How to Tackle the Most Challenging Questions in TOEFL Speaking Test

In the TOEFL exam, one of the sections which can seem stressful is the TOEFL Speaking test. This is because test takers are required to think quickly, express quickly, and acquire the ability to have a response which is coherent. There could be a few questions which might be more challenging because of its complex meaning. However, with the right strategies and continuous preparation, you would be able to tackle these appropriately.

This blog will explore such challenging and difficult questions in the TOEFL Speaking Section. You can also learn about some strategies to help you perform well in this segment with utmost confidence.

Structure of TOEFL Speaking Task

To attempt the TOEFL Speaking Test, it is recommended to first be well versed with the structure of the test as each task has its own format and requirements. This would help you to understand the techniques to be used and you can prepare it well.

In all these four tasks, you must be diligently practicing consistently so that you can attempt these tasks effectively. It is important to focus on them individually before taking a complete practice test to get a score in real time. Even though each task requires you to answer the prompt, tasks 2, 3, and 4 seem to be challenging for many TOEFL aspirants.

Speaking Task 1 : Personal Experience vs General Opinion

In this type of question, you are either required to answer from your personal or real-life events or provide an opinion on a particular topic. It is crucial to first identify the type of the question which you have got before starting to answer the question.

Let’s dive into one of the challenging questions in this task for both types of questions.

Sample Question - Personal Experience

Describe a moment when you had to make a crucial choice in your life. What was that decision and how did you make it?

Since the prompt is asking to provide an explanation about your personal experience, you need to articulate the specific decision-making experience. Remember to include what is the thought process behind this decision and take the listener through the entire real-life event. As this is a narrative-based question, you are required to use personal pronouns and provide specific details about the event.

Below is the table which depicts how you can ideate and attempt this question.

Sample Question - General Opinion

Do you agree or disagree that children should have the liberty to make their own decisions in choosing subjects in school?

This question is prompting you to provide your own opinion which might seem very straightforward; however, you need to take a stand. Before explaining with any reasons, you need to make sure that you put forward your opinion first and then provide supporting ideas to justify that opinion. It is crucial to not provide very vague answers and must be specific to the question and the chosen opinion. Remember that this is an argument-based question so you must not provide any personal experience.

The table below provides an overview on how to brainstorm and attempt this question

Speaking Task 2 : Integrated Speaking [Listening + Speaking]

In this type of question, usually a listening audio will be provided where you get to listen to a conversation between two people and then summarise the viewpoints and state your opinion. It is vital to jot down points and also to make notes while listening as this will help in answering concisely. However, try not to move away from the topic and organise the information coherently.

Sample Question - Integrated Speaking [Listening + Speaking]

After you listen to the recording, the question will appear for you to summarise the points about two people discussing the benefits of a group project and working alone and you need to explain which method you follow.

You have to listen very carefully in this task and also take notes so that you can use the information to answer. Remember to pay attention to both the speakers and the arguments they made along with the reasons provided. You can state your opinion at the end after summarising the viewpoints of both the speakers and their stance.

The table below mentions the structure and the way you can provide a concise answer to the question.

Speaking Task 3 : Integrated Speaking [Listening + Reading + Speaking]

Moving on to the next task, you are required to listen to the audio, read the passage, and then answer according to the prompt. The response needs to summarise the information provided and also explain the connection between two. Remember to skim through the passage to identify the main idea and focus on key details. Therefore, it is necessary to take notes in order to organise your answer which must be coherent.

Sample Question - Integrated Speaking [Listening + Reading + Speaking]

The reading and listening both discuss renewable energy. Summarize the main points from both sources and explain how the professor’s opinion in the listening relates to the ideas in the reading.

The table below mentions the structure and the way you can provide a concise answer to the question.

Speaking Task 4 : Independent Speaking

In Speaking Task 4, many individuals might find the independent speaking task challenging. A familiar topic would be provided where one has to give their opinion and justify the same with examples and reasoning. You'll have 45 seconds to prepare and only a minute to speak.

Sample Question - Independent Speaking

Do you prefer studying alone or in a group?

The table below shows the strategy which you can use to concisely present your answer.

Remember that with the right strategies and consistent practice, you would be able to tackle the questions in TOEFL Speaking Test. You can practice the individual sections and also take the complete speaking test to simulate the real exam format.