TOEFL Changes 2026: Complete Guide to the New Writing Format
Major TOEFL changes are coming January 21, 2026. The writing section transforms completely with three new task types, shorter time limits, and updated scoring. Here's everything you need to know about the TOEFL 2026 format. (See the visual summary infographic at the end for a quick reference.)
Watch: TOEFL 2026 Changes Explained
Video overview of the TOEFL iBT test format and what to expect
Important Date: January 21, 2026
The TOEFL iBT writing section changes take effect on January 21, 2026. Tests before this date use the old format. Plan your test date accordingly.
In This Guide
TOEFL 2026 Format Overview: Will TOEFL Change in 2026?
Yes, the TOEFL iBT is changing significantly in 2026. Effective January 21, 2026, the writing section undergoes a fundamental transformation. ETS (the test maker) is replacing the traditional essay-based assessment with shorter, more practical communication tasks.
TOEFL 2026 Writing Section at a Glance
What Changed: Old TOEFL vs TOEFL 2026 Format Comparison
The TOEFL test changes 2026 represent the biggest update to the writing section in years. Here's a direct comparison of what's different:
| Aspect | Old Format (Before 2026) | New Format (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | 50 minutes | 23 minutes |
| Number of Tasks | 2 tasks | 3 tasks |
| Task 1 | Integrated Writing (20 min) | Build a Sentence (~6 min) |
| Task 2 | Independent Writing (30 min) | Write an Email (~7 min) |
| Task 3 | N/A | Academic Discussion (~10 min) |
| Reading/Listening | Required for Integrated Task | Not required |
| Response Length | 150-300+ words per essay | 80-150 words per task |
What's Gone
- ✕Integrated Writing Task (read + listen + write)
- ✕Independent Writing Essay (300+ word argumentative essay)
- ✕Long-form essay structure requirements
- ✕50-minute writing marathon
What's New
- Build a Sentence (grammar-focused task)
- Write an Email (professional communication)
- Academic Discussion (engage with peers)
- Shorter, focused 23-minute section
The Three New TOEFL 2026 Writing Tasks Explained
Build a Sentence (~6 minutes)
This new task tests your English grammar by giving you scrambled words to arrange into a correct sentence. You'll complete 4-6 items, each requiring you to organize words into proper English word order.
Example:
Arrange these words: were | the | was | old city | showed us around | who | tour guides | fantastic
Answer: "The tour guides who showed us around the old city were fantastic."
Scoring: Correct or Incorrect (no partial credit)
Read our Build a Sentence Strategies GuideWrite an Email (~7 minutes)
Write a professional email responding to a realistic scenario. You'll need to accomplish 3 communicative goals (like explaining a problem, asking a question, or expressing an opinion) in 80-120 words.
Example Scenario:
A poetry magazine had a submission form issue. Write to the editor to: (1) Tell them what you like about the magazine, (2) Describe the problem, (3) Ask about your submission status.
Scoring: 0-5 rubric based on goal achievement, tone, organization, and grammar
Read our Email Writing GuideAcademic Discussion (~10 minutes)
Respond to a professor's question in an online class discussion. You'll read two peer responses first, then write your own 100-150 word contribution expressing your opinion and engaging with your classmates' points.
Example Prompt:
"Should high school students be required to do volunteer work? Why or why not?"
You'll see two student responses (one agreeing, one disagreeing) before writing yours.
Scoring: 0-5 rubric based on position clarity, peer engagement, reasoning, and grammar
Read our Academic Discussion GuideHow is TOEFL 2026 Writing Scored?
The TOEFL 2026 scoring system differs by task type:
| Task | Scoring Method | What's Evaluated |
|---|---|---|
| Build a Sentence | Correct/Incorrect | Grammar accuracy, word order |
| Write an Email | 0-5 Rubric | Goal achievement, tone, organization, grammar |
| Academic Discussion | 0-5 Rubric | Position clarity, peer engagement, reasoning, grammar |
Score 5 (Highest) Requirements
- Email: All 3 goals accomplished with specific detail, appropriate professional tone
- Discussion: Clear position with strong support, thoughtful peer engagement
- Both: Consistent grammatical accuracy, clear organization, effective communication
How to Prepare for TOEFL 2026: Preparation Tips
The TOEFL 2026 preparation strategy differs significantly from the old format. Here's how to prepare effectively:
Effective TOEFL preparation requires focused practice with the new task formats
1. Master English Grammar Fundamentals
The Build a Sentence task directly tests grammar. Focus on:
- Subject-verb agreement
- Word order in questions and statements
- Relative clauses (who, which, that)
- Modifier placement (adjectives, adverbs)
- Prepositional phrases
2. Practice Professional Email Writing
The email task requires a specific tone and structure:
- Use formal greetings (Dear Editor, Dear Professor)
- State your purpose clearly in the opening
- Address all 3 required points
- End with a professional closing
- Keep it concise (80-120 words)
3. Develop Discussion Skills
The Academic Discussion requires engagement with peers:
- Always reference what other students said
- State your position clearly in sentence 1
- Provide 2-3 supporting reasons
- Use transition words (however, moreover, therefore)
- Write 100-150 words (hit the minimum!)
4. Time Management Practice
The 23-minute time limit is strict. Practice with these allocations:
- Build a Sentence: ~1 minute per item
- Email: 1 min read, 5 min write, 1 min review
- Discussion: 2 min read, 7 min write, 1 min review
Visual Summary: TOEFL 2026 Changes at a Glance
Save or bookmark this infographic for quick reference. It summarizes all the key changes to the TOEFL Writing section effective January 21, 2026, including the new task types and scoring.
Practice for TOEFL 2026 Now
Get instant AI feedback on all three TOEFL 2026 task types.
Try Writing PracticeFrequently Asked Questions About TOEFL Changes 2026
Will TOEFL change in 2026?
Yes, the TOEFL iBT writing section changes significantly on January 21, 2026. The Integrated and Independent essays are replaced with three new tasks: Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Academic Discussion. Total writing time decreases from 50 to 23 minutes.
When do the TOEFL 2026 changes take effect?
The changes take effect on January 21, 2026. If you take the TOEFL before this date, you'll use the old format. Tests on or after January 21, 2026 use the new format.
Is the TOEFL 2026 format easier or harder?
It depends on your strengths. The new format is easier if you have strong grammar skills and struggle with long essays. It may be harder if you excelled at extended writing but have weaker grammar fundamentals. The shorter time (23 vs 50 minutes) reduces fatigue but requires faster thinking.
Do I need to practice reading and listening for the new writing section?
No. The TOEFL 2026 writing section is standalone. Unlike the old Integrated Task that required reading a passage and listening to a lecture, all three new tasks only require writing skills.
How long should my responses be in TOEFL 2026?
Write an Email: 80-120 words (about 8-12 sentences)
Academic Discussion: 100-150 words minimum (about 10-15 sentences)
Build a Sentence: One sentence per item (4-6 items total)
Should I take the TOEFL before or after January 2026?
Consider the old format if you're comfortable with long essays and have strong synthesis skills. Choose the new format if you prefer shorter tasks, have strong grammar, or dislike the Integrated Task. Both formats test valid English skills—choose based on your strengths.
References & Further Reading
- TOEFL iBT Test Content and Structure — ETS Official Website (Accessed: December 2025)
- TOEFL iBT Writing Section Updates 2026 — ETS TOEFL Preparation (Accessed: December 2025)
- TOEFL iBT Test Scores and Score Reports — ETS Official Website (Accessed: December 2025)
- TOEFL iBT Free Practice Test — ETS Free Resources (Accessed: December 2025)
- Understanding TOEFL iBT Scores — ETS Score Users Guide (Accessed: December 2025)
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