TOEFL Speaking Section: A Guide for Test-Takers

The TOEFL Speaking section is one of the four parts of the universally acknowledged Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Over thirteen thousand universities and educational institutions accept TOEFL as proof of English language proficiency. It is also useful for immigration and work purposes. TOEFL scores are essential for candidates planning to study abroad as a result.

Let’s discuss the TOEFL speaking section in detail.
 

Speaking Section and its Importance

The Speaking Section is a part of TOEFL. It is mandatory to be attempted as it is essential to evaluate your ability to communicate effectively in English, which is crucial for academic and professional success. Furthermore, a strong performance in this section may impact your overall TOEFL score, which may help you boost your total score.

Format and Structure of TOEFL Speaking Section

You should know more about TOEFL speaking questions and the TOEFL speaking test format before starting your preparation for this portion. 

Here is a brief guide to the TOEFL speaking section: 

• There are four tasks in total. 
• Question 1- Independent Speaking Task. You will have to respond with your ideas, opinions, and other experiences. 
• Questions 2-4- Integrated Speaking Tasks. You will have to combine skills of listening and speaking, reading and speaking, or listening as you do in a regular classroom setting. 
• You will have a preparation time of approximately 15-30 seconds  before giving any response. This response will be 45-60 seconds at the most. You will be speaking into your microphone to respond. 
• The responses are recorded before being dispatched to ETS (TOEFL conducting body) for scoring. 
• You will get 16 minutes to finish this TOEFL section. 
• The section has native accents from the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. 

You will find several TOEFL speaking topics with answers online to help you practice.

Detailed Breakdown of TOEFL Speaking section

Task 1: Independent Speaking Task 

Description and Examples 

In this TOEFL speaking part, you are required to answer questions based on your ideas and opinions. Share your experiences and knowledge when you respond.

For better understanding, given below is an example that can be asked:

Q. Students should be assigned homework every day. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Also, explain why or why not in detail.

Scoring Criteria 

When evaluating delivery criteria, examiners first assess the flow of speech. Additionally, focus on language skills, including grammar and vocabulary usage. Topic development is crucial, as it reflects how well you address the given topic. Finally, practice providing a general description, which serves as an introductory overview.

Task 2-4: Integrated Speaking Tasks 

Here, your English proficiency skills are assessed. This may involve a combination of listening and speaking or listening, reading, and speaking. 

Task 2: Campus Situation Topic 

Under this task, you are required to use your speaking skills after reading a passage and listening to a conversation. To help you understand better, below are the typical steps you may be asked to follow: 

Step 1: Read a campus-related topic

Step 2: Listen to a topic-related conversation between two people 

Step 3: Prepare a response in 30 seconds and speak for 60 seconds

Under step 3, you will be asked to explain the speaker's opinion from the conversation and how it relates to the passage you read. 

Task 3: Academic Course Topic

The only difference between tasks 2 and 3 is the given topic. Below are three simple steps to follow:

Step 1: Read an academic subject-related passage 

Step 2: Listen to a lecture on the subject

Step 3: You must summarize the concept in the reading and lecture. Prepare a response in 30 seconds and speak for 60 seconds

Task 4: Academic Lecture Topic 

Task 4 does not require the use of your reading skills. Instead, it shall test comprehension and quick thinking. Here are its two simple steps:

Step 1: Listen to a lecture

Step 2: You must summarize the lecture. Prepare a response in 20 seconds and speak for 60 seconds

You should aim to deliver an apt and accurate summary of the lecture.

Scoring and Evaluation 

How the Speaking Section is Scored 

The scoring criteria for all parts of the speaking section are the same. You first receive a raw score between 0 and 4 for each section which is then converted to a final speaking section score on a scale of 0 to 30.

For the speaking skill, your score determines which of the following levels you may fall into: 

Score	Level
Advanced	25-30
High-Intermediate	20-24
Low-Intermediate	16-19
Basic	10-15
Below Basic	0-9

Key Factors that Affect Scoring

The four main factors that affect scoring are: 

1. General Description: All task requirements should be met, and each sentence must be complete.
2. Delivery: Your speech must be clear, with no unnecessary pauses or pronunciation difficulties. 
3. Language: The grammar and vocabulary used should be advanced, and you should display a degree of control over native speech patterns. 
4. Topic Development: Your writing should progress substantially, and the ideas you raise must interlink.

Understanding the Scoring Rubric and What Examiners Look For 

To excel in the speaking section, it is critical to understand the four key factors in the rubric, as your score depends on these criteria. The rubric ensures fairness and transparency by providing a score from 0 to 4 based on vocabulary, grammar, flow, and speech quality. 

A perfect score of 4 reflects nearly flawless performance, while a score of 0 is given for no response or completely off-topic answers. Examiners assess logic, use of synonyms, vocabulary complexity, fluency, pauses, and overall composure, including body language and facial expressions.

Preparation Strategies 

Since the TOEFL speaking section has several parts, it can be overwhelming. Even if you have a good grasp of the content, practice is essential. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

General tips 

1. Practice Regularly: Continue practicing in the final days before your test. Avoid leaving gaps between practice sessions, and dedicate at least a few hours each day to reviewing resources and completing practice questions.
2. Record Yourself: Recording yourself while speaking is an excellent way to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Review the recordings multiple times to pinpoint which areas of the TOEFL speaking section may require additional practice.
3. Seek Feedback: If you have friends preparing for the same exam, consider forming a study group. If not, rely on your support system to help you practice. Perform speaking tests in front of them and be open to constructive criticism.

Task-specific Strategies 

Independent Speaking Task 

Since this task requires your opinion, think quickly. Even if you have pointers, ensure that your speech is well-organized and flows smoothly. Finally, use as many examples as possible to convey real-life experiences.

Integrated Speaking Tasks

Your goal should be to speak as much as possible in the allotted time. Summarize all relevant information in your mind and manage your time effectively. Ensure that you connect the content from the reading and listening sections to your speaking responses.

Practice Resources

It is necessary to adopt your unique strategy for TOEFL speaking section practice. However, here are some recommended resources to help you formulate a plan.

Textbooks and Guides 

• The Official Guide to TOEFL, by ETS
• Barron’s Essential Words for TOEFL 
• TOEFL iBT Preparation Book
• Kalpan’s TOEFL Prep Plus
• Collins English for Exams, TOEFL Reading & Writing Skills

Online Courses and Practice Platforms

1. TOEFL TestReady: The examination has its platform designed to help you prepare. Here, you can gain insights and information on practice questions and receive feedback from the teams that create the TOEFL iBT test.
2. Educational Testing Service (ETS): The ETS provides practice tests, interactive lessons, scoring tools, trusted resources, and much more.

Mobile Apps and Interactive Tools

The TOEFL Go App, now known as the TOEFL TestReady Prep Portal, is your one-stop solution to everything. In addition to speaking, you can also practice other sections on this app. 

Official TOEFL Preparation Material

1. Sample test: Simulate the TOEFL with a 40-minute sample test that includes all four sections.
2. Apps: The official TOEFL app allows you to book test centers, register for mock tests, make payments, and even keep track of your score.

TestReady: Unlimited access to practice tests, guidebooks, courses, performance insights, progress tracking, and much more.

Recommended Reads:

Documents Required for TOEFL

How to Prepare for TOEFL

TOEFL Exam Preparation Tips