Complete the Words
Complete partially missing words in a short text. The task tests vocabulary, spelling and the ability to use grammatical and meaning clues in context.
Updated TOEFL iBT section
TOEFL iBT Reading
Complete the Words, Read in Daily Life, and Read an Academic Passage; ETS lists about 50 items and about 30 minutes base time, with adaptive delivery variation.
Current focus
- Vocabulary in contextAvailable for diagnostics and practice.
- Daily-life readingAligned to the updated task design.
- Academic passage comprehensionCan feed later Pathway routing.
Section overview
Start with what this section measures
The guidance below follows the TOEFL iBT design effective January 21, 2026 and explains the tasks, test-day experience, score use and preparation for this section.
Vocabulary in context
Used for targeted practice under the updated format.
Daily-life reading
Handled cautiously against current ETS information.
Academic passage comprehension
Can connect to mock tests and Pathway support.
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Format and tasks
Reading tasks in detail
These are the task types in the current ETS TOEFL iBT design. Item totals and base time may vary as the test adapts.
Read in Daily Life
Read concise notices, messages or informational texts and answer questions about purpose, main ideas, details and implied meaning.
Read an Academic Passage
Read a focused university-style passage and identify its main idea, supporting information and important vocabulary. No subject knowledge is required.
Candidate experience
What happens on test day
Understand the sequence, equipment and response conditions for the complete test, not only the isolated task type.
Section order
A complete test runs Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking in that order. At least one response in every section is required for scores to be reported.
Delivery options
The test is computer-delivered at an authorized test centre; eligible test takers may also use the live-proctored Home Edition.
Test-day experience
Allow about two hours with no scheduled break. Note-taking follows ETS rules; Speaking is recorded by microphone and Writing is typed.
Scoring and results
How results are reported and used
The 1–6 score scale applies from January 21, 2026. Candidates should check both current ETS guidance and the receiving institution’s own requirement.
Current score scale
Each section and the overall result use a 1–6 scale in half-point increments; the overall result is based on the four-section average.
Getting results
ETS currently says scores enter the test taker’s account three days after the test date; official delivery timing also depends on the recipient.
Using a score
Institutions set their own minimums. During transition the report also supplies a comparable legacy overall estimate, so candidates need not convert it themselves.
Preparation
Prepare for the current task design
Start with official examples and the purpose of each task, then classify errors by comprehension, language control, timing and task fulfilment.
Practise all three task types
Do not prepare only long academic passages: include incomplete-word texts and everyday campus material.
Read for purpose before detail
Identify text type, audience and main message, then return for evidence and vocabulary in context.
Use the official sample
Complete an ETS sample under timed conditions and review why each wrong option fails.
Official ETS sources
Task design, scoring, score timing and test policies can change. Use current ETS pages for registration and preparation decisions.