In this question, you'll first read a short text. The text will go away and you will then listen to a talk on the same topic. You will then be asked a question about what you have read and heard. You'll have 30 seconds to prepare your answer and 60 seconds to speak.
You may take notes while you read and while you listen to the conversations and lectures. You may use your notes to help prepare your response.
We recommend you practice taking notes with a pen and paper like you will during your TOEFL exam.
Read the following passage
The Chemistry Department is planning to award scholarships to students who have received an average grade of 90% or above. We have found there to be a serious need for well-educated chemistry students and the current pool of chemists is highly lacking. By awarding these scholarships, it will allow future chemists to get a better handle on their tuition costs as well as encourage students to study harder in class. After the recent audit, we have found there to be plenty of funds for this department and we feel this is the best place to use them. Considering this school spends most of its funds on the Sports Department, we want to get students more interested in chemistry and we feel this is the best place to start.
Read the question
Start preparing now
You have 60 seconds to record your answer. Click the record button to begin.
Read a campus announcement
Listen to a conversation
-
library_books Audio Script
Female: This is a bad move from the Chemistry Department. I can’t believe they are going to spend school funding like this.
Male: Why would you say that?
Female: Have you seen the outdated equipment in the Chemistry Department? Most of it is older than I am. If the department has so much extra money, they should spend it on updating the chemistry equipment before pushing for more students. I mean, think about it! Most companies use updated equipment, so how do they expect us to compete for positions when we’re accustomed to using outdated equipment? We’re going to be at a disadvantage.
Male: Yea, you’re right. I never thought about that. We will need to know how to use the latest equipment in the Chemistry field for our future careers.
Female: Exactly! Also, I think they should consider spending money on current students who are actually working hard and not try to lure in potential students. I know a lot of my friends are studying hard. Even though they are not getting an average grade of 90%, they are still getting good grades in Chemistry. I think the Chemistry department should award them, like giving them a bonus or something.
Male: That’s true! You make a good point. It would be great if my hard work was rewarded.
Prepare your answer
Question:
The woman expresses her opinion about the announcement. State her opinion and explain the reasons that she gives for holding that opinion.
Record your answer
Your Answer
Your Review
THIS IS NOT YOUR REVIEW!
It's an example of what you can expect from our speaking reviews
Review Summary (Sample) | |
---|---|
Score | 2 / 4 |
Feedback |
Each speaking review includes detailed audio feedback.
Audio feedback (Sample) |
How we review your speaking response | Our TOEFL certified instructors will review your speaking response based on the following criteria:
|
Task Fulfillment (Sample) | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Criteria Description | Score | |||||||||||
Task fulfillment is about how well you respond to the question you are given. TOEFL raters are looking for a response that answers the question directly, with relevant ideas that are fully developed. Fulfilling the task means answering all parts of the question completely. |
Score: 2 / 4 |
|||||||||||
|
Pronunciation & Intonation (Sample) | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Criteria Description | Score | |||||||||||
Pronunciation and intonation is about how you form English sounds and how you use natural English intonation. Your pronunciation and intonation can damage your score if it is difficult for the raters to understand what you are saying. |
Score: 2 / 4 |
|||||||||||
|
Flow & Speech (Sample) | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Criteria Description | Score | |||||||||||
Flow and speech is about how quickly you can speak and how much pausing and hesitation you use. You don’t have to speak quickly, but just quickly enough to sound natural and explain all of your ideas. Raters want to hear natural rhythm and flow. |
Score: 2 / 4 |
|||||||||||
|
Correct Grammar Usage (Sample) | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Criteria Description | Score | |||||||||||
Correct grammar usage is about how you use English grammar and sentence structure. Raters want to see that you can use what you know correctly. Your grammar doesn’t have to be perfect to score high, but mistakes shouldn’t interfere with your meaning. |
Score: 2 / 4 |
|||||||||||
|
Vocabulary Usage (Appropriacy and Range) (Sample) | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Criteria Description | Score | |||||||||||
Vocabulary usage is about how you use English words. Raters are looking for responses that use different words correctly and accurately, and that use a wide range of words that help listeners understand. |
Score: 2 / 4 |
|||||||||||
|
Support & Development (Sample) | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Criteria Description | Score | |||||||||||
Support and development is about the content of your speaking response. Your content should be related directly to the topic, and you should have several main ideas that support your opinion or position. These ideas should be persuasive or compelling. |
Score: 2 / 4 |
|||||||||||
|
Connections & Coherence (Sample) | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Criteria Description | Score | |||||||||||
connections and coherence are about how you put your ideas together and link different sentences to each other. Raters want to see speaking that flows naturally from idea to idea without confusing the listener. |
Score: 2 / 4 |
|||||||||||
|
Sample Answer
Pronunciation training
Practice Your Pronunciation (BETA)
Click the record button below
and start speaking.
As you speak, your speech will be translated to text. It can take 5 seconds before the text appears, so don't worry and keep speaking.
We recommend you try and speak the above sample answer as a way to practice your pronunciation.
Note: This feature only works with Google Chrome on desktop.
Download google chrome for desktop
Video Answer Explanation
TOEFL Speaking 2 Tips for Success
Answer structure
Next, you will hear a conversation between two students discussing their opinions on the passage you just read.
Remember to take notes while you read the passage and listen to the conversation.
Finally, you will answer a question based on the passage and conversation. The question will ask you to state a specific student's opinion and explain the reasons he or she gives for having that opinion.
You will have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to speak.
Here is the structure we recommend you to use:
1. Summarize the main point of the reading passage and state the student’s opinion.
2. Present the first reason of the student and then the second reason of the student.
3. If you still have time, restate the student’s opinion again as a conclusion.
A format for the 60 seconds speech:
- 15 seconds - state the student’s opinion and summarize the main point of the reading passage
- 20 seconds -Present the first reason of the student
- 20 seconds - Present the second reason of the student
- 5 seconds - Restate the student’s opinion again as a conclusion.
Answer template
Agree | Disagree |
The man/girl agrees with the announcement/letter/article, which is about ______
There are two reasons why the man/girl supports the announcement/letter/article. One reason is that ______ Another reason is that ________ Therefore, these reasons are why the man/girl believes that _____ is a good idea. |
The man/girl disagrees with the announcement/letter/article, which is about ______
There are two reasons why the man/girl opposes the announcement/letter/article. One reason is that _____ Another reason is that _______ Therefore, these reasons are why the man/girl believes that _____ is not a good idea. |