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- 2026 format
- Take an Interview
Speaking task
TOEFL Take an Interview (2026): format, tips and an example
Quick answer
An on-screen interviewer asks you four questions about your experiences and opinions. You get 45 seconds for each answer, with no prep time. It's scored 0–5.
- 4questions
- 45 seceach
- 0–5score
How to do it well
- Answer in the first sentenceSay your choice or view right away.
- Give one reason and an exampleOne clear example beats three vague ones.
- Wrap up before time endsA short closing line shows control.
Example
Question
“Do you prefer studying alone or in a group? Why?”
A 45-second answer
I usually prefer studying alone, especially before exams.answer On my own, I can move at my own speed and spend more time on what I find hard.reason Last semester I spent two evenings just on probability problems, which a group probably wouldn't have wanted to do.example Still, I like one group session at the end to check answers. So, mostly alone.wrap-up
Our own example, written to match ETS's format. It isn't an official test question.
Common mistakes
- Long silences. Start talking within a couple of seconds.
- Stopping at 20 seconds. Use the time to add an example.
- Memorized answers. They rarely fit the exact question and sound unnatural.
What ETS looks for
- ETS scores how much you develop your answer, your pace, pronunciation, rhythm and intonation, and your range of grammar and vocabulary.
- Interviews are about academic or campus situations, and no special knowledge is needed.
Source: ETS's content and structure page and Updated TOEFL iBT Test Overview.
Questions
Is there prep time in the TOEFL interview?
No. You start answering right after each question. Use the first sentence to give your answer.
How long is each answer?
45 seconds, for four questions.
What replaced the old speaking tasks?
Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview replaced the four old speaking tasks in 2026.
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