If you’re looking for a TOEFL reading practice PDF, you’ve probably noticed that the test landscape has changed. The TOEFL underwent significant updates in January 2026, including a completely redesigned reading section with new item types and scoring. The good news? There are still plenty of free resources to help you prepare—you just need to know where to find them and how to use them effectively.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about practicing for the 2026 TOEFL reading section: what’s on the test now, the best free practice materials (including downloadable PDFs), and strategies to maximize your score. Read on for the complete breakdown, or grab our free TOEFL reading practice PDF right now:
Download the Free TOEFL Reading PDF
Table of Contents
What’s on the TOEFL Reading Section in 2026
The TOEFL reading section looks quite different from what test-takers encountered before January 2026. Here’s what you need to know about the new format.
The section now uses an adaptive format, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance. The test adapts across two modules—how you do on the first module determines whether you get harder or easier content in the second. The section is scored on a 1-6 scale that aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), rather than the old 0-30 section score.
The biggest change? Three distinct item types now make up the reading section:
Word Completion
You’ll see passages with missing letters or words that you need to complete based on context. This tests your vocabulary and ability to understand how words function within sentences. Think of it as a more sophisticated fill-in-the-blank exercise.
Daily-Life Reading
This is brand new to the TOEFL. You’ll read practical, real-world texts—the kind you might find in magazines, on websites, or in everyday communications. These passages test your ability to comprehend English as it’s actually used outside academic settings.
Academic Passages
The traditional TOEFL reading content is still here. You’ll read university-level texts on topics like science, history, and social studies, then answer questions about main ideas, details, inferences, and vocabulary in context.
Pro tip: Even though the format has changed, core reading comprehension skills remain the same. If you’ve been practicing with older TOEFL materials, that foundation will still serve you well—just supplement with 2026-specific practice when you can.
For a complete overview of all the 2026 changes (including other sections), check out our comprehensive TOEFL preparation guide.
Best Free TOEFL Reading Practice PDF Resources
Finding quality TOEFL reading practice materials can be overwhelming, especially with the 2026 changes still relatively new. Whether you prefer downloadable PDFs for offline study or online practice tests, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best free resources available right now, organized by source.
Official ETS Materials
ETS (the organization that makes the TOEFL) should be your first stop for practice materials. Their content is the most authentic representation of what you’ll see on test day.
TOEFL iBT Full-Length Practice Test PDF
ETS offers a free full-length practice test PDF that includes the reading section right at the beginning, followed by all other sections. This is one of the best free TOEFL reading practice PDF resources available—it uses the 2026 format and comes directly from the test maker.
ETS TOEFL Practice Tests
ETS provides free practice tests on their official TOEFL website. These give you the most realistic test experience, though availability may vary. Check their site for the most current offerings, and pay attention to whether materials have been updated for the 2026 format.
Magoosh TOEFL Resources
We offer several free resources to help you prepare for TOEFL reading:
Free TOEFL Practice Test
Our free TOEFL practice test is built entirely from official ETS questions, so you’re practicing with the real thing. You’ll get a feel for timing and question types while testing core comprehension skills.
Free TOEFL Reading PDF (2026 Format)
Our free TOEFL reading practice PDF has been updated for the 2026 test format. It includes a complete passage with questions covering the skills you’ll need—comprehension, inference, and vocabulary in context.
Download the Free TOEFL Reading PDF
Resource Comparison
| Resource | Type | Official? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETS Full-Length Practice Test PDF | PDF download | Yes | 2026 format, most authentic |
| ETS Free Practice Test | Online test | Yes | Full test experience |
| Magoosh Free Practice Test | Online test | Yes (ETS questions) | Immediate feedback |
| Magoosh Reading PDF | PDF download | No | 2026 format |
Pro tip: Start with official ETS materials to understand exactly what the test looks like, then supplement with other resources for additional practice volume. Quality matters more than quantity—a few focused practice sessions beat hours of unfocused reading.
TOEFL Reading Tips for the 2026 Format
Knowing where to find practice materials is only half the battle. Here’s how to actually use them effectively for each item type in the 2026 reading section.
Strategies by Item Type
For Word Completion Items
Context is everything. Before trying to fill in a blank, read the entire sentence—often the entire paragraph. Look for:
- Grammatical clues (does it need a noun, verb, adjective?)
- Meaning clues (what makes sense logically?)
- Collocation patterns (what words typically go together in English?)
Building vocabulary is crucial here. Read widely in English—news articles, academic texts, even fiction—and pay attention to how words are used in context, not just their dictionary definitions.
For Daily-Life Reading
These passages test practical comprehension, so focus on:
- Main purpose: Why was this text written?
- Key information: What does the reader need to know or do?
- Tone and audience: Who is this written for?
Practice by reading real-world English content: magazine articles, product reviews, informational websites. This exposure helps you process everyday English more quickly.
For Academic Passages
These require deeper analysis. As you read:
- Identify the main argument or thesis
- Note how each paragraph supports the main idea
- Mark key vocabulary and transitions
- Predict what questions might be asked
Active reading—engaging with the text rather than just letting your eyes move across words—makes a significant difference with academic content.
Time Management
The adaptive format means you can’t predict exactly how many questions you’ll face or how difficult they’ll be. Your best approach:
- Don’t spend too long on any single item
- Make educated guesses when stuck rather than leaving blanks
- Pace yourself as if you’ll face the maximum number of items
- Trust your first instinct on straightforward questions
How to Practice Effectively with PDFs
When working through a TOEFL reading practice PDF, simulate real test conditions as much as possible. Set a timer, avoid looking up words mid-passage, and complete each section before checking answers. After finishing, review not just what you got wrong, but why—understanding your mistakes is where the real learning happens.
Keep a vocabulary notebook for unfamiliar words from your practice passages. Write down the word, the sentence context, and your own example sentence. This active vocabulary building pays dividends for the word completion items.
Pro tip: When using older TOEFL reading practice materials, the core skills transfer perfectly. Academic reading passages, vocabulary questions, and inference questions work the same way regardless of when the practice test was made. Just supplement with newer materials when available to familiarize yourself with word completion and daily-life formats.
Pro tip: Print out your TOEFL reading practice PDF and mark it up—underline main ideas, circle transition words, note paragraph purposes. This active engagement trains the reading habits you’ll use on test day.
For structured preparation, explore our TOEFL study schedules to build a complete prep plan around these resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the TOEFL reading section in 2026?
The reading section uses an adaptive, two-module format. The exact duration and number of items can vary based on your performance in the first module. The entire TOEFL iBT now takes under two hours total (down from the previous longer format), so plan to work at a steady pace throughout each section.
What types of reading passages are on the TOEFL in 2026?
The 2026 TOEFL reading section includes three item types: word completion (filling in missing letters or words), daily-life reading (practical texts like magazine articles and websites), and academic passages (university-level texts on various subjects). This is a significant change from previous versions, which focused almost entirely on academic content.
Can I still use old TOEFL reading practice materials?
Yes, and you should. Academic reading skills are timeless—older materials are still excellent for practicing comprehension, inference, and vocabulary questions on university-level passages. Just supplement with 2026-specific materials to practice word completion and daily-life reading formats, which didn’t exist in earlier versions of the test.
How is TOEFL reading scored in 2026?
Reading is now scored on a 1-6 scale that aligns with CEFR levels (the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This score contributes to your overall TOEFL score, which is also reported on a 1-6 scale—a change from the previous 0-120 total score system. For more on score interpretation, see our guide on what is a good TOEFL score.
Where can I find free TOEFL reading practice PDFs?
Two excellent free TOEFL reading practice PDFs are available in the 2026 format: the official ETS Full-Length Practice Test and our Magoosh TOEFL Reading PDF. Both use the current test format, so you can practice with confidence that you’re seeing realistic content.
Start Your TOEFL Reading Practice Today
With the 2026 changes to the TOEFL reading section, finding the right practice materials matters more than ever. The good news is that excellent free resources exist—from official ETS PDFs to supplementary practice from Magoosh and other sources.
Remember: core reading skills transfer across formats. If you’ve been building your vocabulary, practicing active reading, and working through comprehension questions, you’re already on the right track. The new item types (word completion and daily-life reading) are additions, not replacements—your foundation in academic reading still counts.
Ready to take your TOEFL prep further? Magoosh TOEFL Prep features 100% official ETS questions, expert video lessons, and instant feedback on speaking and writing. Start with our free resources, and you’ll be well on your way to TOEFL success.
