Ch3. TOEFL Speaking — 4-Task Templates & Fluency Training

TOEFL Speaking Overview

4 tasks, 16 minutes total
Scoring: ETS AI + human raters (0–30 points)
Format: Microphone recording (not live conversation)

Scoring Criteria

Criterion	Description
Delivery	Pace, pronunciation, fluency
Language Use	Grammatical accuracy, vocabulary range
Topic Development	Content completeness, logical structure
Coherence	Transition use, consistency

Task 1: Independent Speaking

Format: Express personal opinion/preference (15 sec prep / 45 sec response)

Common topics:

“Which approach do you prefer: A or B?”
“What quality/ability is most important and why?”

Task 1 Template

Opening (5 sec):
"In my opinion, [position/choice]."

Reason 1 (15 sec):
"First, [reason]. For example/instance, [specific example]."

Reason 2 (15 sec):
"Additionally, [reason 2]. [Example or elaboration]."

Closing (5 sec):
"That's why I believe [one-sentence conclusion]."

Task 2: Reading + Listening + Speaking

Format: Read passage (45 sec) → Listen to conversation → Respond (30 sec prep / 60 sec)

Typical structure:

Reading: School announcement (policy, facility, service change)
Listening: Student conversation, one expressing opinion (for/against)
Question: State the person’s opinion and reasons

Task 2 Template

"The [man/woman] [agrees/disagrees] with the [policy/change] mentioned in the reading.

[His/Her] first reason is that [reason 1]. [He/She] explains that [specific detail].

[His/Her] second reason is that [reason 2]. According to the conversation, [detail]."

Task 3: Reading + Listening + Speaking (Academic Concept)

Format: Academic concept in reading → Professor illustrates with example

Task 3 Template

"The reading passage introduces the concept of [concept name].

The professor illustrates this concept through the example of [example].

[In the example], [first characteristic/step], which demonstrates [aspect of concept].

Furthermore, [second aspect of example], showing how [another aspect of concept]."

Task 4: Listening Only + Speaking

Format: Academic lecture only → Respond (20 sec prep / 60 sec)

Task 4 Template

"In the lecture, the professor explains [topic].

The professor makes two main points. First, [point 1]. For example, [example].

Second, [point 2]. To illustrate, [example].

Together, these points show that [summary statement]."

Fluency Training Techniques

1. Shadowing

Listen to TED Talks or TOEFL audio and speak simultaneously. Goal: internalize native speaker rhythm and intonation.

2. Daily 1-Minute Speech Practice

Record a 60-second response on any topic → listen back → identify hesitation patterns

3. Transition Word Automation

Function	Phrases
Reasons	”One reason is…”, “This is because…”
Examples	”For instance…”, “To illustrate…”
Adding	”Furthermore…”, “Additionally…”
Contrasting	”However…”, “On the other hand…”

Chapter 4 Preview

Next: TOEFL Writing — Integrated Task summary strategy and Academic Discussion response techniques.