TOEFL Speaking Templates (Latest 2024): Download Free!

TOEFL speaking templates are essential tools for test-takers aiming to excel in the TOEFL speaking section. These templates help you organize your responses effectively to the TOEFL speaking questions, ensuring your answers are structured, clear, and concise.

This guide offers comprehensive templates for each of the four TOEFL speaking tasks, along with practical tips on how to use them for maximum efficiency. By incorporating these templates into your practice, you can improve your speaking skills and boost your overall TOEFL score.

TOEFL Speaking Templates

Table of Content

  • The 4 Types of TOEFL Speaking Tasks
    • TOEFL Independent Speaking Task 1
    • TOEFL Integrated  Speaking Task 2, 3, and 4: Integrated Speaking in Response to Other Materials
  • Question 1: Personal Choice
  • Question 2: Campus Announcement
  • Question 3: General to Specific
  • Question 4: Academic Lecture
  • TOEFL Speaking Templates for You to Use

The 4 Types of TOEFL Speaking Tasks

The Speaking section, despite its brevity lasting only 20 minutes, is not necessarily easier. Within this short duration, test-takers are required to complete four tasks by speaking into a microphone, which records their voice for later evaluation by an official test grader. Each response is scored on various aspects such as grammar, fluency, and language use, with scores ranging from 0 to 4.

Unlike other sections, there won’t be a real person present during the Speaking section, which poses a unique challenge. While this absence of direct human interaction may disadvantage those who prefer realistic conversational feedback, it could potentially benefit individuals who experience “stage fright” when communicating with others.

The Speaking section encompasses both independent and integrated speaking tasks, where candidates must demonstrate their ability to express a well-rounded understanding of various topics. These topics generally revolve around familiar subjects, campus situations, and academic course content. Understanding the specific requirements of each task is crucial for effective preparation.

Solve Free TOEFL Practice Papers:

TOEFL Independent Speaking Task 1

In this question format, you’ll encounter opinion-based choices between different options. You’ll need to make a decision based on your preference and provide reasons to support your choice. Whether you choose option A or B doesn’t matter as long as you can justify your decision. Additionally, there are other question styles you may encounter, such as Agree or Disagree, Preference, Description and Explanation, Advantages and Disadvantages, Three Choices, and If/Imaginary scenarios. Familiarize yourself with these question types to prepare effectively for the TOEFL exam.

TOEFL Integrated  Speaking Task 2, 3, and 4: Integrated Speaking in Response to Other Materials

For the remaining speaking tasks, you’ll respond to either a reading passage, a recorded lecture, or both. Integrated tasks require you to combine speaking with other language skills like reading and listening. In Task 2, you’ll read a passage and listen to a related conversation, then summarize the opinion expressed in the conversation. Task 3 involves reading an academic passage and listening to a lecture, then explaining a concept introduced in both sources. Task 4 requires summarizing a brief academic lecture. Remember to focus on specific examples and use transitional phrases to ensure coherence in your responses.

Read More: TOEFL Speaking Tips

Question 1: Personal Choice

Template Overview

This question typically asks for your opinion on a given topic. You’ll need to state your preference and provide reasons to support your choice.

Template Structure

Main Point:

  • “I agree with the idea that…”
  • “I think it is better to…”
  • “I believe it is a great/terrible idea to…”

Transition (optional):

  • “I feel this way for several reasons.”

First Reason:

  • “First,…” + “For example,…” (provide a personal example)

Second Reason:

  • “Second,…” + “To be more specific,…” (give a few more details)

Sample Response:

“I agree with the idea that it is better to live in a city than in the countryside. I feel this way for several reasons. First, cities offer better job opportunities. For example, I was able to find a high-paying job in marketing in a city, which would have been impossible in a rural area. Second, cities provide more educational resources. To be more specific, cities have numerous libraries and educational institutions that can greatly aid personal and professional development.”

Question 2: Campus Announcement

Template Overview:

In this question, you will be given a campus announcement and a conversation between two people discussing it. Your task is to summarize the announcement and the opinions of the speakers.

Template Structure:

Reading Main Point:

  • “According to the announcement/article/letter…”

Reasons from Reading:

  • “This is because ___ and ___.”

Transition:

  • “There are two reasons why the man supports/opposes this change.”
  • “The man has a mixed opinion of this change.” (for mixed-opinion conversations)

First Reason:

  • “First of all, he argues that…”

Second Reason:

  • “Moreover, he mentions that…”

Sample Response:

“According to the announcement, the university plans to increase parking fees to fund a new parking garage. This is because the current parking lots are insufficient, and the new garage will provide more spaces. The man supports this change for two reasons. First of all, he argues that it will be more convenient for students who struggle to find parking. Moreover, he mentions that the additional funds will improve overall campus infrastructure.”

Question 3: General to Specific

Template Overview:

This question involves summarizing a reading passage and a related lecture. The lecture typically provides specific examples to explain a general concept introduced in the reading.

Template Structure:

Stating the Term or Idea:

  • “The reading is about (TERM/CONCEPT).”

Give a Small Amount of Detail from the Reading:

  • “It states that…”

Transition:

  • “The professor elaborates on this by providing an example.”
  • “The professor elaborates on this by providing two examples.”

First Example/First Part:

  • “To begin with, he/she mentions that…”
  • Second Example/Second Part:
  • “Next, he/she says that…”

Sample Response:

“The reading is about the concept of cultural diffusion. It states that cultural diffusion occurs when ideas and customs spread from one culture to another. The professor elaborates on this by providing two examples. To begin with, she mentions that the spread of the English language across the world is a form of cultural diffusion. Next, she says that the introduction of Western fast food in Asian countries also illustrates this concept.”

Question 4: Academic Lecture

Template Overview:

For this question, you need to summarize an academic lecture. The lecture usually includes examples or explanations that illustrate a particular concept.

Template Structure:

Stating the Lecture Subject and Detail:

  • “The lecturer explains (SUBJECT/TERM) by giving two examples/an example.”

First Example/First Part (3-5 sentences):

  • “First, he/she describes…”
  • Second Example/Second Part (3-5 sentences):
  • “Second, he/she mentions…”

Give a Short Conclusion:

  • “These examples (this example) demonstrate…”

Sample Response:

“The lecturer explains the concept of natural selection by giving two examples. First, she describes how the peppered moth in England evolved from a light color to a dark color during the Industrial Revolution because the darker moths were less visible to predators on the soot-covered trees. Second, she mentions the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, where only the strongest bacteria survive and reproduce. These examples demonstrate how natural selection allows species to adapt to their environments over time.”

TOEFL Speaking Templates for You to Use

Task Type Template
Independent Speaking 1 (Agree/Disagree) I [agree/disagree] that [statement]. To begin with, [reason 1]. Additionally, [reason 2]. Therefore, these reasons support my stance.
Independent Speaking 1 (Preference) I prefer [option A] over [option B] for two main reasons. Firstly, [reason 1]. Secondly, [reason 2]. Thus, these reasons illustrate my preference.
Independent Speaking 1 (Three Choices) I believe that [choice A] is the best option for two reasons. First, [reason 1]. Second, [reason 2]. Therefore, I would choose [choice A].
Independent Speaking 1 (IF/Imaginary) If I [situation], I would [action]. The primary reason is [reason 1]. Another reason is [reason 2]. So, based on these, I would [action].
Independent Speaking 1 (Description) In my opinion, [topic]. Firstly, [reason 1]. Furthermore, [reason 2]. Therefore, I strongly believe [topic].
Independent Speaking 1 (Adv/Disadv) It’s beneficial to [action], but there are drawbacks too. Firstly, [advantage 1]. However, [disadvantage 1]. Overall, there are pros and cons to [action].
Integrated Speaking 2 (Agree) The man/woman agrees with the [topic]. One reason is [reason 1]. Another reason is [reason 2]. Therefore, the [topic] is supported.
Integrated Speaking 2 (Disagree) The man/woman disagrees with the [topic]. One reason is [reason 1]. Another reason is [reason 2]. Therefore, the [topic] is not supported.
Integrated Speaking 3 X is described as [description] from the reading passage. The professor illustrates/demonstrates X with examples. In the first example, [example 1]. [Example 2].
Integrated Speaking 4 The lecture discusses [topic]. Two examples are provided to demonstrate [topic]. In the first example, [example 1]. In the second example, [example 2].

Conclusion

Using TOEFL speaking templates can greatly enhance your ability to deliver well-organized and coherent responses during the test. By practicing these templates and filling them in with relevant information, you can improve your speaking score and perform more confidently.

Remember to personalize the templates as needed and adapt them to fit the specific questions and scenarios you encounter. With consistent practice and effective use of these templates, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed in the TOEFL speaking section.

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TOEFL Speaking Templates- FAQs

What are TOEFL speaking templates?

TOEFL speaking templates are pre-structured outlines that guide test-takers in organizing their responses to the speaking questions on the TOEFL exam. These templates provide a framework that helps ensure answers are clear, concise, and well-organized.

How do TOEFL speaking templates help improve my score?

Using templates helps you:

  • Maintain a clear structure in your answers.
  • Stay focused and organized.
  • Manage your time efficiently.
  • Reduce the likelihood of missing key points.
  • Provide a coherent response that is easy for evaluators to follow.

Do TOEFL speaking templates make my answers sound robotic?

If used correctly, templates can enhance your answers without making them sound robotic. Personalize the templates with your own examples, reasons, and experiences to make your responses sound natural and authentic.

How should I practice using TOEFL speaking templates?

Practice by:

  • Familiarizing yourself with each template.
  • Filling in the templates with information from practice questions.
  • Recording your responses and listening to them to identify areas for improvement.
  • Timing yourself to ensure you can complete your responses within the allotted time.