TOEFL iBT Speaking Overview
Section
Speaking
Content
Time
6 speaking
tasks
Total time:
20 minutes
2 independent
tasks
Prep time:
15─30 seconds
4 integrated
tasks
Response time:
45─60 seconds
Score
/30
2. Independent Tasks 1 and 2
• Questions are based on knowledge and experience.
• 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to speak.
• Task 1:
 Make a choice within a category.
 Describe a person, place, object, event, or activity.
 Example: Describe the person you admire most and explain
why.
• Task 2:
 Make a choice between two options.
 Example: Do you prefer to study alone or in a group? Explain
why.
3. Integrated Tasks 3 and 4
• Read a passage, listen to a passage, and answer a
question on the relationship between them.
• Task 3: Campus task
 Read a university notice.
 Listen to two students discuss the notice.
 Question: Which student has a strong opinion and why?
• Task 4: Academic task
 Read a short passage on academic topic.
 Listen to a lecture.
 Question: Show how examples from the lecture relate to a
definition or concept from the reading.
• 45 seconds to read, 75 seconds to listen, 30 seconds to
prepare, and 60 seconds to speak
4. Integrated Tasks 5 and 6
• Listen to a passage and answer a question about it.
• Task 5: Campus task
 Listen to a conversation about a student problem.
 Summarize the problem and suggestions made to resolve it.
 State which suggestion you prefer and why.
• Task 6: Academic task
 Listen to the lecture with general information and two main
points.
 Summarize general information and how it relates to the main
points.
• One to two minutes to listen, 20 seconds to prepare,
and 60 seconds to speak
5. Speaking
• Narrator will tell you to put on headphones and adjust
microphone volume.
• Computer guides you through speaking tasks.
 no need to press NEXT or OK
6. Independent Tasks: Preparing
• See and hear the question.
• Begin to prepare after the beep. You’ll see the clock
count down.
• Prepare simple outline using key words only.
7. Independent Tasks: Responding
• Narrator:
 “Get ready to answer the question.”
 “Begin speaking after the beep.”
• You will hear the beep, then see the clock begin to
count down.
 Answer the question according to outline.
 Speak clearly.
8. Integrated Tasks
• Example: Task 4
 Read and take notes on a short academic passage.
 Listen and take notes on a related lecture.
9. Integrated Tasks: Responding
• Narrator:
 “Get ready to answer the question.”
 “Begin preparing after the beep.”
• Make an outline using your notes.
• When answering,
 speak clearly.
 use familiar grammar and vocabulary.
10. Top Score Features
• Delivery
 clear, fluid, and well-paced
 understandable pronunciation
 natural rhythm, stress, and intonation
• Language Use
 appropriate word choice
 correct grammar including basic
and complex structures
• Topic Development
11. Topic Development
• Develop topic fully:
Topic
Statement
 Answer question completely.
 Make a topic statement and support
Main
it with two main points and added detail. Point 1
 Present facts in a logical order and
Detail
use transitions to connect ideas.
Main
Point 2
Detail
• Integrated tasks:
 Integrate information from a reading and listening passage.
 Summarize and paraphrase.
12. Who Scores Your Response?
• Between three and six certified ETS raters score your
response.
• Response is scored from zero to four.
• Final score is out of 30.