TOEIC Speaking - Practice Pack

Introduction: In this post you will find a series of practices exercises to improve your performance on the TOEIC Speaking exam. You have already learned many strategies during the course to provide better responses in each section of the test. Now you can use the exercises here to continue practicing in preparation for test day.

The post is organized into three sections:

Strategy Review
Practice Exercises
Sample Responses

Workflow: To get the most out of these resources, I recommend the following workflow.

Select a particular section of the test that you want to work on.
Review the strategies for that part of the exam.
Record your voice on your phone as you respond to one of the exercises.
Compare your recording to the sample response for that exercise. Ask yourself:

"What did I do well?"
"What parts of my response could be improved to be more complete, accurate, and comprehensible?"

Repeat the original exercise and record your voice.
Evaluate your second response and identify areas that have improved compared to the first recording as well as problem areas that could still be improved.

Strategy Review

Questions 1-2: Read a Text Aloud

Strategy 1: Distinguish Content Words from Function Words

English is a stress timed language. That means only certain words in the sentence receive the stress while the others are weakened and condensed. We have two kinds of words: Content Words, which are stressed, and Function Words, which are reduced and condensed to fit between the beats of the content words. The graphic below shows which kinds of words make up each category.

Example: I went for a walk in the country yesterday but it was really hot and I was bitten by a lot of mosquitoes. I can't stand mosquitoes!

Strategy 2: Use Punctuation Clues to Include Appropriate Pauses

As the strategy suggests, you will want to make a brief pause each time you come to a comma or final punctuation mark. We can combine this with Strategy 1 and read a text with appropriate word stress on the content words and include pauses on the relevant punctuation. Consider the example below.

Strategy 3: Use Appropriate Rising and Falling Intonation

In addition to stress and pausing, you will also need to use appropriate intonation. Keep in mind the following typical intonation patterns in English.

Yes-No Questions: These questions finish with rising intonation.

Are you looking for me (↑)? Can I help you (↑)? Do you like to travel (↑)?

Information-WH Questions: These questions finish with falling intonation.

What style of flooring tiles do you want to use in the lobby(↓)?

Lists of Three or More Items: Intonation in lists follows the pattern rising, rising, falling.

The store sells clothing (↑), equipment (↑), and memorabilia (↓).

Question 3: Describe a Photograph

Strategy 1: Follow the Photo Description Framework

Click to see full size image.

Context: Introduce the photograph using a one sentence description that provides the general context and answers the questions Who, What, and Where?

Example: "In this picture I see a couple (who) ordering food (what) in a restaurant (where)."

Focal Point: Describe in rich detail the main focus of the picture including what the people are doing, what they look like, their clothing, and their emotional state (if appropriate).

Example: "A waitress is taking a man’s order while his partner is reading the menu. The waitress is wearing a white dress and an apron. She is taking notes on a small pad. The man is wearing a formal long sleeve shirt and the other person at the table has glasses and is wearing a sweater."

Speculation: Add detail to your description by making intelligent guesses when you are not completely sure about something. Use speculative language like: may, might, could, perhaps, it seems, etc. You can speculate about the relationship between the people, what they are talking about, what they are doing, what they might have done just before the photo was taken, or what they might do next. Be sure to provide evidence for your speculations, though. Use phrases like: “For that reason, I think...”, “This makes me think...”, “Which is why I think...”, etc.

Example: "It looks like they are in an outdoor patio section of the restaurant. It is quite sunny and there are coffee cups on the table. This makes me think that it might be breakfast time. Perhaps this is a hotel restaurant and the diners are guests staying there."

Relationships: Use prepositions of place (on, next to, under, behind, etc.) to describe the placement of different people and objects in the photo. Use phrases to direct the listener’s attention to different parts of the photo like: “in the background”, “in the foreground”, “on the left/right”, “in the bottom right corner”, “in the center”, etc.

Examples: "On the table in the foreground there are empty dishes and coffee cups. There seems to be a plant or flower in the center of the table. In the background of the picture I can see other customers eating and conversing at their tables and behind them there is a garden or green area with trees and bushes."

Questions 4-6: Personal Information Questions

Strategy 1: Recognize the Question

Identify and answer everything the question is asking. Be aware that some questions will ask for multiple pieces of information.

“When and where do you…?” - Place and Time
“How often do you…?” - Frequency
“How do you decide…?” - Method
“What is your favorite... , and why?” - Example and Reason

Strategy 2: Use Tenses and Structures in Your Response

Pay attention to structure of the question to recognize which verb tense you should use in your answer.

“What is one of the most popular…?” - Present
“When was the last time...?” - Past
“What is the most...you have ever…?” - Present Perfect / Past

Strategy 3: Transform the Question into a Statement

In order to provide complete answers quickly, transform the question into a statement to begin your response.

“What is the most important holiday in your country?”
The most important holiday in my country is…
“What do people in your country like to do on vacation?”
-For vacation people in my country tend to prefer…

Strategy 4: Review Useful Phrase to Organize Your Ideas Quickly

Become familiar with useful phrases that can help you organize your ideas quickly.

“Well, there are a lot of _____ that I like, but if I had to choose one, it would have to be ________.” (framing your answer)
“I would have to say that my favorite ______ is ______.” (framing your answer)
“The reason I say this is because…” (adding detail)
“One reason for this is…” (adding detail)
“For example, you can…” (adding detail)
“Hmmm, that’s a good question.” (buying time)
“Well, uh...let me see...basically in my country people like to…” (buying time)

Strategy 5: Improvise if Necessary

You have to answer the question appropriately but you do not have to tell the truth. Don’t waste time thinking of a true answer if it would be quicker and easier to make it up. Just make sure you answer the question appropriately and completely.

Questions 7-9: Respond to Questions Using Specific Information

Strategy 1: Skim the Document

Use the preparation time to skim the document to understand its structure and identify where key information can be found. This will save you valuable seconds when responding to the questions.

Look for arrival and departure dates, start and finish times of meetings, names of people or companies.
Look for exceptions marked with asterisks or signaled in some other way as this information might be relevant for one of the responses to the questions.

Strategy 2: Use Filler Language

When answering a question, use filler language to buy time while scanning for the specific information you need.

I'd be happy to find that information for you...
Let me just check the agenda here...
Let's see...according to the information I have...

Strategy 3: Be Diplomatic

Your responses should be factually accurate and socially appropriate. Be diplomatic when giving bad news. Use phrases to soften your answers when giving negative responses.

Unfortunately, Mr. Smith will not be attending the conference due to a schedule conflict.
I’m sorry to say that it looks like the scheduled dinner meeting has been canceled.
I´m afraid that won´t be possible because...

Question 10: Solve a Problem

Strategy 1: Follow the Problem Solving Organizational Framework

Click to see full size image.

Introduction: In your opening sentence say who the message is for, identify yourself and state why you are calling. The following frames can help you create your introduction.

"Hello, this message is for ___(caller's name)___. I am __(your name)__ from __(your company)__ and I'm returning your call about __(the problem)__."
"Good afternoon, this is __(your name)__ from __(your company)__. I am calling __(caller's name)__ to talk about __(the problem)__."
Example: "This is a message for Jenny Pollard. This is Mark from the Central Heating Company returning your call. I got your message regarding the fact that your new heating system doesn't seem to be working properly and I want to see how we can help you with this.

Focus on the Problem: After your introduction you should apologize and express sympathy for what the caller is going through. These phrases can be helpful.

I'm/We're sorry to hear that...
I/We'd like to apologize for this...
Please accept my/our apologies for this...
We sincerely hope you will accept our apologies for this situation.
I know it must feel frustrating for you to be in this situation.

Be sure to restate the issue in your own words so that the TOEIC raters can tell that you fully understand the problem. One way to do this in a natural way is to offer some kind of explanation about why the problem may have occurred. Take a look at these examples.

Situation: Delivery was late.
We recently hired a new delivery driver and he got lost on his route. That is why he arrived a little late with the delivery.

Situation: Wrong color chair was shipped.
It seems that there was a problem with the computer system in the warehouse and that is why the wrong color chair was shipped to you by mistake.

Provide a viable and time-bound solution or suggestion about how the problem can be fixed. Give specific time references regarding what you will do and when.

We´re going to arrange for someone to fix the problem this afternoon.
We'd like to send the missing parts by courier to your office this evening.
I would like to offer you a replacement copy. Come by the store anytime this week to pick it up.
We will fix the problem in the system immediately so that this problem will never happen again.

If the problem does not have a solution, you can explain what steps you will take so that the problem doesn't happen again in the future. You can also offer some kind of financial compensation if appropriate.

Because this was our mistake, we would like to offer you a 20% discount on your next purchase.

Wrap Up: Finish the call by offering another sincere apology.

So once again, I would like to apologize on behalf of _____ for the trouble you had.
We're really sorry for the mistake and I can assure you it will not happen again.

Question 11: Give an Opinion

Strategy 1: Recognize What the Question is Asking - Question prompts in this section typically fall into the following categories. Pay close attention to what the prompt requires so that you are sure to respond completely and appropriately.

Preference: Would you rather ... or ... ?
Agree / Disagree: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Hypothetical: Imagine you were ...
Direct Opinion: What is your opinion about ... ?

Strategy 2: Organize your ideas: In order to provide a coherent and cohesive response to this task, it is helpful to follow this simple framework to organize your talk.

Click to see full size image.

Introduction: Express your opinion in the first one or two sentences so that the listener clearly understands what you think. Do not "sit on the fence" and fail to commit to a clear opinion when asked to choose between two alternatives. As with other sections of this test, you have to provide an appropriate response, not necessarily a TRUE response. If it is easier for you make something up rather than give your real opinion, DO IT!

I believe...
In my opinion...
I agree with the statement that...
I would have to disagree with the idea that...

Content: It is important to support your opinion with reasons and details. Use transitional phrases to guide the listener.

First of all...
Second...
Another reason...
For example...
Finally...

Conclusion: Finish your talk by restating your opinion in different words.

...and that is why I think it is important to...
...and those are reasons why I agree that...
...so that is why I believe that...

Practice Exercises

Questions 1-2: Read a Text Aloud

For each exercise, study the text for 45 seconds. Then record your voice as your read the text aloud. You have a maximum of 45 seconds for each recording.

Exercise 1: Hi. This is Myra Peters calling about my appointment with Dr. Jones. I have a three o’clock appointment scheduled for this afternoon. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to keep it because of an important meeting at work. So, I’ll need to reschedule. I was hoping to come in sometime next week. Any time Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday afternoon would work for me. I hope the doctor has some time available on one of those days. Please call me back and let me know.

Exercise 2: Our speaker tonight is Mr. John Wilson, who has just returned from traveling in South America. Mr. Wilson spent his trip photographing scenes of small-town life across the continent. His work is well known around the world, and his photography has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, and books. Tonight he will share with us photographs and stories from his recent trip and will answer any questions you may have. Due to time constraints, we ask you to hold your questions until the end of the talk.

Exercise 3: Wonderland Mall is the largest shopping mall in the city, with over one hundred stores on three levels. Wonderland Mall is conveniently located near all major bus lines, and we offer free parking in our garage. Everything you need to buy is here - clothes, shoes, books, sports equipment, furniture, and much more. After shopping, you can enjoy a tasty snack, lunch, or dinner. We have seven restaurants and three cafés. Then, relax with a movie at our fifteen-screen movie theater. Wonderland Mall is a great place for the whole family.

Exercise 4: Tourist agencies often offer sightseeing tours by bus. Many tourists, however, prefer to sightsee on foot. A walk through the streets of an unfamiliar city brings you closer to the people and activities around you. On foot, you can really hear the sounds, smell the smells, and see the sights of the city. If you see an interesting store, you can pay it a quick visit. You can stop at a café to try out some local dishes. Or you can take a shortcut through a pretty park. It’s fun to take a sightseeing tour on foot.

Exercise 5: When looking for a place to live, most people think about convenience. If they are parents with children, they want to lie near the best schools. They want to have public transportation or good roads available to them. They don’t want to have to travel far for shopping and entertainment. People also enjoy living near a park or gym so that they have easy access to recreation. And, of course, for the majority of people, the most important thing is to live in close proximity to their jobs.

Exercise 6: Whether you’re visiting the city for business or pleasure, High Towers Hotel is the place to stay. All our rooms are clean and spacious with comfortable beds and pleasant views of the city. We are conveniently located in the center of the city, near stores, museums, and offices. For the enjoyment of our guests, we have a swimming pool and exercise room. The hotel restaurant is one of the best in the city. Tourists and business people alike choose the High Towers Hotel time after time.

Exercise 7: When you go on a job interview, it is important to make a good impression. The first thing the interviewer will observe about you is your clothes, so dress in a neat, conservative outfit. Dark colors are best. Men should wear simple ties, and women should not wear short skirts. The way you behave is equally important. Enter the room with confidence. Look the interviewer in the eye while shaking hands. Don’t forget to smile pleasantly at the same time. Introduce yourself in a clear voice.

Exercise 8: Do you like seafood? The Ocean View Restaurant offers the tastiest seafood dishes in town. Relax in our spacious dining room while enjoying spectacular views of the beach and ocean. Choose from a large variety of seafood dishes on our menu or enjoy a little bit of everything at our Sunday evening buffet. At the end of the meal, be sure to try one of our famous desserts. The chocolate cake is simply scrumptious. For a relaxing, delicious meal, visit the Ocean View.

Question 3: Describe a Photograph

Give yourself 30 seconds to study the photograph. Then record your voice as you describe what you see in the image for 45 seconds.

Exercise 9

Exercise 10

Exercise 11

Exercise 12

Questions 4-6: Personal Information Questions

For each exercise, press play on the video and record your voice as you respond to the three questions. You have no preparation time for this part of the exam.

Exercise 13

Exercise 14

Exercise 15

Exercise 16

Questions 7-9: Respond to Questions Using Specific Information

For each exercise, take 30 seconds to study the information in the graphic. Then press play on the video and record your voice as you answer the three questions.

Exercise 17: Click play on the video and respond to the questions using the graphic below.

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Exercise 18: Click play on the video and respond to the questions using the graphic below.

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Exercise 19: Click play on the video and respond to the questions using the graphic below.

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Exercise 20: Click play on the video and respond to the questions using the graphic below.

Click to see full size image.

Question 10: Solve a Problem

In each exercise press play on the video and take notes on a piece of paper as the person describes their problem. Then you will hear a beep which indicates the start of your 30 seconds of preparation time. When you hear the second beep, you should record your voice as you deliver your response for 60 seconds.

Exercise 21

Exercise 22

Exercise 23

Exercise 24

Question 11: Give an Opinion

In each exercise, press play on the video to hear the question prompt. You will hear a beep that indicates the start of your 30 seconds of preparation time. When you hear the second beep, record your voice as you provide your response for 60 seconds.