How do I prepare for TOEFL Speaking: Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview?
The updated 2026 TOEFL Speaking section has two tasks: Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview. In Listen and Repeat you hear short sentences and repeat them exactly. In Take an Interview you answer questions about your experiences and opinions in a simulated academic or campus interview. Every item in both tasks is worth up to 5 points.
Listen and Repeat
The ETS specifications list 7 items, starting with short, simple sentences and moving to longer, more complex ones. ETS says this task measures your ability to process spoken English and speak accurately and intelligibly.
When you practice, say each sentence back in the same order without dropping a word, and as sentences get longer, remember them in meaningful chunks.
Take an Interview
The ETS specifications list 4 items. The questions move from brief factual statements toward longer answers such as opinions, explanations, predictions, and narration. ETS says this task measures whether you communicate clearly, keep a natural speaking pace, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
When you practice, answer each question in one sentence first, then extend the answer with a reason or an experience.
Timing and setting
The ETS overview table lists an approximate base time of 8 minutes for Speaking, and you record your answers into a microphone. Scenarios are based on academic and campus life, and no specialized background knowledge is needed. You may hear native-speaker accents from North America, the U.K., New Zealand, or Australia.
Sources
- ETS · TOEFL iBT Speaking Section
- ETS · TOEFL iBT Test: 2026 Update Test Blueprint and Specifications (PDF)
- ETS · TOEFL iBT Test Content
Compiled from information ETS has published, checked on October 30, 2026. Test policies can change, so please check the latest ETS information before you test.