Scoring 25+ in TOEFL Speaking requires more than fluent English. This guide on TOEFL speaking will help you understand the test section structure, scoring criteria, and task-wise strategy to help you practice smart and perform confidently on test day.
The TOEFL Speaking section is one of the shortest yet a very impactful parts of the test. It's just 16 minutes, there are 4 tasks, and one shot at showing how well you can speak in an academic environment. But how can use score above 25 require more than just fluent English. It is about knowing the structure, using strategy, and practicing smart.
In this article, we will break down the exact structure successful test takers use to consistently score above 25 in the TOEFL Speaking section.
Overview of the TOEFL iBT Speaking Section
In the Speaking section of TOEFL pattern, you will have to complete 4 speaking tasks in 16 minutes. Task 1 is Independent Speaking, and Tasks 2-4 are Integrated Speaking, which combines reading and listening. Each task evaluates 3 important skills, Delivery of the speech, Language used, and Topic Development. Raters are not just listening to what you say, they are also looking at how clearly and naturally you communicate.
Let’s break down the tasks and understand each one individually.
Task 1 is Independent Speaking
This task is all about expressing your opinion. You will be asked to choose between two options or respond to a familiar situation. To answer well in this task, you need to tell your choice clearly. Give 2 strong reasons to support your choice. Give short examples to make your answer more effective.
Task 2 is Campus Conversation
You will read a short passage regarding a campus situation, then listen to a conversation. Usually, one student or person will have an opinion about something. You need to clearly understand the situation, state the student’s opinion, and mention the reasoning of the student. Make notes to be accurate while answering questions.
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Task 3 is Reading + Lecture
This task is all about connecting ideas from a short academic text and a related lecture. Define or summarise the concept of the text (definition or concept). Explain how the lecture and support it with examples.
Task 4 is Lecture
You will hear a lecture and summarize its key points and examples. State the main idea of the lecture. Mention the key points and give brief with supporting examples. Notes will always help you remember the important points.
As you have observed above, in all the tasks, note taking is mentioned. Note taking is your secret weapon for Integrated tasks 2,3 and 4. Write down keywords and ideas. Do not try to write every word that you hear or read.
TOEFL Speaking Scoring Criteria Explained
The Speaking section of TOEFL is judged based on Delivery, Language use and Topic development. Speak clearly and naturally. Do not use a fake accent. Raters want to hear fluency, not perfection. Use variety of sentence structures and vocabulary. Use write grammar and avoid repeating phrases. Make sure your response has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Supporting your ideas with examples and reasoning is also very important part of this section.
To get a score of 25+ in the speaking section, one needs to practise speaking regularly. There are fun ways to practise speaking like reading newspaper, magazines, books out loud. This will help you in getting a natural tone and also help you with the correct pronunciation. You can also listen to English music and repeat after it.
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You will hear English recordings. There are usually 3 to 4 lectures (classroom style) and 2 to 3 conversations (campus life). You have to listen carefully and answer questions. You can take notes while listening, which is very important.
Starting Jan 21, 2026, the New TOEFL format changes totally. The exam is much shorter, only 85 minutes long. The score changes to a 0-6 Band scale instead of 120. It is now adaptive with real tasks like Writing emails. Also, the Speaking section has no preparation time, so you must answer immediately.
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The TOEFL exam pattern comprises four sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing - along with the total score. Candidates can check the article above to understand the latest TOEFL exam pattern.
Section
Number of Questions / Tasks
Types of Content
Time Limit
Reading
20 questions (based on 2 passages)
Academic reading passages with comprehension questions
35 minutes
Listening
28 questions (3 lectures + 2 conversations)
Academic lectures and campus conversations
36 minutes
Speaking
4 tasks
1 Independent + 3 Integrated (read/listen + speak)
16 minutes
Writing
2 tasks
1 Integrated (read/listen + write) + 1 Independent essay
29 minutes
Total Duration
116 minutes