Will TOEFL 2026 be easier?

The TOEFL 2026 update makes the test shorter (around 2 hours), more streamlined, and adaptive, potentially feeling easier for those who struggle with long academic texts or anxiety; however, it introduces new task types like "Listen and Repeat," which some find challenging, so while it's easier to take, it's not necessarily easier to ace, requiring strong, practical English skills. The core difficulty remains measuring proficiency, but the format shifts focus to more modern, relatable content and efficient testing, with ETS ensuring score comparability.

How will TOEFL change in 2026?

Starting January 21, 2026, receive four section scores, as well as an overall score, on the 1 – 6 scale. The overall score will be the average of all four sections, rounded to the nearest half band (for example, if the average of a student's section scores is 5.125, they will receive an overall score of 5).

What is the pattern for the TOEFL 2026?

From 21 January 2026, the TOEFL iBT will become a more adaptive and shorter test, with a new scoring scale. The Reading and Listening sections will use a multistage adaptive design, which shortens exam time and personalises difficulty. Scores will shift from the traditional 0 to 120 scale to a 1.0 to 6.0 band scale.

Which TOEFL is the easiest?

The TOEFL Essentials tests your English in general and academic settings. It's 50-50. Due to this, TOEFL Essential is shorter and may feel easier for some students. TOEFL Essentials test offers a balanced and comprehensive assessment of English language proficiency in both general and academic settings.

How rare is 120 in TOEFL?

A score of 120 on the TOEFL is the maximum possible score, meaning it's the rarest and best score, placing you in the 100th percentile (perfect) for all test-takers, indicating exceptional English proficiency, often required for top-tier universities or competitive programs. While not incredibly common, it's a realistic goal for highly proficient non-native speakers, with many scoring in the 100-115 range for excellent results, but 120 signifies absolute mastery.
 

TOEFL 2025 vs. TOEFL 2026: Which is Easier? How to Prepare?

What is the new score for TOEFL 2026?

Here's the quick answer: A good TOEFL score on the new 1-6 scale is 5.0 or higher—competitive for most graduate programs and top universities. On the old 0-120 scale (for tests taken before January 21, 2026), 100+ was the benchmark for a good TOEFL score.

Is TOEFL 110 a C1?

Most universities require a B2 score (87-109 points), while highly competitive institutions may expect C1 (110+) scores.

Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

TOEFL: Might be challenging due to its multiple-choice format and emphasis on academic English. IELTS: Can be difficult due to the variety of question types and the face-to-face speaking component.

How to pass TOEFL easily?

Acing the TOEFL iBT ® Test: 8 Essential Tips for Success

1. TIP#1: Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL iBT ® test format. ...
2. Tip #3: Practice with the Official TOEFL iBT Free practice test. ...
3. Tip#5: Hone Your Listening Skills. ...
4. Tip#6: Enhance Speaking Fluency. ...
5. Tip#7: Improve Writing Skills. ...
6. Tip#8: Time Management.

What is the hardest English exam?

Cambridge Exams

The Cambridge exam suite is the most difficult English test to understand because it is actually a set of several tests for different skill levels and student profiles.

What is the Writing task for TOEFL 2026?

What's New in the 2026 TOEFL Writing Section

• Build a Sentence: Arrange jumbled words to form a clear, correct sentence.
• Write an Email: Draft a short, organized email based on a realistic situation.
• Write for an Academic Discussion: Respond briefly to a classroom-style post with a clear opinion and supporting ideas.

How to crack TOEFL in 15 days?

Analyze your mistakes and note areas needing special attention.

1. Day 2: Reading Section Deep Dive.
2. Day 5: Writing Foundation.
3. Day 8: Speaking Strategies.
4. Day 9: Writing Practice.
5. Day 10: Full Practice Test.

How to get 30 on TOEFL Writing?

Keep that in mind. To score 30 in the writing section you will need: a properly structured independent essay, with about 400 words, an argument that is on-topic, and perfect grammar and language use. Same for the integrated task... but a bit shorter and with the correct details from both sources.

How is the TOEFL exam format for 2026?

Structure Differences

Shorter Length: 1.5 hours instead of 2 hours. New Scoring Scale: The 2026 TOEFL will use a 1-to-6 band system, similar to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). (However, your exam will also include a score out of 120 for easy comparison.)

Is it easy to get 79 in TOEFL?

According to official TOEFL percentiles for all test takers, a TOEFL 79 score falls in around the 38th percentile for all students, placing it just below the "good" threshold.

Is 72 a good score in TOEFL?

A TOEFL score of 72 is considered intermediate to high-intermediate, generally meeting minimum requirements for many universities but falling short of competitive scores for top-tier programs, placing you in the B2 CEFR level (72-94). While some colleges accept scores in this range (around 70-80), you might need higher scores (90+) for more selective undergraduate or graduate programs, often with specific section minimums. 

Is 2 weeks enough to study for TOEFL?

Two weeks can be enough if you're already quite comfortable with the English language and just need to brush up on the specific types of questions and the test format. What you'd want to do is focus on practice tests, get to know the question patterns, and work on your test-taking speed and accuracy.

Is TOEFL getting easier?

Starting January 2026, the TOEFL iBT exam update will feature multistage adaptive testing that adjusts question difficulty to your skill level. This approach provides a more accurate measure of your English skills while offering a personalized, efficient test aligned with real-world communication needs.

How to get 110+ on TOEFL?

General Tips for Scoring 110 in TOEFL

1. Understand the Test Format: Familiarise yourself with the structure of the TOEFL iBT, including its four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. ...
2. Create a Study Plan: Allocate time daily to practise each section of the test.

Do universities prefer TOEFL or IELTS?

While both exams are globally recognized, TOEFL is typically preferred by institutions in the United States, while IELTS is more commonly favored in other countries. TOEFL is more widely accepted and is often preferred by U.S. institutions.

Is TOEFL British or American?

One big difference between TOEFL and IELTS is that TOEFL uses American English and IELTS uses British English.

Is TOEFL graded by AI?

The Reading and Listening sections are scored by computer. The Speaking and Writing sections are scored by a combination of AI scoring and multiple, highly trained human raters to: offer a complete and accurate picture of your ability. minimize the rater bias that can occur with face-to-face interviews.

Is 6.5 considered C1?

Candidates who have secured a C1 Advanced grade C, having scored between 180 and 192 on the Cambridge English Scale, are at Level C1 of the CEFR and can be expected to be comparable in ability with candidates who have secured 6.5 or 7.0 in IELTS.

Is C1 native level?

C2 = Language skills at native language level (proficient user) C1 = fluent to business fluent language skills (proficient user) B2 = fluent language level (independent user)