TOEFL iBT STUDY PLAN
How to study for the TOEFL iBT,
updated for 2026.
In short: Start by learning the updated format (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking in under two hours, with adaptive Reading and Listening), take a diagnostic, and set a 1–6 band target. Then practise daily: grammar and vocabulary for Complete the Words and Build a Sentence, short everyday and academic texts and talks for comprehension, a timed email (7 minutes) and academic discussion post (10 minutes), and spoken answers out loud. Review every mistake on a schedule. Trestle builds this into a daily plan from your target score and test date on iPhone and iPad.
Updated 26 October 2026 · Trestle editorial team, Qoodly
Key takeaways
- Since January 2026 the test is shorter, partly adaptive, and scored 1–6 (with a 0–120 equivalent for two years).
- Vocabulary and grammar now score directly in Complete the Words and Build a Sentence.
- The first part of Reading and Listening decides the difficulty of the second part, so accuracy early matters.
- Write to the clock: 7 minutes for the email, 10 for the academic discussion.
1. Know the updated test
| Section | Task types | Items | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Complete the Words · Read in Daily Life · Read an Academic Passage | 50 | 30 min |
| Listening | Listen and Choose a Response · Conversation · Announcement · Academic Talk | 47 | 29 min |
| Writing | Build a Sentence · Write an Email · Write for an Academic Discussion | 12 | 23 min |
| Speaking | Listen and Repeat · Take an Interview | 11 | 8 min |
See what changed in 2026 for each task type, and convert old and new scores with the TOEFL score converter.
2. Diagnose and set a target
Try one set of each task type and note where you lose points. Check whether your university asks for a 1–6 band, a 0–120 score or both, and whether it sets minimums per section. As a guide, ETS maps bands 4–4.5 to CEFR B2 and 5–5.5 to C1.
3. Build the base every day
- Vocabulary in context: academic and everyday words, with spelling, because Complete the Words asks you to finish real words.
- Sentence structure: word order in questions, relative clauses and reported speech, the core of Build a Sentence.
- Reading volume: one short academic passage (about 200 words) and a few everyday texts such as notices, emails and schedules.
- Listening volume: short conversations, announcements and academic talks, checked against a transcript.
4. Practise writing and speaking to the clock
- Write an Email (7 minutes): cover every bullet point in the task, in a polite, clear tone. See TOEFL writing tasks.
- Academic Discussion (10 minutes): state your position, respond to a classmate, support with a reason and an example. ETS notes that an effective response contains at least 100 words.
- Listen and Repeat: repeat sentences exactly; train with short sentences that get longer. See TOEFL speaking tasks.
- Take an Interview: answer each question directly, then add a reason and a personal example.
- Learn the updated formatDo each task type once so nothing on test day is new.
- Diagnose and set a band targetNote your weakest task types and your institution’s requirements.
- Daily grammar and vocabulary15–20 minutes of words and sentence patterns.
- Daily comprehensionOne reading and one listening set with explanations for every answer.
- Timed writing and speakingTwo emails and two discussion posts a week, and speaking out loud daily.
- Review mistakesBring back missed questions after a few days and again a week later.
- Full practice testIn the final weeks, take full timed practice tests.
What to use
- Official ETS materials for realistic practice of the updated tasks.
- A daily practice app: Trestle builds a TOEFL iBT plan from your target score and test date, with exam-style reading, listening, vocabulary and structure practice, an explanation for every option and spaced review. No ads, works offline, iPhone and iPad.
- Feedback on writing and speaking from a teacher or study partner.
Questions
How long should I study for the TOEFL iBT?
It depends on your starting level and target. Many learners plan several weeks of daily practice; a diagnostic set of each task type shows how far you are from your band target.
Is the new TOEFL easier?
It is shorter and partly adaptive, not necessarily easier. New tasks such as Complete the Words and Build a Sentence reward accurate vocabulary and grammar, and the first part of Reading and Listening affects the difficulty of the second part.
What TOEFL score do I need?
Each university sets its own requirement. Check whether it uses the 1–6 band, the 0–120 scale or both. ETS maps bands 4–4.5 to B2 and 5–5.5 to C1.
What is a good app to prepare for the TOEFL?
Look for an app that plans your days from your test date, covers reading, listening, vocabulary and grammar, and explains every answer. Trestle (iPhone and iPad) does this with a personal plan and spaced review. Use official ETS materials for full practice tests.
Sources
Formats and scores can change. Confirm the details for your test date with the test maker before you book.
Trestle is independent practice by Qoodly. It is not affiliated with, endorsed or approved by ETS or the IELTS partners. TOEFL, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL ITP are registered trademarks of ETS. IELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.