TOEFL Speaking Topics with Model Answers — Complete 2026 Guide & Templates
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Want a high score in the TOEFL Speaking section in 2026? This human-written guide gives the latest format changes, task types, high-value practice topics, and ready-to-use model answers (with timing notes) so you can practice like a pro. I used official ETS updates and current 2026 practice materials to make sure everything here matches the new test reality.
What changed in TOEFL Speaking (2026) — short version
Beginning January 21, 2026, ETS introduced major test updates: a shorter, more adaptive TOEFL iBT; dual score reporting on a new 1–6 band (CEFR-aligned) alongside the legacy 0–120 during the transition; and revised question types in Speaking, including new Interview and Listen-and-Repeat tasks. The ETS official practice tests and PDFs reflect these updates and should be your primary calibration tool.
Overview — the 2026 Speaking section (what to expect)
Item | 2026 format (short) |
Number of speaking items | Expanded (example guidance shows ~11 items including interview & repeat tasks). |
Task types | Interview (personal), Listen-and-Repeat, Integrated tasks (read/listen/speak), Independent opinion tasks |
Timing | Shorter responses for some items; plan 20–60 seconds depending on task type |
Scoring | Section contributes to overall band 1–6 report; ETS provides rubrics and sample responses. |
Practice with ETS sample materials and full-length practice tests that align to the January 2026 format.
Core approach — How to practice these TOEFL speaking topics with model answers
Know the task template — every speaking task has an expected structure: intro → 1–2 points (with example) → quick wrap.
Time your planning — use 10–20 seconds to plan for independent/integrated tasks; 3–7 seconds for listen-and-repeat.
Record and self-score — compare your responses to official ETS rubrics and high-scoring samples (available in ETS practice PDFs).
Focus on delivery — clear pronunciation, steady pace, and linking words often beat overly complex grammar.
High-frequency TOEFL speaking topics (2026) — practice list
Personal preference / interview questions: “Describe a habit you want to develop.”
Campus life / student choices: “Should universities require internships?”
Problem-solution: “What would you do if a campus café closed?”
Academic integrated: summarize a short reading and lecture (contrasting views).
Opinion + example: “Is technology helping or harming social connections?”
Listen-and-repeat: short campus announcements or directions (new 2026 task).
Model answers — real practice (use these as templates)
Note: timings shown are practice targets. For integrated tasks, plan 15–20 seconds, speak 40–50 seconds. For interview/listen-and-repeat tasks, respond as instructed (short).
1) Independent (Interview) — Describe a habit you want to develop.
Timing: plan 15s — speak 45s
Model answer:“I’d like to develop a daily reading habit. Right now I read only on weekends, but building a routine of 20–30 minutes a day would help me in two ways. First, it would expand my vocabulary and make academic reading less time-consuming. Second, it would improve my focus by providing a calm start to the day — for example, last semester I read one academic article every weekend and felt more confident in seminars. If I read daily, I expect my comprehension speed and class participation would improve noticeably.”
Why this works: clear thesis, two concrete benefits, one short example, tidy conclusion.
2) Independent (Opinion) — Should universities require internships?
Timing: plan 10s — speak 40s
Model answer:“Yes — universities should encourage, though not strictly require, internships. Internships provide hands-on experience and strengthen employability; for instance, a friend who interned at a marketing firm could apply classroom theory directly and later secured a job because of that experience. However, mandatory internships can disadvantage students who must work paid hours to support themselves, so universities should offer flexible, credit-bearing internship options instead.”
Template note: state position → two reasons (with example) → balanced caveat.
3) Integrated (Read + Listen) — Reading gives X reason; the lecture opposes with Y. Summarize both and explain the professor’s view.
Timing: plan 20s — speak 50–60s
Model answer:“The reading claims that building a new bike lane in the city center will reduce traffic congestion by encouraging cycling. It supports this with survey data showing an increase in bike trips after lane construction. The lecturer challenges this, arguing that without secure parking and safer intersections, many commuters won’t switch from cars to bikes. She offers a recent city study where bike lanes were added but bike usage rose only slightly because commuters lacked safe end-of-trip facilities. Overall, the professor believes infrastructure must include parking and safety improvements, not just lanes, to change commuter behaviour.”
Why this is high-scoring: concise summary of both sources, accurate contrast language, and concluding synthesis.
4) Listen-and-Repeat (new 2026 style) — Campus directions: “Turn left at the library…”
Timing: immediate repetition (per item)
Practice tip: repeat exactly, preserve key words, and use native rhythm. Accuracy > embellishment.
Table — Sample study schedule (4 weeks focused speaking push)
Week | Tasks | Goal |
1 | Record 10 interview responses; review ETS high-scoring samples | Build confidence & voice control |
2 | 8 integrated practice (read+listen); focus on summarizing & linking phrases | Accuracy & content capture |
3 | Daily listen-and-repeat drills; 6 timed full speaking sections | Fluency & short-term memory |
4 | Two full practice tests (ETS format); error analysis & tutor feedback | Test readiness |
Use official ETS practice tests and the 2026 practice PDFs to align with scoring rubrics.
Quick templates & useful phrases (bookmark these)
Intro: “I believe that…” / “My view is that…”
Linking: “Firstly…”, “Moreover…”, “On the other hand…”
Contrast: “However, the lecturer points out…” / “In contrast…”
Conclusion: “In sum…” / “Therefore, I think…”
Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
Over-memorizing — examiners penalize responses that sound rehearsed; use templates, not scripts.
Neglecting note-taking — integrated tasks require concise notes; practice symbols and abbreviations.
Rushing endings — leave 1–2 seconds to close; ending abruptly lowers coherence score.
Ignoring ETS rubrics — they value task fulfilment, coherence and language range; practice against official rubrics.
FAQ — focused answers (includes the focus keyword)
Q1: What are the best ways to practice TOEFL speaking topics with model answers?A1: The best approach is to practice with authentic 2026-format materials (ETS practice tests and speaking practice PDFs), record timed responses, compare to high-scoring ETS samples, and focus on integrated tasks plus the new interview/repeat items. Use the model answers above as templates, then personalize them with your examples.
Q2: How long should my responses be for integrated tasks in 2026?A2: Plan ~15–20 seconds to prepare and 40–60 seconds for your spoken answer depending on the specific prompt; follow the timing cues in ETS practice materials.
Q3: Will ETS continue to publish official sample answers and practice tests?A3: Yes — ETS publishes updated practice tests and sample question PDFs aligned with the 2026 format. Use those as your primary standard.
Final checklist — day before & test day
Review 6 model answers (you created) and record one final mock speaking section.
Sleep well and do a light warm-up (read a short academic paragraph and summarize aloud).
On test day, jot quick notes immediately after prompts for integrated items, speak clearly, and keep a steady pace.
Call to Action (CTA) — practice resources & next steps
Official ETS practice — start with ETS full-length practice and the Speaking practice PDF (aligns to January 2026 format).
ETS Practice Test & resources: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare/sample-test-jan-2026-1.html.
Use updated prep platforms — Magoosh, BestMyTest, and other reputable prep sites have 2026-aligned practice tests and question banks
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