For this task, you will be asked to speak about a person, place, object, or event that is familiar to you. You will be given 45 seconds to record your response. The topics for this question will vary, but you will always be asked to base your response on personal experience or a familiar topic. You might, for example, be asked about a place you like to visit, an important event in your life, a person who influenced you, or an activity that you enjoy.

Tip

Record your own voice to make sure that your pronunciation and fluency of speech are clear. Then take the recording to an English teacher or tutor who can evaluate your response using the TOEFL iBT Speaking rubric.

(Use an introductory word or phrase)

When it comes to choosing a film, I can only think of E:T the Extraterrestrial, which was directed by Steven Spielberg. One reason why I like this movie is the special effects it has. The film was produced with state-of-the-art visual effects and sounds that were one of a kind at the time of release. Another reason is the plot. The story is about this boy with two siblings who befriends an alien that becomes stranded on Earth. Elliot, the boy, later brings E.T into his suburban California house. All in all, both the special effects and the story make this film a box office success and a movie everyone will remember ever after.

(CONCLUSION: summary of the points)

Respond to a question and explain why. Introductory phrases

When it comes to (verb-ING)...... If you ask me, I think that......
As far as I’m concerned, .........
In my opinion,.......

Main points

One reason is..../ Another reason is....
The first reason (why) I think so is...../The second reason is... First, / Second, ....Finally,

Conclusion

All things considered, ..... In conclusion,......
All in all,........