TOEFL Speaking Section Guide

The TOEFL Speaking section has 4 tasks (17 minutes total). Here's how to tackle each one.

Task 1: Independent Speaking (Preparation: 15 sec, Response: 45 sec)

You express your opinion on a familiar topic.

Example Question

"Some people prefer to work in teams, while others prefer to work alone. Which do you prefer and why?"

Template

1. State your preference clearly
2. Give 2 reasons
3. Provide specific examples

Sample Response

"I prefer working in teams. First, collaboration brings diverse perspectives which leads to better solutions. For example, in my last project, my teammate's marketing insight improved our design. Second, teams keep you motivated and accountable. When working alone, it's easy to procrastinate, but team deadlines help me stay on track."

Tips

• Answer immediately - don't waste time
• Use transition words (First, Second, Additionally)
• Give personal examples
• Speak for the full 45 seconds

Task 2: Integrated Speaking - Reading & Listening (Prep: 30 sec, Response: 60 sec)

Read a campus announcement (45-50 sec), listen to a conversation about it (60-90 sec), then summarize the student's opinion.

Example Scenario

Reading: University announces new parking fees Listening: Two students discuss it - one agrees, one disagrees

Template

"The university has announced [main change]. The [man/woman] [agrees/disagrees] with this decision for two reasons. First, [reason 1]. Second, [reason 2]."

Strategy

• Take notes while listening
• Focus on the student's opinion and reasons
• Don't give your own opinion
• Use reported speech

Sample Notes Format

Example:

• Ann: DISAGREES
• 1. Too expensive - already pay tuition
• 2. Public transit unreliable

Task 3: Integrated Speaking - Academic Concept (Prep: 30 sec, Response: 60 sec)

Read about an academic concept (45-50 sec), listen to a lecture example (60-90 sec), then explain how the example illustrates the concept.

Example

Reading: Explains "mimicry in nature" Listening: Professor gives example of butterfly mimicking poisonous species

Template

"According to the reading, [concept] is [definition]. The professor provides an example of [main example]. [Explain how example illustrates concept]."

Tips

• Clearly connect the example to the concept
• Use vocabulary from both reading and lecture
• Explain the relationship between them

Task 4: Integrated Speaking - Academic Lecture (Prep: 20 sec, Response: 60 sec)

Listen to a lecture (90-120 sec) and summarize the main points and examples.

Template

"The professor discusses [main topic]. [He/She] explains two [types/methods/reasons]. First, [point 1 + example]. Second, [point 2 + example]."

Note-Taking Strategy

Example:

• Topic: Animal Migration
• 1. Navigation - birds use magnetic field
  • Ex: robins - fly 1000s miles
• 2. Timing - seasonal cues
  • Ex: temperature changes trigger departure

Tips

• Focus on main points and supporting examples
• Don't include unnecessary details
• Organize your response clearly

General Success Strategies

Time Management

• Task 1: Use first 10 sec to think, speak for 35-40 sec
• Tasks 2-4: Use all prep time, speak for full 60 sec
• Practice with a timer until it becomes natural

Delivery Tips

• Speak clearly and at a steady pace (not too fast!)
• Use stress and intonation for emphasis
• Don't worry about minor mistakes - keep going
• Fill the entire time - silence hurts your score

Useful Transition Words

• First, Second, Third
• Additionally, Moreover, Furthermore
• For example, For instance
• In conclusion, To summarize
• On the other hand, However

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Speaking too fast or too slow
• Going off-topic
• Giving incomplete answers
• Not using your preparation time effectively
• Reading directly from notes (speak naturally)

Preparation Strategy

4 Weeks Before

• Familiarize yourself with all 4 task types
• Learn and practice templates
• Build academic vocabulary

2 Weeks Before

• Do timed practice daily
• Record and review your responses
• Identify weak areas

1 Week Before

• Take full practice tests
• Review high-scoring sample responses
• Fine-tune your templates

Day Before

• Light review only
• Get good sleep
• Prepare your ID and materials

Scoring Rubric

You're scored on:

• Delivery: Clear speech, good pacing, natural flow
• Language Use: Grammar, vocabulary range
• Topic Development: Complete answers, good organization

Practice Resources

• Use official TOEFL practice materials
• Record yourself daily
• Get feedback from tutors or AI coaches
• Listen to academic lectures and podcasts
• Practice paraphrasing

With consistent practice and these strategies, you can achieve a high score on the TOEFL Speaking section!