TOEFL Speaking

TOEFL Speaking Test

Task 1: Independent

​Familiar Topic

​You are asked to speak about a familiar topic with no additional materials. You have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to speak. Usually, the question is structured around two different opinions. You need to say which one you prefer, and explain your choice.

TIPS

• Use prep time to organize your thoughts. Take notes but don't try to answer in them.

• Don't memorize responses before test. It will lower your score.

• You don't need to answer like an essay. Just do it naturally, addressing the question and use linkers.​

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Task 2: Integrated

​Campus Life

​You are asked to read a passage, then listen to a conversation about the passage. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.

You are usually asked about an opinion expressed in the conversation and whether you agree or not.​

TIPS

• Don't speak too quickly.

• Listen carefully to summarize the opinion, and for agreeing or disagreeing​.

• Record yourself and listen to how your speak. Look for mistakes, tone, and pacing.​

Tasks 3 & 4: Integrated

​Academic Lectures

​For the third task, you are asked to read a passage, and to listen to a lecture about the same topic. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. For the fourth task, you are asked to listen to a lecture. You have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.​ Both questions are about summarizing and using examples.

TIPS

• Write key words while you listen. During prep time, check your notes.

• Don't repeat yourself to fill time. Try to clarify things.

• Work on your vocab bank.

• Create your own audio journal.

• Read an article and record a summary. Transcribe it and think of other ways to say the same thing. ​

For this test, you are graded on every quiestion based on the following criteria:

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• Delivery: pacing, tone, pronunciation.

• Language use: vocabulary and grammar.

• Topic development​: did you fully answer the question?

Grading Criteria