TOEFL iBT® · Listening · 2026
TOEFL Listen to a Conversation: how the task works
Listen to a Conversation is one of the Listening task types in the 2026 TOEFL iBT® test. You hear two people talking and answer questions about what they said. Here's the format, an original worked example, and tips — then try it in a free full-length mock.
Listening is the second section of the test, after Reading. ETS publishes a 47-item base form taking about 29 minutes, and the section is two-stage adaptive. Time and item counts may vary, and totals may include non-scored pretest items. Speakers use accents from three regions — North America, the United Kingdom and Australia — and scored responses use machine-scored selected-response formats.
What the task is
Listen to a Conversation plays a short conversation between two speakers. You then answer a small number of questions about it — typically two — so across the 10 items you will hear roughly five conversations. ETS notes items may appear singly or in sets depending on the length of the audio, so the exact split can vary.
The conversations are set in and around campus life — sorting out a service or appointment, housing or timetables, or making arrangements with a classmate. The language is everyday rather than academic, but the situations are student ones.
A worked example
This is our own illustration of the format (not an official test item).
You hear (a conversation between two speakers):
Maya: I'm thinking of taking the coastal train to Brighton on Saturday instead of driving.
Tom: Good idea — parking there is a nightmare on weekends. Just book the ticket early; the cheap fares sell out.
Maya: I'll do it tonight. Do you want to come along?
Tom: I can't — I'm helping my sister move house. Maybe next time.
1. Why does Tom think taking the train is a good idea?
- A. The train is cheaper than driving.
- B. Parking in Brighton is difficult on weekends. ✓ correct
- C. She does not own a car.
- D. The coastal route is more scenic.
2. What will Tom most likely do on Saturday?
- A. Travel to Brighton with Maya.
- B. Book train tickets for both of them.
- C. Help his sister move house. ✓ correct
- D. Stay home and rest.
Question 1 checks an important detail; question 2 asks you to predict a speaker's future action from what was said. Each conversation carries two questions like these.
How many items, and how it's scored
- 10 items — two questions for each of about five conversations.
- Machine-scored multiple choice.
- CEFR A2–C1.
- Part of the 47-item, two-stage-adaptive Listening section, which takes about 29 minutes.
What the questions ask you to do
Across the conversations, the questions require you to:
- identify main ideas and context;
- understand important details;
- follow the grammar that fluent speakers actually use;
- handle a wide vocabulary, including everyday idioms and casual, conversational language;
- read between the lines for meaning that isn't said outright;
- work out why a speaker says something;
- predict what a speaker is likely to do next; and
- track how ideas link from one speaker's turn to the next.
How to prepare
- Track who wants what. In a two-person exchange, keep each speaker's goal and opinion separate as you listen.
- Listen for the turn that changes things — a "but", an offer, or a "maybe next time" often carries the answer.
- Get comfortable with idioms and colloquial English, since everyday conversations lean on them heavily.
- Predict the next step. Questions often ask what a speaker will probably do — practise inferring it from tone and detail.
- Note two things per conversation, since each one carries two questions; a key detail plus a likely action usually covers both.
- Practise under timing. A free full-length mock includes Listen to a Conversation in the 2026 format.
Practise Listen to a Conversation free
Take a full-length practice mock built to the 2026 TOEFL iBT® format — including the Listening section — and get a predicted 1–6 band. No card required.
Avermond Test Prep is an independent preparation service. TOEFL® is a registered trademark of ETS. This product is not endorsed or approved by ETS. Task descriptions and item counts reflect ETS's published January-2026 TOEFL iBT test specifications and may be subject to minor revision before launch.