One app for all your study abroad needs
TOEFL iBT Speaking Practice: The TOEFL iBT speaking section evaluates students’ proficiency in English speaking skills for academic preparations. The section comprises two tasks requiring students to convey their ideas and opinions using their English Language skills and knowledge. The tasks are designed to seem similar to real-life situations. Students are given 16 minutes to complete the TOEFL iBT speaking section.
The speaking section of the TOEFL iBT exam may seem daunting to many test-takers. This is why students need to solve as many sample questions and mock tests as possible. Solving sample questions will give students enough confidence to tackle the questions that are usually asked during the exam. That said, read the complete blog to learn more about TOEFL iBT speaking practice.
This Blog Includes:
TOEFL iBT Speaking: An Overview
As of now, there have been no alterations made to the TOEFL Speaking pattern. The TOEFL Speaking section lasts for 16 minutes. The section comprises 4 separate tasks. Students are required to complete each task within a suggested time limit of 1-4 minutes. Refer to the following table for an overview of TOEFL Speaking.
| Types of Questions | Independent Speaking Task, Integrated Speaking Task |
| Total Number of Questions | 4 |
| Total Duration of the Speaking Section | 16 minutes |
| Difficulty Level of Questions | Moderate |
| Score Range | 0-30 |
Types of Questions Asked in TOEFL iBT Speaking
The TOEFL speaking section requires candidates to complete four separate speaking tasks within a time frame of 16 minutes. TOEFL Speaking Tasks are of two types, i.e., Independent and Integrated tasks. Refer to the table below for an overview of the tasks.
| Task | Suggested Duration to Answer | Preparation Time |
| Independent Task | 45 Seconds | 15 Seconds |
| Integrated Task | 60 Seconds | 30 Seconds |
Students must comprehend the specified tasks and what they require. Refer to the following points to get an idea of the types of questions that are asked in the speaking section.
- Independent Speaking Task: Independent Speaking Tasks are of two types, i.e., personal preference questions and choice-based questions. Students are provided with 15 seconds of prep time for each type of question. The estimated response time for each question is 45 seconds.
| Type of Question | Description |
| Personal Preference | This type of question requires students to express their ideas and opinions on a certain topic articulately. |
| Choice | This type of question demands students to make a certain choice between two contradicting events or scenarios. |
2. Integrated Speaking Task: These tasks are of two types, i.e., Reading/listening/speaking tasks and General Speaking tasks on Academic Course topics. Students are provided with 30 seconds of prep time for each type of question. The estimated response time for each question is 60 seconds.
| Type of Question | Description |
| Read/Listen/Speak | This requires students to speak on a given topic after reading and analysing a passage of 75–100 words. A listening passage is also provided to students to articulate their answers better. Students are required to articulate the gist of the provided passages in their own words. |
| Academic Course Topic | Such questions require students to answer after reading the given passage of 75–100 words. Students are given a lecture excerpt to help them build their ideas and better communicate their responses. After analysing the offered information, students must summarise the provided information. |
TOEFL iBT Speaking Practice: Sample Questions and Answers
Individuals who wish to ace their TOEFL iBT exam must excel in the speaking section. That said, one must solve as many TOEFL sample questions as possible. Solving previous years’ questions will give you enough confidence to tackle dicey questions and will give you a solid idea about the types of questions generally asked in the section. Here are some sample questions that have been previously asked in the TOEFL iBT speaking assessments.
Q1. Some students prefer to switch off their phones while studying and some use it for the same. Which one do you prefer to choose and why?
Ans. I prefer to switch off my phone while studying because of several reasons. Firstly, turning off my phone helps me eliminate distractions, allowing me to concentrate fully on my studies. Notifications from social media, messages, or apps can break my focus, reducing my efficiency and quality of study sessions. For instance, whenever I study without any help from my phone, I often immerse myself in complex topics, such as advanced mathematics or literature, without interruptions. Secondly, whenever I turn my phone off, it helps me in managing my time better. I am less likely to waste my time on unnecessary browsing or chatting, which means I can complete my study tasks more quickly and effectively. As a result, I have more free time to relax or engage in other productive activities. Finally, studying without a phone fosters a disciplined and organized study environment. It helps me develop better study habits and improve my overall academic performance. For these reasons, I strongly believe switching off the phone while studying is the best approach.
Q2. Do you prefer calling someone directly or just texting? Why?
Ans. In today’s time, I prefer texting over calling people. Texting offers a level of convenience that calling can not match. It allows me to quickly and efficiently communicate with the recipient without interrupting their day. Texting also provides a written record of conversations, which can be very helpful for reference later. It is beneficial when discussing complex topics or specific details like addresses or appointment times. Moreover, texting allows multitasking. I can send a text and continue my work without pausing for a phone call. Lastly, texting is less intrusive than a phone call. It allows the recipients to respond according to their convenience, reducing the pressure to respond immediately. Therefore, for these reasons, I find texting to be a more suitable method of communication in most situations.
Q3. Would you choose to study for a few hours and get a full night’s sleep, or study for the entire duration, sacrificing your sleep?
Ans. I believe in the importance of having a balanced approach to study and rest. That is why I choose to study for a few hours and then ensure I get a full night’s sleep. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, having adequate sleep is required for long-term memory consolidation, a process where new learning transfers from short-term to long-term memory. For instance, a study published that students who slept between seven to nine hours at night performed better in exams than those who got less sleep. Secondly, continuous studying can lead to cognitive overload, which reduces the ability of students to retain information. Breaking study sessions into manageable chunks can lead to improved retention and understanding of the material. In conclusion, while it is important to dedicate time to study, it is equally important to get a good night’s sleep. This ensures not only academic success but also overall well-being.
TOEFL iBT Speaking Practice Mock Test: Download PDF For Free
TOEFL iBT Speaking Mock Test PDF: Here are some sample questions that you can practice to ace your TOEFL iBT speaking questions. Download the free PDF from the link given below and practice the questions. Doing so will give you a solid understanding of the types of questions that can be asked, ensuring you are better equipped to tackle such questions on the day of the exam. Click on the link below to download the PDF for TOEFL iBT speaking questions (with answers) for free!
How to Score Better in TOEFL iBT Speaking? Top 5 Tips to Ace Your Exam
The TOEFL iBT Speaking Section is often cited as one of the most challenging components of the entire exam. This apprehension often stems from the time constraints that demand spontaneous and articulate responses.
However, with a well-defined approach and focused preparation, you can effectively navigate this section and achieve a strong score. Here are five key strategies to bolster your performance:
Master the Format and Scoring Criteria
A thorough understanding of the Speaking Section’s format is crucial. The section comprises four tasks designed to evaluate your English language proficiency in academic contexts. These tasks encompass independent speaking prompts, integrated speaking tasks that combine reading and listening passages and integrated speaking tasks focused solely on lectures. Familiarize yourself with the specific question types within each task to anticipate the demands you will encounter.
Furthermore, understanding the scoring criteria empowers you to tailor your responses accordingly. The evaluation focuses on four key aspects: delivery, language use, topic development, and overall organization. By striving for clear pronunciation, natural fluency, accurate grammar and vocabulary, comprehensive answers that address the prompt fully, and a well-structured presentation, you can significantly improve your score.
Cultivate Fluency and Articulation
Fluency and articulation are paramount in conveying your thoughts effectively. Engage in activities that enhance your ability to speak naturally and without excessive pauses. Shadowing, a technique where you mimic a native speaker’s speech patterns and intonation, is a valuable tool. Regularly listen to English news broadcasts, podcasts, or lectures on academic topics. As you listen, actively engage by summarizing the key points aloud. This not only improves your listening comprehension but also trains your brain to articulate complex ideas in a concise and organized manner.
Practice Active Listening and Information Synthesis
The integrated speaking tasks require you to synthesize information from both written and spoken sources. Hone your active listening skills by focusing on the speaker’s central message and supporting details. Practice taking concise notes while listening to lectures or audio clips, capturing the essence of the speaker’s points. When responding to integrated tasks, demonstrate your ability to integrate details from both the reading passage and the lecture or audio segment to create a comprehensive answer.
Utilize Transitional Phrases and Effective Vocabulary
The strategic use of transitional phrases enhances the coherence and flow of your spoken English. Employ phrases like “firstly,” “in addition,” “more importantly,” and “to conclude” to guide your listeners through your thought process. Additionally, expand your vocabulary beyond basic terms. While technical jargon may not be necessary, incorporate a diverse range of words that demonstrate your ability to express yourself with nuance and precision.
Simulate Test Conditions and Record Yourself
Regularly practising under simulated test conditions is essential for familiarizing yourself with the time constraints and pressure of the actual exam. Utilize official TOEFL practice resources, such as the ETS website or commercially available study guides, to access sample prompts and practice tests. Additionally, record yourself speaking in response to practice prompts. This allows you to identify areas for improvement in your delivery, fluency, and organization. By objectively analyzing your recordings, you can target specific weaknesses and refine your overall performance.
By diligently implementing these strategies, you can transform the TOEFL iBT Speaking Section from a source of apprehension into an opportunity to showcase your English language proficiency and confidently progress on your academic journey.
So that was all about TOEFL iBT Speaking Practice. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic.
FAQs on TOEFL iBT Speaking
Ans: Students are required to complete the TOEFL speaking section within a time limit of 16 minutes.
Ans: The TOEFL raw speaking score range is 0 to 4.
Ans: On the TOEFL iBT speaking section, a score of 25 or more is considered to be good.
Build a plan with Leverage Edu‘s Leverage Live classes and our top trainers and strengthen your English score as well as your application so that you can secure your spot in your dream college. Reach out to Leverage Edu on 1800572000 and schedule a free session today.
45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.