TOEFL iBT Speaking - Standard questions

TOEFL IBT Speaking - Standard questions: The questions

The first two questions of the TOEFL IBT Speaking are of this type. You have 15 seconds to prepare after reading the question, then 45 seconds to answer the question ( How does the TOEFL IBT work? ). You must try to speak for the entire allotted time.

The first question usually asks you to describe a preference, person, place, or experience.

Example

What King of movies do you most like to watch in your free time? Explain Why you like this kind of movies?

The second question usually asks you to express your opinion on a topic.

Example

Some students would prefer to study at the library. Other would prefer to study at their flat. Which option would you prefer and why?

Strategies for Success on the TOEFL IBT Speaking

Tip #1: Avoid using generic, memorized answers.

Some candidates learn ready-made answers, usually found on the internet. We advise you not to approach this test in this way; examiners are generally able to recognize unnatural answers thanks to rhythm and intonation. Practice producing spontaneous responses .

Tip #2: Practice structuring your answer

These questions can be intimidating because there is very little preparation time and you have to be creative in constructing your answer as you go. The questions are constructed in the same way with the first question on personal experience and the second on an opinion, so you can practice and apply a common response structure to all your answers.

Example diagram (question 1)

1. Main idea. Introduce the thing/person you are going to talk about.
2. Detail. Give more information.
3. Justify your choice. Explain why you chose this thing/person. Make a connection between your tastes and a characteristic of the thing/person.

TOEFL IBT Speaking - Model questions: Integrated Speaking

The last four questions of the TOEFL IBT Speaking are of this type. You must first read and/or listen to an audiotape and then answer a question using the microphone. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 to speak. You must attempt to speak for the entire allotted time.

The time allowed for reading the texts is limited to 45 seconds. You will therefore only be able to read the texts once . As for the rest of the TOEFL IBT ( Written comprehension And oral , written expression  And oral ), you will only be able to listen to the soundtracks once .

The first two questions (No. 3 and No. 4 of the section) ask you to summarize the background documents.

Question #5 asks you for your opinion on the debate introduced in the context.

Question #6 asks you to describe the similarities and differences between two concepts presented in the background documents.

Strategies for Success on the TOEFL IBT Speaking