TOEFL SPEAKING

 

Exam Format

Duration: About 2 hours

Section	Time	Questions/Tasks	Score
Reading	35 minutes	20 questions (2 passages)	0–30
Listening	36 minutes	28 questions	0–30
Speaking	16 minutes	4 tasks	0–30
Writing	29 minutes	2 tasks	0–30

Total Score: 0–120

SPEAKING (

Scoring

0–30)

Task	Type	What You Read	What You Listen To	Preparation Time	Speaking Time	What You Must Do
Task 1	Independent	❌ None	❌ None	15 seconds	45 seconds	Express your opinion and support it with reasons and examples.
Task 2	Integrated	✔ Read a short campus announcement (≈50 words)	✔ A conversation between two students	30 seconds	60 seconds	Summarize the student's opinion and explain the reasons.
Task 3	Integrated	✔ Read an academic concept (≈50–100 words)	✔ A professor's lecture	30 seconds	60 seconds	Explain the academic concept using the lecture example.
Task 4	Integrated	❌ None	✔ An academic lecture	20 seconds	60 seconds	Summarize the lecture and explain the key points.

SPEAKING 

TOEFL Speaking Task 1 (Independent)

Preparation: 15 seconds
Speaking: 45 seconds

Template

Personally, I prefer __________.

The first reason is that __________. For example, __________.

Another reason is that __________. As a result, __________.

For these reasons, I believe __________ is the better choice.

Sample Question

Do you prefer studying at home or in a library?

Band 30 Sample Answer

Personally, I prefer studying at home.

The first reason is that I can concentrate better because it's quiet and comfortable. For example, I usually study in my bedroom where I have all my books and notes.

Another reason is that studying at home saves me time because I don't have to travel to the library. As a result, I can spend more time preparing for my exams.

For these reasons, I believe studying at home is the better option.

Task 2 – Campus Situation (60 seconds)

Reading (45–60 words)

The university plans to install self-service kiosks in the cafeteria. Students will be able to order and pay for their meals using touch-screen machines instead of waiting in line at the cashier. The university believes this change will reduce waiting times and improve customer service.

Listening (Conversation Summary)

A male student supports the proposal.

He gives two reasons:

1. Students often have only a short break between classes, so faster service will save time.
2. The kiosks will reduce long lines, especially during lunchtime, making the cafeteria less crowded.

Speaking Question

The man expresses his opinion about the university's proposal. State his opinion and explain the reasons he gives.

Template

The university announces that __________.

The student supports/opposes this decision.

First, he/she says __________.

Second, he/she explains that __________.

Therefore, he/she believes this is a good/bad decision.

Sample Answer

The university announces that the library will remain open until midnight during exams.

The student supports this decision.

First, he says many students work during the day, so they need extra time to study.

Second, he explains that the library is much quieter than student housing.

Therefore, he believes the longer opening hours will help students perform better in their exams.

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🎤 Task 3 – Academic Reading + Lecture (60 seconds)

Reading

Concept: Habituation

Habituation is a process in which an animal gradually stops responding to a repeated stimulus that is harmless. This allows the animal to save energy by ignoring things that do not pose a threat.

Listening (Lecture Summary)

The professor describes birds living near a railway station.

At first, the birds fly away whenever a train passes because they are frightened by the noise.

After several weeks, they realize the trains never harm them, so they continue eating and no longer react to the sound.

Speaking Question

Using the example from the lecture, explain the concept of habituation.

Template

The reading explains __________.

In the lecture, the professor gives an example of __________.

First, __________.

Then, __________.

This example clearly illustrates the concept described in the reading.

Sample Answer

The reading explains the concept of the primacy effect, which means people remember the first information they receive better than later information.

In the lecture, the professor gives the example of a job interview.

First, the candidate arrives on time and makes a positive first impression.

Then, even though the rest of the interview is average, the interviewer still remembers the candidate positively.

This example clearly illustrates the primacy effect.

---

🎤 Task 4 – Lecture Summary (60 seconds)

Listening (Lecture Summary)

The professor discusses seed dispersal by animals.

He explains two methods:

Method 1
Some animals eat fruit and later drop the seeds in different places after digestion. This helps plants grow far from the parent tree.

Method 2
Some seeds have tiny hooks that attach to an animal's fur. When the animal walks away, the seeds eventually fall off and grow in a new location.

Speaking Question

Using points and examples from the lecture, explain the two methods of seed dispersal discussed by the professor.

Template

The professor discusses __________.

First, he/she explains __________.

Then, he/she gives the example of __________.

Next, he/she mentions __________.

Overall, the lecture shows __________.

Sample Answer

The professor discusses mutualism, a relationship in which two species benefit from each other.

First, she explains that bees collect nectar from flowers for food.

Then, she says the bees carry pollen from one flower to another.

As a result, the flowers are able to reproduce.

Overall, the lecture shows that both bees and flowers benefit from this relationship. 

 

 

TOEFL WRITING

 

Exam Format

Duration: About 2 hours

Section	Time	Questions/Tasks	Score
Reading	35 minutes	20 questions (2 passages)	0–30
Listening	36 minutes	28 questions	0–30
Speaking	16 minutes	4 tasks	0–30
Writing	29 minutes	2 tasks	0–30

Total Score: 0–120

Task-1 

Integrated Writing: Focus on comparing the lecture with the reading.

150–225 words for Integrated Writing

TOEFL Integrated Writing Template (20 minutes)

Introduction

The reading passage argues that __________. However, the lecturer disagrees with this view and challenges each of the author's main points.

Body Paragraph 1

First, the reading claims that __________. In contrast, the lecturer explains that __________. According to the lecturer, __________. Therefore, this point directly contradicts the argument presented in the reading.

Body Paragraph 2

Second, the passage states that __________. However, the professor argues that __________. Furthermore, he/she points out that __________. As a result, the reading's claim is not convincing.

Body Paragraph 3

Finally, the author suggests that __________. On the other hand, the lecturer believes that __________. He/She explains that __________. Consequently, the lecture casts doubt on the final point made in the reading.

Conclusion (Optional)

Overall, the lecturer refutes all three arguments presented in the reading by providing convincing counterarguments.

*Example*

TOEFL Writing Task 1 (Integrated)

Reading Passage

Many universities are considering replacing printed textbooks with digital textbooks. Supporters believe that digital books are more convenient, cheaper, and environmentally friendly.

Listening

The professor disagrees with the proposal. She argues that many students become distracted while reading on electronic devices. She also points out that prolonged screen time may cause eye strain, making it difficult for students to study for long periods. Finally, she believes that not every student owns a suitable device, which could create inequality.

Writing Prompt

Summarize the points made in the lecture and explain how they challenge the arguments in the reading passage.

Model Response (≈180 words)

The reading passage argues that universities should replace printed textbooks with digital ones because they are more convenient, less expensive, and environmentally friendly. However, the lecturer disagrees with these claims and explains why this proposal may not be beneficial.

First, the reading suggests that digital textbooks are more convenient because students can access them anywhere. In contrast, the lecturer argues that electronic devices often distract students with notifications, social media, and other applications, making it harder for them to concentrate on their studies.

Second, although the passage claims that digital books reduce costs, the lecturer points out that many students do not own reliable laptops or tablets. Purchasing these devices could actually increase educational expenses for some students.

Finally, the reading states that digital textbooks are environmentally friendly because they reduce paper consumption. The lecturer acknowledges this benefit but argues that excessive screen time can cause eye strain and headaches, making digital learning less comfortable for many students.

Overall, the lecture challenges each of the reading passage's arguments by emphasizing practical disadvantages associated with digital textbooks.

*Task-2*

TOEFL Academic Discussion 

100–150 words

Template (10 minutes)

Introduction

I believe that __________ because it offers several important advantages.

OR

Although both viewpoints have merit, I agree that __________.

Body Paragraph

One important reason is that __________. For example, __________. As a result, __________.

Another reason is that __________. In addition, __________. Therefore, __________.

Conclusion

Overall, I believe that __________ because the benefits clearly outweigh the disadvantages.

*example*

TOEFL Writing Task 2 (Academic Discussion)

Professor

Some people believe that students should be required to complete community service before graduating. Others think community service should remain voluntary.

What is your opinion?

Student A

I think community service should be mandatory because it teaches responsibility and helps students develop important life skills.

Student B

I disagree. Students already have many academic responsibilities, so community service should be optional.

Model Response (≈140 words)

I believe community service should be encouraged but not made compulsory.

Although volunteering offers many benefits, students have different academic schedules, family responsibilities, and financial situations. Making community service mandatory could place unnecessary pressure on those who already struggle to balance their commitments.

However, schools should strongly encourage students to participate by offering certificates, academic credit, or awards. This approach would motivate students without forcing them to volunteer. In addition, those who choose to participate would likely be more enthusiastic and committed, resulting in a greater positive impact on the community.

Overall, I believe voluntary community service is a better option because it respects students' individual circumstances while still promoting social responsibility and personal development.