TOEFL Listen and Repeat (2026): format, tips and an example

By the Suzu team · Updated November 1, 2026 · 1 min read · Facts from ETS

Quick answer

You hear seven sentences, one at a time, and repeat each one exactly. You get about 8–12 seconds for each. The sentences get longer, and it's scored 0–5.

7sentences
8–12 seceach
0–5score

Each sentence is played once, and each one is a little longer and more complex.

How to do it well

Listen in chunksHear the sentence as 2 or 3 groups of words, not single words.
Keep every small word“The”, “to” and “with” count.
Copy the rhythmStress the same words the speaker does.

Example

You hear (getting longer)

Welcome to the science museum.
The dinosaur hall is on the second floor.
Please keep your ticket with you, because you'll need it for the planetarium show.

Chunk it

Please keep your ticket with you, because you'll need it for the planetarium show.

Three chunks are easier to hold than 14 separate words.

Our own example, written to match ETS's format. It isn't an official test question.

Common mistakes

Paraphrasing. “Keep your ticket” is not “hold your ticket”.
Dropping endings. Say the -s, -ed and ’ll clearly.
Starting too fast. A calm start makes the end easier.

What ETS looks for

A 5 means you repeated the sentence exactly and were fully clear.
ETS's sample puts you in a role, like a new staff member repeating a manager.
It tests how well you process spoken English and how clearly you speak.

Source: ETS's content and structure page and Updated TOEFL iBT Test Overview.

Questions

How many Listen and Repeat sentences are there?

Seven.

How much time do I get?

About 8 to 12 seconds per sentence.

Is it scored on accent?

No. It's scored on repeating accurately and being easy to understand.

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