A deep dive into TOEFL iBT Speaking and tips for Part 1

Many test-takers find the speaking section to be one of the most challenging parts of the TOEFL iBT. But don’t worry! This blog is here to help you navigate through it with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll break down the TOEFL iBT Speaking section, explain what to expect, and share practical tips to boost your performance. Whether you’re aiming to improve your English proficiency for academic purposes, professional advancement, or personal growth, mastering the speaking section is a crucial step.

So, Join us as we explore the path to acing the TOEFL iBT Speaking section and unlocking your potential!

Structure of TOEFL iBT Speaking Section

The Speaking section consists of four tasks and is completed in approximately 17 minutes. The tasks are designed to assess your ability to speak about a variety of topics using clear and coherent English. Here’s a breakdown of each task:

Task 1: Independent Speaking Task

Description: You’ll be asked to express your opinion on a familiar topic.
Time: You have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to respond.
Example: “Describe a book that you have read and explain why it was important to you.”

Task 2: Integrated Speaking Task – Campus-Related

Description: You’ll read a short passage (about 75-100 words) about a campus-related issue and listen to a conversation (about 60-90 seconds) on the same topic. You’ll then respond to a question based on both the reading and listening materials.
Time: You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.
Example: You might read an announcement about a change in library hours and listen to two students discussing how this change affects them. You’d then summarize the change and the students’ opinions.

Task 3: Integrated Speaking Task – Academic

Description: You’ll read a short academic passage (about 75-100 words) and listen to a lecture (about 60-90 seconds) on the same topic. You’ll then respond to a question based on both the reading and listening materials.
Time: You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.
Example: You might read about a biological concept and listen to a lecture explaining it further. You’d then explain the concept using information from both the reading and lecture.

Task 4: Integrated Speaking Task – Lecture Summary

Description: You’ll listen to a longer academic lecture (about 90-120 seconds) and then respond to a question summarizing the lecture.
Time: You have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.
Example: You might listen to a lecture on the history of a scientific discovery and then summarize the main points.

Scoring

The Speaking section is scored on a scale of 0 to 30. Your responses are evaluated based on three main criteria:

Delivery: This includes the clarity, fluency, and naturalness of your speech.
Language use: This evaluates your grammar, vocabulary, and the complexity and accuracy of your language.
Topic development: This assesses how well you develop your ideas and provide relevant details and examples.

Here’s the breakdown of the score:

Advanced (25–30)
High-Intermediate (20–24)
Low-Intermediate (16–19)
Basic (10–15)
Below Basic (0–9)

Now, let’s jump into Speaking Task 1!

Task 1: Independent Speaking Task

You will be asked to express your opinion on a familiar/general topic. You’ll have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to respond. You are allowed to write notes on a piece of paper during the preparation.

Sample question 1

Some people prefer sending messages while others prefer making phone calls directly. Which one do you prefer? Explain why.

Sample response 1

I prefer sending messages over making phone calls for several reasons. First, messaging is more convenient because it allows me to respond at my own pace without interrupting what I’m doing. For example, if I’m in a meeting or busy with work, I can still communicate without needing to stop everything. Second, messaging provides clarity and precision. I can take the time to think about my response and edit it before sending, which ensures that my communication is clear and well-thought-out. Third, having a written record of the conversation is very useful. I can refer back to messages to remember details or confirm information later on. Additionally, messaging reduces the pressure of real-time conversation, making it easier to handle sensitive or complex topics. Overall, messaging fits better into my busy lifestyle and ensures effective and thoughtful communication.

Sample question 2

Do you prefer living in a big city or a small town? Explain why.

Sample response 2

I prefer living in a big city for several reasons. Firstly, big cities offer a wider range of opportunities. Whether it’s for career advancement, education, or cultural experiences, cities have more options. Secondly, the amenities and services in a big city are more extensive. You can find everything from specialised healthcare to unique restaurants and entertainment venues. This variety enhances the quality of life and provides convenience. Thirdly, big cities are generally more diverse.This diversity enriches my daily life by exposing me to different cultures, ideas, and lifestyles. Additionally, public transportation in big cities is usually more developed, making it easier to get around without relying on a car. Lastly, living in a big city often means having access to events and activities that are not available in smaller towns, such as concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. Overall, the opportunities, amenities, diversity, and convenience make big city living more appealing to me.

Sample question 3

Some people like to plan their vacations in advance, while others prefer to be spontaneous. Which do you prefer? Explain why.

Sample response 3

I prefer to plan my vacations in advance for several reasons. Firstly, planning ahead allows me to find the best deals on flights, accommodations, and activities. This can save a significant amount of money, which can then be used to enhance the vacation experience. Secondly, having a detailed itinerary helps ensure that I make the most of my time. I can prioritize the attractions and activities I want to experience and avoid wasting time deciding what to do next. Thirdly, planning in advance reduces stress. Knowing that everything is organized and booked gives me peace of mind and allows me to fully relax and enjoy my vacation. Additionally, planning ahead provides an opportunity to research the destination, learning about its culture, history, and local customs, which enriches the travel experience. Overall, planning vacations in advance leads to a more enjoyable, cost-effective, and stress-free travel experience.

Tips for Task 1:

Use preparation time wisely

Organize your thoughts and jot down notes. Don’t try to write a full response or full sentences as you won’t have time. Remember that the examiner wants to hear you speak naturally, not reading your note the entire time.

Be specific

Give a specific reason or example to support your answer. For instance, in the first sample answer, the test-taker mentioned convenience, clarity and written record as their reason for choosing messages over calls.

Organize your answer

While it’s not necessary to organize your answer like a written essay (with an opening, body and conclusion, please remember to use common connecting words to make your speech flow naturally and coherently. Some connecting words you can use are: so, because, after that, on the other hand, what this means is…

Practice timing

45 seconds can feel so unbearably long for some people, while others find it wayyyy too short! So, practice answering some sample questions and use a timer to ensure that you can talk for 45 seconds naturally without too much pause or repetition and conversely, without being too rushed.

Summary

As you prepare for the TOEFL iBT Speaking section, particularly the Independent Speaking Task, remember that practice and preparation are key. By using the preparation time wisely, being specific in your responses, organizing your thoughts, and practicing your timing, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this task confidently!

Stay focused, keep practicing, and believe in your ability to succeed. Good luck on your TOEFL journey!

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