2026 TOEFL Speaking: ETS Sample Responses Analysis (Lecture Notes)

 

Introduction

• ETS recently released real TOEFL Speaking responses scored by official raters. (https://www.ets.org/toefl/teachers-advisors-agents/ibt/teaching/preparing-students.html)

• Goal:

• Analyze responses scored 3, 4, and 5.

• Identify why they received those scores.

• Learn strategies to improve TOEFL Speaking performance.

Part 1: Listen and Repeat Task

Task Description

• Listen to a sentence.

• Repeat it exactly as spoken.

• Focus on:

• Accuracy

• Pronunciation

• Fluency

• Stress and rhythm

Sample Sentence

"When you're finished using them, please return checked-out materials promptly and on time."

Score 3 and Score 4 Responses

Common Problems

1. Accuracy Errors

• Both students made mistakes when repeating the sentence.

• Difficulty with the phrase:

• "checked-out materials"

2. Trouble with Compound Nouns

• "Checked-out materials" is a compound noun.

• Compound nouns contain multiple words but express one idea.

Common Library Compound Nouns

• Checked-out materials

• Reference books

• Due date

• Circulation desk

• Book drop

TOEFL Tip

• Memorize common compound nouns.

• Listen-and-Repeat tasks frequently contain compound nouns.

3. Fluency Problems

• Long pauses and hesitation.

• Responses took too long to complete.

• Hesitation lowered fluency scores.

Score 5 Response

Strengths

Perfect Accuracy

• Repeated all words correctly.

Excellent Pronunciation

• Clear sounds.

• Accurate word stress.

Natural Rhythm

• Smooth connected speech.

• Native-like delivery.

Key Takeaway

A score 5 requires:

• Accurate repetition

• Smooth fluency

• Natural stress and rhythm

• Minimal hesitation

Part 2: Interview Task

Score 3 Response

Major Problem

• Difficult to understand.

Possible Causes

• Poor recording quality.

• Unclear speech.

• Microphone issues.

TOEFL Tip

Before the test:

• Check microphone settings.

• Ensure recording quality is clear.

Comparing Score 4 and Score 5 Responses

Similarities

Both responses demonstrated:

• Good pronunciation

• Natural rhythm and stress

• Strong grammar

• Native-like speech

Question:

Why did one receive a 4 and the other a 5?

Answer:

Topic Development

Analysis of the Score 4 Response

Strong Beginning

Example Used

• Harry Potter

Why It Was Effective

• Fantasy novels encourage imagination.

• Readers visualize:

• Characters

• Settings

• Events

Main Weakness: Lack of Development

What Happened?

• The speaker introduced Harry Potter.

• Did not fully explain the example.

• Switched topics.

New Topics Introduced

• Painting

• Singing

Problem: Inconsistent Argument

Original Position

• Reading improves imagination.

Later Discussion

• Focus shifted to painting and music.

Result

• Response became unfocused.

• Support for the original position became weak.

• Ended with a conclusion but lacked strong development.

How the Score 4 Response Could Improve

Instead of changing topics, the speaker could have expanded the Harry Potter example:

Possible Development Questions

• What makes Harry Potter imaginative?

• What images do readers create?

• How does reading differ from watching a movie?

• How does imagination strengthen creativity?

Lesson

• Expand one strong example.

• Do not jump to unrelated ideas.

Analysis of the Score 5 Response

Strong Organization

Step 1: Restates the Question

• Reformulates the prompt in her own words.

• Establishes a clear position.

Example

• Books are one of the best ways to improve imagination.

Step 2: Provides Reasons

Reading helps readers imagine:

• Environments

• Characters

• Events

Step 3: Maintains Focus

Every supporting idea connects to:

• Books

• Reading

• Imagination

Nothing distracts from the central argument.

Minor Weakness

Some Repetition

• Certain ideas were repeated.

Why It Still Earned a 5

• Clear structure.

• Relevant support.

• Consistent argument.

• Strong development.

What Can We Learn?

Difference Between Score 4 and Score 5

Score 4

• Inconsistent argument.

• Changed topics.

• Weak development.

Score 5

• Stayed focused.

• Maintained consistency.

• Developed ideas thoroughly.

Three Key Lessons

Lesson 1: Restate the Question Clearly

Why?

• Creates a roadmap for the response.

• Helps maintain focus.

Example

Instead of:

"Yes, I agree."

Say:

"I believe reading books is one of the best ways to improve imagination and creativity."

Takeaway

• Incorporate the question into your answer.

• Clearly state your position.

Lesson 2: Stay Consistent with Your Position

Score 4 Problem

• Claimed reading improves imagination.

• Spent most of the response discussing painting and singing.

Score 5 Strength

• Every point supported the claim that reading develops imagination.

Takeaway

• Once you choose a position:

• Every reason

• Every example

• Every detail

must support that position.

Analogy

• Think like a lawyer.

• Every piece of evidence should support your case.

Lesson 3: Develop Examples Fully

Score 4 Problem

• Introduced a good example.

• Abandoned it too quickly.

Score 5 Strength

• Took one idea and expanded it.

Takeaway

• One detailed example is often stronger than multiple undeveloped examples.

ETS Preference

ETS raters generally reward:

• Depth of explanation

• Strong support

• Clear development

more than:

• Multiple unrelated ideas