Frequently Asked Questions About Timing and Navigation Enhancements to the TOEFL iBT® Reading Section

What's changing in the Reading section of the TOEFL iBT® test on November 1, 2011?

Primarily, the maximum number of reading passages that you will receive in the Reading section of the test will be four instead of five.

Is anything else changing about the TOEFL iBT Reading section at this time?

Yes. The Reading section will no longer be in separately timed parts. This change allows you to pace yourself throughout the entire Reading section. You will be able to navigate within the entire Reading section and will have the ability to skip questions and go back to review or change your responses, or respond to any questions you may have skipped.

Why did ETS implement this change?

We made the change in response to test taker feedback about the length of the Reading section.

Do the changes in the number of reading passages and the enhanced navigation change the meaning of my Reading section score?

No. Your TOEFL iBT Reading section score will continue to be based on the same number of test questions. Reading section scores earned prior to November 1, 2011, are comparable to scores earned after November 1, 2011.