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- 2026 format
- Listen to an Academic Talk
Listening task
TOEFL Listen to an Academic Talk (2026): format, tips and an example
Quick answer
You hear a short academic talk of about 100–250 words, like part of a lecture. Then you answer four questions about the main idea, supporting points and how the talk is organized.
- 100–250words
- 4questions
- ~29 minfor all of Listening
How to do it well
- Write the topicThe first sentences usually name it.
- Number the pointsListen for “first”, “another reason” and “however”.
- Mark examplesQuestions often ask why the speaker gives one.
Example
You hear
“Today let's look at why many birds migrate at night. First, the air is cooler and calmer, so they lose less water and energy. Second, flying at night leaves the day free for feeding. Many songbirds, for example, fly all night and spend the next day eating to refuel.”
Questions
What is the talk mainly about? Reasons some birds migrate at night.
Why does the speaker mention songbirds? To give an example of feeding during the day.
Our own example, written to match ETS's format. It isn't an official test question.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a detail as the main idea. Songbirds are an example, not the topic.
- Missing signal words. “First” and “second” give you the structure.
- Writing full sentences. Short notes let you keep listening.
What ETS looks for
- Questions test main and supporting ideas, inferences and how the talk is organized.
- No background knowledge is needed. Everything you need is in the talk.
Source: ETS's content and structure page and Updated TOEFL iBT Test Overview.
Questions
How long is the TOEFL academic talk now?
About 100 to 250 words, so under two minutes. The old lectures ran several minutes.
How many questions follow?
Four.
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