TOEFL Speaking Practice Questions and Answers (2026 New Format)

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

The TOEFL iBT® Speaking section has two task types: Take an Interview and Listen and Repeat. You answer about 11 questions in total, and there is no preparation time before you speak. This post gives you real practice questions for both task types, with clear model answers you can study.

The Speaking section was redesigned in the January 2026 update. It now uses two tasks that focus on answering interview questions in your own words and repeating spoken sentences accurately. Below you will find example questions for each task, a look at how they are scored, and answers to common questions.

Task type	What you do	How many	Time to respond	Score
Take an Interview	Answer an interviewer's questions	4 questions	45 seconds each	0 to 5
Listen and Repeat	Hear a sentence and repeat it	7 sentences	8, 10, or 12 seconds	0 to 5

Take an Interview practice questions

In this task, you take part in a short simulated interview. You answer 4 questions on one topic, with 45 seconds for each answer and no preparation time. Use your own words, because answers that sound memorized score lower. The questions get harder as you go: they start with your own experience, then move to your opinions and to what should happen in the future. Each answer is scored from 0 to 5 on relevance, elaboration, delivery, and language use.

Here is a full example interview, with a model answer for each question. For more practice, see our full Take an Interview practice questions post.

Example 1: A research study about cultural festivals

Scenario: You have agreed to take part in a research study about cultural festivals and traditional celebrations. A sociology researcher asks you four questions.

Question 1: "Could you tell me about a traditional cultural festival or holiday celebration you have attended? What specific customs or activities made it memorable for you?"

Model answer:

The celebration that really stands out for me is the Lantern Festival back home. I went with my grandmother when I was about twelve. What made it memorable was making paper lanterns together, and then at night everyone released them near the river. I still remember the whole street smelling like tangyuan, the sweet rice balls, because every family was cooking them. My grandmother also told me the stories behind the festival, so it felt meaningful, not just fun. That was the part I loved most, spending time with her and learning why we keep these customs alive. It's a celebration I'll always remember.

Question 2: "When it comes to participating in these events, people have different preferences. Some enjoy the excitement of large, crowded public festivals, while others prefer smaller, private family traditions. Which do you prefer and why?"

Model answer:

Personally, I prefer the smaller, family celebrations. Big public festivals are exciting, and I do enjoy the energy of a large crowd now and then, but they can feel a little impersonal. With my family, the celebration feels calmer and more meaningful. For example, during the New Year we cook together at home, and my grandparents share old stories that I would never hear in a noisy street festival. Those quiet moments are what I remember afterward, not the crowds. So while I understand why people love the big events, I get more out of the small, private ones, because they let me really connect with the people I care about.

Question 3: "An interesting debate surrounds how these events are changing. Some critics argue that modern commercialization, such as selling expensive souvenirs and featuring corporate sponsors, ruins the authenticity of traditional festivals. Do you agree with this viewpoint? Why or why not?"

Model answer:

I partly agree with that. It's true that when a festival is covered in advertisements and expensive souvenirs, some of the original meaning can get lost. I've seen this with a temple fair near my hometown, which now has so many sponsor booths that it feels more like a shopping trip. That said, I don't think commercialization ruins everything. The money can help keep the festival running and bring in more visitors, which actually helps the tradition survive. So I would say the key is balance. As long as the main customs are still respected, some commercial support is not necessarily a bad thing.

Question 4: "For my final question, let's think about the future. Many ancient festival customs are at risk of being forgotten. Do you think local governments should provide financial subsidies to traditional artisans and performers to keep these cultural celebrations alive? Please explain your reasoning."

Model answer:

Yes, I think they should, at least to some degree. Many traditional skills, like making handmade lanterns or performing folk music, take years to learn, and younger people often can't afford to pursue them without help. If local governments offered small subsidies, these artisans could keep teaching and performing instead of leaving for other jobs. In my area, a group of traditional dancers almost stopped because they had no funding, and that would have been a real loss for the community. Of course, the money should be managed carefully so it reaches genuine practitioners. But overall, a little public support seems like a fair way to protect culture that money alone can't recreate.

Example 2: A student podcast about productivity

Scenario: You have volunteered for a student-led podcast about how university students manage their time and stay productive. The host asks you four questions.

Question 1: "To start off, when you have a lot of assignments to do, do you prefer to create a strict schedule, or do you just work on tasks as they come up?"

Model answer:

For me, it's somewhere in between, but I lean toward making a schedule. When I have a lot of assignments, I write down everything I need to do and give each task a rough time slot. It stops me from feeling overwhelmed and helps me see what is urgent. For instance, last semester I used a simple weekly planner during the exam period, and it made a big difference. That said, I try not to be too strict, because unexpected things always come up. So I keep the plan flexible and adjust it when I need to. Having some structure but staying flexible works best for me.

Question 2: "Can you tell me about a specific time recently when you had to manage your time very carefully to finish a project or meet a deadline? How did you handle it?"

Model answer:

Sure, one that comes to mind is a group research project last term. We had only one week to finish, and two of our members got sick, so most of the work fell on the rest of us. I made a shared checklist and split the tasks by strength, so I handled the writing while another person built the slides. I also blocked out two hours every evening just for that project and put my phone in another room to stay focused. It was stressful, but we submitted on time and got a good grade. Breaking the big task into small daily goals was what really saved us that week.

Question 3: "Sometimes students struggle with procrastination and ask their peers for help. Has a friend or classmate ever asked you for advice on how to stop procrastinating? What did you tell them?"

Model answer:

Yeah, a close friend asked me about this recently. She kept leaving her essays until the last night and then panicking. What I told her was to start with just five minutes, because the hardest part is usually beginning, not the work itself. I also suggested she put her phone in another room while studying, since that was her biggest distraction. And I told her to break each essay into smaller steps, like writing the outline first instead of trying to finish the whole thing at once. She tried it for a couple of weeks and said it really helped her feel less stressed. So that was the advice that worked for her.

Question 4: "Finally, some people argue that taking frequent breaks during the day actually decreases productivity because it breaks your concentration, while others believe breaks are essential to avoid burnout. What is your opinion on taking frequent breaks while studying or working?"

Model answer:

I'm firmly on the side of taking breaks. I understand the worry that stopping too often can break your concentration, and if the breaks are too long or too frequent, that's a fair point. But in my experience, working for hours without a pause just makes me tired and slow. I usually study for about fifty minutes and then rest for ten, and I get much more done that way than forcing myself to sit for three hours straight. Short breaks let my mind reset, so I come back sharper. The key is keeping them short and planned, not random. Used well, breaks help productivity instead of hurting it.

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Example 3: A research study about digital reading habits

Scenario: You have agreed to take part in a research study about digital reading habits. A researcher asks you four questions.

Question 1: "Think back to the last time you read a book, article, or document on a screen instead of on paper. What were you reading, and what did you like or dislike about the digital format?"

Model answer:

The one that comes to mind is last week, when I read a thirty-page history article on my tablet for an essay about a 1912 labor strike. What I liked was the search tool, because I could trace one date across the whole article in seconds, and I color-coded my notes to compare the different claims. The downside was my eyes. After about an hour of staring at the screen, they felt dry and I noticed I was rushing the harder paragraphs. So I lowered the brightness and took a few breaks, but I still ended up printing the one page that had a complicated table on it.

Question 2: "Some people prefer physical books because they like the tactile experience, while others prefer the convenience of digital devices. Which format do you usually prefer for your personal reading, and why?"

Model answer:

For personal reading I usually go with physical books. Most of my day is already spent on a screen, so a paper book gives me a clear line between work and relaxing. There's no battery icon, no messages popping up next to the page, and no temptation to switch to another app. Lately I've been reading a mystery novel for about forty minutes every evening, and I leave my phone in another room. Honestly, that helped me follow the clues across chapters, because my attention stayed on the one story instead of drifting off somewhere else.

Question 3: "Some educators believe that physical textbooks should be entirely replaced by digital tablets in schools. Do you agree with this idea? Why or why not?"

Model answer:

I see both sides, but I don't think textbooks should be replaced completely. It really depends on the task. A tablet is great when a teacher needs an updated map, a quick animation, or when a student wants to make the text bigger, and it definitely makes school bags lighter. The problem is that the same device can split your attention. You might be reading a tricky science explanation, get a message, switch apps, and come back with no memory of what you just read. A printed chapter is just a calmer space for the slow kind of reading and note-taking that hard topics really need.

Question 4: "To reduce screen time, some experts suggest people should read physical books before bedtime rather than looking at screens. Do you think this is a realistic habit for modern readers to adopt? Why or why not?"

Model answer:

Yeah, I think it's realistic, but only if you keep the habit small and specific. Telling yourself to avoid all screens the whole evening is hard, because shows and messages and little tasks all compete for your attention. A tiny routine is much easier to keep. For example, you could charge your phone across the room, leave a novel on your pillow, and just read for fifteen minutes after you brush your teeth. That way the book is literally the next thing in front of you, and checking your phone means getting out of bed. So for a lot of people, I think that can actually stick.

Example 4: A university study about food and cooking habits

Scenario: You have agreed to take part in a university study about food choices and cooking habits. A researcher asks you four questions.

Question 1: "How do you usually handle meals during a busy week? Do you prefer to cook at home, or do you eat out or order takeout? Please explain why."

Model answer:

During busy weeks I cook at home, but I don't make five separate meals. Instead I prep flexible parts. On Sunday I'll make a grain, roast a couple of vegetables, cook one protein, and mix a simple sauce. Those pieces can turn into a rice bowl one night, a soup the next, or a wrap, so it never feels like I'm eating the exact same thing twice. I use the delicate vegetables early in the week and freeze one portion for later. And I always leave one night open for takeout, in case work runs late or my plans suddenly change.

Question 2: "Some people believe learning to cook should be a mandatory part of a student's education, while others think it should be left to families to teach at home. What is your opinion, and why?"

Model answer:

Honestly, I'd support a short required cooking course, because students arrive with really different preparation. My roommate knew a few recipes, but she didn't realize you shouldn't use the same cutting board for raw chicken and salad. A quick school lesson could have prevented that without criticizing how she grew up. Students should practice basic knife and heat safety, compare a few ingredient prices, cook one cheap meal, and learn to store leftovers. Families can still pass on their own traditions and flavors. The class would just guarantee a shared minimum of safety and confidence before people live on their own.

Question 3: "There has been a rise in plant-based diets and meat alternatives recently. Have you or anyone you know tried adding more plant-based meals? What do you think is driving this trend?"

Model answer:

I actually started swapping two meat dinners a week for meals built around beans or lentils. A tomato and lentil stew was the easiest change, because it used ingredients I already had, it cost less per portion, and it froze really well. I also tried one of those highly processed meat substitutes, but I didn't like the texture enough to buy it again. What that taught me is that plant-based eating doesn't have to copy meat to work. I think the trend is driven by a mix of things, mostly cost and health, plus a bit of curiosity once people see it's not that hard.

Question 4: "With the rapid advancement of smart kitchen appliances and automated cooking devices, how do you think our daily cooking routines will change in the next ten years?"

Model answer:

My guess is that smart appliances will take over the watching and timing, while people still make the real decisions. An oven might notice the vegetables are browning too fast and turn itself down, or a fridge might remind you to use the spinach before it goes bad. On a busy evening, that could cut down on waste and constant checking. But a machine still can't really judge whether a swap fits your family's taste or a tradition. So in ten years, I think cooks will spend less time hovering over every step and more time choosing what to make and adjusting the flavor at the end.

Example 5: A study about how people stay informed

Scenario: You have volunteered for a sociology study about media and news habits. A researcher asks you four questions.

Question 1: "How do you usually find out about what is happening in the world? Do you rely mostly on television, news websites, social media, or word of mouth?"

Model answer:

I use a bit of a layered routine instead of relying on one source. Every morning I read a short newsletter from a national paper and quickly scan a local site for anything that affects my area, so I get the picture without endless notifications. If a story might actually change a decision I'm making, I open the full article and try to find the original report or statement behind it, then I check how a second outlet describes the same thing. Social media is useful for finding out something is happening fast, especially local stuff, but the posts usually strip away the context you need.

Question 2: "Some people feel it is important to check for updates constantly, while others find the constant flow of information stressful. How do you feel about keeping up with the news?"

Model answer:

For me, staying informed feels like a responsibility, but checking constantly actually makes me pay less attention, not more. The repeated alerts create this sense of urgency even when the story has barely moved. So what I do is read a short summary in the morning and save the deeper articles for early evening, and I only allow instant alerts for weather or a real local emergency. During an actual crisis I'll add a couple of scheduled check-ins instead of refreshing all day, and I stop once the new reports are just repeating the same facts I already know. That keeps me calmer and honestly better informed.

Question 3: "Many people appreciate social media because it delivers news instantly. However, critics argue it often spreads misinformation. Do you think social media is a reliable place to get news? Why or why not?"

Model answer:

I'd say social media is great for noticing that something might be happening, but not reliable as the whole way you understand it. A witness can post a photo before any reporter shows up, which is genuinely useful, but that same photo might have the wrong date, place, or explanation attached. And because the platforms reward attention, a confident, emotional take often travels faster than a careful correction. Even a real image can back up a false story once it's cut off from its source. So I treat social media as a fast set of leads, not as the final word on what's actually true.

Question 4: "As digital platforms keep growing, do you believe traditional formats like printed newspapers or scheduled TV broadcasts will eventually disappear completely? Why do you feel that way?"

Model answer:

They'll probably shrink a lot, but disappearing completely seems unlikely, because those formats do more than just deliver information quickly. A printed local paper leaves a durable, visible record of what the community decided, and it reaches people who don't have easy digital access. A scheduled broadcast gives you a finite, shared summary, which some people honestly prefer over an endless feed. The money will keep pushing most outlets toward digital first, so I'd expect print and broadcasts to become less frequent, more regional, or more specialized, rather than vanishing. There's still a real audience that wants that kind of edited, finished version.

Example 6: A student health and wellness study

Scenario: You have volunteered for a student health and wellness study about staying active. A researcher asks you four questions.

Question 1: "Do you prefer structured exercise, like a gym or a fitness class, or more casual activities, like walking or playing a sport with friends?"

Model answer:

I'm definitely more of a casual-activity person, mostly because I stay consistent when the movement is attached to something I already enjoy. Twice a week a friend and I walk through a park after our afternoon lecture, and we take a longer route than we need to just so we can talk. That way it doesn't feel like another appointment on my calendar. With a fitness class, if I miss one session I tend to lose the whole routine. Walking is easier to adjust, so I can make it short during a busy week and longer when I have time. That flexibility is what keeps me going all semester.

Question 2: "Can you tell me about a specific time recently when you managed to fit some physical activity into a really busy day? How did it make you feel?"

Model answer:

Sure, during final-exam week I spent almost a whole day moving between the library and two review sessions. By late afternoon I was reading the same paragraph over and over without taking anything in. So instead of opening another document, I set a twenty-five-minute timer and walked quickly along the river path behind campus. The cold air and the steady movement kind of broke through the mental fog, and I used the time to organize the three points I still had to review. When I got back, I finished those topics in under an hour. It didn't shrink my workload, but it reset my focus enough to make the rest of the studying useful.

Question 3: "Sometimes students struggle to stay motivated. Have you ever helped a friend get more active, or has someone helped you? How did it benefit you or your friend?"

Model answer:

A classmate actually helped me get back into running after I'd stopped during a heavy project. Instead of telling me to jump straight back to my old distance, he invited me on a short weekend route and let me set the pace. That made the first run feel doable rather than like a test of what I used to manage. We added a few minutes each week, and pretty soon I was running on my own on Wednesdays too. The physical part was nice, but the bigger change was in my head. Progress became something I could measure in small steps, and his low-pressure approach is exactly why it worked.

Question 4: "Some people believe universities should make physical education mandatory for all students, while others think it should be entirely optional. What is your opinion, and why?"

Model answer:

I'd keep it optional, but I'd push universities to make it genuinely easy to join. A required course assumes one schedule and one format can fit students with really different abilities, jobs, and workloads, and it can turn exercise into just another box to tick. Instead, I'd rather see short beginner programs, adapted activities, and gyms open early and late, with advisers pointing people to those options during orientation without attaching a grade. That doesn't guarantee everyone works out, but honestly, neither does passing one compulsory class. It respects that students are adults while removing the practical barriers that usually stop them from being active.

Example 7: A survey about free time and hobbies

Scenario: You have volunteered for a university survey about free time and personal interests. A student researcher asks you four questions.

Question 1: "When you choose a hobby, do you usually prefer activities that are physical and active, or hobbies that are more creative or mental?"

Model answer:

I lean toward creative, quieter hobbies, mainly because they give me some calm focus after a socially demanding day. Sketching is a good example. I can carry a small notebook, spend twenty minutes studying the proportions of a building, and then compare that drawing with an earlier attempt. Seeing the progress keeps me curious, even when the result isn't great. I do value walking and exercise for my health, but I experience those more as routines than as personal projects. A creative hobby lets me recover while still making or noticing something, so it feels restful without being totally passive, which is the balance I like.

Question 2: "Can you tell me about a new hobby or interest you picked up recently? What inspired you to start?"

Model answer:

I picked up baking bread not long ago, after a neighbor brought me a homemade loaf and mentioned it needed less equipment than I assumed. My first loaf looked fine on the outside but came out dense and a little damp in the middle, because I'd cut the resting time short. The dough looked inactive and I wanted to finish before dinner, so that was my mistake. What I like is that baking fits around everything else, since most of it is just waiting rather than active work. And it pulls together a few things I enjoy, observation, a bit of patience, and something I can actually share with people.

Question 3: "Some people enjoy pursuing hobbies completely on their own, while others prefer joining clubs or taking classes. Which approach do you prefer, and why?"

Model answer:

When I'm starting something hands-on, I really prefer a class first and then practicing on my own. In a pottery workshop, the instructor noticed I was pressing the clay too hard, which made the wall uneven. She fixed my hand position and watched me repeat it before the bad habit set in. Once I understood the technique, practicing alone let me repeat the weak steps and pick projects at my own pace. The thing is, learning solo can hide your mistakes, while a group can sometimes limit how much you experiment. So I go back for occasional feedback, but I do most of the actual practice by myself.

Question 4: "Some educators believe universities should require every student to join at least one club or hobby to graduate, while others think it should be strictly optional. What is your opinion?"

Model answer:

Clubs and hobbies should stay optional, in my view, because students are dealing with really different constraints, things like money, health, jobs, family, and commuting. A graduation requirement looks like it promotes balance, but it can turn free time into a compliance task and unfairly punish someone who already works long hours. It also nudges the university to just count memberships rather than check whether joining actually meant anything. I'd rather they focus on access. They could hold club fairs at different times, lend out equipment, reserve cheap practice space, and make weekend or remote participation possible. That helps far more people than forcing everyone to sign up.

Example 8: A study about transportation and commuting

Scenario: You have agreed to take part in a university study about local transportation and commuting. A researcher asks you four questions.

Question 1: "Can you describe your typical daily commute to work or school? What do you like or dislike about it?"

Model answer:

My commute is a bus ride plus about a ten-minute walk. I actually like the bus, because it turns travel time into something useful. I can review my notes instead of concentrating on traffic. The part I dislike is how unpredictable it is. A delay of even ten minutes can make me miss a connection and be late, so I build a big buffer into every morning. That protects my classes, but it also stretches a forty-minute trip into almost an hour. Honestly, I'd take more frequent service over a faster route any day, because it's the predictability that decides whether I can plan the rest of my day around it.

Question 2: "Some people prefer the privacy and flexibility of driving their own vehicle, while others prefer public transportation. Which approach do you generally prefer, and why?"

Model answer:

For predictable trips I prefer public transportation, because it separates the moving from the work of driving. On a train I can read, plan, or just switch off, whereas a car needs my full attention even when traffic is barely crawling. That said, it really depends on the service, since an infrequent route can turn all that flexibility into a lot of waiting. So I use transit for commuting and for central places, but I'll borrow a car for somewhere remote or a late-night trip. Public transport isn't always faster, but it usually gives me more usable time and saves me the whole parking headache, which matters more day to day.

Question 3: "Many cities are creating car-free zones downtown, restricting access to pedestrians and cyclists. Do you think these zones are a good idea? Why or why not?"

Model answer:

Car-free zones can genuinely improve a downtown, but just banning cars isn't a plan on its own. A city first needs frequent transit, accessible drop-off points, and some scheduled access for deliveries. Once those pieces are in place, you can turn that street space into wider paths, seating, trees, and safer cycling instead of slow traffic and parking. Local businesses can actually gain, because people linger outside rather than just driving through. So the strongest argument isn't that cars are bad. It's that a small amount of central space serves way more people when you keep access working without everyone needing to bring a vehicle.

Question 4: "Some experts predict that within a decade, self-driving shuttles will replace human-driven buses in most major cities. Do you think this will happen? Why do you feel that way?"

Model answer:

Self-driving shuttles will probably handle limited routes within ten years, but replacing most buses seems unlikely. A fixed airport or campus loop has mapped stops and pretty controlled conditions, so automation is easier to supervise there. City buses are a different story, with road construction, blocked lanes, emergencies, and passengers who need directions or physical help. Even if the software gets good, cities still have to figure out who's responsible when a system fails, and they have to earn public trust. So I expect the driver's role to change before it disappears. Maybe one operator monitors several vehicles remotely, while staff stay available at busy stations.

Example 9: A study about gift-giving and relationships

Scenario: You have volunteered for a social psychology study about gift-giving customs. A researcher asks you four questions.

Question 1: "Could you tell me about a particularly memorable gift you have received? What was it, and why did it mean so much to you?"

Model answer:

The most memorable gift I've gotten is a repaired fountain pen that used to belong to my grandfather. Right before I started university, he replaced the damaged nib and gave it to me with a short note about how he'd used it during his first year as a teacher. The pen itself is pretty plain, and modern pens are more convenient, but that's kind of the point. The little scratches show it had a working life before it was mine. I use it when I'm outlining an important paper, so it quietly links his early career to the decisions I'm making now. Its meaning comes from that history, not the price.

Question 2: "Some people prefer to give practical items, while others prefer sentimental or decorative gifts. Which approach do you usually take, and why?"

Model answer:

I usually go practical, but I think of practical as something that removes a small, repeated annoyance. A generic household item is technically useful, but it doesn't really show you know the person. For my brother, who repairs bicycles, I bought a little magnetic tray after noticing he kept losing screws on the garage floor. Now he uses it during every repair. It was cheap, but it showed I'd actually paid attention to how he spends his time. So for me, sentimental value can grow out of usefulness. The best practical gift isn't just efficient, it reflects something you noticed that the person maybe never even said out loud.

Question 3: "Gift-giving can show appreciation, but it can also feel like a requirement. Do you think the social pressure to exchange gifts strengthens relationships, or creates unnecessary stress?"

Model answer:

I'd say a gift can strengthen a relationship when it shows real attention, but social pressure tends to weaken that by making it automatic. Once everyone has to buy something for every occasion, the price or the absence of a gift turns into something people read into, even when money or time is tight. In my family, we swapped adult birthday presents for a shared meal and one written memory from each person. Those notes take thought without turning into a competition over cost, and they usually start conversations a bought item wouldn't. It kept the ritual of recognition but dropped the expectation that everyone spends the same.

Question 4: "Critics argue that modern holidays have become too focused on buying and exchanging expensive goods rather than connection. Do you think this focus on material gifts has negatively affected how we celebrate?"

Model answer:

I don't think material gifts have ruined celebrations, but they can narrow what we count as a successful day. Advertising presents a pile of stuff as proof of affection, so families start judging the occasion by the number or price of the objects instead of what everyone actually did together. And the cost isn't only financial. Shopping, wrapping, and comparing all eat up time that could go into shared rituals. A family could easily keep gift-giving but limit it to one thoughtful thing, then put the saved effort into cooking or visiting someone. Objects can carry meaning, sure, but they should serve the relationship, not become the main event.

Example 10: A market research interview about travel

Scenario: You have agreed to take part in a market research interview about travel and tourism. A researcher asks you four questions.

Question 1: "When you travel, do you prefer to plan every detail in advance, or leave your schedule open and be spontaneous? Why?"

Model answer:

Honestly, I do a bit of both. I plan the expensive or hard-to-change parts, but I leave real gaps on purpose. On a recent trip I booked the train, the hotel, and my museum tickets ahead of time, then kept two afternoons completely open. When heavy rain rolled in, I swapped a long outdoor walk for a small gallery the hotel clerk recommended, and it ended up being the highlight of the trip. That's exactly why I like the mixed approach. Booking ahead protects the essentials, while the open time lets me react to the weather, my energy, and whatever local advice I stumble into.

Question 2: "Travel often involves long periods in transit. Do you find the travel time enjoyable and relaxing, or a hassle you just want to get over with?"

Model answer:

It really depends on the conditions. I enjoy the journey when there's some predictability, a bit of personal space, and a view of the scenery slowly changing. A reserved train seat can become this rare stretch of uninterrupted time to read or just think without daily demands pulling at me. Airports and crowded buses are the opposite, though. The queues, the noise, the security steps, and the uncertain connections take away control without giving me much to look at. So I try to make those trips easier by leaving a big buffer, downloading things ahead of time, and carrying my own food and water.

Question 3: "Some people believe traveling alone is best because you have total freedom, while others prefer traveling with friends or family. Which do you think is better, and why?"

Model answer:

I usually prefer traveling with one compatible companion, because it balances freedom with sharing the experience. Two people can split the research, share some of the accommodation and transport costs, help each other when a plan falls apart, and notice completely different things in the same place. For me, compatibility matters more than how close you are. Before a trip, I'd talk through the budget, the pace, sleep habits, and the fact that we might spend part of a day apart. With those agreements in place, a companion adds a kind of practical backup and a shared memory, without taking away the freedom to go chase your own interest for a while.

Question 4: "Virtual reality lets people tour famous sites from home. Do you think virtual tourism will eventually replace physical travel for most people? Why or why not?"

Model answer:

Virtual tourism will probably become a big complement to travel, but I doubt it'll replace the real thing for most people. It's genuinely useful, since it can give cheap educational access, help you compare destinations before booking, and open up museums or fragile sites to people limited by health, money, or borders. It might even ease overcrowding by letting people preview a place first. But physical travel is so tied to the body and to chance, the scale of something in person, the weather, being tired, the food, getting a little lost, a random conversation with a stranger. A headset just can't reproduce all of that, so I see them working together.

Listen and Repeat practice questions

In this task, you hear a series of 7 sentences inside a real-life scenario, and you repeat each one right after you hear it. The sentences get longer and more complex as you go, from short single clauses to longer sentences with several parts. You repeat each sentence only once. The task is scored from 0 to 5 on intelligibility (how clearly you speak) and accuracy (how closely your repetition matches the original). Partial credit is given, so always try to repeat as much as you can.

Below are two example sentence sets. In the real test you hear each sentence as audio; here we show the text so you can read and repeat each one aloud for practice. For the audio version, see our full Listen and Repeat practice questions post.

Set 1: A community fitness center

Scenario: You are at a community fitness center. A staff member is explaining the layout and rules to a group of new members. Listen and repeat each sentence.

Welcome to the new fitness center.
The lockers are on the first floor.
Please wipe down all the machines after use.
Group fitness classes require registration.
The indoor running track is located upstairs.
Personal training sessions can be booked at the main reception desk.
Remember to bring your membership card every time you visit the gym.

Set 2: A chemistry laboratory

Scenario: You are in a university chemistry laboratory. A lab instructor is explaining safety rules and procedures to the students. Listen and repeat each sentence.

Put on your safety glasses.
Do not touch the heated glass.
Always wash your hands at the end of class.
Make sure your laboratory workspace is clean.
Report any chemical spills to the teacher.
All hazardous materials must be disposed of properly.
If the fire alarm sounds, exit the building through the nearest door.

Set 3: A campus IT helpdesk

Scenario: You are at the campus IT helpdesk. A staff member is explaining the procedures for getting technical support. Listen and repeat each sentence.

Welcome to the tech support desk.
Please sign in on the tablet.
Describe your computer issue in detail.
We offer free software updates for students.
Remember to back up all your important files.
If your laptop requires hardware repairs, we can provide a temporary loaner.
You will receive an email notification as soon as your device is ready for pickup.

Set 4: A community makerspace orientation

Scenario: You are attending an orientation for a new community makerspace. The facility director is explaining the rules and resources. Listen and repeat each sentence.

Welcome to our new makerspace.
Please sign your name at the front desk.
The 3D printers are located in the back room.
Basic materials are provided free of charge.
You must complete a brief training before starting.
If you need help with a project, raise your hand to alert an instructor.
Remember to clean up your workspace and return all borrowed tools when you are finished.

Set 5: A campus shuttle bus service

Scenario: You are attending a university orientation. A campus guide is explaining the shuttle bus system to new students. Listen and repeat each sentence.

The campus shuttle is free to use.
Buses run every ten minutes.
You can check the exact schedule on our website.
The blue route goes directly to the science labs.
Please stand behind the yellow line while waiting.
During weekends, the service operates on a reduced holiday schedule.
Make sure you gather all your personal belongings before exiting the vehicle.

Set 6: A university computer lab

Scenario: You are attending an orientation session at a university computer lab. A staff member is explaining the rules and resources available to students. Listen and repeat each sentence.

Please sign in at the main counter.
Food and drinks are not allowed.
You can print up to fifty pages per week.
All computers reset after you log out.
You need a secure code to access the scanner.
Students can reserve a private workstation through the online portal.
Technical support is available during regular business hours.

Set 7: A downtown architecture walking tour

Scenario: You are joining a downtown architecture walking tour. The tour guide is welcoming the group and explaining the guidelines for the walk. Listen and repeat each sentence.

Welcome to the architecture tour.
We will begin the walk shortly.
We will explore three historic neighborhoods today.
Please be mindful of the traffic when crossing the street.
Feel free to ask questions at any of our stops.
If you need a short break, let me know before we move to the next building.
Our final destination is the famous public library downtown.

Set 8: A stress management workshop

Scenario: You are attending a stress management workshop at the student wellness center. The instructor is giving some introductory advice. Listen and repeat each sentence.

Welcome to the wellness workshop.
Find a comfortable seat.
We will practice relaxation techniques.
Learning to manage stress takes daily practice.
Focus on your breathing for a few minutes.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed, try writing your thoughts down in a daily journal.
Adequate sleep and regular exercise will help you stay focused during final exams.

Set 9: A campus package center

Scenario: You are at the campus package center. A staff member is explaining the package retrieval process to new students. Listen and repeat each sentence.

Have your student ID ready.
Wait behind the yellow line.
We will scan the barcode on your mobile phone.
Oversized boxes are stored in the back room.
You will receive an email when items arrive.
Packages not picked up within two weeks will be returned to the sender.
During the first month of classes, the pickup counter is open until eight.

Set 10: A university career center

Scenario: You are at the University Career Center. An advisor is explaining the services and resources available to students. Listen and repeat each sentence.

Welcome to the Career Center.
Please sign in at the front desk.
We offer resume reviews and practice interviews.
You can schedule counseling appointments through the student portal.
Our annual job fair takes place in the spring semester.
Professional clothing is available to borrow for your upcoming networking events.
If you need help finding an internship, speak with one of our specialized advisors today.

How the TOEFL Speaking section is scored

Every Speaking response is scored from 0 to 5. Listen and Repeat is scored on intelligibility and accuracy. Take an Interview is scored on relevance, elaboration, delivery, and language use. Your task scores are then combined into a Speaking section score on the 1 to 6 scale that TOEFL uses from January 21, 2026, reported in half-point steps. Your overall TOEFL score is the average of your four section scores (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing), rounded to the nearest half point. You do not need a perfect answer to score well. Even high-scoring responses can include small, natural errors, so focus on speaking clearly and supporting your ideas.

Frequently asked questions

How many speaking questions are on the 2026 TOEFL?

You answer about 11 speaking questions in total: 7 sentences in the Listen and Repeat task and 4 questions in the Take an Interview task.

How much time do I get to answer?

For Listen and Repeat, you get 8, 10, or 12 seconds per sentence, depending on its length. For Take an Interview, you get 45 seconds for each of the 4 questions. There is no preparation time in either task.

What changed in the speaking section in 2026?

The Speaking section was redesigned for 2026. It now has two tasks, Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview, which focus on repeating speech accurately and answering interview questions in your own words.

Can I use memorized answers in the interview?

No. Responses that sound memorized receive a lower score. Answer each question naturally, using your own experiences and opinions.

Practice the other TOEFL sections

Work through example questions and model answers for every task in the 2026 test. For all task types in one place, see our TOEFL 2026 practice questions for all question types.

Reading

Listening

Writing

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