The four tasks at a glance
The Speaking section mixes one independent task with three integrated ones. Knowing which is which tells you whether to speak your ideas or the sources' ideas.
- Task 1 — Independent. Give and support your opinion on a familiar topic. Your own reasons and examples.
- Task 2 — Integrated (read + listen). A short campus reading and a conversation; explain a speaker's opinion and their reasons.
- Task 3 — Integrated (read + listen). A short academic reading and a lecture; explain how the lecture illustrates the concept.
- Task 4 — Integrated (listen). An academic lecture only; summarize the points and examples the professor gives.
Timing and note-taking
The windows are short and fixed, so speed of structuring matters more than depth. Approximate timings to rehearse against:
| Task | Prepare | Speak |
|---|---|---|
| Independent (Task 1) | ~15 seconds | ~45 seconds |
| Integrated read + listen (Tasks 2–3) | ~30 seconds | ~60 seconds |
| Integrated listen (Task 4) | ~20 seconds | ~60 seconds |
Confirm the exact current timings with the official provider before test day. Practise taking three-word notes — main point plus two details — so your prep second isn't spent writing full sentences.
Simple templates
Templates are scaffolding, not scripts: they hold your structure so your attention goes to content and delivery.
- Independent. "I prefer X. First, [reason] — for example, [detail]. Second, [reason] — for instance, [detail]." Opinion, two reasons, two examples.
- Integrated read + listen. "The reading says [claim]. The speaker [agrees/disagrees] for two reasons. First… Second…" Report the sources, not your view.
- Integrated lecture. "The professor explains [concept] with two examples. The first is… The second is…" Summarize points and examples in order.
Rehearse to the clock, out loud
The templates only help if the words come out on time. Rehearse each task shape against a stopwatch until the structure is automatic and you fill the whole window without stalling. FluentDojo lets you practice these out loud with a real-time AI partner and per-sentence pronunciation feedback, so you can hear where you run over, freeze, or flatten a key sound — and re-run it cleaner.
FluentDojo is a browser-based AI English speaking and pronunciation partner — no download. Free users get 3 voice sessions per day and 20 per month after sign-up; members get 15 per day and 200 per month. It supports TOEFL-style practice but is not the exam, is not affiliated with TOEFL or ETS, and gives no score prediction or guarantee. Prefer Chinese? See the 托福口语练习指南. See also IELTS speaking practice, or browse all speaking guides.