In July 2023, ETS (Educational Testing Service) implemented key updates to the TOEFL iBT test, significantly changing the structure of the Reading section. These updates aim to make the test more user-friendly, reduce test fatigue, and maintain the exam’s rigor and effectiveness in measuring academic English proficiency.
The most notable changes include a shorter Reading section, a reduction in the number of questions, and a more focused question design. These updates align with ETS’s goal of streamlining the test experience while preserving the depth of language skill assessment.
ETS revised the TOEFL test format to meet the evolving needs of test takers and academic institutions. The updates were driven by three key goals:
Reduce test-taking time: The full TOEFL iBT test now takes under 2 hours instead of 3 hours, decreasing test anxiety and fatigue.
Improve the user experience: The streamlined format is easier to navigate and less stressful.
Retain high assessment standards: The changes still maintain the test’s reliability and validity for university admissions.
To fully understand what’s new, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the old and new TOEFL Reading formats:
Number of Passages: 3 to 4
Total Questions: 30 to 40
Time Allotted: 54 to 72 minutes
Extra Passages: Some test takers received an additional passage (experimental, unscored)
Number of Passages: 2
Total Questions: 20 (10 per passage)
Time Allotted: 35 minutes
No Extra Passages: All content is now scored; no experimental content in the Reading section
This change has made the section more efficient without compromising the test’s ability to assess core reading skills.
The updated Reading section includes:
2 academic passages
10 questions per passage
20 total questions
Each question is worth one point, for a raw score of 0–20, which is then scaled to a Reading section score of 0–30.
You now have 35 minutes to complete the Reading section. This breaks down to approximately:
17–18 minutes per passage
Including time to read the text and answer the questions
This shorter duration enhances focus and reduces the mental strain of a lengthy reading task.
No. The difficulty level of the passages and questions remains consistent with previous versions. The content continues to reflect academic topics and complex language used in university settings. The change is in the test length, not the question difficulty.
Students should still expect:
Advanced vocabulary
Dense academic texts
Complex sentence structures
Abstract and inferential questions
A shorter section means you’re less likely to feel mentally exhausted during the test. This allows you to perform better not just in Reading but in the entire TOEFL iBT.
With the whole TOEFL test now under 2 hours, students can finish the exam in less time, freeing them for other responsibilities.
No more navigating 3 or 4 lengthy passages. Focusing on just 2 passages improves concentration and reduces cognitive overload.
Previously, some students were given an experimental third or fourth passage that didn’t count toward their score. This was time-consuming and confusing. In the new format, all passages and questions are scored, creating a more transparent experience.
Even though the test is shorter, time management is still key. You’ll have roughly 1 minute and 45 seconds per question, which includes reading time.
Tip: Practice reading 700-word academic passages and answering 10 questions in under 17 minutes to simulate real test conditions.
Since the test now includes only 20 questions, each one carries more weight. One mistake can affect your score more significantly than before.
Tip: Focus on accuracy during practice sessions. Prioritize understanding over speed in the early stages.
The types of questions remain the same, but there’s less room for recovery if you miss one. Mastering each question type is more important than ever.
Tip: Review question types such as Factual Information, Inference, Vocabulary, and Prose Summary in depth.
No. The difficulty level is unchanged. The topics, structure, and academic style are consistent with previous versions.
Yes. You can navigate freely within each passage and its questions. However, once time is up, you can’t go back.
Yes, in terms of timing. You’ll need to adjust your reading and answering pace to fit within the 35-minute limit. But your focus on reading comprehension and question strategies remains the same.
Scoring works the same way. You receive a Reading scaled score from 0 to 30, which is combined with the scores from Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Ensure the practice tests or prep books you use reflect the 2023 TOEFL format. Outdated materials may include 3 or 4 passages and won’t help with time management under the new conditions.
Set a timer for 35 minutes
Complete 2 full reading passages and their 10 questions each
Avoid distractions to simulate test pressure
Each question matters more now. Practice eliminating wrong answer choices quickly and improving reading speed without compromising understanding.
Use a journal or digital tool to track:
Time taken per passage
Accuracy rate by question type
Score improvement over time
The 2023 update to the TOEFL Reading section is a welcome change for most test takers. It makes the exam more concise, manageable, and student-centered. However, the shorter length also means less margin for error—so every question counts.
To succeed, focus on:
Building efficient reading strategies
Practicing with 2-passage timed tests
Mastering all 8 question types
With the right preparation and mindset, the new format can actually help you perform better by keeping your energy focused and your time well-managed.