TOEFL iBT® test format · Reading
The TOEFL iBT® Reading section (2026)
Reading is the first section of the 2026 TOEFL iBT® test: 50 items, two-stage adaptive, and about 30 minutes. It measures whether you can read and understand both academic and everyday texts. Below is how the section works and its three task types — then try it in a free full-length mock.
Section at a glance
| Task type | Items | CEFR | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete the Words | 30 | B1–C1+ | Read guide → |
| Read in Daily Life | 5–15 | A1–C1 | Read guide → |
| Read an Academic Passage | 5–15 | B1–C2 | Read guide → |
50 items in total, all machine-scored. Because the section is adaptive, the exact split between task types varies from test to test within these ranges. All texts stay on screen while you answer.
How the section works
Reading is a two-stage adaptive test: a first "router" module sets whether your second module is easier or harder, which is how the test stays accurate while being short. Texts range from short everyday notices and messages (roughly 15–150 words) up to more complex academic passages of about 200 words.
The three Reading task types
Complete the Words
A C-test: the first sentence is left whole, then every second word after it shows only its first half for you to complete. Each text has 10 such gapped words.
30 items · machine-scored · B1–C1+ · Full guide →
Read in Daily Life
Short everyday texts (~15–150 words) — signs, notices, menus, emails, schedules, posts — each with two or three multiple-choice questions.
5–15 items · machine-scored · A1–C1 · Full guide →
Read an Academic Passage
A ~200-word expository passage (no background knowledge required) with about five questions on detail, vocabulary, inference, idea relationships and purpose.
5–15 items · machine-scored · B1–C2 · Full guide →
Practise the Reading 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.