Master TOEFL Speaking
From nervous to confident in 4 weeks
What You'll Learn
🎯 Skills You'll Master
- ✓ Speaking naturally under time pressure
- ✓ Organizing thoughts in 15-30 seconds
- ✓ Taking effective notes while listening
- ✓ Synthesizing information from multiple sources
- ✓ Speaking clearly for 45-60 seconds straight
📈 What You'll Achieve
- ✓ Consistent 3-4 scores on all task types
- ✓ Confidence speaking in test conditions
- ✓ Proven response templates
- ✓ Strategies for each scoring dimension
- ✓ Clear 4-week practice plan
Understanding Your Score
Every response is scored 0-4 on three dimensions. Master these and you'll score high:
How you sound
- Clear speech: Easy to understand
- Natural pace: Not too fast or slow
- Good pronunciation: Minor errors OK
- Fluid speech: Minimal hesitations
Words & grammar
- Varied vocabulary: Show range
- Complex sentences: Mix simple & complex
- Minor errors: Don't hurt meaning
- Natural phrasing: Idiomatic when possible
Content & organization
- Complete answer: Address all parts
- Clear organization: Easy to follow
- Relevant details: Specific examples
- Good connections: Ideas flow logically
Practice with Real Feedback
Our speaking practice evaluates you on all three dimensions, giving you actionable feedback on delivery, language use, and topic development. You'll see exactly where to improve.
Quick Start: Your First Practice
New to TOEFL speaking? Start here. You can practice your first task in the next 5 minutes.
Task 1: Independent Speaking
This is the simplest task—just share your opinion. Perfect for beginners!
Read the question 3 sec
Example: "Do you prefer studying alone or in a group?"
Think of 2 reasons 12 sec
Pick the side that's easier to explain. Write keywords only: "alone: focus, schedule"
Speak! 45 sec
Reason 1 (18s): "First, I can focus better. When I'm alone, there are no distractions, so I can concentrate deeply on difficult topics. For example, last semester..."
Reason 2 (18s): "Second, I can study on my own schedule. I'm a morning person, so I prefer studying early when my friends are still sleeping..."
Wrap-up (4s): "That's why I prefer studying alone."
✨ That's it! Now try it yourself:
Practice Task 1 with instant feedbackThe 4 Speaking Tasks
Task 1: Personal Opinion
15s prep | 45s response | Easiest task
What You'll Do
Express your opinion on a familiar topic. You'll choose between two options or agree/disagree with a statement.
Common Question Types
"Do you prefer studying at home or in the library?"
"Do you agree that students should work while studying?"
"Which is better: taking notes on paper or laptop?"
"If you had free time, would you travel or learn a new skill?"
Winning Strategy
State position (5-7s):
"I [prefer/believe/think] [your choice] for two main reasons."
Reason 1 + Example (16-18s):
"First, [reason]. For example, [personal example from your life]."
Reason 2 + Example (16-18s):
"Second, [reason]. For instance, [another personal example]."
Closing (3-5s):
"That's why I [restate position]."
Sample High-Scoring Response:
"I prefer taking online classes for two reasons. First, they save time on commuting. I used to spend two hours daily traveling to campus, but now I can use that time to study or work. For example, last semester I took three online courses and had time for a part-time internship. Second, online classes offer more flexibility. I can watch lectures when I'm most alert. I'm a night person, so I usually study after dinner when my concentration is best. That's why online classes work better for me."
Why this works: Clear position, two distinct reasons, specific personal examples, natural delivery, completes the thought within 45 seconds.
- • Trying to write full sentences during prep (keywords only!)
- • Starting without a clear position
- • Giving vague reasons without examples
- • Listing three reasons instead of developing two
- • Running out of time mid-sentence
Practice this task: We have dozens of Task 1 questions with instant AI feedback on your delivery, language use, and topic development.
Start practicing Task 1 →Task 2: Campus Situation
Read + Listen | 30s prep | 60s response
What You'll Do
Read a campus announcement (45-50 seconds), listen to two students discussing it (~60 seconds), then summarize one student's opinion and reasons. This tests your ability to understand and report others' views.
The Structure
Campus announcement about a change or new policy
Two students discuss it—one strongly agrees or disagrees
Summarize that student's opinion and their two reasons
Note-Taking Strategy
- • Topic (2-3 words)
- • What's changing?
- • Reason given (if any)
- • M or W? (who's speaking)
- • Agrees or disagrees?
- • Reason 1 + key detail
- • Reason 2 + key detail
State the announcement (10s):
"The reading discusses [main topic/change]."
State the opinion (8s):
"The [man/woman] [agrees/disagrees] with this for two reasons."
Reason 1 with detail (20s):
"First, [he/she] says [reason 1]. [Add specific detail from conversation]."
Reason 2 with detail (20s):
"Second, [he/she] believes [reason 2]. [Add specific detail from conversation]."
Brief closing (2s):
"That's why [he/she] [agrees/disagrees]."
Sample Scenario:
Reading: University will require first-year students to live in dorms to build community.
Listening: Female student disagrees.
"The reading discusses a new policy requiring first-year students to live in dorms. The woman disagrees with this policy for two reasons. First, she says it's too expensive. She mentions that dorm fees are much higher than sharing an apartment off-campus, and many students can't afford it. Second, she believes students need independence. She argues that making your own living decisions is part of becoming an adult, and the university shouldn't force students to live in a specific place. That's why she opposes the new requirement."
- • Adding your own opinion (this is a summary task only!)
- • Trying to cover both students' views
- • Spending too much time on the reading
- • Missing specific details that support the reasons
- • Using "I think" or "In my opinion"
Practice Integrated Tasks
Our platform provides real reading passages and conversations, then evaluates how well you captured the main points and organized your summary.
Try Task 2 practice →Task 3: Academic Concept
Read + Listen | 30s prep | 60s response
What You'll Do
Read a definition of an academic term, listen to a professor explain it with examples, then use those examples to explain the concept. This tests your ability to connect theory to real-world examples.
The Pattern
Reading gives you: Abstract definition (psychology, business, biology term)
Lecture gives you: Concrete examples that illustrate the concept
Your job: Connect the examples to the definition
Note-Taking Focus
Spend 80% of your response on the lecture examples. The reading just gives context.
While listening, capture:- • Example 1: Who/what + what happened + result
- • Example 2: Who/what + what happened + result
Define briefly (8-10s):
"[Term] is when [brief definition from reading]."
Introduce examples (5s):
"The professor illustrates this with [one/two] example(s)."
Example 1 in detail (22-25s):
"First, [describe situation]. [What happened]. [Result/outcome]. This shows [concept] because [connection to definition]."
Example 2 in detail (if applicable) (22-25s):
"Additionally, [describe situation]. [What happened]. [Result]. This demonstrates [concept] because [connection]."
Sample Scenario:
Concept: "Social facilitation" – people perform better on simple tasks when others are watching
Lecture: Professor gives example of cyclists racing faster with spectators
"Social facilitation is when people perform better on simple tasks when others are watching them. The professor illustrates this with an example from sports psychology. In one study, researchers measured how fast cyclists rode on a track. When cyclists rode alone, they averaged 25 miles per hour. But when spectators watched them, the same cyclists rode at 28 miles per hour on average—a significant increase. This demonstrates social facilitation because the presence of an audience motivated the cyclists to push harder on a simple physical task they had already mastered. The task wasn't complex, so the pressure helped rather than hurt their performance."
- • Spending too much time on the definition
- • Describing examples without explaining the connection
- • Remembering only one example when there are two
- • Being too vague about what happened in the examples
Task 4: Academic Lecture
Listen Only | 20s prep | 60s response | Most challenging
What You'll Do
Listen to a 90-120 second academic lecture, then summarize the main points. No reading passage—pure listening comprehension. This is considered the hardest task.
You get the least prep time (20 seconds) after the longest listening (2 minutes). Your notes need to be excellent because you can't refer back to any text.
The Listening Pattern
Almost every Task 4 lecture follows this structure:
- 1. Topic introduction → "Today I'll discuss [main topic]"
- 2. Framework → "There are two types/ways/methods..."
- 3. Point 1 → Explanation + example/details
- 4. Point 2 → Explanation + example/details
- 5. Optional conclusion → Brief wrap-up
Note-Taking System
Topic: _____________ (3-5 words)
Point 1: _____________ (key word)
→ Detail: _____________
→ Example: _____________
Point 2: _____________ (key word)
→ Detail: _____________
→ Example: _____________
Professors use clear signals: "First...", "Second...", "Another example...", "On the other hand...", "For instance...". When you hear these, your pen should be moving!
State topic + framework (10s):
"The professor discusses [topic]. There are two [types/ways/methods]."
Point 1 with details (23-25s):
"First, [point 1]. [Explanation]. For example, [example from lecture]."
Point 2 with details (23-25s):
"Second, [point 2]. [Explanation]. For instance, [example from lecture]."
Sample Lecture Summary:
Lecture topic: Two types of animal camouflage
"The professor discusses two types of animal camouflage. First, there's background matching, where animals blend into their environment. This is the most common type. For example, the Arctic hare has white fur in winter that matches the snow, making it nearly invisible to predators. When spring comes, its fur turns brown to match the ground. Second, there's disruptive coloration, where animals use patterns to break up their body outline. The professor mentions zebras as an example. Their black and white stripes make it hard for lions to see where one zebra ends and another begins, especially when zebras travel in groups. These two types help animals survive in different ways."
- • Trying to write too much during listening (use abbreviations!)
- • Focusing on one point and neglecting the other
- • Missing the professor's framework statement
- • Getting bogged down in minor details
- • Panicking when you miss something (keep listening!)
Missed a big chunk? Better to fully develop ONE point than poorly cover both. Raters prefer depth to incomplete breadth. Say "The professor discusses [topic] with several points. One important one is..." then give a thorough explanation of what you did catch.
Meet Petra, Your AI Speaking Coach
Practice conversational speaking with an AI coach that listens, asks follow-up questions, and helps you think on your feet—perfect for Task 1 preparation.
💬 Natural Conversation
Petra asks you questions and responds to what you say, just like talking to a real person. Build fluency through natural dialogue.
🎯 Thinks On Its Feet
Unlike recorded questions, Petra adapts to your responses, asking follow-ups and helping you develop your ideas in real-time.
⏱️ Perfect for Practice
Practice speaking for 60-90 seconds on Task 1 topics while getting comfortable with real-time conversation pressure.
🔄 Unlimited Practice
Use your practice minutes to talk with Petra as much as you want. Each conversation helps build confidence and fluency.
Best for: Students who need to build speaking confidence and fluency for independent tasks. Try it when you're comfortable with the basic structure and want to practice thinking in English.
Try Petra NowYour 4-Week Practice Plan
Follow this proven progression to go from uncertain to confident. Each week builds on the last.
Week 1: Foundations
Goal: Learn templates and practice without time pressure
- • Days 1-2: Study Task 1 template, practice 3 questions without timer
- • Days 3-4: Study Task 2 template, practice 2 questions with reading/listening
- • Days 5-6: Study Task 3 template, practice 2 questions focusing on examples
- • Day 7: Review all templates, record yourself, listen back for clarity
Focus: Memorize templates. Don't worry about time yet.
Week 2: Adding Time Pressure
Goal: Use templates with actual prep and response times
- • Days 1-2: Task 1 with timer (15s prep, 45s response), 4-5 questions daily
- • Days 3-4: Task 2 with timer (30s prep, 60s response), 3 questions daily
- • Days 5-6: Task 3 with timer (30s prep, 60s response), 3 questions daily
- • Day 7: Introduce Task 4 (listen only), 2 questions with timer
Focus: Work on note-taking speed. Practice finishing on time.
Week 3: Full Simulation
Goal: Practice complete 4-task sequences
- • Days 1, 3, 5: Complete all 4 tasks in one sitting (~16 minutes)
- • Days 2, 4, 6: Focus on your weakest task type, 5 questions
- • Day 7: Practice with background noise (go to a cafe or library)
Focus: Build stamina. Get comfortable with the full test length.
Week 4: Polish & Perfect
Goal: Refine delivery and maximize your scores
- • Days 1-2: Record responses, analyze for pronunciation and fluency issues
- • Days 3-4: Practice with Petra (if available) for natural conversation flow
- • Days 5-6: Final full practice tests, focus on consistency across all tasks
- • Day 7: Light review of templates only, rest your voice
Focus: Fine-tune delivery. Trust your templates. Stay confident.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
We have everything you need: practice questions for all 4 tasks, instant feedback, and progress tracking.
Begin Week 1 TodayTest Day Essentials
✅ Do This
- ✓ Speak at normal conversational volume
- ✓ Use your full prep time to jot down keywords
- ✓ Aim to finish 2-3 seconds before time runs out
- ✓ Speak confidently even if you make a small mistake
- ✓ Take deep breaths between tasks
- ✓ Ignore other test-takers speaking around you
- ✓ Trust your templates—they work
❌ Avoid This
- × Don't try to restart if you make a mistake
- × Don't speak too softly or too loudly
- × Don't panic if you miss part of the listening
- × Don't add your opinion in Tasks 2-4
- × Don't speed up to cram in more content
- × Don't overthink—go with your first instinct
- × Don't stay up late cramming the night before
Raters care more about clear communication than perfection. A small grammar mistake or mispronounced word won't hurt your score if your meaning is clear and your ideas are well-organized. Stay calm and confident!
You're Ready to Practice
Knowledge without practice is just theory. Start applying what you've learned.