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TOEFL 2027: the changes to the TOEFL Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking questions

TOEFL Questions 2027: The New Upcoming Changes to the TOEFL 2027 Questions & Test Format

The BestMyTest team investigated the TOEFL 2027 changes. Several members took the official TOEFL iBT and discovered some key changes compared to the January 2026 TOEFL iBT release. Our team found important changes to the TOEFL iBT 2027 test’s question difficulty, total number of questions, and adaptive test format.

On this page, you’ll learn these differences one section at a time: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. For each section, you’ll see an early 2026 question and a TOEFL 2027 question, so you can compare them yourself.

If you’re looking for something else, we added links based on what we think you might have been looking for. Otherwise, skip them.

Table of Contents

What You Need to Know About the TOEFL 2027 Questions

The TOEFL 2027 test has the same four sections and the same tasks as the test that launched on January 21, 2026. The changes are inside the questions. The test may look simple because many tasks are short and practical, but our team found the questions harder than they look. Here is what our team found in each section:

  • TOEFL Reading: Complete the Words tests more grammar words. Read in Daily Life has more answer choices that copy words from the text. Read an Academic Passage asks you to apply its ideas to a new situation.
  • TOEFL Listening: Module 1 had 32 questions from 20 recordings: 12 Listen and Choose a Response questions, 3 conversations, 3 announcements, and 2 academic talks. That is more questions and more listening tasks than in early 2026. The recordings are about as long and as hard as before.
  • TOEFL Writing: Some Academic Discussion topics are much more advanced, such as how international organizations can keep world peace.
  • TOEFL Speaking: Listen and Repeat often guides you through a place or a process. The Interview asks about familiar, everyday topics.

TOEFL Reading 2027 Changes

The TOEFL Reading 2027 questions use the same three tasks as in early 2026, but they ask you to think more. Our team saw more grammar words in Complete the Words, more answer traps in Read in Daily Life, and questions about a hypothetical situation in Read an Academic Passage.

Complete the Words tests more grammar. The task looks the same as before. But some missing words are now grammar words, such as which, using, used, from, and and. They test clauses that start with which (adjective clauses), -ing and -ed forms (participles), joining words (conjunctions), and common prepositions. So you need to know how each word works in its sentence, not only what it means.

Read in Daily Life has more answer traps. The texts are short and practical. The questions ask about details, inferences (ideas the text suggests but doesn’t say), and facts that are not in the text. Many wrong answers copy words straight from the text, so they look right, especially under time pressure. The right answer often says the same idea in different words, which is called a paraphrase. So don’t just match words: check what each answer choice really says.

Read an Academic Passage asks you to apply ideas. The first question is often a vocabulary question, and harder detail and inference questions follow. Our team also saw questions that describe a hypothetical situation and ask how an idea from the passage applies to it. You can’t find that answer in one sentence, so you need to understand the idea first. Rhetorical purpose questions are common: they ask why the author mentions a detail or gives an example. Gist-purpose questions are rare. Most tests had one insert-a-sentence or select-in-passage question. Reference questions were less common. They aren’t in the free official sample test, but they can still appear on the real test.

Module 1 decides how hard Module 2 is. Module 1, the first part of the Reading section, can be quite hard. When a team member didn’t do well in Module 1, Module 2 felt easier. This is how the adaptive Reading section works. Learn more in our TOEFL adaptive test guide.

Early 2026 TOEFL Reading Question: Read an Academic Passage

The development of windmills marked an important step in the history of mechanical power. Historical evidence suggests that early wind-driven machines were used for grinding grain, pumping water, and supporting agricultural communities. These devices were especially valuable in regions where flowing water was limited.

Some of the earliest windmills were simple in design. [A] Builders often used wooden frames and cloth sails to catch moving air. [B] However, not all early windmills remained rudimentary. [C] Over time, engineers developed improved gears and stronger towers that allowed mills to work more reliably. [D] These advances increased the range of tasks windmills could perform.

The shift from simple wind-powered structures to more refined machines suggests advances in design, planning, and local engineering knowledge. Better windmills allowed communities to process food more efficiently and manage water with less labor. Recent discoveries have also shown that windmill technology may have spread between regions in more complex ways than researchers once believed.

1. The word “rudimentary” in the passage is closest in meaning to
  1. basic
  2. decorative
  3. fragile
  4. imported
2. According to the passage, all of the following are true about early windmills EXCEPT:
  1. They could help grind grain.
  2. Some used cloth sails.
  3. They were always highly complex from the beginning.
  4. They were valuable where flowing water was limited.
3. What is suggested about later improvements in windmill design?
  1. They made windmills more reliable and useful for more tasks.
  2. They removed the need for sails entirely.
  3. They prevented windmills from spreading between regions.
  4. They made wind power less efficient than before.
4. What have recent discoveries uncovered about windmill technology?
  1. It spread between regions in more complex ways than once believed.
  2. It was used only for decorative buildings.
  3. It depended entirely on metal sails.
  4. It appeared only after steam engines were invented.
5.

There are four locations [▪] in the passage that indicate where the following sentence could be added.

Where would the sentence best fit? Select a location [▪] to add the sentence to the passage.

Some mills could be turned so their sails faced changing wind directions more effectively.

  1. [A]
  2. [B]
  3. [C]
  4. [D]

  • spellcheck Answers

    1. Answer: A

    (A) The correct answer is basic. In the passage, "The development of windmills marked an important step in the history of mechanical power." shows that the word is closest in meaning to "basic".

    (B) decorative is incorrect because that meaning does not fit the way the word is used in the sentence

    (C) fragile is incorrect because that meaning does not fit the way the word is used in the sentence

    (D) imported is incorrect because that meaning does not fit the way the word is used in the sentence

    2. Answer: C

    (C) The correct answer is They were always highly complex from the beginning. This question asks for the choice that is NOT mentioned or supported. The passage gives support for They could help grind grain.; Some used cloth sails.; They were valuable where flowing water was limited., but it does not support "They were always highly complex from the beginning."

    (A) They could help grind grain. is incorrect because the passage does mention this point; However, not all early windmills remained rudimentary.

    (B) Some used cloth sails. is incorrect because the passage does mention this point; However, not all early windmills remained rudimentary.

    (D) They were valuable where flowing water was limited. is incorrect because the passage does mention this point; These devices were especially valuable in regions where flowing water was limited.

    3. Answer: A

    (A) The correct answer is They made windmills more reliable and useful for more tasks. In the passage, "Some of the earliest windmills were simple in design." supports the inference that "They made windmills more reliable and useful for more tasks."

    (B) They removed the need for sails entirely. is incorrect because it is not supported by what the passage implies

    (C) They prevented windmills from spreading between regions. is incorrect because it goes beyond what the passage suggests; the support points instead to Some of the earliest windmills were simple in design.

    (D) They made wind power less efficient than before. is incorrect because it is not supported by what the passage implies

    4. Answer: A

    (A) The correct answer is It spread between regions in more complex ways than once believed. In the passage, "Recent discoveries have also shown that windmill technology may have spread between regions in more complex ways than researchers once believed." directly supports "It spread between regions in more complex ways than once believed."

    (B) It was used only for decorative buildings. is incorrect because the passage does not support that detail

    (C) It depended entirely on metal sails. is incorrect because the passage does not support that detail

    (D) It appeared only after steam engines were invented. is incorrect because the passage does not support that detail

    5. Answer: C

    (C) The correct answer is Position C. This position follows the sentence “However, not all early windmills remained rudimentary,” which clearly introduces a shift toward technological improvements. The added sentence fits perfectly here as a specific example of that improvement, and it smoothly leads into the next sentence about improved gears and stronger towers. The structure becomes: contrast → example → further developments.

    (A) Position A. Too early—this part describes simple windmills. The sentence adds an advanced feature, which contradicts that idea.

    (B) Position B. It comes before “However,” which introduces improvement. Adding the sentence here makes the contrast unclear or repetitive.

    (D) Position D. Too late—the paragraph is summarizing. Adding a specific detail here breaks the general flow.

TOEFL Reading 2027 Question

Coming soon.

TOEFL Listening 2027 Changes

The TOEFL Listening 2027 section has the same four tasks, and our team found the recordings about as long and as hard as before. Module 1, the first part of the section, had 32 questions from 20 recordings. That is more questions and more listening tasks than in early 2026.

Listening Module 1 on the TOEFL 2027 test

Task

Recordings

Questions

Listen and Choose a Response

12

12

Listen to a Conversation

3

6

Listen to an Announcement

3

6

Listen to an Academic Talk

2

8

Total

20

32

The skills you need stay the same. The task types changed in January 2026, but the listening skills did not. You still need to catch details, understand what a speaker wants, make inferences, and follow the main idea of a conversation, an announcement, or an academic talk.

Early 2026 TOEFL Listening Question: Listen to a Conversation

In the Listen to a Conversation task, you'll listen to a short conversation and answer 2 questions.

TOEFL Listening conversation between two students
1. Why does the woman need to reprint the posters?
  1. They listed the wrong meeting room
  2. The printer produced only six copies
  3. The posters curled beside an open window
  4. The first print run failed the margin check.
2. What does the man say about the cash box?
  1. It contains money for the printing
  2. The woman will bring it from the library
  3. The cash is stored in a closet.
  4. The treasurer will place it on the table

  • spellcheck Answers

    1. Answer: D

    (D) The first print run failed the margin check. is correct because the woman states, "The copy center sent the first batch back. They said the scan code was sitting right on the border." The first print run failed the margin check.

    (A) They listed the wrong meeting room is incorrect because the ecology lab is only the meeting place. She does not say the posters had the wrong room.

    (B) The printer produced only six copies is incorrect because six is what her student card can pay for now, not why the first batch came back.

    (C) The posters curled beside an open window is incorrect because that happened to last week's posters and is why he will bring clips.

    2. Answer: C

    (C) The cash is stored in a closet. is correct because the man states, "The treasurer left it in the closet with the extra paper, so I will grab it when I set up." The cash box is stored in a closet.

    (A) It contains money for the printing is incorrect because he says six copies are fine for the posters. The money box is for the sign up table, not her printing.

    (B) The woman will bring it from the library is incorrect because she is coming over after printing. He will grab the money box when he sets up.

    (D) The treasurer will place it on the table is incorrect because the treasurer already left it in the closet, and the man will grab it.

    Transcript

    Man: Can you still make the sustainability club meeting later?

    Woman: I think so, but I need to reprint the posters. The copy center sent the first batch back. They said the scan code was sitting right on the border.

    Man: We are gathering at 5:45 in the ecology lab. I can bring table clips. Last week's posters curled near the open window.

    Woman: Great. The library color printer is quick, but my student card has enough credit for only six copies. Do we need the club cash tonight?

    Man: Six is fine for the posters. I still need the money box at the sign up table. The treasurer left it in the closet with the extra paper, so I will grab it when I set up.

    Woman: Perfect. I will come over as soon as the printing finishes.

TOEFL Listening 2027 Question

Coming soon.

TOEFL Writing 2027 Changes

In TOEFL Writing 2027, the three tasks are the same as in early 2026, but Write for an Academic Discussion can be much harder. Some topics are advanced, such as how international organizations can keep world peace. Build a Sentence tests sentence structure, and Write an Email tests practical communication.

Build a Sentence tests sentence structure. You build a correct, meaningful sentence from the words and phrases you get. To do this, you need to know word order, verb forms, clauses, and how the parts of a sentence connect.

Write an Email tests practical communication. You may need to explain a situation, make a request, give information, or respond to a problem. Answer every point in the prompt, and use the right tone, a clear order, and correct grammar.

Academic Discussion topics can be surprisingly advanced. Some questions are about familiar subjects, such as education, technology, or everyday social issues. Others are about bigger topics, such as how international organizations can maintain world peace, global cooperation, or government policy. These topics are hard if you don’t know the subject. But you don’t need expert knowledge. You need a clear opinion, logical reasons, and clear writing. So practice with many different academic and social topics under time pressure.

Early 2026 TOEFL Writing Question: Write for an Academic Discussion
Your professor is teaching a class on Money. Write a post responding to the professor’s question.

In your response you should:
- express and support your opinion
- make a contribution to the discussion

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor

We've been discussing the shift toward cashless payment systems. Some people believe digital payments improve convenience, speed, and security, while others argue they create exclusion risks for people without stable access to banking or technology. What is your opinion on a largely cashless society?

Two posts from students


Paul

I think cashless systems are beneficial. They make transactions faster, reduce theft risk, and help users manage spending through digital records. In many contexts, cashless payments improve efficiency for both customers and businesses.


Sunny

I think cashless systems can be harmful if they become the only option. Not everyone has equal access to smartphones, internet service, or bank accounts. A payment system should remain inclusive, especially for vulnerable groups.

Sample Post

In my opinion, society should move toward mostly digital payment, but it should not remove cash completely. Electronic payment is useful because it leaves a clear trail for taxes and makes it easier for small shops to sell online or at street events without keeping many coins. However, a country also needs a back-up plan. During a power cut, a storm, or a problem with a payment company, people still need to buy food, medicine, and bus tickets. Cash also gives people some privacy for simple daily purchases. For this reason, I support a mixed system: digital payment as the normal choice, with cash protected for emergencies and basic public services.
TOEFL Writing 2027 Question

Coming soon.

TOEFL Speaking 2027 Changes

The TOEFL Speaking 2027 tasks are Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview, as in early 2026. Our team noticed clear patterns in the topics: Listen and Repeat often guides you through a place or a process, and the Interview asks about everyday life, not academic subjects.

Listen and Repeat often describes a place or a process. In many sets, a speaker shows someone around a gym, a library, a laboratory, or another campus building. The speaker says what each area is for or where the equipment is. Other sets give step-by-step instructions, such as how to use a tool or a machine. The sentences get longer and their grammar gets harder, so listen to the whole sentence and repeat all of it.

The Interview asks about familiar, everyday topics. Common topics were:

  • Movies and entertainment
  • Food and eating habits
  • Study preferences and learning methods
  • Educational experiences
  • Music and personal interests
  • Daily routines and lifestyle
  • Campus life and student activities

Most questions ask you to share a preference, describe an experience, give an opinion, or explain a choice. You don’t need academic knowledge. The challenge is to answer naturally, clearly, and fluently, with reasons and examples. See more in our TOEFL speaking topics guide.

Early 2026 TOEFL Speaking Question: Take an Interview

You have agreed to take part in a research study about cooking at home. You will have a short online interview with a researcher. The researcher will ask you some questions.

Question 1

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Thank you for participating. Today I'd like to ask about cooking when your schedule changes every week. How do you decide whether a given evening is a cook-at-home night or an eat-out night?
  • Sample Response

    Well, on weeks when my schedule keeps shifting, I try to make the decision during my mid afternoon coffee break. First, I quickly look at my calendar and ask myself how much mental energy I still have after work. If I see an evening meeting or a late gym session, I quietly tell myself that takeout is perfectly fine, and I move on. Conversely, when I notice a free block, I get excited about using up the vegetables in the fridge. In either case, I text my partner so we stay on the same page.

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 2

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Great. If you had to cut your grocery budget by twenty percent, would you buy cheaper staples, smaller portions of protein, or fewer specialty items first? Why?
  • Sample Response

    Honestly, if I suddenly needed to shave twenty percent off the grocery bill, I would attack the specialty items first because they are the biggest silent wallet drain. For example, fancy cheeses, imported sauces, and single purpose spices look innocent, but they add up quickly. After trimming those, I would compare unit prices on staples and reach for store brands, though I would still keep whole grains and fresh produce. I would try to leave protein portions almost unchanged since they keep me full and stop me from snacking on more expensive convenience foods later.

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 3

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Interesting. Some people film every meal they make; others never share food online. What effect, positive or negative, do you think food content on social media has on how people cook?
  • Sample Response

    Right, so when I think about food videos flooding my feeds, I see a double edged situation. On the positive side, short recipe clips give busy home cooks quick inspiration and demonstrate techniques that used to feel intimidating, like folding dumplings or tempering chocolate. As a result, many people cook more often and waste fewer ingredients. On the negative side, the constant parade of perfectly lit dishes sets unrealistic standards. Some viewers start believing every meal must look restaurant level, which can create guilt and push them toward costly gadgets or unnecessary ingredients.

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 4

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Good points. One last question. Should high schools require at least one hands-on cooking course, or is that a poor use of limited class time?
  • Sample Response

    Personally, I think every high school student should experience at least one practical cooking class. For one thing, many teenagers will move out within a few years, and knowing how to plan meals and handle raw food safely is as important as balancing a budget. Moreover, cooking lessons can reinforce biology and chemistry concepts in a tasty way, so the time is not really lost. Admittedly, schedules are crowded, yet a single semester elective or a week long workshop could fit without displacing core academics, and the lifelong benefits would justify the effort.

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

TOEFL Speaking 2027 Question

Coming soon.

Your BestMyTest Course Has Been Updated to the 2027 TOEFL Question Changes

We updated the practice questions in our TOEFL course to match the TOEFL 2027 questions our team saw on the official test. Updated practice sets keep their place in the course, but their questions are new. The table shows how many practice sets each task has and how many we updated.

TOEFL section

Task

Practice sets in our course

Updated for 2027

Reading

Complete the Words

224

Coming soon

Reading

Read in Daily Life

232

Coming soon

Reading

Read an Academic Passage

163

Coming soon

Listening

Listen and Choose a Response

131

Coming soon

Listening

Listen to a Conversation

301

Coming soon

Listening

Listen to an Announcement

230

Coming soon

Listening

Listen to an Academic Talk

179

Coming soon

Writing

Build a Sentence

126

Coming soon

Writing

Write an Email

131

Coming soon

Writing

Write for an Academic Discussion

224

Coming soon

Speaking

Listen and Repeat

135

Coming soon

Speaking

Take an Interview

102

Coming soon

Total

All 12 tasks

2,178

Coming soon

Want to Learn More About Each TOEFL Section?

Each TOEFL section has its own practice guide, and Reading and Listening also have a guide to their question types. Pick the section you want to learn more about:

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