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TOEFL Speaking: Format, Question Types, Samples, Tips

The TOEFL Speaking is the third part of the test. It contains four tasks and you have to complete them in under 17 minutes. But in this timeline, you have to do more than just speaking. It is because you also need to read the prompt and listen to audio. Read this comprehensive guide to learn everything about the speaking section of the TOEFL exam.

Everything you need to know about the TOEFL speaking section

Table of Contents

Understanding the TOEFL Speaking Section

The TOEFL speaking test comes right after the listening section. Besides, there is a break between both the sections. However, it is the shortest part of the TOEFL exam. During this time, you will have to finish 4 different tasks within a separate time limit. Moreover, the first task of the speaking section is independent, which means there will be no need to read or listen to anything. But you will be required to think of a response and speak. The rest of the tasks are integrated, meaning you will need to listen and read.

However, regarding the scores, the TOEFL-speaking section is based on raw points converted to a scale of 0-30. However, these questions are not the right or wrong type of answers. Instead, professional scorers will rank each answer based on the official rubrics on a scale of 1 to 4.

TOEFL Speaking Exam Format

The TOEFL exam assesses students' reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. In the speaking section, students are required to answer four questions that resemble real-life conditions they might face in the future. Take a look below to understand them in detail.

Independent Speaking Tasks

In the first task, you will need to share your personal opinions on a generic topic or a social issue that can be applied to many cultures. Remember that you will have to finish the task within 60 seconds, which breaks down into:

  • Preparation: 15 seconds
  • Response: 45 seconds

Samples for TOEFL speaking questions for this task:

  • "Indicate your agreement or disagreement with this statement, and provide justifications for your stance using specific examples: Teachers should give students homework everyday."
  • "There are numerous ways to approach academic studies, each offering unique advantages. Do you prefer group study sessions for tests or studying alone? Please support your answer with examples and details."
  • “Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Children should assist their parents with household chores as soon as they are capable. Include specific details and examples in your response.”

Integrated Speaking Tasks

The Integrated speaking part is divided into 3 tasks, take a look below to learn about them:

Task 1 (Campus Announcement):

Firstly, you will read a short written passage that will be 80-100 words long. It is mostly an announcement about a something happening to a school or college campus, such as a shift in class schedule or a new bus service.

After that, you will be listening to a conversation regarding the announcement. One of the speakers will be expressing their personal opinion about the news. Your task is to summarize the opinion and make it cleaner. Moreover, to complete this question you have only 3 minutes, which breaks down into:

  • Reading: 50 seconds
  • Audio Clip: 1 minute approx
  • Preparation: 30 seconds
  • Response: 60 seconds

Sample questions for this task:

  • "The man states his opinion regarding the announcement. Briefly describe the proposal and the reasons the man gives for his opinion."
  • "The woman states her opinion of the proposed plan. Briefly summarize the plan, and then state the reasons the woman gives for her opinion."
  • "The man states his opinion of the proposal. Briefly summarize the plan, and then state the reasons the man gives for his opinion."

Task 2 (General to Specific):

The second task you will be reading a short passage that will be 80-100 words long and it discusses an academic topic.

After that, you hear a short lecture about the same topic. The lecture will explain the issue using one or two examples. In the last, you have to summarize the prompt and the lecture. To complete this task you will have 3 minutes, which breaks down into:

  • Reading: 50 seconds
  • Audio Clip: 1 minute approx
  • Preparation: 30 seconds
  • Response: 60 seconds

Sample TOEFL speaking question for this task:

  • "Using the details and examples given in the listening, explain the concept of convergent evolution."
  • "Using the examples from the lecture, explain the concept of social impact framing."

Task 3 (Academic Lecture):

In the final task, first, you will listen to a lecture that describes two "things". The "things" might be two characteristics of something or two features of something. In addition, two changes are caused by something or two definitions of anything.

After that, you will be asked to summarize the lecture. To complete this task you will have 3 minutes, which breaks down into:

  • Audio Clips: 2 minutes approx
  • Preparation: 20 seconds
  • Response: 60 seconds

Sample questions for this task:

  • "Using the examples given in the lecture, explain two ways that animals survive in environments with low levels of light."
  • "Using the examples of the fennec fox and the kangaroo rat, explain how some animals survive in desert environments."

This was all about the TOEFL speaking task format. Hopefully, the sample questions helped you in understand it better.

5 Ways to Prepare for the TOEFL iBT Speaking Section

There are many strategies and actions you can implement to master the TOEFL iBT speaking section. The following five tips will help you begin to approach this section with confidence:

Record Yourself

This tip might be the most important for your TOEFL speaking practice. So, think of recording your voice like a stage rehearsal before a play. You do not want to make any mistakes on stage in front of everyone, right?

Practice Regularly

Maintaining consistency is crucial in preparing for the TOEFL exam. Dedicating at least 15 minutes each day to TOEFL Speaking practice test is essential. This practice can include answering sample questions, participating in mock tests, or engaging conversation with peers.

Focus on Grammar

Grammar is the heart of the English language, thus, it will be difficult for you to form sentences in front of the examiner if the grammar is weak. However, to improve your abilities there are many TOEFL resources you can use for your language preparation.

Get Familiar with the Format

The second most important strategy to begin your preparation for the TOEFL iBT speaking section is to understand how it is structured. As you know, this section tests your ability to speak English effectively on diverse issues.

Learn Useful Phrases

Learning transition words and phrases can help enhance your fluency by cutting down on unnecessary pauses. Here are some phrases you can use in your speaking TOEFL section:

  • To start.../ To begin
  • First of all/ Firstly
  • This is because
  • As an example
  • For example
  • Indeed
  • and more

Use TOEFL Speaking Templates

Utilizing TOEFL speaking template is a game-changing strategy that can notably enhance your scores. These templates help you organize your answers effectively, ensuring clear, concise, and well-structured responses.

Conclusion

Summing up, the above information is all about effective TOEFL preparation. Now you have read the tips given in this blog and understood the TOEFL speaking format. So, practice more and invest your time in the exam preparation for a better and desired score. Also, there are some TOEFL speaking practice questions given above for your effective preparation. However, if you face any issues, then reach out to our study experts. They will guide you from registration to providing the best study material for the TOEFL exam. Thus, visit our Gradding website today to score well in the exam.

FAQs

1. How Can I Prepare for TOEFL Speaking at Home?

There are many ways to prepare for the TOEFL speaking section at home. You can record yourself speaking identify your mistakes, and summarize the news reports on the radio or TV. Also, read and sum up the campus newsletters and academic passages.

2. How to Initiate Ideas for TOEFL Speaking?

Many TOEFL speaking questions revolve around school life and academic settings because that's one thing everyone taking the test has in common. So, practice thinking about school or academic-related questions ahead of time, while you are not under time pressure.

3. What Is the Time Duration for the TOEFL Speaking?

Preparation Time: You will get 15-30 sec for prep before each question.

Response Time: Your answer will be 45 to 60 seconds long and you will speak into the microphone. The response will be recorded.

Thus, there will be four questions and the total time duration for the TOEFL iBT speaking section is 16 minutes.

4. Is 25 Score in TOEFL Speaking Good?

Yes, 25 is a good score as the advanced-speaking TOEFL score falls between the range of 20-25.

5. What Are the Topics for TOEFL Speaking?

In the speaking section, you will face questions on issues, such as education, technology, health, environmental issues, and more. These TOEFL speaking topics assess your ability to express opinions, make comparisons, and provide detailed explanations.

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