TOEFL iBT® Three-choice Question Guide in Speaking Task 1

The TOEFL Speaking Task 1 is designed to evaluate your ability to express personal opinions on everyday topics in a clear and structured manner. This section begins with reading a short passage, followed by listening to a related lecture. Afterward, you'll be asked questions where you'll need to express your views, justify them, and manage your response within a strict time limit. It includes various question types, such as three-choice questions, preference questions, and agree/disagree questions.

Let’s learn more about these question types and how to effectively tackle them, especially the three-choice questions, to improve your performance in this section.

TOEFL Speaking Task 1

TOEFL Speaking iBT Task 1 is the initial part of the Speaking section. This section is designed to test your personal opinion on any general matter, preferences, and experiences distinctively in spoken English.  

TOEFL Speaking Task 1 Structure 

• Short Passage: Task 1 starts with a brief passage on any topic related to academics or campus issues. You have only 45-60 seconds to read and understand the passage. 

• Lecture: After reading the passage, next up is listening to a related lecture. The lecture demonstrates a better understanding of the passage discussed with perspective, examples, and related information. This part generally takes 60 to 90 seconds. 

• Questions: After the lecture, you'll find questions and prompts based on the passage and lecture. Opt the questions by speaking about opinions, summarising key points, and showcasing your understanding of the material. 

• Demonstrate your opinions: Finally, comes the toughest and final part where you have to formulate and deliver your opinion within a limited time of 30 to 45 seconds.

You might find this helpful : TOEFL iBT® Speaking Score Calculation: Marking Criteria, Score Interpretation

Types of Questions in TOEFL Speaking Task 1

Here are the various question types in TOEFL Speaking Task 1, and mastering them will enhance your performance, build confidence, and improve your proficiency.

Three-Choice Questions 

In a three-choice question, you are given a question with different sides and you have to select a side and support it with a relevant justification. For example: 

• You are required by your school to join a club. Which type of club would you choose? Academic, Sports, or Volunteer 

• During your senior year of college, you must volunteer at the school library. Would you rather: Stack books, read to children, or help with internet searches? 

Agree or Disagree  

In the agree or disagree question type, you are presented with an argument, and as the name suggests, you either have to agree or disagree with the statement with a valid reason.

Preference Question Type 

In this question type, you are given two options and have to choose one and provide a relevant reason to support the option you have chosen. Remember, you must include the word “prefer” in the first sentence of your answer. 

Description and Explanation Question Type 

In the description and explanation question type, you are given a topic to discuss and talk over. The topics are generally related to general world affairs, you need to provide an explanation and express your opinion on the given topic. 

Advantage or Disadvantage Question Type 

As the name indicates, in the advantage or disadvantage question type, you are given a statement where you have to provide both the advantage and disadvantage of the statement and as usual support it with a relevant example and information. 

Imaginary Question Type 

In the Imaginary question type,  you are thrown into any hypothetical situation, and you have to choose an option and provide a personalised response recommending what you would do in that situation.   

Check TOEFL Speaking Templates for All Speaking Tasks here and practice better to boost your performance!

Tips to Tackle TOEFL Three-Choice Questions in Speaking Task 1  

Since we are focusing majorly on three-choice questions in Speaking Task 1, here are some tips to tackle such questions: 

Tip 1: Choose Your Option Wisely

When faced with a three-choice question, select the option you can most easily support with a personal example or reason. Avoid overthinking; pick the side that feels most natural to you.

Tip 2: Structure Your Answer Clearly

Follow a simple structure: state your choice, explain why, and provide an example to support your reasoning. Keep your answer clear and concise within the time limit.

Tip 3: Practice Speaking Under Time Pressure

Get comfortable with the 45-second time frame by practicing responses to different three-choice questions. Use a timer to ensure you’re staying within the limit and improving your fluency.

Tip 4: Stay Focused on One Key Point

Avoid trying to cover too many details. Focus on one strong reason to back up your choice, as it allows you to elaborate more confidently and coherently.

Tip 5: Use Natural Transitions

Incorporate simple linking words like "first," "for example," and "in conclusion" to keep your response flowing naturally and to stay on track without pausing too much.

Tip 6: Rehearse Aloud Regularly

Practice speaking your answers aloud, either by recording yourself or with a speaking partner. This helps improve pronunciation and lets you fine-tune your pacing and tone.

Mastering TOEFL Speaking Task 1 requires understanding its structure, managing your time, and practicing regularly. Focus on building clear, concise responses and refining your pronunciation. With consistent preparation, you'll improve your performance and confidently tackle the speaking section.

Additional Resources:

• TOEFL iBT® Sample Speaking Questions: Tips for Answers
• How to Use AI Tools for TOEFL Speaking Practice
• 10 Useful Topics to Practice TOEFL English Speaking Skills
• Benefits of Learning English Through Song Lyrics