The updated TOEFL iBT Speaking section, introduced on January 21, 2026, includes two task types:
Listen and Repeat — 7 sentences.
Take an Interview — 4 spoken interview questions.
The Speaking section contains 11 items and takes approximately 8 minutes. In the Take an Interview task, you answer questions about personal experiences, preferences, opinions, and situations related to academic and everyday life.
Below is a comprehensive list of 100 suggested practice topics, organized into 10 major categories. These are preparation topics, not a fixed or officially published ETS question bank.
Personal Introduction and Background
Hometown and Place of Residence
Family and Relationships
Childhood Memories
Daily Routine and Activities
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Personal Achievements
Memorable Life Experiences
Personal Strengths and Weaknesses
Future Personal Goals
Educational Background
Favorite School Subjects
University and Campus Life
Classroom Learning Experiences
Study Habits and Techniques
Homework and Assignments
Examinations and Academic Performance
Teachers and Professors
Group Study and Collaborative Learning
Online Learning versus Classroom Learning
University Libraries
Campus Accommodation and Dormitories
Student Clubs and Organizations
University Sports and Recreation
Campus Dining and Food Services
Student Health and Wellness Services
University Events and Festivals
Campus Transportation
University Rules and Regulations
Campus Improvement and Student Services
Smartphones and Mobile Applications
Computers and Digital Devices
Social Media Usage
Internet and Online Communication
Artificial Intelligence in Education
Educational Technology
Online Shopping and Digital Payments
Digital Entertainment and Streaming Services
Technology and Personal Productivity
Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology
Healthy Eating Habits
Physical Exercise and Fitness
Sleep Habits and Daily Rest
Stress Management
Work–Life Balance
Time Management
Outdoor Activities
Personal Wellness and Self-Care
Sports and Physical Recreation
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Travel Experiences
Favorite Travel Destinations
Public Transportation
Traveling by Car, Train, or Airplane
Tourism and Cultural Exploration
Traveling Alone versus Traveling with Others
Vacation Planning
City Life versus Rural Life
Living in a Foreign Country
Transportation Problems and Solutions
Reading Books and Literature
Watching Movies and Television
Music and Musical Preferences
Art and Creative Activities
Cultural Festivals and Celebrations
Traditional Customs and Practices
Museums and Historical Places
News and Current Events
Video Games and Digital Entertainment
Cultural Differences and International Experiences
Friendship and Social Relationships
Communication Skills
Teamwork and Cooperation
Volunteering and Community Service
Social Responsibilities
Helping Other People
Community Problems and Solutions
Leadership and Decision-Making
Social Events and Gatherings
Cultural Diversity and Social Inclusion
Career Aspirations
Choosing a Profession
Part-Time Jobs for Students
Internships and Work Experience
Workplace Communication
Remote Work versus Office Work
Professional Skills Development
Career Planning and Preparation
Job Satisfaction and Motivation
Future Employment Opportunities
Environmental Protection
Climate Change and Sustainability
Recycling and Waste Management
Energy Conservation
Public Parks and Green Spaces
Science and Technological Development
Education and Social Development
Urban Development and Population Growth
Sustainable Transportation
Individual Responsibility for Society and the Environment
The following are original practice questions illustrating how the topics above can be tested.
Topic, Example interview question
Educational Background: What subject do you enjoy studying, and why?
University Life: What do you like most about studying at a university?
Technology: How do you use technology in your daily life?
Hobbies: What activities do you enjoy during your free time?
Travel: Describe a place you have visited and explain why you enjoyed it.
Health: What do you do to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Social Media: Do you think social media benefits university students?
Environment: What can students do to protect the environment?
Career: What type of job would you like to have in the future?
Education: Do you prefer studying independently or with other students?
For the current TOEFL Take an Interview task, you typically answer four questions connected to one general theme, with approximately 45 seconds per answer and no separate preparation time.
For effective preparation, practice responding to four question types for each topic:
Personal experience: What have you experienced?
Personal preference: What do you prefer, and why?
Description and explanation: How does something work, or why is it important?
Opinion and evaluation: What do you think about a particular issue?
Official reference: ETS — TOEFL iBT Speaking Section
Recommended approach: Start with Topics 1–40, then gradually cover the remaining topics. Prepare to give a direct answer, explain your reasoning, and support it with a specific example.