  3. 3 Check verb tense and plural forms. If the sentence says "the results ___," you need a plural verb (need/were/are) not a singular one.
  4. 4 Follow the input instruction and check your spelling. "Occured" vs. "occurred" is the difference between 0 and 1 point. No partial credit.
Useful words to practise: Transition words ("however," "therefore," "although," "despite," "furthermore") help you follow logical relationships. Targets follow the alternating-word pattern, so ordinary function words matter too. Academic words from the AWL (Academic Word List) are useful vocabulary practice: "significant," "approach," "analysis," "evidence," "research," "theory." Study these word families before test day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
  • Spelling errors (you get no partial credit)
  • Ignoring context and guessing from letters alone
  • Forgetting plural forms or verb tenses
  • Rushing without reading the full sentence

Task 2: Daily Life Reading Practical

15–150 words per text | 2 or 3 questions

What You'll Do

Read practical, everyday materials like emails, campus notices, menus, event posters, and website pages. ETS describes texts of 15–150 words with 2 or 3 questions. PrepEx practice sets may pair short and long materials. This is a brand new task type that tests real-world reading skills.

Material Types

Emails

Professor updates, classmate messages, admin notices

Notices

Building closures, policy updates, schedule changes

Menus

Restaurant menus with prices and descriptions

Event Posters

Workshop info, guest speakers, campus events

Websites

University service pages, FAQs, registration portals

Products

Textbook descriptions, equipment specs, supplies

Sample Email:

Sample Questions:

  • 1. What is the main purpose of this email? (Clarify deadlines)
  • 2. When is the bibliography due? (October 18th)

Question Types

Main Purpose

"What is the main purpose of this email/notice?"

Details

"When/where/what is mentioned?"

Inference

"What can be inferred about...?"

Action

"What should students do if they want to...?"

Scanning strategy: Before reading everything, scan for: numbers (dates, times, prices, room numbers), proper nouns (names, places), and action words (submit, register, contact, attend). These are what questions ask about. Main purpose? Look at the subject line or first sentence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
  • Confusing similar dates or times mentioned in the text
  • Choosing a detail as the "main purpose"
  • Not reading conditional instructions ("if you want to...")
  • Missing information in headers (To, From, Subject lines)

Task 3: Academic Text Academic

About 200 words | 5 questions per passage | Follow the section timer

What You'll Do

Read short academic passages on topics like biology, history, psychology, and art. The big change: passages are now about 200 words instead of 700+. You'll answer 5 questions per passage which may assess main ideas, details, vocabulary, inference, or other comprehension skills. The mix varies by passage.

Academic Topics

Natural Sciences

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science

Social Sciences

Psychology, Sociology, Economics

Humanities

History, Philosophy, Literature

Arts

Art History, Music, Architecture

Question Types

Main Idea

"What is the passage mainly about?"

Details

"According to the passage, what...?"

Vocabulary

"The word X is closest in meaning to..."

Inference

"What can be inferred about...?"

Purpose

"Why does the author mention...?"

EXCEPT

"All are mentioned EXCEPT..."

Sample Passage (Excerpt):

The Mirror Test and Animal Self-Awareness

The mirror test, developed by psychologist Gordon Gallup in 1970, has become a standard method for determining whether animals possess self-awareness. In this test, researchers place a mark on an animal's body in a location it cannot see without a mirror. If the animal uses the mirror to inspect or touch the mark, this suggests it recognizes the reflection as itself rather than another animal...

Sample Questions:

  • 1. What is the main topic of the passage? (Methods for testing animal self-awareness)
  • 2. What indicates an animal has passed the test? (Touching the mark)
  • 3. The word "acute" is closest in meaning to: (Sharp)

Reading Strategy (How to Approach Short Academic Passages)

Short passages require a different approach than long ones:

Step 1: Read the first and last sentences (15 sec)
First sentence = topic introduction. Last sentence = main conclusion.
Now you know what the passage is about.

Step 2: Read the question (5 sec)
Know what you're looking for BEFORE reading the whole passage.
Is it main idea? A specific detail? Vocabulary?

Step 3: Scan for keywords from the question (20 sec)
If the question mentions "photosynthesis," scan for that word.
Read 2-3 sentences around it. The answer is there.

For vocabulary questions: The answer depends on context in THIS passage.
Don't pick the first synonym you know. Read the sentence and check which meaning fits.
Vocabulary trap: Many words have multiple meanings. "Acute" can mean "severe" (acute pain), "sharp" (acute angle), or "perceptive" (acute observation). The passage determines which. Substitute each answer choice into the sentence. Only one will make sense in context.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
  • Choosing an answer that's true but not the MAIN idea
  • Bringing in outside knowledge instead of using the passage
  • For EXCEPT questions, picking something that IS mentioned
  • Spending too long on one question (move on and come back)

Your 3-Week Practice Plan

The new format rewards variety. Master each task type, then build speed with full sections.

Week 1: Master the New Tasks

Goal: Get comfortable with Complete the Words and Daily Life Reading

  • Days 1-2: Complete the Words practice (10-15 paragraphs), focus on context clues
  • Days 3-4: Daily Life Reading (8-10 materials), practice scanning for details
  • Days 5-6: Mixed practice—alternate between both new task types
  • Day 7: Review mistakes, note vocabulary patterns

Focus: Spelling accuracy and practical detail extraction.

Week 2: Academic Reading Mastery

Goal: Handle shorter academic passages efficiently

  • Days 1-2: Main idea practice (10-12 passages), identify thesis in 30 seconds
  • Days 3-4: Detail and vocabulary questions (focus on context)
  • Days 5-6: Inference and purpose questions (deeper comprehension)
  • Day 7: Timed practice—3-4 minutes per passage max

Focus: Speed without sacrificing accuracy. Trust your first instinct.

Week 3: Full Section Practice

Goal: Build stamina for complete reading sections

  • Days 1, 3, 5: Complete reading sections (all 3 task types, ~30 minutes)
  • Days 2, 4: Focus on your weakest task type
  • Day 6: Final full simulation under test conditions
  • Day 7: Light review, build confidence

Focus: Consistency across all three tasks. Pace yourself!

Ready to Start?

Our TOEFL 2026 reading practice includes all three task types with instant feedback.

Begin Week 1 Today

Test Day Essentials

Do This

  • ✓ For Complete the Words: read full sentence before typing
  • ✓ For Daily Life: scan headers and key details first
  • ✓ For Academic: skim paragraph 1 for the main idea
  • ✓ Use process of elimination on hard questions
  • ✓ Check your spelling before moving on
  • ✓ Pace yourself: don't spend 5 min on one question

Avoid This

  • ✕ Don't guess letters without reading context
  • ✕ Don't choose answers based on outside knowledge
  • ✕ Don't skip the subject line in emails
  • ✕ Don't confuse "main purpose" with "a detail mentioned"
  • ✕ Don't change answers without a good reason
  • ✕ Don't panic if you see an unfamiliar topic
Practice principle:

Shorter passages mean faster decisions. You can't re-read everything three times. The new tasks test whether you can extract information efficiently: spelling a word from context, finding a deadline in an email, understanding an argument in 200 words. Practice the format until it feels automatic.

Start Practicing

Weak at spelling? Start with Complete the Words. Slow at finding details? Start with Daily Life Reading.

Complete the Words Daily Life Reading Academic Text