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byShubhankar Das Content Writer - Study Abroad
TOEFL speaking topics measure your ability to speak English effectively in academic settings. You will be allocated 16 minutes to answer four different questions. TOEFL Speaking questions are divided into two tasks; Independent Speaking Tasks and Integrated Speaking Tasks. You will get 15–30 seconds of preparation time for each response, and the answers must be 45 or 60 seconds long. The total speaking section scores range from 0 to 30. Your answers will be evaluated by a combination of AI scoring and certified human raters. Effective TOEFL speaking practice requires you to get familiar with the different types of questions. A 25+ speaking score demonstrates an advanced level of proficiency and is recommended for top-ranked universities.

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TOEFL Speaking Section Overview
TOEFL speaking test assesses a candidate's ability to read, listen, use good grammar, management of time, take notes, pronunciation of words, and other minute details. TOEFL New Pattern launched by the ETS in July 2023, updated the academic tasks and skills required in university settings TOEFL speaking section is divided into 2 main categories: TOEFL Speaking Independent Tasks (Task 1) and TOEFL Speaking Integrated Tasks (Tasks 2 to 4). TOEFL Speaking Independent Tasks normally involve how well a candidate can. speak and express their ideas, thoughts, and opinions clearly. However, TOEFL Speaking Integrated Tasks include the integration of reading/listening along with speaking. There are a few factors on which candidates’ performance is assessed in ETS TOEFL speaking test:
- The accuracy in speech and the progression of data with no significant stumbles in pronunciation.
- Skill to blend and review the data that was perused in course books and heard from outside sources.
- Capability to give a personal opinion in an organized way after investigating the given data.
- Ability to arrange the thoughts effectively and give authentic examples that support the submitted responses.
- Strong use of grammar and vocabulary.
TOEFL Speaking Independent Tasks
For the first task, candidates will be given a condition where there are several possible responses, and they will need to decide on one option. After making the decision (which you’ll need to do quickly since you only have 15 seconds to prepare!), they will then need to support that decision.
TOEFL Speaking Integrated Tasks
For the second task, candidates will be presented with two possibilities, and they need to decide between the two of them. Candidates may choose which they prefer. Similarly, in the first task, after making the decision, candidates will need to support that decision with precise examples.
TOEFL Speaking Syllabus
In order to score good marks in TOEFL speaking test, candidates' skills are assessed based on academic setting. TOEFL speaking score ranges from 0 to 30. It consists of 4 tasks that resemble real-life situations you might confront both in and outside a classroom. TOEFL syllabus for the speaking section consists of 2 types of tasks. Candidates get 15–30 seconds of preparation time before every response, and your response will be 45 or 60 seconds long. The candidate speaks into the microphone of the provided headset. All TOEFL speaking answers are recorded. TOEFL speaking answers are evaluated by certified evaluators and AI. This guarantees accuracy and fairness. The table summarizes the syllabus of TOEFL speaking test:
Section | Number of Question | Tasks |
---|---|---|
TOEFL Speaking Independent Task | 1 Question | TOEFL Speaking Independent Tasks requires you to draw entirely on your ideas, opinions, and experiences. |
TOEFL Integrated Speaking Task | 3 Questions | TOEFL integrated speaking tasks require you to combine your English-language abilities — listening and speaking, or listening, reading and speaking — just as they would in or out of a classroom. |
TOEFL Speaking Topics
The primary two integrated TOEFL iBT Speaking topics, require students to read a short passage, listen to an audio recording, then answer a question based on content from both the written passage and the audio recording. Here are the different types of TOEFL speaking topics that you must know about:
- Choose From One Option
- Choose From Two Options
- Explain an Opinion on a Campus Issue
- Explain a Lecture Topic
- Explain a Campus Life Problem
- Explain a Lecture
TOEFL Speaking Scores
TOEFL Speaking is probably the trickiest section to grade. If you can, record your answers. This will make it easier to grade yourself because you’ll have a record of what you said and won’t need to rely on your memory. There are six TOEFL Speaking tasks, and for each, you’ll receive a raw score of 0-4 (whole points only). The best way to estimate your raw score for this section is to use TOEFL score rubric for the speaking section. We have a simplified version of the rubric below which makes it quicker and easier to grade your answers, but you can also use the official TOEFL Speaking rubrics. There are dedicated TOEFL speaking scores for each response. It can be helpful to have a friend or tutor who has strong English skills to grade your Speaking tasks in order to get a more objective and accurate view.
Score Range | Evaluation |
---|---|
0 | Didn’t answer, answered in a language other than English, or the speech was incomprehensible. |
1 | The speech was minimally related to the topic, the speech had numerous errors, was choppy, and/or was largely incomprehensible. |
2 | Speech mostly stuck to the topic but didn’t completely answer the question or follow the prompt. Speech was intelligible but had several mistakes in pronunciation, and grammar, or was too simple in vocabulary and style. |
3 | Speech addresses and fulfills the topic, with minor exceptions. Speech is mostly intelligible and fluid, though may have some issues with pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary. Demonstrates a fairly automatic and fluid mastery of English, with some notable lapses. |
4 | Speech addresses and completely fulfills the topic. Speech has a fluid and well-paced flow, with only minor lapses in pronunciation or grammar. Was coherent, intelligible, and complete, and shows an automatic and fluid master of English. |
TOEFL Speaking Preparation Tips
You are required to develop strategies that will help with good scoring in TOEFL speaking test. These strategies can be developed after undergoing TOEFL speaking mock tests, TOEFL speaking preparation, TOEFL integrated speaking practice, and TOEFL speaking practice online. You might also consider TOEFL preparation app. Below mentioned are some steps you might consider for TOEFL speaking practice:
- Always take notes - It could be a talking test however taking notes is important. TOEFL materials are data-substantial, so write down the main information as you listen.
- Be Clear - Make sure to talk clearly and slowly, if your investigator struggles to understand your words, it's not a good sign.
- Practice, practice & practice - There is a variety of TOEFL speaking mock tests available online. Get your hands on ETS TOEFL speaking practice papers. Pick any topic and speak. This will help you to boost your confidence.
- Get Creative - Whatever question is tossed at you, remember that you can reply any way you like, as long as the English is great.
You can 100% succeed and get a good score if you practice with TOEFL speaking examples available online. Candidates must work on their Comprehensibility, Organization, Fluency, Pronunciation, Grammar, and Vocabulary. Candidates can also do TOEFL speaking practice online as various coaching classes provide online courses for TOEFL.
TOEFL Speaking Books
Books are the best resources to do effective preparation, as they contain TOEFL speaking topics and answers, and cover the full syllabus. TOEFL preparation books focus on topics that need more attention and help you to build your weaknesses into strengths. TOEFL preparation books are a helpful option during self-preparation. The best TOEFL books contain numerous practice papers, thorough information on exam patterns and scoring, valuable tips, and test-day guidance as well. Below mentioned are some of the books:
TOEFL Speaking Practice Papers
Below are some TOEFL speaking practice papers for better understanding associated with TOEFL speaking examination:
You will be allocated 16 minutes to answer TOEFL conversation questions. You will get a preparation time of 15–30 seconds for each response. There is one independent speaking task and three integrated speaking tasks. Candidates are allocated 16 minutes to complete the 4 tasks. You can effectively practice TOEFL speaking, by making a proper study plan, strengthening your vocabulary, listening to English videos and podcasts, and regularly solving sample papers.
FAQs
Ques: How do I practice TOEFL speaking?
Ques: What are the 4 speaking tasks in TOEFL?
Ques: What is TOEFL speaking test?
Ques: How can I pass TOEFL easily?
Ques: How strict is TOEFL speaking?
Ques: What is a good TOEFL speaking score?
Ques: How many minutes is TOEFL speaking?
Ques: Is 25 a good score in TOEFL Speaking?
Ques: Can I prepare for TOEFL myself?
Ques: Is 22 a good TOEFL speaking score?
Ques: What are the topics for TOEFL speaking?
Ques: Is 24 a bad TOEFL speaking score?
Ques: How can I succeed in TOEFL speaking?
Ques: How can I practice TOEFL speaking at home?
Ques: Is TOEFL speaking easy?
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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