The TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) was officially discontinued in May 2017. It has been replaced in most locations by the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) or the TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program), which follows a format nearly identical to the original PBT.
Below is a guide to finding authentic listening practice tests and downloadable materials for the PBT/ITP format. 📥 Free Downloadable Practice Tests (PDF & Audio)
Official TOEFL ITP Practice Tests (ETS): These are the closest official materials to the old PBT format.
TOEFL ITP Level 1 Practice Test PDF: Includes two complete tests, MP3 audio files for listening passages, and answer keys.
National Geographic Learning: Provides free student resources for "The Complete Guide to TOEFL PBT," including full audio track downloads (CD1 to CD6) and answer scripts.
TST Prep: Offers a PDF guide with 100 free questions for the listening section, including transcripts and detailed explanations.
English Test Exercises: Features a dedicated TOEFL PBT/ITP free section with printable worksheets and MP3 audio files for short conversations and full tests. 📺 Full-Length Listening Practice (Video Format)
Video resources are highly effective for simulating the timed environment of the PBT/ITP listening section:
Full TOEFL ITP/PBT Listening Test: This 10-year-old classic video follows the PBT structure exactly (Parts A, B, and C) and includes academic lectures on topics like sociology and geography.
Complete Guide to TOEFL PBT Practice Test 1: Provides a walkthrough of Section 1, explaining the specific directions for Part A (short conversations), Part B (extended conversations), and Part C (talks/lectures). 📝 PBT Listening Section Structure The PBT/ITP listening section consists of three parts:
Part A: Short conversations between two people, followed by a question from a third voice. You must choose the best answer from four written options. toefl pbt listening practice test download
Part B: Longer conversations between two speakers followed by multiple questions.
Part C: Several short talks or lectures given by a single speaker, each followed by a set of questions.
Critical Rule: In the actual paper-based exam, you are not permitted to take notes or turn pages while directions are being read. TOEFL Listening Practice: 100 Free Questions (PDF included)
Tired of reading and want to get started already? Your free collection of 100 TOEFL Listening practice questions is available now.
TOEFL Listening Practice: 100 Free Questions (PDF included) - TST Prep
Finding reliable TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) listening practice materials can be challenging since the format was largely discontinued in 2021, except in specific regions where internet access is limited. However, the TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program) still uses a nearly identical format, making its resources highly effective for PBT preparation. Core Structure of PBT Listening
The listening section typically lasts 30 to 40 minutes and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions divided into three parts:
Part A (30 Questions): Short conversations between two people followed by a single question.
Part B (8 Questions): Two longer conversations, each followed by multiple questions.
Part C (12 Questions): Three short lectures or "talks" followed by several questions each. Where to Download Practice Materials The TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) was officially discontinued
Since official PBT downloads from ETS are now limited, you can use these alternatives: Sections of the Paper-Based TOEFL Test (PBT)
The TOEFL Paper-Based Test (PBT) has largely been replaced by the iBT (internet-based) and ITP (Institutional Testing Program) versions, but its structure remains a standard for many academic preparation programs. The Listening section is 30–40 minutes long and contains 50 multiple-choice questions. 📥 High-Quality Download Resources
Since the official PBT is rare, most available materials are under the TOEFL ITP name, which uses the exact same format as the old PBT.
Official ETS Materials: You can find free sample questions and level-specific practice through the Official TOEFL ITP Preparation page. Comprehensive Practice PDFs:
TST Prep offers a complete 2026 practice test PDF that includes listening sections.
Scribd hosts a detailed Listening Comprehension Practice Test reflecting the 3-part PBT structure.
Video-Based Tests: High-quality "full-length" listening simulations with audio and answer keys can be found on YouTube channels like TST Prep. 📋 PBT Listening Section Breakdown
The PBT Listening section is divided into three distinct parts, totaling 50 questions: Content Type Number of Questions Part A Short Conversations 30 Questions
Brief dialogues between two people; usually asks what the second speaker implies. Part B Extended Conversations ~10 Questions
Longer dialogues (10+ lines) followed by multiple questions. Part C Mini-Lectures/Talks ~10 Questions TOEFL iBT: The standard test globally
One-minute academic talks; tests main ideas and specific details. 💡 Keys to a High Score
The "Second Speaker" Rule: In Part A, the answer is almost always based on what the second person says.
No Note-Taking: Unlike the iBT, the traditional PBT does not allow note-taking. You must rely on memory and immediate recognition of idioms.
Avoid "Sound Traps": Wrong answers often use words that sound like the recording but have different meanings. Look for synonyms of what was said rather than identical sounds.
Watch the Clock: You only have about 12 seconds to mark each answer after the question is read.
📍 Important Note: If you are taking the test for university admission, check if they accept "ITP" or "PBT" scores, as many institutions now exclusively require the TOEFL iBT. TOEFL Listening Practice Test With Answers
You can find TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) listening practice tests for download from several reliable sources. Here are the best options:
Before downloading materials, it is vital to understand the format, as "PBT" can refer to two different testing structures:
When a user searches for "PBT Listening," they are typically looking for materials that involve audio tracks with a paper answer key, as opposed to the interactive software of the iBT.
Goal: get authentic listening practice materials for the TOEFL Paper-Based Test (PBT), download them legally, and use them effectively to improve listening skills and test readiness.
Many YouTube channels host PBT listening playlists. While you cannot download directly, you can use a converter (like y2mate) to save the audio as an MP3.