TOEFL iBT® test format · Listening
The TOEFL iBT® Listening section (2026)
Listening is the second section: 47 items, two-stage adaptive, and about 29 minutes. It measures how well you understand conversations and talks in academic and campus-life settings. Speakers use accents from North America, the UK and Australia. Below is how the section works and its four task types — then try it in a free full-length mock.
Section at a glance
| Task type | Items | CEFR | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listen and Choose a Response | 15–19 | A1–B2 | Read guide → |
| Listen to a Conversation | 10 | A2–C1 | Read guide → |
| Listen to an Announcement | 6–10 | A2–C1 | Read guide → |
| Listen to an Academic Talk | 8–16 | A2–C2 | Read guide → |
47 items in total, all machine-scored. The exact split varies from test to test within these ranges because the section is adaptive.
How the section works
Listening is a two-stage adaptive test: a router module is followed by a lower or upper module depending on your performance. The tasks are set in academic and everyday contexts, and speakers use accents from three regions — North America, the United Kingdom and Australia.
The four Listening task types
Listen and Choose a Response
You hear a short question or statement (not shown on screen) and choose the most appropriate reply from four options.
15–19 items · A1–B2 · Full guide →
Listen to a Conversation
A short conversation between two speakers, followed by two questions (about five conversations across the 10 items).
10 items · A2–C1 · Full guide →
Listen to an Announcement
A short academic announcement (~40–85 words) — a schedule, direction, rule or achievement — followed by questions.
6–10 items · A2–C1 · Full guide →
Listen to an Academic Talk
A short lecture-style talk (~100–250 words, no background knowledge needed) with four questions each.
8–16 items · A2–C2 · Full guide →
Practise the Listening section free
Take a full-length practice mock in the 2026 TOEFL iBT® format 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. Item counts and timings reflect ETS's published January-2026 TOEFL iBT test specifications and may be subject to minor revision before launch.