Ace Your TOEFL Speaking Score: Essential Topics You Need to Know in

TOEFL Speaking Topics: For students aiming to study abroad, navigating the admissions process can be daunting. Entrance exams, particularly language proficiency tests like the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), often add another layer of anxiety. Among the TOEFL sections, the speaking section stands out as a particularly challenging hurdle.

This section requires candidates to complete four tasks, speaking on specific topics and recording their responses. If you’re gearing up for the TOEFL and want to excel in the speaking section, this blog provides a roadmap to success. Here, you’ll find some of the most common and expected TOEFL speaking topics – perfect for taking your preparation to the next level.

TOEFL Speaking: An Overview

TOEFL Speaking: Before we head to the TOEFL speaking topics, let us first clarify our concepts about what the TOEFL speaking section is really about. The speaking section of TOEFL is approximately 16 minutes long wherein the candidate has to perform 4 tasks based on expressing an opinion on a familiar topic. The score of the speaking section of TOEFL is based on the candidate’s ability to read, listen, use good grammar, manage time, take notes, pronounce the word correctly and many other minute factors of assessment. 

The speaking section is divided into 2 main categories: Independent Tasks (Task 1) and Integrated Tasks (Tasks 2 to 4). Independent Tasks normally involve how well a candidate can speak and express their ideas, thoughts and opinions clearly. Whereas, the Integrated Tasks include the integration of reading/listening along with speaking. Answering integrated questions depends largely on how well a candidate can find logic or ideas in a given text or lecture.

What Are The Types of TOEFL Speaking Topics?

The TOEFL iBT Speaking Section assesses a candidate’s spoken English proficiency in an academic setting. It comprises four distinct tasks, each designed to evaluate different aspects of your communication skills. Understanding these task types is crucial for targeted preparation and maximizing your score.

1. Independent Speaking Task:

This initial task asks you to draw solely on your own experiences and opinions. You’ll be presented with a broad question or statement, prompting you to express your perspective and elaborate on it with specific details and examples. This task measures your ability to formulate and articulate clear, well-organized thoughts independently.

Example Prompt: Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

2. Integrated Speaking Task (Listening + Speaking):

The subsequent two tasks integrate listening and speaking skills. You’ll first listen to a short academic lecture or conversation on a specific topic. Following this, you’ll be asked to summarize the key points you heard and explain them in your own words. This task assesses your ability to not only comprehend spoken English but also synthesize information and articulate it effectively.

Example Prompt: Listen to a lecture about the benefits of studying abroad. Then, summarize the key points and explain why studying abroad might be appealing to some students.

3. Integrated Speaking Task (Reading + Speaking):

Similar to the previous task, this one combines reading and speaking skills. You’ll first read a short passage on an academic topic. Next, you’ll listen to a short lecture related to the same topic, often presenting a contrasting viewpoint. Your task is to synthesize the information from both sources and explain the relationship between them. This assesses your ability to analyze and integrate information from diverse formats and communicate your understanding clearly.

Example Prompt: Read a passage about the advantages of online learning. Then, listen to a lecture discussing the challenges of online education. Explain the key points from both sources and how they might inform a student’s decision about online learning.

4. Independent Speaking Task:

This final task offers a chance to showcase your ability to express your opinion on a familiar topic. You’ll be presented with a question that prompts you to choose between two options and explain your reasoning. Remember to provide specific details and examples to support your chosen option.

Example Prompt: Would you prefer to live in a big city or a small town? Explain your reasons.

By understanding these diverse task types and practicing effectively for each one, you can approach the TOEFL Speaking Section with confidence. Remember, a strong foundation in academic vocabulary and clear, concise communication are key components of success.

Top 30 TOEFL Speaking Topic Questions

If you are looking to kickstart your preparation for TOEFL, you must be well aware of all the topics that you going to face during the test scenario. Here are the top 30 popular TOEFL speaking topics for you to help you get a rough idea of the types of questions in the examination. 

• Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better for children to have teachers who are young, even if they are inexperienced
• Do you agree or disagree with the following sentence? We can learn a lot from making mistakes.
• There are many different approaches to academic studies, and all of them have specific benefits. Do you prefer to study for tests in a group, or to study alone? Include details and examples to support your explanation
• Some people like to watch television news programs every day, while others like to watch them only now and then. Which do you prefer? Include details and examples to support your explanation.
• Some people prefer work that allows them to move around outdoors. Others feel it is more pleasant to work in an office. Which do you prefer, and why?
• Many people prefer watching music videos on television or the Internet rather than listening to the songs on their own. Which way of experiencing music do you think is preferable and why?
• Some people prefer to respond to emails, phone calls, and other messages they receive immediately. Others take more time to respond. Which do you do, and why?
• In some areas, summer days are longer, so there is more daylight in the evening and early morning, but winter days are shorter. In other areas, summer and winter days are similar lengths throughout the year. Which do you prefer, and why?
• Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A diet with little or no meat is the most healthy. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. Do not use memorized examples.
• Learning through online courses is more effective than learning in the traditional classroom setting. Do you agree? Explain why.
• Some people prefer to buy new books while some people would like to buy used books, what is your opinion
• Which do you think is more helpful to the students: internet materials or textbook materials, why do you think so? Include details and examples to support your explanation
• Some people prefer to go to the movie theatre; others prefer to rent a movie, which do you think is better and why? Include reasons and details to support your explanation.
• Some people prefer to take a long vacation while others prefer to take several short vacations, which do you prefer and why? Include details and examples to support your explanation
• Would you prefer to select your own roommate or let the university assign a roommate to you? Include reasons and details to support your explanation.
• Do you agree that male and female students should have separate residence halls?
• Some people prefer buying a used book while some people prefer buying new books. Which one would you prefer?
• Some people prefer to travel alone; other people prefer to join a tour group, which do you prefer and why? Include details and examples to support your explanation
• Do you agree that students should spend more time learning outside the classroom than learning inside the classroom?
• If you got extra money, would you save the money or spend it immediately? Include reasons and details to support your explanation
• If you are going to purchase an expensive product, will you borrow the money to buy it save the money and then purchase the item?
• Some people feel they perform better when they have to finish by a strict time. Others feel they do better work if they do not have time pressure. Which best describes you? Explain why.
• If you are to choose between 2 apartments to live in next semester, one apartment is near the campus but slightly expensive, the other is a little far from the campus but cheaper, which one do you prefer and why.
• Who is the most intelligent person you know in your life? Describe them and explain why you think they are intelligent.
• Do you agree or disagree? Use details and examples to explain your answer If you want to succeed in business, being outgoing and friendly is very important.
• Which study aid do you rely the most on?
• Talk about a teacher or guide who had the most positive influence on your life.
• Do you agree or disagree? Use details and examples to explain your answer Students should spend more time learning outside of classrooms than within classroom
• Your friend from another country is coming to visit you. Which tourist attraction would you take them to?
• Recall one such difficulty that you overcame in your life. Describe your experience.

TOEFL Speaking Sample Questions with Answers

Refer to the following TOEFL speaking sample questions along with their answers to get a better understanding of such questions. Have a look.

Q. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement that children should help their parents and do household chores when they are old enough? 

Ans. I believe that it is of great benefit that children should help their parents with household chores after a certain age. It is ideal because children can learn valuable skills as it comes in handy in later periods of life. During my later years of school, I was responsible for making breakfast for me and my brother before going to school. As a result, when I went out of the state for college it was really easy for me to manage my own meals throughout the day, unlike my other friends. Also, doing home chores together is an ideal opportunity through which parents and children can bond together. 

Q. Some people like to watch news programs on television every day, while others prefer watching them only now and then. What is your preference? 

I for sure prefer to watch the news only on an occasional basis because of two major reasons. Firstly, spending time watching the news makes me feel anxious sometimes. As it is difficult for me to digest news about disasters. An extra dose of news, sometimes depresses me, affecting my daily functionality. Secondly, I also believe that it is a waste of time. If I spend 1 hour of my day watching a news broadcast, then, I will surely miss out on some important things of my day.

Q. These days using extreme methods suggests surgery to change your physical appearance has become common. People generally do it because they want to look more attractive. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your answer with details and examples. 

I think it is a great idea to get your body altered as per your choices. I can support my argument with two reasons such as- having your body as per your choice can boost your self-confidence. Generally, people are hesitant about one or the other physical aspect of the personality, but through plastic surgery, we can easily overcome it leading to a better and more content life. Apart from this, plastic surgeries give one the privilege to undo the changes made if they are unhappy with their results. I myself have recently corrected the shape of my nose through plastic surgery as per my choice. 

TOEFL Speaking Topics: Types of Questions

Now that we are familiar with a list of TOEFL Speaking topics, let us now take into consideration some category-wise question types-

Three-Choice Question

• Which of the following choices do you think has the greatest impact on environmental protection? (1) Governmental regulations (2) Environmental awareness groups (3) Individual effort.
• There is going to be a TV show that relates to students. Which show would you like to watch? (1) Interview school leaders (2) Students’ debate on political and social topics (3) Comedy about school life.
• Three kinds of activities will be offered on a special day organized by the International Student Office. Which one do you prefer? (1) International food fair (2) International music festival (3) International film festival.
• Which one would you like to choose for your final project? (1) giving a presentation (2) writing a paper (3) creating a video.

Agree or Disagree Questions

• Do you agree or disagree that it is important for young people to learn some domestic skills like cooking, sewing and taking care of children?
• Do you agree or disagree with the statement that experienced doctors are better than young doctors?
• Do you agree or disagree that students should have a job while they are studying in school? Use details and examples to support your explanation.
• Some people think that with the development of technology and the Internet, libraries will disappear, while others think libraries are always necessary. Which opinion do you agree?

Description or Explanation Questions

• If the police stop a driver who is driving drunk (after drinking alcohol), do you think that the person’s driver’s license should be taken away? Support your answer.
• Do you think that parents should be allowed to educate their children at home, or should they be required to send children to school outside the home? Support your answer.
• Do you think it is important for parents to teach their kids to learn how to manage money? Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.
• Should schools engage in character education to instil morals and values in children?

Top 5 Tips and Tricks to Ace TOEFL Speaking Section

Now that you know the topics for the TOEFL Speaking section, let’s quickly impart you with some important tips that can help you ace the exam.

• Stay Focused: When you are attempting the speaking section, you might get distracted by the noises of everyone speaking around you. Therefore, while you are preparing for the test, practice this section in a rather noisy room than a silent one.
• Relax and be Confident: Panicking can thwart your performance in the TOEFL speaking section and can block your mind from getting new ideas and opinions. Therefore, before taking the exam, take a few deep breaths and try relaxing for a few seconds.
• Stay away from Plagiarism: There are umpteen templates available on the internet, yet you do not need to cram the answers for any of the TOEFL speaking topics. If your answer is found plagiarized by the graders, your candidature can be disqualified.
• Take Notes: Taking brief notes can help the candidate in recalling everything about the main ideas behind the TOEFL lectures. 
• Make Things Up: In case you have spoken about everything and there is still time left, just make things on an imaginary basis. This section only assesses the speaking skills of the candidates and not the facts and figures. Just keep on discussing even if an incident did not happen. 

Watch this video to know more about how you can ace the TOEFL speaking test-

Best Books for TOEFL Preparation

Refer to the following list of books to prepare well for the TOEFL Exam in 2024.

Books	Author	Buy Here
ETS Official Guide to the TOEFL Test (4th Edition)	ETS	Buy Here
Cracking the TOEFL iBT (2016-2017) Edition	Princeton Review	Buy Here
Official TOEFL iBT Test Volume 2	ETS	Buy Here
Kaplan TOEFL iBT Premier 2016-2017 with 4 Practice Tests	Kaplan Test Prep	Buy Herre
The Only Grammar Book You’ll Ever Need: A One-Stop Source for Every Writing Assignment	Susan Thurman	Buy Here
Essential Words for the  TOEFL, 6th Edition (Barron’s Essential Words for the TOEFL )	Steven J. Matthiesen	Buy Here
Practice Exercises for the TOEFL with MP3 CD	Pamela J. Sharpe	Buy Here
TOEFL Grammar Guide: 23 Grammar Rules You Must Know To Guarantee Your Success On The TOEFL Exam	Timothy Dickeson	Buy Here
240 Speaking Topics: With Sample Answers (Volume 2)	LIKE Test Prep	Buy Here
240 Writing Topics: with Sample Essays	LIKE Test Prep	Buy Here

So that was all about the TOEFL speaking topics. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic.

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