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TOEFL iBT SpeackingTask 1

Mastering the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task (Task 1)

This guide provides a deep dive into the first task of the TOEFL Speaking section. Learn the strategies, question types, and practice with real past questions to craft a perfect, high-scoring response in just 45 seconds.

Objective: State and support a personal opinion.
Prep Time: 15 seconds
Response Time: 45 seconds

Common Question Types

While the core task is always to state an opinion, the questions can be framed in a few different ways:

  • Agree or Disagree: You are given a statement and must agree or disagree with it, providing reasons.
  • Paired Choice / Preference: You are presented with two options and must choose one to support.
  • "Good Idea" / Hypothetical: You are asked whether you think a certain action or proposal is a good idea.

The 4-Step Winning Strategy

  1. State Your Opinion Clearly (The Topic Sentence)

    As soon as you finish reading the question, pick a side. Your first sentence should be a direct answer to the prompt. Use phrases like "In my opinion...", "I believe...", or "Personally, I would prefer to...".

  2. Provide Your First Reason & Support It

    Immediately transition into your first reason. State it clearly and then support it with a specific detail or a brief personal example. Personal examples are powerful because they are easy to generate and add authenticity.

  3. Provide Your Second Reason (or Elaborate Further)

    Transition to your second point. If you have time for a full second reason, great. If you are running short on time, it's better to fully develop one reason than to present two weak ones.

  4. Conclude (If Time Permits)

    A formal conclusion isn't strictly necessary. A well-developed argument is more important. However, if you have a few seconds to spare, a simple concluding sentence provides a nice finish.

Real Past Questions & Sample Answers

Question 1 (Paired Choice)

"Some people like to have a lot of friends, while others prefer to have only a few close friends. Which do you prefer? Explain why."

15-Sec Prep: Prefer few friends. R1: Deeper connection (trust, support). R2: Easier to maintain (less time/energy).

Sample Response:

"Personally, I strongly believe it's better to have a few close friends rather than a large group of acquaintances. The primary reason is that the quality of the relationships is much deeper. With a small circle of friends, you can build a higher level of trust and emotional intimacy. For instance, my best friend and I have known each other for over ten years. I know I can rely on him for anything, and that kind of deep supportive connection is difficult to achieve when you have too many friends to keep up with. Secondly, it's simply more manageable. Maintaining many friendships requires a lot of time and energy, which can be draining. Focusing on just a few friends allows me to be a better, more present friend to them. That's why I prefer having just a couple of very good friends."

Why this answer is effective:

  • Direct Answer: The opinion is stated immediately.
  • Strong Reasons: It provides two clear reasons (deeper connection, easier to manage).
  • Specific Example: The personal anecdote about the 10-year friendship adds detail and authenticity.
  • Good Transitions: Words like "Personally," "The primary reason," and "Secondly" guide the listener.

Question 2 (Agree/Disagree)

"Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has made our lives simpler. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer."

15-Sec Prep: Agree - simpler. R1: Communication (instant, apps). R2: Information (easy access, research).

Sample Response:

"I wholeheartedly agree with the statement that technology has made our lives simpler. First of all, communication has become incredibly easy and instant. In the past, you had to write letters or make expensive calls. Now, with my smartphone, I can video call my family who lives in another country for free using apps like WhatsApp. It’s simple, quick, and helps us stay connected effortlessly. Furthermore, accessing information is another area that has become much simpler. When I was in high school and had to write a research paper, I had to spend hours in the library. Now, for my university projects, I can access thousands of academic journals and articles from my laptop at home. This makes research faster and far less complicated."

Why this answer is effective:

  • Clear Stance: The speaker's agreement is unambiguous.
  • Relevant Examples: The examples of WhatsApp and online research are specific and directly support the argument.
  • Effective Contrast: The "past vs. now" comparison highlights the simplification technology has brought.
  • Strong Vocabulary: Words like "wholeheartedly," "incredibly," and "effortlessly" show a good command of English.

Question 3 ("Good Idea")

"Some universities require all first-year students to live in a dormitory on campus. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?"

15-Sec Prep: Good idea. R1: Social (make friends). R2: Academics (close to resources like library).

Sample Response:

"In my view, I think it's an excellent idea for universities to require first-year students to live in on-campus dormitories. The main benefit is that it helps new students build a social network. Moving to a university can be a lonely experience, but living in a dorm forces you to interact with your peers. For example, my older sister met her best friends during her first year because they all lived on the same floor of their dorm. They immediately had a community to rely on. Another key advantage is the convenient access to campus resources. When you live in a dorm, you are just a short walk away from the library and tutoring centers. This makes it much easier to stay on top of your studies and seek help when you need it, which is crucial for a successful transition into university life."

Why this answer is effective:

  • Confident Opening: "In my view, I think it's an excellent idea..." is a strong start.
  • Relatable Example: Using a family member makes the example concrete and easy to understand.
  • Logical Flow: The answer moves smoothly from social benefits to academic benefits.

More Questions for Practice

  • Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer, and why?
  • Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  • Some people prefer to travel to a new destination for vacation. Others prefer to return to the same place every year. Which do you prefer? Explain your choice.
  • Do you agree or disagree: It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city.
  • Your city is planning to build a new public library. Do you think this is a good use of government money? Why or why not?
  • Some people think that playing sports helps children learn about teamwork. Others think it teaches them to be competitive. What is your opinion?
  • Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The internet has made people more isolated.