TOEFL Speaking: Topics, Question Types, Score, Preparation Tips and Sample Papers
Content Curator | Updated On - Apr 1, 2024
TOEFL speaking questions measure your ability to speak English in an academic environment. TOEFL Speaking topics resemble real-life situations that you might have encountered. The two types of TOEFL speaking questions are Independent Speaking Task and Integrated Speaking Tasks. You will get 15-30 seconds for preparation before each response. Once you are prepared, you need to speak for 45-60 seconds. You will speak in the microphone and the responses will be recorded. The total time to complete the speaking section will require around 16 minutes.
There are 4 questions in total in TOEFL speaking. TOEFL Independent speaking section consists of 1 question and TOEFL Integrated section consists of 3 questions (2-4). TOEFL Speaking section is scored by a combination of human and Artificial Intelligence. The raw scores are converted to a scaled score of 0-30 as per TOEFL Exam pattern.. You will be judged on your speech and expression of ideas, thoughts and opinions clearly.
TOEFL exam speaking section is the third part of the English language proficiency test. The independent speaking question requires you to give your personal opinion on a given topic. The integrated speaking task tests the combination of your English-language skills - listening and speaking, or listening, reading and speaking. Before completing TOEFL registration, check your prefered university’s score requirements and start preparation accordingly. You can The speaking exercises for TOEFL will help you know the question types, and helps you to achieve a higher score.
TOEFL Speaking Questions
There are two types of TOEFL speaking topics. The first question is TOEFL Independent Speaking Task and the second is TOEFL Integrated Speaking Task. The details of TOEFL speaking topics and TOEFL speaking pattern are:
TOEFL Independent Speaking
You will be given a condition where there are several possible responses in TOEFL ibt speaking questions and answers. You will have to decide on one option in 15 seconds in independent speaking questions TOEFL. After making the decision, you will need to support that decision by speaking on it for a minute. The types of TOEFL speaking questions and answers are:
- Personal Preference - This question asks to express and defend a personal choice from a given category—for example, important people or places, or events or activities that the test taker enjoys.
Preparation time: 15 seconds
Response time: 45 seconds
- Choice - This question asks to speak for a personal choice between two contrasting behaviors or courses of action.
Preparation time: 15 seconds
Response time: 45 seconds
TOEFL Integrated Speaking
In TOEFL integrated speaking, you will be given two possibilities and you need to select one of them. Once you have made the decision which side to select, you need to speak on it, supporting your views. The example TOEFL speaking questions are:
- Campus Situation Topic: The second question presents a campus-related issue.
Preparation time: 30 seconds
Response time: 60 seconds
- Academic Course Topic: The 3rd and 4th question presents general topics. You will get a reading passage and then an audio. An excerpt from a lecture (60–90 seconds; 150–220 words) provides examples and specific information to illustrate the term process from the reading passage.
Preparation time: 30 seconds
Response time: 60 seconds
TOEFL Speaking Topics
TOEFL independent and integrated part contains different types of question patterns. You should be aware of the different categories of TOEFL exam syllabus to excel in the test. TOEFL speaking practice topics that you might encounter in Speaking section are:
- Three choices question type.
- Agree or disagree question type.
- Description or explanation question type.
- Advantage or disadvantage question type.
- Imaginary question type.
TOEFL Speaking Independent Task
The independent speaking topics for TOEFL asks for a viewpoint of the candidate on a given topic. The first question will have choices among which you need to select one. You must then justify the decision after it has been made. They are also called "personal preference" problems since you need to state your preference. The below samples will help you with TOEFL preparation.
TOEFL Speaking Integrated Task
There are two types of questions in TOEFL speaking Integrated task. They are Campus Announcement questions and general or Specific questions. You can refer TOEFL online preparation for more information on the question types. The speaking TOEFL practice test will also help you understand the questions.
Campus Announcement Questions
In this question type, you must first read a brief text. It will describe some of the changes that are happening on campuses. The subjects usually involve academic programmes, campus infrastructure and many more. You must read the topic in 45 seconds after which it will vanish.
General to Specific Questions
You will get a passage and then a lecture on the passage. First read the passage and then listen to the audio.
TOEFL Speaking Scores
TOEFL speaking section has 4 questions and they are marked on whole numbers. There are 5 levels under which the scaled scores range. TOEFL score levels defines your proficiency by evaluating your speaking scores.
| Levels | Score Range | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Below Basic | 0–9 | Candidate responded in a language other than English, or answered incorrectly. |
| Basic | 10–15 | Largely irrelevant to the topic, had numerous inaccuracies, was interrupted, and had only a small connection with the subject. |
| Low-Intermediate | 16–19 | Though usually understandable, the speech contained grammatical and pronunciation mistakes. |
| High-Intermediate | 20–24 | With a few small exceptions, the speech addresses and answers the question. Very few grammatical, or pronunciation difficulties. Shows smooth command of English. |
| Advanced | 25–30 | The speech is chosen, and it properly fits the subject. Fluent and measured speech with a few small grammatical and pronunciation mistakes. Fluency in English that is automatic, regular, clear, and thorough. |
TOEFL Speaking Raw to Scaled Score
Once the raw scores are provided, ETS convert them to scaled scores with a range 0-30. You can refer to the table below to check the calculation of TOEFL Speaking scores:
| TOEFL Raw Score | TOEFL Scaled Score |
| 4.0 | 30 |
| 3.83 | 29 |
| 3.66 | 28 |
| 3.50 | 27 |
| 3.33 | 26 |
| 3.16 | 24 |
| 3.00 | 23 |
| 2.83 | 22 |
| 2.66 | 20 |
| 2.50 | 19 |
| 2.33 | 18 |
| 2.16 | 17 |
| 2.00 | 15 |
| 1.83 | 14 |
| 1.66 | 13 |
| 1.50 | 11 |
| 1.33 | 10 |
| 1.16 | 9 |
| 1.00 | 8 |
| - | 0-6 |
Tips for TOEFL Speaking
The tips for TOEFL speaking will help you plan your study and approach to TOEFL speaking. You can create a TOEFL study plan for better discipline and results. The other tips and tricks for TOEFL speaking are:
- Taking Notes: It is very important since the passage and audio will vanish after you have listened and read it.
- Cover all topics: While answering, make sure you cover all the topics mentioned in the question. Answer fully and provide logical reasoning to support your claim.
- Speech and Vocabulary: It is very important to use fluent speech and multiple vocabulary. This will help you to score more on TOEFL speaking.
- Managing Time: Time management is crucial because you will get very less time to read and understand the question.
- Practice: With more TOEFL practice tests, the time management will fall in place. Hence, practice speaking as much as you can in English.
TOEFL Speaking Books
It depends on the candidate if they want to take coaching classes or self prepare at home. If you self prepare at home, there are multiple TOEFL speaking test practice questions and TOEFL books that can help. Few of the top TOEFL speaking books available are:
- TOEFL Official Guide PDF: Check PDF
- Cambridge Preparation for TOEFL: Check PDF
- Barron’s TOEFL iBT, 15th Edition: Check PDF
- Kaplan TOEFL iBT: Check PDF
TOEFL Speaking Practice Papers
There are multiple practice papers available online which you can download. You must take TOEFL speaking mock test before the exam. TOEFL speaking practice papers will help you improve your scores. Practicing will help to improve the vocabulary and fluency in the English language. Few TOEFL speaking practice papers are:
TOEFL speaking section will determine how fluent and correct you are while speaking. Practice by watching videos, using a grading rubric to analyze the recorded voice response, and picking the right time and place for study. TOEFL speaking tips and practice papers will help to improve your scores.
FAQs
Ques - What are the types of tasks are in the Speaking section?
Ans - The TOEFL speaking section has 4 questions in total. 2 Independent Speaking tasks (expressing your own opinions and experiences) and 2 Integrated Speaking tasks (combining listening/reading with speaking).
Ques - How long does each task take?
Ans - The length of each task depends on what tasks you are performing. The TOEFL Independent tasks take 45 seconds and 1 minute each. The TOEFL Integrated tasks take 45 seconds each. Hence, you need to answer within the specific time mentioned.
Ques - How do I practice speaking for TOEFL?
Ans - Practice by watching videos, using a grading rubric to analyze the recorded voice response, and picking the right time and place for study.
Ques - What are the 4 tasks of speaking in TOEFL?
Ans - Independent, integrated - reading and listening, integrated - reading and listening, integrated listening.
Ques - Is TOEFL speaking easy?
Ans - TOEFL speaking is not a very easy section of the TOEFL exam. Many candidates find TOEFL speaking section very difficult. However, with practice, you will get better in the TOEFL speaking section.
Ques - What questions are asked in TOEFL speaking?
Ans - There are various types of questions asked in TOEFL exam. TOEFL speaking questions are relevant to social issues, student life, and academic types. You have to express your point of view for the questions asked.
Ques - What are the examiners looking for while scoring for TOEFL Speaking?
Ans - The examiners will look for fluency, grammar and vocabulary accuracy, pronunciation, content relevance, and organization of ideas. All these criterias should meet when you speak your answer on the topic.
Ques - How strict is TOEFL speaking?
Ans - TOEFL Speaking section scoring is very strict. If candidates speak quietly, they will lose points because the details might not be clear. The grader might deduct points if they think that the candidate isn't sure about their English abilities.
Ques - Is TOEFL Speaking Score 23 Good?
Ans - The TOEFL Speaking section will display the candidate's raw score. Marks are as follows: Good: 3.5 - 4. Average: 2.5 - 3. Therefore, 23 is scaled as a 3 raw score is considered an average score for the TOEFL Speaking test.
Ques - How can I improve my fluency in English?
Ans - To improve your English speaking skills, you must practice speaking English regularly, even to yourself. Use familiar topics and gradually expand to more complex ones. You can watch English videos and try to speak in front of a recorder and listen to it.
Ques - How can I avoid grammar mistakes in TOEFL speaking?
Ans - To avoid grammar mistakes in TOEFL speaking, you must brush up basic grammar rules. You can also review common grammar rules and practice using them in your speaking. You can take online tests or quizzes for self-assessment.
Ques - How can I expand my TOEFL Speaking vocabulary?
Ans - To expand your TOEFL speaking vocabulary, you can read English newspapers, books, and articles. You need to learn new words and actively try to use them in your speaking. You can watch educational and motivational movies and learn English words from them.
Ques - How can I make my answers relevant to the question?
Ans - You must focus on the specific prompts and avoid going off on tangents. Making the answer relevant to the question is very important. If the answers are not relevant, you might get a very low score in the speaking section. You must clearly connect your ideas to the task.
Ques - How is the TOEFL speaking section scored?
Ans - The TOEFL speaking section is scored on a scale of 0-30. Scores are based on delivery, language use, and topic development in the candidate's responses.
Ques - What is the best score you can get in TOEFL speaking?
Ans - The best score that you can get in TOEFL speaking is 30 which is the highest score. It is difficult to get 30 but not impossible. However, anything above 25 is considered a very good score in TOEFL.
Ques - What is the format of TOEFL speaking section?
Ans - The section includes 4 questions with varied formats that require either independent responses about familiar topics or listening to passages before responding.
Ques - What are good strategies for TOEFL speaking questions?
Ans - Plan responses during preparation time, speak confidently in full sentences, summarize listening passages accurately, and provide a clear conclusion for independent responses.
Ques - What should I avoid in the TOEFL speaking responses?
Ans - You must avoid long pauses, don't speak too fast or too slowly, and respond with short sentences. Also avoid stumbling in between sentences.
Ques - What should I do if I make a mistake?
Ans - The first thing you must do if you make a mistake is to stay calm and not panic. Briefly correct yourself and keep moving on. Remember you have only 60 seconds to speak. So there is no chance of wasting your time.
Ques - Can I take the Speaking section separately from the other sections?
Ans - You will not be able to take the TOEFL Speaking section separately. The Speaking section is always part of the full TOEFL iBT test. You must complete the speaking and all other sections at one go in the TOEFL exam.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.