The new Speaking section is short, about eight minutes, and built from two task types. There is little time to recover from a slow start, so knowing the format matters.
What changed in Speaking
The old section had four tasks over about 16 minutes, including integrated tasks that combined reading and listening. The 2026 section has about 11 items over roughly 8 minutes, across two task types.
Listen and Repeat
You hear a sentence and repeat it as exactly as you can. The sentences get longer and more complex as you go.
- Repeat in meaning groups, not word by word.
- Keep the speaker’s rhythm and stress; it helps you remember the words.
- Do not stop to fix a small mistake. Keep going to the end.
Take an Interview
You answer a series of questions out loud, like a short interview. Topics are everyday and personal rather than academic: your studies, habits, opinions and plans.
An example answer
Question: Do you prefer studying alone or in a group? Answer: I prefer studying alone. I concentrate better when it is quiet, so I remember more. For example, before my last exam I studied in the library every evening and finished the whole syllabus in a week.
It answers in the first sentence, gives one reason and one concrete example, and finishes inside the time.
What the scoring listens for
- Fluency: speaking at a steady pace without long pauses.
- Pronunciation: clear sounds and word endings.
- Language: correct grammar and fitting vocabulary.
- Content: answering the actual question, completely.
How to practise in ten minutes a day
- 01Repeat five sentences from a podcast or lecture, then compare with the original.
- 02Answer two interview questions with a timer and record yourself.
- 03Play the recording back and note one thing to fix tomorrow.
Record Speaking answers and get pronunciation and fluency notes.
Start freeQuvo is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with ETS. Check ets.org/toefl for official test information.
