Below, find both “basic” and “advanced” templates for each TOEFL speaking question.  The basic templates are shorter and less wordy.  The advanced templates are longer and include more transitional phrases.  Try both and see what works for you.

If used properly, TOEFL speaking templates can increase your score in all four of the TOEFL speaking questions.  Use templates by inserting the required information from your notes. We update these templates every few months to make sure they are as fresh and effective as possible. Note that we also have a set of TOEFL essay templates.

You may wish to read our detailed guides to each question for more help.

Question One Template (Personal Choice)

Basic Template:

 

Main Point (pick one)

  • “I agree with the idea that…”
  • “I think it is better to…”
  • “I think it is a great/terrible idea to…”

Transition (optional)

  • “I feel this way for several reasons.”

First Reason

  • “First…” + “For example…” (and a personal example)

Second Reason

  • “Second…” + “To be more specific…” (and a few more details)

 

Advanced Template:

 

  • Personally, I wholeheartedly believe [MAIN POINT].
  • This is primarily because [REASON 1].
  • What I mean is [elaborate on reason].
  • Not only that, but [REASON 2].
  • For instance, [elaborate on reason or give example].


Question Two Template (Campus Announcement)

Basic Template:

 

Reading Main Point

  • “According to the announcement/article/letter…”

Reasons from Reading

  • “This is because ___ and ___.”

Transition

  • “There are two reasons why the man supports/opposes this change.”
  • “The man has a mixed opinion of this change.” (only for mixed-opinion conversations)

First Reason

  • “First of all, he argues that…”

Second Reason

  • “Moreover, he mentions that…”

 

Advanced Template:

 

  • According to the reading, [the change].
  • This is not only because [reason 1], but [reason 2].
  • The man is quick to support/oppose this change.
  • First, he argues that [details]. He goes on to say [more details].
  • Moreover, he seems to believe that [details]. From his point of view, [more details].


Question Three Template (General to Specific)

Basic Template:

 

Stating the Term or Idea

  • “The reading is about (TERM/CONCEPT)”

Give a Small Amount of Detail from the Reading

  • “It states that…”

Transition

  • “The professor quickly elaborates on this concept.”

First Example/First Part

  • “To begin with, he/she mentions that…”

Second Example/Second Part

  • “Next, he/she says that…”

 

Advanced Template:

 

  • According to the reading, [title of reading] is [definition].
  • The professor quickly illustrates this using a couple of examples.
  • First, he explains [details from example 1]. Moreover, [more details from example 1].
  • The second thing mentioned is [details from example 2]. The professor goes on to say that [more details from example 2].


Question Four Template (Academic Lecture)

Basic Template:

 

Stating the Lecture Subject and detail

  • “The lecturer explains two [xxxxx]

First Example/First Part (3-5 sentences)

  • “First, she/he describes…”

Second Example/Second part (3-5 sentences)

  • “Second, she mentions…”

 

Advanced Template:

 

  • The lecturer quickly explains two [ways/features/changes/etc]
  • The first thing he touches on is [first thing]. An illustrative example of this is [the example]. The professor notes that [details].
  • Secondly, the professor talks about [second thing]. For instance, he mentions [the example]. He says that [details].


Further Reading? Or Writing Templates?

In addition to the speaking templates, we also have in-depth guides to all of the speaking tasks.  Check them out!  We also have TOEFL writing templates.  Wow!

 

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