TOEFL New Speaking Section 2026: Listen & Repeat + Interview Tips

The TOEFL new format speaking section is radically different from the old TOEFL — and in a good way. The complex integrated tasks (read a passage, listen to a lecture, then speak) are gone entirely. The new Speaking section takes just 8 minutes and has only two task types: Listen and Repeat (7 sentences) and Take an Interview (4 questions, 45 seconds each). This guide from EEC's TOEFL trainers covers everything Indian students need to master the new TOEFL Speaking section — with strategies, practice tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

New TOEFL Speaking Section Overview

Before diving into strategies, understand the old vs new TOEFL format differences and the 1-6 band scoring system. If you are still choosing your test, read our TOEFL vs IELTS comparison and TOEFL vs DET comparison to decide which exam suits your goals.

Listen and Repeat: How It Works

You hear 7 sentences one at a time. Each sentence is about daily life or campus topics — for example: "The library closes at nine o'clock on weekdays but stays open until midnight during exam week" or "I'm planning to change my major from biology to computer science next semester." After hearing each sentence, you repeat it as accurately as possible.

The scoring focuses on pronunciation accuracy (individual sounds), fluency (smooth delivery without excessive pauses), and intonation (natural stress and rhythm patterns). You do NOT need to memorise the sentence word-for-word — close approximation with natural delivery scores well.

Listen and Repeat: Tips & Strategies

1. Practice shadowing daily. Play English audio (podcasts, YouTube videos, TED talks) and repeat sentences immediately. Start with slow-speed content and gradually increase to normal speed. 15 minutes daily for 2 weeks makes a dramatic difference.

2. Focus on sentence stress, not individual words. English is a stress-timed language — content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) are stressed while function words (the, a, is, to) are reduced. Mimicking this stress pattern is more important than perfect pronunciation of every word.

3. Listen to the entire sentence before starting. Don't try to repeat while still listening. Hear the complete sentence, then reproduce it. This prevents interrupting the audio and ensures you capture the full meaning and structure.

4. Record and compare. Use your phone to record your repetitions. Compare with the original. Pay attention to: vowel sounds (especially short 'a' vs short 'e'), consonant clusters, and word linking.

Take an Interview: How It Works

You receive 4 questions and respond for 45 seconds each. Questions are about your opinions, experiences, preferences, and ideas — similar to IELTS Speaking Part 2/3. Example questions: "What is the most useful skill you learned in school?" "Do you prefer studying alone or in groups? Why?" "Describe a place you would like to visit and explain why."

Unlike the old TOEFL where you had to synthesise reading and listening content, the new Interview section tests your ability to express ideas clearly and fluently. There is no "right answer" — the scoring evaluates content relevance, fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary range.

Interview Tips & Sample Answer Structure

Use the PREP framework for every response: Point (state your answer in 1 sentence) → Reason (give 1-2 reasons why) → Example (provide a specific example or personal experience) → Point (briefly restate). This fills 45 seconds perfectly and gives a coherent, structured response.

Pronunciation Improvement Plan

Pronunciation is scored in BOTH task types. A 2-week pronunciation improvement plan:

Days 1-3: Identify your specific problem sounds. Common for Hindi/Gujarati speakers: th/t confusion, v/w confusion, r/l pronunciation, dental vs alveolar consonants. Record yourself reading a passage and have an EEC trainer mark your error patterns.

Days 4-7: Practice minimal pairs (words that differ by one sound: think/tank, vine/wine, read/lead). Drill these pairs 10 minutes daily. Use online pronunciation tools for immediate feedback.

Days 8-14: Connected speech practice. Focus on linking words naturally, reducing function words, and using natural rhythm. Shadowing exercises with American English podcasts are ideal.

Common Mistakes Indian Students Make

Complement your speaking practice by strengthening other sections too. Review our listening tips (strong listening helps with Listen and Repeat), writing tips, and reading tips for a balanced preparation approach. If you need help with registration, see the TOEFL fee guide and locate test centres in India. You can also explore the TOEFL Home Edition if you prefer taking the test from home.

Daily Speaking Practice Routine (30 Minutes)

10 min — Shadowing: Play a podcast or TED talk, repeat every sentence you hear. Focus on mimicking pronunciation and rhythm. 10 min — Interview Practice: Pick a random topic (use TOEFL question banks), set a 45-second timer, record your response. Listen back and self-evaluate. 10 min — Pronunciation Drills: Practice your specific problem sounds using minimal pairs and tongue twisters.

“The new TOEFL Speaking section rewards natural communication, not scripted responses. Practice speaking naturally every day — even 30 minutes makes a huge difference over 4 weeks.”

— Vikram Patel, Test Prep & Visa Strategy Head, EEC

EEC's TOEFL Speaking Coaching

EEC's Speaking module includes: pronunciation assessment and personalised correction, daily shadowing exercises with guided feedback, mock Interview sessions recorded and reviewed, and Listen and Repeat practice with speech recognition analysis. Available via three modes — Classroom (at all 26 centres), Online Live, and Pre-recorded — all at ₹7,500. Whether you are targeting the USA, Canada, or Germany, a strong Speaking score is essential. Students preparing for multiple English proficiency tests can also explore PTE Academic coaching and TOEFL coaching at EEC. If you are targeting US universities, check the TOEFL score requirements for USA, or explore TOEFL score for Canada and TOEFL score for Germany. Review our exam day tips and preparation tips to be fully prepared. Book a free demo session.

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