TOEFL iBT Sample Speaking Questions: Tips for Answers

Understanding and practicing the TOEFL speaking section different question types such as three-choice, agree or disagree, preference, description or explanation, and advantage or disadvantage can uplift your performance in the TOEFL speaking section. 

If you are looking for sample questions for speaking then you are at the right place. In this article, we curated all the TOEFL question-type samples along with TOEFL speaking tips for answering them and the best study resources you can use. 

Types of TOEFL Speaking Questions  

Here are the types of TOEFL speaking questions: 

• Three-Choice Question Types

In three choice questions, the candidates are presented with three options and you must choose one, providing reasons for their choice.    

• Agree or Disagree Question Types 

Agree or Disagree Question Types ask the candidates to express their agreement or disagreement with a valid statement to support their answer. 

• Preference Question Type

In the preference question type, you are asked to choose a preference over two and provide a justification for your answer.   

• Description or Explanation Question Type 

Description or Explanation Question Type asks the candidates to describe a person, place, event, and concept, providing details and explanations.  

• Advantage or Disadvantage Question Type   

In advantages or disadvantage question types, the candidate states the pros and cons of a specific situation or idea. 

TOEFL Speaking Questions: Samples 

Three-Choice Question Types 

Here are the sample questions for three-choice question type options, and candidates must choose 

Sample Question 1: Which of the following activities do you prefer? Explain Choices  

 A- Reading Books B- Watching Movies C- Playing Sports                            

Sample Question 2: What is the most important quality in a friend? Justify your answer 

A- Honesty B-Loyalty C- Sense of humor  

Agree or Disagree Question Types 

Here are the sample questions for Agree or Disagree type options 

Sample Question 1: Do you agree or disagree that social media has a negative impact on society? Explain your reasoning."

Sample Question 2: Do you agree or disagree with the statement that students should take a gap year before starting college? Why?  

Preference Question Type

Here are the sample questions for preference question type options

Sample Question 1: Would you prefer to study in a quiet library or a lively café? Why?"

Sample Question 2: "Do you prefer to travel alone or with friends? Explain your preference."

Description or Explanation Question Type 

Here are the sample questions for the Description or Explanation Question type 

Sample Question  1: "Describe your favorite place in your hometown and explain why it is special to you." 

Sample Question 2: "Explain the importance of learning a second language in today’s world."

Advantage or Disadvantage Question Type   

Here are the sample questions for the Advantage or Disadvantage Question type

Sample Question  1: "What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning compared to traditional classroom learning?"

Sample Question 2: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city versus a small town.

 Tips for Answering Sample Speaking Questions 

Here are some of TOEFL speaking tips for answering sample speaking questions 

1. Know the Format and Question Type

Keep yourself up to date with the format and different types of questions such as three-choice, agree or disagree, preference, description or explanation, and advantage or disadvantage. By knowing what is expected it will help you structure your response more effectively. 

2. Choose a Clear Position 

Choosing a clear position indicates that stick to one side. This tip is essentially for agree or disagree question types. Avoid drifting to both sides and creating confusion. 

3. Follow a template 

Build your response based on a template. For reference: 

• Introduction:  “In my opinion…”

• Supporting Point 1:  “One reason is that…”

• Supporting Point 2: “Additionally…”

• Conclusion: “To Conclude ”

4. Keep taking notes during preparation 

While preparing, keep jotting all the important key points and examples that you want to use in your answer. 

5. Work on your vocabulary and practice speaking clearly 

Keep constantly working on your vocabulary and maintain a normal speaking pace in your speaking skills. Practice speaking different topics to enhance your fluency. 

6. Utilize Transitional Phrases 

Use transitional phrases such as first, however, on the other hand to connect your ideas smoothly. 

7. Support your answers with Examples 

Always support your answer with relevant examples. This practice will add depth in your response. 

Best Books for TOEFL Preparation 

Here are some of the best books and study resources for TOEFL: 

Some study resources that you should consider: 

• TOEFL Test Prep Planner 

• Delta’s Key to the TOEFL iBT 

• Grammar Rules You Must Know to Guarantee Your Success On The TOEFL Exam 

These were the sample questions along with tips for answering them and the best books & study resources for preparation. In conclusion, by practicing these questions, incorporating these tips, and utilizing the recommended study you will ace the speaking section.

Also Read: 

• BTech Universities Abroad Accepting TOEFL iBT® Scores in 2025 
• Is TOEFL Score Accepted in Canada? Top Universities & Minimum Requirements
• List of USA Colleges Accepting 100-110 TOEFL iBT® Scores