The TOEFL speaking test is designed to test your ability to speak English fluently enough that a listener can understand you without any difficulty. This means that you need to be able to answer questions clearly and completely, using common, everyday vocabulary. You also will have an opportunity to respond in other ways depending on the type of question asked.
This guide provides tried and tested answers for each question you’ll encounter. Get step-by-step instructions and sample answers from experienced English learners to help you prepare for success, so you can be ready to ace the TOEFL speaking test!
You can also visit the complete study guide for the TOEFL Speaking section.
Practice Answering Unique Distribution Questions.
When you encounter unfamiliar distribution questions on the Speaking section of the TOEFL test, don’t panic. All it takes is a little bit of practice to address these types of talking points smoothly and effectively.
Choose two specific points to focus on in your answer and explain each one in detail. Lastly, summarize your main points briefly before ending your response. Doing this will ensure that you score fully for all parts of the prompt!
Learn Strategies for Strong Responses to TOEFL Speaking Questions.
To succeed at answering TOEFL speaking questions, think of your answer as a mini-essay with an introduction and conclusion.
Prepare responses that support your argument with examples and concrete details – while staying within the time limit – to earn maximum points. With enough practice, you can develop an effective structure for answering all types of TOEFL speaking questions.
Review Examples of Responses to All Six Questions & Sample Conversations.
When practicing for the TOEFL, review a variety of sample answers to each type of question. Look at how the answer is structured and what language is used. You can also review sample conversations so you know how to respond to each question in a natural way. This will help you create strategies for answering questions and improve your English speaking fluency.
Be sure you understand how to create a well-organized response that reflects both formality and fluency. Remember to focus on responding conversationally and quickly to the sample conversations as if you were having a real conversation with an actual person.
Analyze Responses with Scoring Rubric to Ensure Accuracy & Quality.
Using a scoring rubric will help you assess how well your answers match the model responses. It can also ensure that your responses are grammatically correct and reflect the right level of formality. The scoring rubric will help you see which areas need improvement so that you can focus on them during future practice sessions. You should also review the sample conversations to get an idea of how a conversation in English might flow naturally between two people. This will help you create strategies for responding conversationally and quickly to the sample conversations as if you were having a real conversation with an actual person.
If you focus on the pronunciation, fluency and complexity of words in addition to accuracy when practicing for the TOEFL speaking test, your score will be maximized.
Compare your response with the sample answer model and its scoring rubric to determine how you are being evaluated.