TOEFL iBT Speaking OverviewTOEFL iBT Speaking Overview

SectionSection ContentContent TimeTime ScoreScore

Speaking 6 speaking tasks

2 independent tasks

4 integrated tasks

Total time: 20 minutes

Prep time:15─30 seconds

Response time:45─60 seconds

/30

2. Independent Tasks 1 and 22. 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 43. 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 64. 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. Speaking5. 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: Preparing6. 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: Responding7. 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 Tasks8. 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: Responding9. 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 Features10. 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 Development11. Topic Development• Develop topic fully: Answer question completely. Make a topic statement and support it with two main points and added detail. Present facts in a logical order and use transitions to connect ideas.

• Integrated tasks: Integrate information from a reading and listening passage. Summarize and paraphrase.

12. Who Scores Your Response?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.