SPEAKING QUESTION 1
The first TOEFL Speaking question is the independent task. It’s also called the “personal
choice” question. You must give your personal opinion on a everyday topic. You have 15
seconds to prepare, and 45 seconds to speak.
PRACTICE 1 -“Some people believe it is better to learn a foreign language at a young
age, while others think it is better to wait until adulthood. Which do you think is better?
Explain why.”
PRACTICE 2 - “Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has
made life more complicated rather than easier. Use specific reasons and examples to
support your answer.”
SPEAKING QUESTION 2
Here’s how TOEFL speaking question two works:
First, you read a short announcement, article or letter. It describes a change that
is happening on campus, or suggests a change. It mentions two reasons for the
change. It is about 100 words. You have 45 seconds to read it.
Next, you hear two students talk about the reading. One of the students agrees
with the change, disagrees with the change, or (rarely) has a mixed opinion.
He/she gives two reasons for their support or opposition. These reasons
specifically refer to the reasons mentioned in the reading. They talk for 1 or 2
minutes.
After hearing the conversation, you must summarize what you have read and
listened to. You will have 30 seconds to prepare your answer, and 60 seconds to
speak.
The question is usually related to:
Buildings on a university campus
Classes and majors at a university
Transportation on a university campus
Extracurricular activities at a university (sports, clubs, etc.)
Or some other common feature of a university.
PRACTICE 1
Campus Fitness Center to Close
The campus fitness center will permanently close at the end of this semester. This
decision was made by the university administration in coordination with representatives
of the student’s association. Unfortunately, the building currently housing the center is
very old and the university can no longer afford the cost of maintaining it or providing heat
and air conditioning as required. Furthermore, the popularity of the center has declined
since the university formed partnerships with several private fitness centers in the city.
These partnerships mean that all full and part time students can access five privately
owned gyms across the city at no cost.
+LISTENING
PRACTICE 2
Restricting Coffee in the Library
Starting next semester, students will no longer be allowed to bring coffee or other
beverages into the library. University officials have announced that this change aims to
protect library resources, as over the past year, several books, computers, and desks
have been damaged by spilled drinks, leading to costly repairs and replacements.
Additionally, the university plans to create a coffee lounge in the student center, where
students can enjoy drinks while studying in a more relaxed and social environment. The
administration believes this will maintain the library’s functionality while still
accommodating students’ needs.
+ LISTENING
SPEAKING QUESTION 3
The third TOEFL speaking question is the general-to-specific task. First, you have 45
seconds to read a short article on an academic topic. The reading is usually about a
specific term or concept. It defines the term and give some basic details. Next, you hear
a short lecture about the same topic. The lecture will explain the topic using one or two
examples. Finally, you must summarize the reading and lecture. You will have 30 seconds
to prepare, and 60 seconds to speak.
PRACTICE 1
Social Impact Framing
Social impact framing is a communication approach employed by companies to influence
public perception and enhance their corporate image. This technique involves carefully
managing the public perception of their activities by emphasizing their positive social
contributions while reducing potential criticisms. Companies use language, visuals, and
storytelling to position themselves as champions of social causes and align their brand
with values that resonate with consumers. By employing social impact framing,
businesses seek to build trust, enhance brand loyalty, and attract consumers that care
deeply about social issues.
+ LISTENING
PRACTICE 2
Convergent Evolution
Evolution is the process in which, over time, animals develop the characteristics required
to survive in their natural environment. One form of this is convergent evolution, which is
when animals living in completely separate geographic areas end up with many identical
features. This occurs when the habitats of two creatures resemble each other in some
way. Because they live in similar habitats, the animals end up needing similar specialties
in order to survive and reproduce. In certain cases the animals are so alike that they may
end up being mistaken for each other, while in other cases they only share a few features.
+LISTENING
SPEAKING QUESTION 4
The fourth TOEFL speaking question is the academic lecture task. First, you will listen to
a lecture that describes two “things.” The “things” might be two characteristics of
something, two features of something, two changes caused by something or two
definitions of something. Next, you will be asked to summarize the lecture. You will have
20 seconds to prepare, and 60 seconds to speak.
PRACTICE 1 -listening
Using the examples given in the lecture, explain two ways that animals survive in
environments with low levels of light.
PRACTICE 2 - listening
Using the examples of the fennec fox and the kangaroo rat, explain how some animals
survive in desert environments.
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