TOEFL iBT – Exam 1 – Speaking

TOEFL iBT Speaking Practice Test – Exam 1

Question 1

You will now give your opinion about a familiar topic. After you hear the question, you will have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to speak.

Preparation Time: 15 seconds / Response Time: 45 seconds

The TOEFL iBT Speaking section

Summary

The TOEFL iBT Speaking section includes:

• Tasks: 4 speaking tasks
• Types of tasks:
  • 1 Independent task
  • 3 Integrated tasks (based on reading and/or listening)
• Preparation time: 15-30 seconds for each task
• Speaking time: 45-60 seconds for each task
• Total duration: 17 minutes to complete this section

Important details

• The Independent task requires you to express your personal opinion on a familiar topic.
• The Integrated tasks involve summarizing or responding to reading and listening passages on academic or campus-related topics.
• You can take notes during the reading and listening parts of the Integrated tasks to help organize your response.
• Responses are recorded and evaluated by human raters based on clarity, coherence, and language use.

Speaking scores

Each of the four sections of the TOEFL iBT—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—is scored on a scale of 0-30, totaling 120 points. The proficiency levels for speaking are:

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

Scores provide personalized feedback and performance insights. Speaking scores are usually released a few days after the test. There are no passing or failing scores; institutions set their own requirements. For more details, visit the TOEFL score understanding page.

Question types

The Speaking section includes four types of tasks:

1. Independent Speaking:

   You will express your opinion on a familiar topic.

   Example: “Do you prefer studying alone or in a group? Explain why.”

2. Integrated Speaking – Campus Situation (Reading + Listening):

   You will read a short passage about a campus situation and listen to a conversation about it.

   Example: “Explain the man’s opinion about the university’s plan and how it relates to the reading.”

3. Integrated Speaking – Academic (Reading + Lecture):

   You will read a passage on an academic concept and then listen to a professor giving a related lecture.

   Example: “Using information from the lecture, explain the concept of keystone species as discussed in the reading.”

4. Integrated Speaking – Lecture (Listening Only):

   You will listen to a short lecture and summarize the main points and examples.

   Example: “Using points and examples from the lecture, explain the two types of inflation described by the professor.”

Tips for success

• Practice speaking fluently within the 45-60 second time limit. Try to avoid unnecessary pauses or repeating the same idea.
• Take notes on key points when reading and listening to the passages for the Integrated tasks. Use them to organize your response clearly.
• Use connecting words like “because,” “for example,” and “on the other hand” to show logical flow in your response.
• Familiarize yourself with academic topics from various fields to practice responding to different subject matters.

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