• TOEFL

Types of Questions in TOEFL Speaking Task 1

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Aug 05,2023 12:37 PM IST

TOEFL Speaking Section contains six types of tasks. Read more to know about the type of questions that come in TOEFL Speaking Task 1 and how to score high in the same.

TOEFL is one of the popular English proficiency exams students give to study abroad. The exam is divided into four sections: listening, speaking, writing, and reading. In the Speaking section, there are four types of tasks that need to be finished in 17 minutes. This blog provides detailed information regarding different types of TOEFL speaking questions and methods to score high in the same.

Types of TOEFL Speaking Topics

The TOEFL Speaking Section is divided into 2 types of tasks. One is the independent speaking topic which has two tasks. Another is the integrated topic which has four tasks. There are, in total, six types of speaking tasks.

Independent Speaking Topic

The independent speaking topics of the TOEFL exam include 2 tasks as follows:

• Choosing one option: In this question, the student will be provided with one situation and its possible answers. The candidate has to choose the correct answer and prove it by giving valid statements.

• Choosing one from two options: In this question candidate will be required to choose one option out of the two given options. Again just like the previous question, they need to justify why did they choose that option and how it is correct.

Types of Questions in Independent Speaking Task 1

Following are the types of questions that candidates can prepare for in the Independent Speaking Task 1:

Three Choices Question Type

In this question, the candidate will be provided with three options. The candidate has to choose the right option and justify it by giving relevant examples. Some examples of TOEFL Speaking Questions are as follows:

• Which of the following qualities will you look for when selecting a life partner? Honesty or Intelligence or maturity?

• Which mode of transport will you choose to go to the office? Private Vehicle, Public Vehicle or cab service?

Agree or disagree questions

In this type, an argument will be provided to the students. As the name suggests, they have to either agree or disagree with the same by giving valid reasons and opinions. The first sentence of the answer must have the words agree or disagree.

Some examples of TOEFL Speaking Questions are as follows:

• Do you agree or disagree that students should start working just after graduation? Give reasons and examples to support your statement.

• Do you agree or disagree that work from home should be given to all employees? Give reasons and examples to support your statement.

Preference Question Type

In this question, candidates will be provided with two choices where they have to choose one choice, explaining the reason behind selecting the option. The student must use the word prefer in the first sentence of the answer. Following are the examples of this question.

• Do you prefer to be a night owl or an early bird? Which do you prefer and why?

• Do you prefer buying things online or offline? Why?

• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Why?

Description or Explanation Question Type

In this question, candidate will be provided with a topic, and their task will be to explain it. Other than that, they will also be provided with situations on the general topics of the world, while in other cases, they can even be asked to explain the TOEFL Speaking Topics. Following are the examples of this question.

• Will AI disrupt humans or will it help in our daily life?

• Will Brick and mortar survive or will it get exhausted in upcoming years?

• Should students be encouraged to explore new careers or follow the traditional ones?

Advantage or Disadvantage Question Type

In this question, candidates will be provided with a statement and they have to explain the advantages and disadvantages of it. The candidate must use relevant examples and information to get a good weightage for the answer. Some examples of this question are given below.

• The school students use mobile to study. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this.

• Everyone in your city will become vegan in the next two weeks. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this.

Imaginary Question Type

As the name suggests in this question, the candidate will be given a hypothetical situation. Then the candidates have to tell what they will do in that situation by choosing one of the options or they can even create their own answers. Some examples of this question are given below.

• If you were given an amount of 10 crores rupees. Will you invest or spend it? Explain your answer.

• If one day you got the power to fly. What would you do? Explain your answer.

Also read: How to prepare for a TOEFL exam?

How to score high in TOEFL Speaking Section:

Following are some tips the students can follow to ace in the TOEFL Speaking Section:

• Relax and calm: Remember not to panic as it will create problems in thinking of new ideas and opinions. Before taking the exam take deep breaths and try to be calm.

• No plagiarism allowed: Another important thing to remember is that one should not cram the answers from the internet. If found doing so the candidate can be disqualified.

• Imagination is power: If students are still left with time at the end of an exam, they should try to make just imaginary answers because this is their speaking skills test, not a fact check. Therefore, they can come up with anything of their own.

• Focus: The student should practice the speaking section in a noisy environment which will help them to focus when they will be giving the actual test because real test surroundings will disturb them.

• Practice: One of the most important tips for students to ace the TOEFL Speaking Section is to practice as much as possible. The applicant can join the TOEFL Speaking group or even record their voice.

Conclusion

If you are also preparing for the TOEFL Exam, you must know its format and how to attempt it. This blog explained different TOEFL speaking questions and tips to succeed in the same. For more information, the student can connect with Canamprep and get their queries resolved.

Also read: TOEFL exam pattern

FAQ

What are the different types of tasks in TOEFL Speaking Task 1?

Three Choices Question Type, Agree or disagree questions and Preference Question Type are some of the questions that come in TOEFL Speaking Task 1.

How to score high in TOEFL Speaking Task 1?

One can ace TOEFL Speaking Task 1 by practicing more, being calm in the exam and focusing on questions.

What is the duration of the TOEFL Speaking Section?

The TOEFL Speaking Section lasts for about 17 minutes.

What is the first task of TOEFL Speaking Task 1?

The first task of TOEFL Speaking Task 1 is choosing one option.

Is TOEFL Speaking difficult to attempt?

The TOEFL Speaking Section can be challenging for many students. However, with thorough practice test takers can get the desired score.

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Types of Questions in TOEFL Speaking Task 1

Table of Contents

Types of TOEFL Speaking Topics

Independent Speaking Topic

Types of Questions in Independent Speaking Task 1

Three Choices Question Type

Agree or disagree questions

Some examples of TOEFL Speaking Questions are as follows:

Preference Question Type

Description or Explanation Question Type

Advantage or Disadvantage Question Type

Imaginary Question Type

How to score high in TOEFL Speaking Section:

Conclusion

FAQ

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Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

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Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

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