New TOEFL Speaking 2026 Updates

Описание: Starting January 21, 2026, the Speaking section changes drastically. All previous tasks (1–4) are removed and replaced with two new tasks that have no preparation time.
• Task A: Listen and Repeat:
◦ Action: You hear a sentence and must repeat it exactly.
◦ Skill: Tests auditory memory and pronunciation. Accuracy trumps creativity here.
• Task B: Take an Interview:
◦ Action: You answer follow-up questions in a simulated interview (e.g., "Do you live in a big city or a small town?").
◦ Skill: Tests fluency and elaboration.
◦ Warning: Abandon templates for this section. Memorized answers will hurt your score because the task demands spontaneity. You must listen and respond naturally,.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Scoring and Delivery "Hacks"
Whether taking the current or future test, how you speak is as important as what you say.
Understanding the AI (SpeechRater)
• Speaking Rate: Aim for a rate of 150–160 words per minute. Speaking too slowly or with frequent pauses will lower your fluency score.
• Avoid Fillers: The AI penalizes "um," "uh," and mid-sentence restarts. Practice "pause-free" speaking drills daily.
• Don't Rehearse Too Much: The AI and human raters can detect memorized responses. If your delivery sounds robotic or your vocabulary diversity is low despite a high speaking rate, you will be penalized.
Practice Techniques
• The "No Prep" Hack: When practicing Task 1 (Independent), do not use the 15-second preparation time. If you can speak comfortably without prep at home, the 15 seconds on test day will feel like a luxury.
• Focus on Pauses: Treat every punctuation mark as a deliberate pause. Speaking with composure and grace (rather than rushing) helps control your heart rate and reduces "going blank".
• Record and Reflect: Record your responses and review them. Look for recurring issues like grammar slips or filler words. This self-awareness is crucial for growth,.
4. Summary of Key Tips
1. Templates: Use them for the current Integrated tasks to ensure organization, but ensure you fill them with specific details from your notes,.
2. Note-Taking: For lectures, focus on "content words" (nouns/verbs). Do not try to transcribe whole sentences.
3. Simulation: Practice with background noise or in a distracting environment to mimic the test center.
4. Time Management: For Task 1, finish your response with a strong concluding sentence if time permits, but prioritizing the development of your reasons is more important,.