TOEFL Speaking Topics

Whenever a student decides to study abroad, there are a lot of things they need to keep in mind while preparing to get admission into their dream university. Of all the entrance exams, preparing for the language proficiency tests can be quite intimidating, especially TOEFL or Test Of English as a Foreign Language. Talking about the TOEFL syllabus, there is one such challenging section that stands out from all the other sections of the exam which is the English Speaking section.

It comprises around 4 tasks wherein the candidates have to speak on some special TOEFL speaking topics and record their responses on a microphone. If you are all set to take the TOEFL exam and want to ace the speaking section of the TOEFL exam, then this blog contains some of the most popular and expected TOEFL speaking topics that can help you take your preparations to the next level.

In the recent changes introduced in the TOEFL ibt exam. It is the Speaking section that has undergone no significant changes. This section still has 4 tasks that have to be completed within a duration of 16 minutes.

Overview

Before we are headed to the TOEFL speaking topics, let us first clarify our concepts about what 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.

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Types of TOEFL Speaking Topics

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

List of Popular TOEFL Speaking Topic Questions

If you are looking to kickstart your preparation for TOEFL, it is important that you are 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. 

• Describe some significant features of a restaurant or cafe that you like.
• Would you work in a profession where you are required to work in a group?
• Describe any one of the best moments of your life.
• Childhood is the happiest time in one’s life. Do you agree?
• Describe any of the work experiences you have had before.
• Describe a place in your city that you often like to visit.
• Talk about an important national holiday in your country.
• What subject was your favourite in school?
• What TV programs do you like watching? Entertainment or educational?
• Which of the smartphone functions are most useful to the students? (1) recording lectures (2) listening to 
• Describe a moment in your life where you experienced success. Also, talk about why was it a success for you.
• Who is the closest family member? Describe them and explain why you feel close to them.
• “It is never too late to get a degree.” Do you agree with this statement?
• Specify your favourite tourist attraction in your city or country.
• You are going to choose a roommate for you, which of the following qualities would you look for in an ideal roommate? (1) Friendliness (2) Cleanliness (3) Quietness
• 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?
• Which mode would you like to prepare for your final project? (1) presentation (2) creating a video (3) writing a paper.
• Do you agree that students should spend more time learning outside the classroom than learning inside the classroom?
• What do you like to read in your free time? (1) Newspaper (2) magazine (3) book
• 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?
• Which is that one event from your life you would like to revisit once? Describe what was so special in that.
• Describe your favourite recreational activity and talk about why you love it.
• Who is the most intelligent person you know in your life? Describe them and explain why you think they are intelligent.
• Talk about your family and describe what sort of activities you all enjoy doing together and why.
• Which study aid do you rely the most on?
• Talk about a teacher or guide who had the most positive influence on your life.
• Is it better to reward employees with various job perks and other gifts rather than simply paying them more?
• 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 Topics with Answers

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? 

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

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

TOEFL Speaking Topics: Three-Choice Question Type

• 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.

TOEFL Speaking Topics: Agree or Disagree Question Type

• 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?

TOEFL Speaking Topics: Description or Explanation

• 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?

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

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

FAQs

We hope that we have had you covered with all the TOEFL speaking topics and other detailed information that you needed to know about this examination.

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