To maximise your TOEFL scores, it is crucial for candidates to understand the format and structure of the test first. This helps them to know what to expect in the exam. Another important thing they need is a personalised study plan to go through the syllabus, giving more time to weaker concepts and less to stronger ones. Along with these strategies, they must also be aware of the sections asked as well as how the TOEFL exam is scored. In this blog, tips on how you can maximise your TOEFL test scores, along with details on the sections, pattern, and how it is evaluated is mentioned.
Breakdown of TOEFL Exam Pattern in 2026
Effective from January 21, 2026, ETS has introduced a new exam pattern for candidates planning to take TOEFL. The main change is basically a reduced exam duration to 1.5 hours from 2 hours. Also, the TOEFL syllabus will include adaptive questions in the sections, tailoring question difficulty based on the candidate’s previous answers
Also, each skill, Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking, used to be scored on a scale of 0 to 30, but it has been changed to a new 1 to 6 scoring scale. In this section, the new TOEFL test format and pattern are mentioned for candidates. It also includes the question types and the time allotted to each section.
| TOEFL Sections | Time Allotted | Type of Questions |
| Reading | 18 to 27 minutes | Now, the passages will be shorter, including practical, real-life, and academic content with questions such as:
● Complete words ● Daily reading ● Academic texts |
| Listening | 18 to 27 minutes | The audios will be more focused on campus-related conversations and academic lectures, with questions such as:
● Choose the correct responses ● Conversation-based questions ● Talks and lectures |
| Writing | 23 minutes | As per the new pattern, you might also see short emails and academic discussion forum posts, with questions such as:
● Form sentences ● Email writing ● Discussion post |
| Speaking | 8 minutes | There will be more conversational, phrase-repetition, and simulation tasks in the speaking section, and questions are like:
● Repetition of sentences ● Interview questions |
One needs to understand that the TOEFL syllabus is the same as before, but the type of questions and marking scheme change in 2026.
How is the TOEFL Scored?
The scoring system of the TOEFL test is designed to be centralised, unbiased, and highly standardised. This ensures that all test-takers receive an equal evaluation. The TOEFL test also has a scoring system that accurately reflects your real academic English skills.
It has completely changed how the TOEFL was evaluated before. Before, each skill in the TOEFL exam used to be scored from 0 to 30. This means a total score was 0 to 120. However, the new TOEFL exam 2026 scoring is based on a 1 to 6 scoring scale instead of 120. It is introduced to match the current CEFR English levels. The major changes effective from January 21, 2026 includes the following:
- The TOEFL scores will now include four sectional scores where Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing are all marked on a scale of 1 to 6.
- Your total score will be the average of the four section scores, which will be rounded to the nearest half band. For example, if your average score is 5.25, your final score will be 5.5.
- For two years after January 2026, your score report will show a corresponding score on a 0-120 scale. This can help you to compare with previous scores.
Understanding TOEFL Scores
As the new scoring method and score report are available, it is important to be aware of the scores and what does it mean for you. Clearly, before the report used to have a scoring of 0 to 30 for each section, that all together provides the overall score from 0 to 120. But with new scoring of 1 to 6 scores, it is important to understand what it means.
In this section, we have mentioned the new scoring as per the previous scoring report and CEFR levels. The new TOEFL test result will now include a score of 1 to 6, where each of the score means the following.
| Old TOEFL iBT Scores | New TOEFL iBT Scores | CEFR Level |
| 114-120 | 6.0 | C2 |
| 107-113 | 5.5 | C1 |
| 95-106 | 5.0 | C1 |
| 86-94 | 4.5 | B2 |
| 72-85 | 4.0 | B2 |
| 58-71 | 3.5 | B1 |
| 44-57 | 3.0 | B1 |
| 34-43 | 2.5 | A2 |
| 24-33 | 2.0 | A2 |
| 12-23 | 1.5 | A1 |
| 0-11 | 1 | A1 |
TOEFL Tips to Maximize Your Score in 2026
To achieve the desired scores or maximise your scores in the TOEFL exam in 2026, prepare properly through smart strategies. These tips are beneficial to increase scores in all four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Check these out below:
Tips to Maximise Scores in the Reading Section
The Reading section of the TOEFL test measures your knowledge of academic written material. You will have to read passages and answer questions about them in this part of the test. Here are some of the tips to maximise your score in the TOEFL reading section:
- Try to skim the reading passage first, and then you can read to understand the main idea.
- Find and then highlight keywords in questions and passages to save time.
- Make out words from understanding, not from memorisation
- Answer easy questions first rather than being stuck on the difficult ones. You can go to them again at last.
- Write short notes while reading to keep track of the main idea of each paragraph.
Tips to Maximise Scores in the Listening Section
The Listening section of the TOEFL exam in 2026 evaluates how well you can comprehend spoken English in an academic environment. In audios, you will get to hear the classroom lectures, discussions, and more. Here are some of the tips to maximise your score in the TOEFL listening section:
- Just write down keywords while listening to audios through abbreviations or symbols.
- Focus and give attention to the speaker’s tone and intent.
- If you miss something, don’t worry; just write the gist.
- During preparation, listen to podcasts, lectures, and real conversations to improve your listening skills.
Tips to Maximise Scores in the Speaking Section
It is important for candidates to understand that before they start the Speaking section of the TOEFL exam, they should keep in mind that the examiners are not judging their accent. They are mainly looking at how clearly you communicate, how well you organise your ideas, and how you develop your answer. Here are some of the tips to maximise your score in the TOEFL speaking section:
- Keep your answers shorter but as per what was asked and well-structured.
- During preparation, try to practise speaking with a time constraint, like real time.
- Use linking words such as “for example” and “on the other hand” during the conversation with the examiner.
- Practise speaking by recording yourself to revisit it and work on your pronunciation.
- You should aim to speak clearly and naturally instead of trying to be perfect.
Tips to Maximise Scores in the Writing Section
The writing section in the TOEFL exam is to evaluate your ability to write in English. Mainly, it tests how well you can develop and organize an argument in a way similar to the academic essay assignments. Here are some of the tips to maximise your score in the TOEFL writing section:
- Read the question before you begin writing.
- Write simple, clear sentences.
- Refrain from using memorised essays, but use flexible phrases.
- Give yourself time to check your grammar and spelling.
- Practise typing to increase speed and comfort.
Understanding the TOEFL format, pattern, and scoring method is crucial for candidates planning to take the exam in 2026. This is because there may be changes introduced to the exam effective from January 2026. Also, rightly preparing for the TOEFL exam helps you to maximise your overall scores.
Students who want to improve their preparation strategy and approach the exam with confidence can benefit from the professional support of platforms such as Leverage Edu study abroad consultants. You will receive structured guidance, personalized feedback, and effective techniques that enable you to optimize your performance on the TOEFL
FAQs
What are the Sections in the TOEFL score?
The TOEFL score is measured by four different sections, which are Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each of them evaluates a certain English skill on a scale range of 1 to 6, which is introduced to match the CEFR level.
What is the maximum score for each section of TOEFL?
For each section, the maximum score is 6. Even the overall TOEFL iBT score is evaluated on a score scale of 1 to 6.
Is it hard to score 79 in TOEFL?
The score of 79 is not quite hard to get, which can be achieved through routine study and preparation. Try to study daily, focus on weak areas, take regular tests, track the progress, listen to English podcasts, and more.
Also read: How a Financial Planner Can Help You Plan with Confidence
