TOEIC

SPEAKING
TABLE OF CONTENTS

#1 #2 #3
Format of the
test How to deal with Practice
each part
 What are your
difficulties when doing
a TOEIC speaking
test?
#1
The Format
 The Format of the Test
1. What is the Speaking test?

- The Speaking Test evaluates your ability to speak clearly and correctly and to convey a variety of everyday
information and ideas in a way that is easily comprehensible to the listener.
- You will demonstrate this by responding to a variety of question types and prompts.

2. Targeted Skills

- Speak with correct pronunciation and intonation.

- Use appropriate vocabulary when speaking.
- Use correct grammatical structures when speaking.
- Provide information in response to specific questions.
- Talk about your ideas.
 The Format of the Test
Speaking Sections

● The Speaking Test consists of 11 tasks total and lasts about 20 minutes.

Questions 1-2 Read a Text Aloud You will read a text out loud.

Question 3-4 Describe a Picture You will describe a photo.

Questions 5-7 Respond to Questions You will describe questions about familiar topics.

Questions 8-10 Respond to Questions Using You will answer questions using information provided.
Information Provided
Question 11 Express an Opinion You will talk about your opinion on a particular topic.
 The Format of the Test
Questions 1-2: Read a Text Aloud

● For Questions 1 and 2, you will read a text aloud. A short text will appear on the screen. You will
then have 45 seconds to look it over and get ready to speak.

● After that, you will have 45 seconds to read the text aloud. Each text is written in common
everyday language and is the type of thing that is normally spoken, such as:

○ Announcements ○ News reports

○ Advertisements ○ Phone message

○ Introductions
 The Format of the Test
Questions 1-2: Read a Text Aloud

● Texts may be about such topics as:

○ Office issues ○ Sales ○ Education

○ News ○ Shopping ○ Transportation

○ Cultural events ○ Housing issues

● You will be evaluated on:

○ Pronunciation ○ Intonation and Stress

 The Format of the Test
Questions 3-4: Describe a Picture

● For Question 3-4, you will describe a photo with as much detail as possible. A photo will appear on
the screen. You will have 30 seconds to look it over and get ready to respond.
● Then you will have 45 seconds to talk about the photo. You will describe the people, objects, and
activities that you see. The photo for Question 3-4 will focus on some type of everyday activity in
a common context, such as:
○ Leisure time ○ Shopping ○ Home

○ Dining and ○ Travel ○ Sports

entertainment

● You will be evaluated on:

○ Pronunciation ○ Vocabulary ○ Cohesion of ideas

○ Intonation and Stress ○ Grammar

 The Format of the Test
Questions 5-7: Respond to the Questions

● For Questions 5-7, you will be asked to imagine that you are taking part in a survey. You will be
asked a series of three related questions.
● The questions will appear on the screen, and you will also hear them spoken. After each question
is spoken, you will hear a beep.
● You will then need to begin speaking right away. There will be no preparation time. You will have
15 seconds to respond to Questions 4 and 5 and 30 seconds to respond to Question 6. Questions
4-6 will be about familiar topics, such as:
○ Holidays and travel ○ Shopping ○ Housing

○ Dinning and ○ News

entertainment
○ Health and sports
○ Friends and family
 The Format of the Test
Questions 5-7: Respond to the Questions

● For Questions 5-7, you will be asked to imagine that you are taking part in a survey. You will be
asked a series of three related questions.
● The questions will appear on the screen, and you will also hear them spoken. After each question
is spoken, you will hear a beep.
● You will then need to begin speaking right away. There will be no preparation time. You will have
15 seconds to respond to Questions 4 and 5 and 30 seconds to respond to Question 6. Questions
4-6 will be about familiar topics, such as:
● You will be evaluated on:

○ Pronunciation ○ Grammar ○ Relevance of content

○ Intonation and Stress ○ Cohesion of ideas

○ Vocabulary ○ Completeness of
content
 The Format of the Test
Questions 8-10: Respond to Questions Using Information Provided

● For Questions 7-9, you will answer three questions about information that will be provided to you.
The information will be in the form of a schedule, agenda, or travel itinerary.
● The information will appear on the screen, and you will have 30 seconds to look it over. Then you
will hear the questions.
● The questions will only be spoken. They will not appear on the screen. After each question, you
will hear a beep and you will need to begin speaking right away.
● You will have 15 seconds to respond to Questions 7 and 8 and 30 seconds to respond to Question
9. Questions 7 and 8 ask for specific details on the schedule. They may be in the form of
embedded questions, such as:
○ Can you tell me where the event will ○ Do you know how many speakers there
be? are?

○ I was wondering if I could by my ticket ○ I don’t remember what time the event
later? begins?
 The Format of the Test
Questions 8-10: Respond to Questions Using Information Provided

● Question 9 asks you to connect pieces of information from different parts of the schedule. For
example:
○ What topics do the workshops cover? ○ Who will the speakers be?

○ Will there be any special events in the ○ What special exhibits will be on
afternoon? display?

● The information provided will be about topics such as:

○ Conferences ○ Travel ○ Theater

○ Business meetings ○ Tours

● You will be evaluated on the same criteria as Questions 4-6.

 The Format of the Test
Question 11: Express an Opinion

● You will be asked to express your opinion about a particular topic. The question will appear on the
screen, and you will also hear it spoken.
● After you hear the question, you will have 15 seconds to get ready, and then you will have 60
seconds to speak.
● You will need to make a clear statement of your opinion about the topic and provide details and
examples to support your opinion.
● Question 11 will include a brief description of a situation or commonly held opinion. Then you will
be asked
○ about your thoughts and feelings on the issue, ○ your preferences, or whether or not you
Which do you prefer? Are you in favour of this plan?
agree. The question may be presented in one of these ways:

○ What is your preference / opinion? ○ Do you agree of disagree with this

statement?
○ Do you support or oppose this plan?
○ What do you think about this issue?
 The Format of the Test
Question 11: Express an Opinion

● Question 11 will be about familiar topics, such as:

○ Money and work ○ Transportation

○ Shopping ○ Sports

○ Personal relationships ○ Education and community

● You will be evaluated on the same criteria as Questions 4-6.

 #2
How to deal with each part 
Format
 Questions 1 - 2
Targeted Skills
In order to do well on Questions 1-2, you must be able to:
• Pronounce common words correctly.
• Use correct intonation when reading sentences.
• Use correct stress on syllables and words.
A Good Response will:

• Reflect an accurate pronunciation of the words.

• Contain smooth connections between words.
• Contain accurate phasing of groups of words and “chunks” of language.
• Include correct stress of emphasis, new information, and contrast.
• Include appropriate intonation to indicate the attitude or tone of the context.
 Questions 1 - 2
What you’ll see and hear
What you’ll do
• You will read a text aloud.
• Time yourself while you read the text
above. Read clearly and in a voice
that can be easily heard.
• Try to read the text in no more than
45 seconds.
So now, let’s listen to the model
speaker.
• Listen carefully to the speaker’s
pronunciation, intonation and stress.
• Then try reading aloud along with
the model.
 Questions 1 - 2
What you’ll see and hear
Things to Remember
1. Scan the entire text before reading
so you have the idea of the content.
2. Read clearly and in a voice that can
be easily heard.
3. Remember to pause for commas
and periods.
4. Be sure to use intonation that
matches the meaning of the
sentences.
5. Be careful to pronounce the words
correctly.
Questions 1 - 2
Things to Remember
1. Scan the entire text before reading
so you have the idea of the content. • Pronunciation
2. Read clearly and in a voice that can
be easily heard. • Stress
3. Remember to pause for commas
and periods. • Intonation
4. Be sure to use intonation that
matches the meaning of the
sentences.
5. Be careful to pronounce the words
correctly.
 Questions 1 - 2
Practice

Pre-read the texts and notice the underlined words that might be
challenging. To help you prepare to read the texts aloud, make notes about
pronunciation, word and sentence stress, and intonation.
Further practice
 Question 3-4: Describe a Picture
Targeted Skills
In order to do well on Question 3, you must be able to:
• Pronounce common words correctly.
• Use correct stress on syllables and words.
• Identify the important features of a photo.
• Describe a photo using appropriate vocabulary.
• Describe a photo using correct sentence structure.
A Good Response will:

• Speak clearly
• Accurately describe the people, activities, and objects in the photo
• Use vocabulary to accurately describe the photo as well as correct grammar and sentence
structure
 Question 3-4: Describe a Picture
What you’ll see and hear
What you’ll do
• You will have 30 seconds to prepare
your response.
• Time yourself while you brainstorm
ideas.
• Look closely at the photo and
identify the people.
• Look at the photo in Part A. Think
about what the people are doing.
 Question 3-4: Describe a Picture
What you’ll see and hear
What you’ll do
• You will have 30 seconds to prepare
your response.
• Time yourself while you brainstorm
ideas.
• Look closely at the photo and
identify the people.
• Look at the photo in Part A. Think
about what the people are doing.
So now, let’s listen to the model
speaker.
• Listen and notice how the speaker
organizes his response.
• Listen carefully to the speaker’s
pronunciation, intonation and stress.
 Question 3-4: Describe a Picture
What you’ll see and hear
Things to Remember
1. Scan the photo. What information
will you need in your response?
Brainstorm quickly when you see
the image.
2. Next, think about what you want to
talk about and how you want to say
it. You have 30 seconds to prepare
and 45 seconds to respond.
3. You will hear a beep signaling when
to start. Begin your answer with a
sentence starter, such as In this
photograph, there are… or In this
picture, I see...
Question 3-4: Describe a Picture
Things to Remember
1. Scan the photo. What information
• Grammar: try to use a variety of different
will you need in your response?
Brainstorm quickly when you see grammatical structures.
the image.
• Vocabulary: use a variety of vocabulary to
2. Next, think about what you want to
talk about and how you want to say accurately talk about what is in the photo.
it. You have 30 seconds to prepare
• Cohesion: A cohesive response uses
and 45 seconds to respond.
3. You will hear a beep signaling when conjunctions, references, and other
to start. Begin your answer with a
language tools to make a well-organized
sentence starter, such as In this
photograph, there are… or In this description.
picture, I see...
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 Question 5-7: Respond to Questions
Targeted Skills
In order to do well on Question 5-7, you must be able to:
• Express your opinion clearly, supporting it with details.
• understand the main topic and identify key words.
• select and use appropriate vocabulary.
• describe frequency or duration of events or activities.
• provide details and explanations about your opinion.
A Good Response will:

• accurately and fluently address everything asked about in the prompt within the time provided.
• It will also demonstrate organizational skills, answer the question fully, and include supporting
details.
 Question 5-7: Respond to Questions
What you’ll see and hear
What you’ll do
• You will hear an introductory
statement.
• Then you will respond to three
questions.
 Question 5-7: Respond to Questions
What you’ll see and hear
What you’ll do
• You will hear an introductory
statement.
• Then you will respond to three
questions.

So now, let’s listen to the model

speaker.
• Listen and notice how the speaker
organizes his response.
 Question 5-7: Respond to Questions
What you’ll see and hear Things to Remember

1. First, quickly analyze the prompt and questions.

What key words are in the prompt? What do the
questions ask for? What information do you need
in your responses?
2. Next, think about what you want to talk about.
You should immediately think of key words that
will help you answer quickly.
3. You will hear a beep signaling when to start.
Begin your answer with a topic sentence that
restates the prompt and adds your own
information.
4. Be sure to explain the main reason for your
answer and provide personal details to support
this reason.
 Question 5-7: Respond to Questions
Things to Remember

1. First, quickly analyze the prompt and questions.

• Relevance of content
What key words are in the prompt? What do the
questions ask for? What information do you need is how well you connect your response to
in your responses?
the topic.
2. Next, think about what you want to talk about.
You should immediately think of key words that
will help you answer quickly.
3. You will hear a beep signaling when to start.
Begin your answer with a topic sentence that
restates the prompt and adds your own
information.
4. Be sure to explain the main reason for your
answer and provide personal details to support
this reason.
 Question 4-6: Respond to Questions
Things to Remember

1. First, quickly analyze the prompt and questions.

• Relevance of content
What key words are in the prompt? What do the
questions ask for? What information do you need is how well you connect your response to
in your responses?
the topic.
2. Next, think about what you want to talk about.
You should immediately think of key words that • Completeness of content
will help you answer quickly. is how fully you answer the question.
3. You will hear a beep signaling when to start.
Begin your answer with a topic sentence that
restates the prompt and adds your own
information.
4. Be sure to explain the main reason for your
answer and provide personal details to support
this reason.
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 Question 8-10: Respond to Questions
Using Information Provided
Targeted Skills
You must be able to:
• locate relevant information on a written schedule or agenda.
• summarize several connected pieces of information.
• understand embedded questions.
• use appropriate vocabulary and correct grammatical forms. • convey
requested information clearly and coherently.
A Good Response will:
• give accurate and complete information in a clear and cohesive manner.
• It will also use appropriate language for the situation.
 Question 8-10: Respond to Questions
Using Information Provided
What you’ll see: the directions & a schedule or an
agenda
What you’ll hear

• You will hear someone calling to ask

for information about an event. The
event is related to the schedule or
agenda on the screen.
• You will then hear three questions
from the caller. Your answers will be
based on the information you see on
the screen.
 Question 8-10: Respond to Questions
Using Information Provided
What you’ll see: the directions & a schedule or an What you’ll hear
agenda
• You will hear someone calling to ask
for information about an event. The
event is related to the schedule or
agenda on the screen.
• You will then hear three questions
from the caller. Your answers will be
based on the information you see on
the screen.
What you’ll do
• You will use the information provided
to answer each question.
Question 8-10: Respond to Questions
Using Information Provided

So now, let’s listen to the model

speaker.
• Listen and notice how the speaker
organizes his response.
 Question 8-10: Respond to Questions
Using Information Provided
What you’ll see and hear Things to Remember

1. Read the title to identify the type of

information provided.
2. Scan the information for the main idea and to
get a general sense of how the information is
organized.
3. As you listen to each question, skim the
information for the answer. Start speaking as
soon as you hear the beep.
4. When you are speaking, use expressions like
Let’s see to give yourself time to find the
information you need to provide.
 Question 81-0: Respond to Questions
Using Information Provided
Things to Remember

1. Read the title to identify the type of • Conveying information accurately

information provided.
and politely
2. Scan the information for the main idea and to
You are expected to speak politely to a
get a general sense of how the information is
person calling to ask questions about an
organized.
event or a plan.
3. As you listen to each question, skim the
You should try to use language that is
information for the answer. Start speaking as
appropriate for speaking with someone
soon as you hear the beep.
you don’t know and avoid speaking too
4. When you are speaking, use expressions like
informally or being impolite.
Let’s see to give yourself time to find the
More importantly, you need to be sure
information you need to provide.
your information is correct and is what
the caller is asking for.
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 Question 11: Express an Opinion
Targeted Skills
You must be able to:
• understand what a speaker is asking for.
• summarize a problem clearly and briefly.
• come up with a solution to a problem.
• organize your ideas while speaking.
• select and use appropriate vocabulary and correct grammatical forms.
• speak clearly.

A Good Response:
• is well developed and expresses a clear opinion, supporting details, and clear relationships
between ideas.
• Speaking is easily understandable, vocabulary is appropriate, and grammatical structures are
correctly used.
 Question 11: Express an Opinion
What you’ll see and hear: directions and a question
asking you to give an opinion about something.
Read and listen to the sample
task and questions. Identify
the 2 main questions being
asked.

Think about your own

personal opinion on the topic
and 3-4 reasons to support it.
Question 11: Express an Opinion
What you’ll do
• You will respond by showing you
understand the question and by
expressing your opinion about the
matter..

So now, let’s listen to the model

speaker.
• Listen and notice how the
speaker organizes his response.
Question 11: Express an Opinion
Things to Remember

1. First, form an opinion statement.

2. Next, think of three or four key points that
support your opinion.
3. Begin your answer by stating your opinion.
4. Then list your supporting key points.
5. After each key point, give additional details
about it, including personal information,
reasons, and examples.
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