Home
New TOEFL iBT Blog
New TOEFL iBT - Listening Section
New TOEFL iBT - Listenin Section
This block summarizes the post-2026 Listening section only: task types, item counts, timing, contexts, and the score display. No preparation guidance is included.
Adaptive Delivery
Multistage design adjusts to performance for efficient measurement.
Estimated Timing
About 18-27 minutes depending on pathway.
Item Count
35-45 items* including possible pretest items.
Audio Types
Short cues, campus dialogues & announcements, brief academic talks.
Task Types in Listening (from Jan 21, 2026)
| Task | What You Hear | What You Do (Focus) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listen & Choose a Response | Very short utterance or cue. | Select the most suitable reply; pragmatic understanding. | Everyday & campus micro-situations. |
| Listen to a Conversation | Brief student-staff or peer dialogue. | Identify purpose, details, and next steps. | Campus services, scheduling, procedures. |
| Listen to an Announcement | Short information message (times, places, changes). | Grasp key info quickly; detail retrieval. | Campus notices & logistics. |
| Listen to an Academic Talk | Concise lecture or mini-explanation. | Main idea, support, contrast, and examples. | Intro topics in arts, social & natural sciences. |
* As the section adapts to performance, item counts and timing may vary slightly.
Score Display (Listening)
Listening is reported on a 1-6 band scale in 0.5 increments. The section band contributes to the overall band shown on the test report.
Tags
TOEFL
TOEFLiBT
TOEFL2026
Listening
NewTOEFL
AdaptiveTesting
ChooseAResponse
Conversation
Announcement
AcademicTalk
ListeningSection
ExamUpdate
ScoreBands
1to6Scale
CampusEnglish
AcademicEnglish
TestChanges
myTOEFLio