TOEFL Speaking in 2026: the new format and how to practise
1 November 2026 · 2 min read
In this guide
The short answer: from 21 January 2026, the TOEFL iBT Speaking section moved to two task types: Listen and Repeat (you hear a sentence once and repeat it) and Take an Interview (you answer spoken questions from a recorded interviewer, with a short time to respond). Formats change, so always confirm the current details on the official ETS TOEFL website.
We don't coach TOEFL and our scores aren't TOEFL scores. But "Take an Interview" rewards exactly what we train: a clear answer, point first, spoken without freezing.
The two task types
| Task | What you do | What it rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Listen and Repeat | Hear a sentence once, repeat it exactly | Listening accuracy, clear pronunciation |
| Take an Interview | Answer a few spoken questions, each with a short time limit | Quick, organised, relevant answers |
How to practise "Take an Interview"
- Answer in the first sentence. "Yes, I'd choose the city, mainly because of jobs." Then one reason, one example.
- Practise against a clock. Short limits punish rambling.
- Cut fillers. "Umm, so basically" eats your time.
A rated question on SpeakingLab is a good daily drill: 15 seconds to think, 60 to speak, scored on structure and clarity, with your filler count.
How to practise "Listen and Repeat"
Use short audio clips (news, podcasts). Pause after a sentence, repeat it aloud, then check. Start with short sentences and build up.
Frequently asked questions
What changed in TOEFL Speaking in 2026?
For tests from 21 January 2026, Speaking uses two task types, Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview, replacing the older independent and integrated tasks. Check the official ETS website for the latest format and scoring.
How can I practise TOEFL Speaking for free?
Use official ETS sample questions, and practise short timed answers out loud every day. SpeakingLab's free speaking rating scores a timed spoken answer and gives you one specific fix.