• TOEFL

Types of Questions in TOEFL Speaking Task 1

5894 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Aug 05,2023 12:37 PM IST

TOEFL Speaking Section contains six types of tasks. Read more to know about the type of questions that come in TOEFL Speaking Task 1 and how to score high in the same.

TOEFL is one of the popular English proficiency exams students give to study abroad. The exam is divided into four sections: listening, speaking, writing, and reading. In the Speaking section, there are four types of tasks that need to be finished in 17 minutes. This blog provides detailed information regarding different types of TOEFL speaking questions and methods to score high in the same.

Types of TOEFL Speaking Topics

The TOEFL Speaking Section is divided into 2 types of tasks. One is the independent speaking topic which has two tasks. Another is the integrated topic which has four tasks. There are, in total, six types of speaking tasks.

Independent Speaking Topic

The independent speaking topics of the TOEFL exam include 2 tasks as follows:

• Choosing one option: In this question, the student will be provided with one situation and its possible answers. The candidate has to choose the correct answer and prove it by giving valid statements.

• Choosing one from two options: In this question candidate will be required to choose one option out of the two given options. Again just like the previous question, they need to justify why did they choose that option and how it is correct.

Types of Questions in Independent Speaking Task 1

Following are the types of questions that candidates can prepare for in the Independent Speaking Task 1:

Three Choices Question Type

In this question, the candidate will be provided with three options. The candidate has to choose the right option and justify it by giving relevant examples. Some examples of TOEFL Speaking Questions are as follows:

• Which of the following qualities will you look for when selecting a life partner? Honesty or Intelligence or maturity?

• Which mode of transport will you choose to go to the office? Private Vehicle, Public Vehicle or cab service?

Agree or disagree questions

In this type, an argument will be provided to the students. As the name suggests, they have to either agree or disagree with the same by giving valid reasons and opinions. The first sentence of the answer must have the words agree or disagree.

Some examples of TOEFL Speaking Questions are as follows:

• Do you agree or disagree that students should start working just after graduation? Give reasons and examples to support your statement.

• Do you agree or disagree that work from home should be given to all employees? Give reasons and examples to support your statement.

Preference Question Type

In this question, candidates will be provided with two choices where they have to choose one choice, explaining the reason behind selecting the option. The student must use the word prefer in the first sentence of the answer. Following are the examples of this question.

• Do you prefer to be a night owl or an early bird? Which do you prefer and why?

• Do you prefer buying things online or offline? Why?

• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Why?

Description or Explanation Question Type

In this question, candidate will be provided with a topic, and their task will be to explain it. Other than that, they will also be provided with situations on the general topics of the world, while in other cases, they can even be asked to explain the TOEFL Speaking Topics. Following are the examples of this question.

• Will AI disrupt humans or will it help in our daily life?

• Will Brick and mortar survive or will it get exhausted in upcoming years?

• Should students be encouraged to explore new careers or follow the traditional ones?

Advantage or Disadvantage Question Type

In this question, candidates will be provided with a statement and they have to explain the advantages and disadvantages of it. The candidate must use relevant examples and information to get a good weightage for the answer. Some examples of this question are given below.

• The school students use mobile to study. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this.

• Everyone in your city will become vegan in the next two weeks. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this.

Imaginary Question Type

As the name suggests in this question, the candidate will be given a hypothetical situation. Then the candidates have to tell what they will do in that situation by choosing one of the options or they can even create their own answers. Some examples of this question are given below.

• If you were given an amount of 10 crores rupees. Will you invest or spend it? Explain your answer.

• If one day you got the power to fly. What would you do? Explain your answer.

Also read: How to prepare for a TOEFL exam?

How to score high in TOEFL Speaking Section:

Following are some tips the students can follow to ace in the TOEFL Speaking Section:

• Relax and calm: Remember not to panic as it will create problems in thinking of new ideas and opinions. Before taking the exam take deep breaths and try to be calm.

• No plagiarism allowed: Another important thing to remember is that one should not cram the answers from the internet. If found doing so the candidate can be disqualified.

• Imagination is power: If students are still left with time at the end of an exam, they should try to make just imaginary answers because this is their speaking skills test, not a fact check. Therefore, they can come up with anything of their own.

• Focus: The student should practice the speaking section in a noisy environment which will help them to focus when they will be giving the actual test because real test surroundings will disturb them.

• Practice: One of the most important tips for students to ace the TOEFL Speaking Section is to practice as much as possible. The applicant can join the TOEFL Speaking group or even record their voice.

Conclusion

If you are also preparing for the TOEFL Exam, you must know its format and how to attempt it. This blog explained different TOEFL speaking questions and tips to succeed in the same. For more information, the student can connect with Canamprep and get their queries resolved.

Also read: TOEFL exam pattern

FAQ

What are the different types of tasks in TOEFL Speaking Task 1?

Three Choices Question Type, Agree or disagree questions and Preference Question Type are some of the questions that come in TOEFL Speaking Task 1.

How to score high in TOEFL Speaking Task 1?

One can ace TOEFL Speaking Task 1 by practicing more, being calm in the exam and focusing on questions.

What is the duration of the TOEFL Speaking Section?

The TOEFL Speaking Section lasts for about 17 minutes.

What is the first task of TOEFL Speaking Task 1?

The first task of TOEFL Speaking Task 1 is choosing one option.

Is TOEFL Speaking difficult to attempt?

The TOEFL Speaking Section can be challenging for many students. However, with thorough practice test takers can get the desired score.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Bath Spa University - Locksbrook Campus

England, UK • 35 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 13000-17000 / year

Navitas Group - Edith Cowan College - Mount Lawley Campus

Western Australia, Australia • 4 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 34500-35000 / year

Shorelight Group- Bellarmine University

Kentucky, USA • 41 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 48500-49000 / year

Humphreys University - Stockton Campus

California, USA • 1 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 16000-18200 / year

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges - Wabash Valley College Campus

Illinois, USA • 15 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 11500-12000 / year

Global University Systems (GUS) - University of Europe for Applied Sciences - Berlin Campus

Berlin, Germany • 44 Programmes

Tuition Fee : EUR 12700-12700 / year

Aston University

England, UK • 119 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 9000-25000 / year

Trinity Western University - Richmond Campus

British Columbia, Canada • 5 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 0-0 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Dalhousie University Application Week

Study in Canada • Application Days

All Canam Offices, PAN India • 11:00AM

In-Person & Virtual Event

University Visit - Saskatchewan Colleges (MSM)

Study in Canada • University Visit

Sangrur • 12:30PM

In-Person Event

University Visit - NAVITAS , Canada

Study in Canada • University Visit

kochi2 • 12:30PM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Summer Intake in Germany 2025

Germany is located in Central Europe and is known for its rich culture, history, strong economy, and high standard of living. Its diverse population h...

Updated on • Jan 14,2025 05:49 PM IST • Study in Germany

IELTS Reading Practice Tests 2025: Reading Passage and Sample Questions

The IELTS or International English Language Testing System exam consists of four modules – Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. The IELTS Readi...

Updated on • Jan 14,2025 05:48 PM IST • IELTS

May Intake in Canada 2025

What is May Intake in Canada 2025?Canada May Intake is considered the third most popular study intake in Canada after the September and January...

Updated on • Jan 14,2025 04:09 PM IST • Study in Canada

IELTS Letter Writing Topics 2025

There is a 60-minute time limit for the IELTS Writing test, with 20 minutes allotted for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. IELTS General Writing Task ...

Updated on • Jan 14,2025 01:44 PM IST • IELTS

February Intake in Australia: Timeline, Courses, Universities, Deadlines & More

Students who desire to study in Australia should consider the February 2025 intake, which is known as the primary intake in Australia for admission, t...

Updated on • Jan 14,2025 10:33 AM IST • Australia

Scholarships to Study in Ireland

Getting scholarships to study in Ireland is no less than an open-eye dream for many of the students out there. What makes getting a scholarship such a...

Updated on • Jan 10,2025 05:28 PM IST • Ireland

Canada IELTS band requirements 2025

Canada's education system is considered the best in the world for international students. Students must fulfil many Canadian Universities' requirement...

Updated on • Jan 10,2025 05:10 PM IST • IELTS

What makes Australia a preferred study destination for Indians?

Australia remains a top choice for Indian students seeking a study-abroad adventure, offering unparalleled advantages. Its blend of quality education,...

Updated on • Jan 10,2025 11:25 AM IST • Australia

PTE Accepted Universities in Australia

In recent years, PTE has emerged as one of the alternatives to IELTS to study abroad. Many top study-abroad destinations like USA, UK and New Zealand ...

Updated on • Jan 10,2025 11:07 AM IST • PTE

Cheapest MBA in UK for International Students

Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can be a game-changer for your career, opening doors to leadership roles and propelling your earning...

Updated on • Jan 09,2025 04:39 PM IST • UK

How to Choose a Study Abroad Destination?

International education is a dream for many students. It not only helps you excel professionally, but also enhances your perception, and evo...

Updated on • Jan 09,2025 04:32 PM IST • Study Abroad

Why Study in Europe?

A quick question for you readers: What's the most important step in studying abroad? *drumrolls* so? Did your answer include anything like choosing a ...

Updated on • Jan 07,2025 05:36 PM IST • Study Abroad

Top Free Education Countries for Indian Students

Education is the right of every individual on earth. It enhances your knowledge, improves economic opportunities, and promotes personal development. A...

Updated on • Jan 06,2025 11:43 AM IST • International Students

September/Fall Intake Canada 2025: Timeline, Universities & Admission Requirements

Studying in Canada after 12th class is the dream of many Indian students. Students with guidance from study abroad consultants apply for different int...

Updated on • Jan 03,2025 05:27 PM IST • Study in Canada

Study in British Columbia

Imagine waking up and starting your day to a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and snow-covered mountains on the other- Yes! That's B...

Updated on • Jan 02,2025 04:35 PM IST • Study in Canada

Exams Required to Study in USA

If you want to study in the USA, you might have to take a few exams depending on your field, and study goals. These exams help US Universities & C...

Updated on • Dec 31,2024 12:44 PM IST • USA

Study in USA After Diploma

Have you completed your diploma and want to expand your education to unlock new opportunities? the USA welcomes you with open arms. It offers many opp...

Updated on • Dec 31,2024 12:39 PM IST • USA

Most Affordable Universities in USA

There are several students across the globe who dream of studying in the USA. The USA is a dream study-abroad destination, and all those who dream abo...

Updated on • Dec 27,2024 03:55 PM IST • USA

Life in Canada as an Indian Student

Canada is one of the most popular study destinations among international students. This is because it is home to world-class universities th...

Updated on • Dec 26,2024 05:50 PM IST • Study in Canada

Summer Intake in USA - Universities, Timelines & More

Are you thinking about starting your academic journey sooner? If yes, studying in the USA can be your masterstroke! It opens doors to world-class educ...

Updated on • Dec 26,2024 12:35 PM IST • USA

Types of Questions in TOEFL Speaking Task 1

Table of Contents

Types of TOEFL Speaking Topics

Independent Speaking Topic

Types of Questions in Independent Speaking Task 1

Three Choices Question Type

Agree or disagree questions

Some examples of TOEFL Speaking Questions are as follows:

Preference Question Type

Description or Explanation Question Type

Advantage or Disadvantage Question Type

Imaginary Question Type

How to score high in TOEFL Speaking Section:

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams