By Last Updated: March 7, 2026

New TOEFL Starting on January 21, 2026

The TOEFL will undergo a major revision to its test format on January 21, 2026. Although the test has experienced several minor updates in the past, its overall structure had remained largely unchanged until now. The 2026 revision, however, represents a fundamental overhaul: some traditional question formats have been removed, while new ones have been introduced.

The Listening section reflects this transition clearly. In the new TOEFL, the Listening section consists of the following four parts:

  • Listen and Choose a Response
  • Listen to a Conversation
  • Listen to an Announcement
  • Listen to an Academic Talk

Conversations and academic talks were already part of the conventional TOEFL, though the contents and length are significantly different. In contrast, “Listen and Choose a Response” and “Listen to an Announcement” are newly introduced question types in the revised test.

Listening FormatConventional TOEFLNew TOEFLKey Difference
Listen and Choose a Response✕〇Short utterances followed by selecting the most appropriate response
Conversations〇〇Contents and length are very different. The new format focuses on daily conversation.
Announcement✕〇Short announcements about academic-related topics.
Academic Talks〇〇Content remains academic, but length is shortened.
Adaptive Testing✕〇Difficulty of later questions depends on earlier performance.

Two Modules in the Listening Section

As with the revised Reading section, the Listening section is also divided into two modules. The difficulty of Module 2 is determined by a test taker’s performance on Module 1. Test takers who advance to the harder Module 2 generally receive higher scores than those who are routed to the easier Module 2.

Although the exact threshold for advancing to the harder Module 2 has not been officially disclosed by ETS, patterns observed in other adaptive tests such as the SAT and GRE suggest that the cutoff is likely around 60% accuracy. So, securing a strong performance in Module 1 is important for achieving a higher Listening score.

Easier Module 2 and Harder Module 2 Have Different Question Patterns

Simply put, there are two major differences between the Easier Module 2 and the Harder Module 2.

First, questions in the Harder Module 2 tend to be more challenging in terms of vocabulary and grammar. This difference is fairly easy to expect.

Second, and perhaps more interestingly, one question type is removed depending on which version of Module 2 you advance to. More specifically, the following pattern appears:

  • Easier Module 2: No Academic Talk (Part 4)
  • Harder Module 2: No Listen to an Announcement (Part 3)

The remaining parts (Part 1 and Part 2) still appear in Module 2 regardless of difficulty. This is why Module 2 contains fewer questions overall and has a shorter test time compared to Module 1.

Part 1: Listen and Choose a Response

This is a newly introduced question format, and it is generally the easiest among all TOEFL question types, as long as you have a basic command of vocabulary. However, there is one important point you need to pay attention to.

In this task, you will hear a short utterance and then choose the most appropriate response from four options. The key is to select a response that is communicatively meaningful, not simply one that is grammatically correct.

In Listening Part 1, questions typically follow the format shown below.

(A) Experiments often use clear containers.
(B) The results were published online.
(C) That was the original expectation.
(D) Yes, results can be interesting.

Answer and transcription

Answer: (C)

Transcription

Man: Wasn’t this experiment supposed to yield clearer results?

Questions in Listening Part 1 typically fall into three categories:

  • Daily
  • Slightly academic.
  • Business

Although the format itself is simple, choosing the correct response can be tricky. Many incorrect options are grammatically sound but fail to match the speaker’s intention.

For example, in the sample question above, formal grammar rules might suggest responding with a clear “yes” or “no.” However, in TOEFL Listening, the most natural response does not always include an explicit yes-or-no answer. This reflects real conversational behavior, where speakers often respond by addressing the situation or implied intention rather than following rigid grammatical conventions.

Practice Questions (Listen and Choose a Response)

Part 2: Listen to a Conversation

While the conventional TOEFL also included conversation-based listening tasks, the new format differs in both content and length.

In the previous TOEFL, conversations were typically set in university contexts, such as discussions between students about campus-related issues or conversations between a student and an academic advisor regarding course registration.

In the revised TOEFL, conversations focus more on everyday situations and practical concerns. In addition, they are generally shorter than those in the traditional format, typically lasting about 30 to 60 seconds.

In this part, you will listen to a short conversation and answer two or three questions based on the audio.

As you can hear only once during the exam, try to answer all questions after listing to the audio one time.

1. What is the man mainly concerned about?
(A) The landlord refusing to renew his lease.
(B) The cost of replacing his apartment windows.
(C) Being unable to sleep because of noise.
(D) Finding a larger apartment closer to work.

2. Why does the man NOT want to break the lease?
(A) He would have to pay a large fee.
(B) He might lose his security deposit.
(C) The landlord would not allow it.
(D) He would need to move immediately.

3. What will the man most likely do if his current plan fails?
(A) Move out at the end of this month.
(B) Ask to transfer to another unit in the building.
(C) Demand that the landlord install new windows.
(D) Start looking for an apartment in a different neighborhood.

Answer and transcription
  1. (C)
  2. (A)
  3. (B)

Transcription

Man: Hey, do you have a minute? I’m thinking about switching apartments.
Woman: Switching? I thought you just renewed your lease.
Man: I did, but I’ve been having trouble sleeping. The street noise is worse than I expected.
Woman: That’s rough. Have you talked to the landlord? Maybe they can do something.
Man: I asked about better windows, but they said it’s not in the budget this year.
Woman: Then maybe you should break the lease and move.
Man: I checked. The fee is basically two months’ rent, so I’d rather avoid that.
Woman: Hmm. What about moving to a different unit in the same building?
Man: I asked, but nothing’s available until the end of next month.
Woman: So what are you going to do?
Man: For now, I’ll try a white-noise machine and earplugs. If it doesn’t help, I’ll request a transfer as soon as a unit opens up.

Because the conversations are short, it is possible to answer the questions by simply remembering the overall flow and key details. However, for practical preparation, it’s still advisable to take notes.

Effective note-taking is required in Listening Part 4: Academic Talk, where the listening passages are longer and more information-dense. So, developing the habit of taking notes during conversation practice will also serve as preparation for Part 4.

Practice Questions (Listen to a Conversation)

Part 3: Listen to an Announcement

In this part, you will listen to a short announcement, typically 40 to 85 words in length, and then select the correct answer based on the information provided.

The announcements mainly relate to academic life, such as schedules for academic deadlines, administrative guidance, or academic achievements.

Because the announcement is brief, it is often possible to answer the questions by recalling the overall flow and key details. However, it is still recommended to take notes. Doing so helps build note-taking habits that are essential for Listening Part 4, where longer passages require careful tracking of information.

1. Why does the speaker mention that over half of the spots have been filled?

A. To explain why the symposium date was changed
B. To indicate how many students are currently on the waiting list
C. To show how many abstracts have already been approved
D. To emphasize that space is becoming limited

2. What is required in order to secure a seat at the symposium?

A. Registering online by the stated deadline
B. Attending all preparatory sessions
C. Submitting an abstract of over 250 words
D. Receiving approval before March 28

3. What can be inferred about students who miss all preparatory sessions?

A. They will still be allowed to participate if space remains
B. They will be moved to the waiting list
C. Their abstracts will be reviewed at a later date
D. They will be required to submit a longer abstract

Answer and transcription
  1. (D)
  2. (A)
  3. (B)

Transcription

Attention members of the International Studies Society.

This announcement concerns registration for the spring academic symposium scheduled for April 12. Participation is limited to 60 students, and as of this morning, 42 spots have already been filled.

To secure a seat, students must complete online registration by 11:59 p.m. on March 28 and submit an abstract of no more than 250 words. Please note that attendance at at least one of the three preparatory sessions held on March 5, March 12, and March 19 is required. Students who fail to meet these requirements will be placed on a waiting list, regardless of submission time.

Compared with Parts 1 and 2, announcements in Listening Part 3 tend to include more numerical information, such as dates and times. For this reason, effective note-taking plays an important role in improving accuracy.

When taking notes, avoid trying to write down everything you hear. Instead, focus on recording specific details that are easy to forget, such as numbers, times, and locations, while keeping minor points and the overall flow in your memory.

Practice Questions (Listen to an Announcement)

Part 4: Academic Talk

This part is similar to the lecture-based listening tasks in the conventional TOEFL. You will listen to a professor delivering an academic talk, followed by several questions. The range of academic disciplines covered in this section is broad. Common topics include:

  • History
  • Art
  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Chemistry
  • Geology
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Sociology

Listening Part 4 is designed so that no prior academic background knowledge is required to understand the lecture. However, having basic familiarity with common academic fields can make the content much easier to follow.

For example, a frequently tested topic in Psychology lectures is memory. If you already know that human memory is often explained in terms of short-term memory, sensory memory, and long-term memory, you can anticipate the direction of the lecture and grasp the main points more easily as you listen.

1. What is the main purpose of the lecture?

A. To explain how sweating alone regulates human body temperature.
B. To argue that human body temperature remains constant under most conditions.
C. To explain how internal control systems respond to environmental challenges.
D. To compare human thermoregulation with that of other mammals.

2. According to the professor, what happens when body temperature rises during intense physical activity?

A. The body prioritizes conserving internal fluids over releasing excess heat.
B. Blood flow to the skin decreases to stabilize core temperature.
C. The nervous system reduces peripheral circulation to protect vital organs.
D. Internal control centers shift activity toward the body’s surface.

3. Why does the professor mention that a person can lose over 1 liter of sweat per hour?

A. To emphasize the importance of electrolyte balance during exercise.
B. To illustrate the potential risks associated with prolonged heat exposure.
C. To explain why sweating becomes less effective with age.
D. To show how evaporation contributes minimally to heat loss.

4. Why does the professor discuss shivering increasing heat production by up to 500%?

A. To demonstrate how the body generates heat in cold environments.
B. To argue that shivering is the primary cause of heat-related illness.
C. To indicate the maximum energy output muscles can sustain long-term.
D. To contrast voluntary and involuntary muscle movement.

Answer and transcription
  1. C
  2. D
  3. B
  4. A

Transcription

Human thermoregulation is a finely tuned physiological process that allows the body to maintain a relatively stable internal temperature despite changes in the external environment. In healthy adults, core body temperature is typically regulated around 37 degrees Celsius, though short-term fluctuations of about 0.5 degrees are considered normal. This regulation is controlled primarily by the hypothalamus, which functions as the body’s internal thermostat.

When body temperature rises, such as during intense physical activity, the hypothalamus triggers mechanisms to promote heat loss. One key response is vasodilation, in which blood vessels near the skin expand, increasing blood flow to the surface. This allows excess heat to dissipate more efficiently. At the same time, sweat glands become active. As sweat evaporates, it removes heat from the skin. Under extreme conditions, a person can lose over 1 liter of sweat per hour, resulting in significant fluid and electrolyte loss.

Conversely, when the body is exposed to cold environments, heat conservation becomes the priority. Blood vessels constrict to reduce heat loss, and involuntary muscle contractions, known as shivering, generate heat through increased metabolic activity. Studies suggest that shivering can raise heat production by up to 500 percent compared to resting levels.

However, thermoregulation becomes less efficient with age. Research indicates that adults over 65 years old have a reduced ability to sense temperature changes and a delayed sweating response. This partly explains why heat-related illnesses disproportionately affect older populations during prolonged heat waves. Understanding these physiological limits is essential, particularly as global average temperatures continue to rise.

The academic talk is perhaps the most important and challenging task to prepare for in the TOEFL Listening section. Your ability to handle questions in this part has a significant impact on your overall Listening score.

Attempting to answer academic talk questions without taking notes is risky because multiple ideas are presented along with specific details. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you develop effective note-taking techniques as part of your Listening preparation.

Practice Questions (Academic Talk)

Hi, I completed a Master’s program at Purdue University, where I specialized in test design and assessment effectiveness. My academic focus was English-language standardized tests, including the TOEFL, IELTS, ACT, SAT, and GRE. I began writing these articles because, when I was preparing for the SAT and GRE myself, I found few resources that explained the tests in a systematic and practical way. My goal is to create materials in which solving questions naturally builds the background knowledge needed for the exams, helping learners manage both content and strategy more effectively.