Back to Study Notes
Scoring Rubrics
Understand how TOEFL responses are scored to improve your performance.
2026 Scoring Scale
Starting January 2026, TOEFL uses a 1-6 band scale aligned with CEFR levels.
6
C2
5
C1
4
B2
3
B1
2
A2
1
A1
Speaking Scoring Criteria
| Score | Delivery | Language Use | Topic Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (High) | Speech is clear, fluid, and sustained. Pronunciation and intonation are highly intelligible. | Uses a wide range of vocabulary and grammar with high accuracy. Minor errors don't affect meaning. | Response is fully developed with clear, relevant examples. Ideas are well-organized and coherent. |
| 5 | Speech is generally clear with minor lapses. Mostly intelligible pronunciation. | Good vocabulary range. Grammar is mostly accurate with occasional errors. | Response addresses the task with relevant ideas. Some minor gaps in development. |
| 4 | Speech is mostly intelligible but may have noticeable pauses or hesitations. | Adequate vocabulary. Some grammar errors may affect clarity. | Response is relevant but may lack full development. Organization is generally clear. |
| 3 | Speech has frequent pauses, unclear pronunciation, or choppy delivery. | Limited vocabulary. Grammar errors may obscure meaning at times. | Response addresses the topic but with limited development or irrelevant information. |
| 2 (Low) | Speech is difficult to understand. Many pronunciation issues. | Very limited vocabulary and grammar control. | Response barely addresses the topic. Lacks coherent development. |
Writing Scoring Criteria
| Score | Task Response | Organization | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (High) | Effectively addresses the task with well-developed, relevant ideas. | Well-organized with clear progression of ideas. | Uses a range of vocabulary and grammar accurately. Minor errors don't affect meaning. |
| 5 | Addresses the task with mostly well-developed ideas. | Generally well-organized with good progression. | Good vocabulary and grammar control. Some minor errors. |
| 4 | Adequately addresses the task with some development. | Organized but may have some unclear connections. | Adequate vocabulary. Grammar errors occasionally affect clarity. |
| 3 | Partially addresses the task with limited development. | Some organization but connections may be unclear. | Limited vocabulary. Noticeable grammar errors. |
| 2 (Low) | Minimally addresses the task. | Little or no organization. | Very limited vocabulary and grammar control. |
How to Score Higher
- • Be specific - Use concrete examples, not vague statements
- • Stay organized - Use clear transitions between ideas
- • Address all parts - Don't miss any required elements
- • Use varied vocabulary - Avoid repeating the same words
- • Manage time - Leave time to review your response
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Going off-topic - Always address the question asked
- • Being too brief - Develop your ideas fully
- • Memorized responses - Raters can identify these
- • Grammar over content - Ideas matter more than perfection
- • Rushing - Take time to think before responding