TOEFL Reading Changes in July 2023 (but not really)
- Kirstyn Lazur
- Jul 24, 2023
- 1 min read
The TOEFL Reading Section will change on July 26, 2023!
What are these changes?
The Reading Section will have TWO passages
10 questions follow each passage for a total of 20 questions
You have 35 minutes to complete the Reading Section
What doesn't change? The QUESTIONS!
That's right, you'll have the same questions that appear in your current practice materials.
If you don't have practice materials, consider practicing with me in my most-watched FREE TOEFL Reading class.
This video doesn't follow the most up-to-date format of the test, but it doesn't matter! What is important is staying focused on getting each question right.
Why is this so important?
EVERY ANSWER TO EVERY QUESTION COUNTS!
On prior TOEFL tests, students would have to answer questions to un-scored reading passages. They didn't know which questions would count and which ones wouldn't toward their overall score.
But now EVERYTHING COUNTS!
That's an excellent reason to practice your skills so that you can answer each question correctly. When every question counts, you can't afford to make a mistake.
If you need more help, I recommend taking my TOEFL Strategies Reading Course available here.
For more details direct from ETS on ALL of the changes to the test go here.
Thanks for breaking down the TOEFL reading changes clearly! For students planning to study abroad, it’s important to build all language skills, not just focus on one section. Combining regular TOEFL listening practice test drills with an IELTS speaking practice test can really strengthen your overall English ability — especially if you’re preparing for multiple exams like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Balanced practice helps improve comprehension, fluency, and confidence for test day!
While many candidates were bracing for major shifts in the TOEFL Reading section in July 2023, the updates turned out to be minimal—mostly formatting tweaks and slight adjustments in question types. The core skills tested—skimming, inference, and vocabulary—remain unchanged, meaning preparation strategies didn’t need a complete overhaul. For students juggling multiple exams, such as TOEFL and IELTS, integrating tools like a speaking mock test IELTS can be a game-changer. It not only strengthens oral skills but also builds confidence for high-pressure test situations, complementing reading comprehension practice effectively. Staying consistent is still the key.
Although there were talks about TOEFL reading changes in July 2023, the core skills tested—understanding passages, vocabulary in context, and answering inferential questions—remain largely the same. Many students continue to focus on solid practice and strategy rather than worrying about minor updates. It’s also helpful to research programs and requirements, including bpp university courses, so you can align your English prep with your academic goals.
The discussion around “TOEFL Reading Changes in July 2023 (but not really)” highlights an important point for students planning to study abroad: while the test format tweaks were minor, strong English proficiency is still crucial for admissions and scholarships. Universities continue to focus more on overall language ability than small test changes. For students targeting Australia, this is good news, as many institutions remain flexible with English requirements. Alongside meeting TOEFL criteria, students should also explore funding options like Deakin university scholarships, which support eligible international students based on merit and academic profile, helping reduce the overall cost of education.