Many students find the Speaking section of the TOEFL exam overwhelming. You have limited time to think critically, you need to organise your ideas quickly, and you are speaking into a microphone instead of a real human being. The nerves are normal – but the bright side is that the speaking tasks follow a predictable pattern.
With the right phrases, structures, and practice routines, you can make this a manageable (and even comfortable!) task.
This guide shows you the best phrases, tips on how to create strong answers, and how to stay confident – no matter if you are preparing in Singapore or anywhere else in the world.
Understanding the TOEFL Speaking Section
The Speaking test of TOEFL has basically 4 tasks which last for 16–17 minutes. This recently introduced shorter format of the test leads to less pressure and quicker completion.
Keep in mind:
A new speaking format with a virtual interview is coming in January 2026.
But if you’re testing in 2025, you only need to focus on today’s 4-task format.
You are scored on three main areas:
- Delivery – fluency, pronunciation, pacing
- Language Use – grammar, vocabulary, transitions
- Topic Development – clarity, logic, and relevance
Both human graders and AI contribute to your score. AI checks pronunciation and fluency, while humans judge content and organisation.
Why Using Phrases Helps You Score Higher
Some students worry that using memorised phrases sounds robotic. But the truth is:
- Good phrases help you sound more organised, natural, and confident
- They save time because you no longer think about how to start your answer.
- They help you maintain the flow without any hesitation
We suggest that you use these phrases for support, not as a full script. Combine them with your natural speaking style.
Essential Opening Phrases
Personal Opinion Tasks (Independent Speaking)
Use these to start your answer smoothly:
Simple Starters
- In my opinion…
- I believe that…
- From my perspective…
- Based on my experience…
More Advanced Starters
- I strongly believe that…
- If I had to choose, I would say…
- In my view, the most important factor is…
Summary Tasks (Integrated Speaking)
When referring to the reading or lecture:
Reading
- According to the reading…
- The passage explains…
- The article states…
- The text mentions…
Lecture
- The professor explains that…
- The lecture argues that…
- The speaker points out…
- The professor discusses…
These instantly show graders that you understand the structure of the task.
Phrases for Giving Reasons & Examples
Use these phrases to present reasons and examples:
Start Your First Reason
- First of all…
- To begin with…
- The main reason is…
- One important factor is…
Add a Second Reason
- Furthermore…
- In addition…
- Another reason is…
- Secondly…
Give Examples
- For example…
- For instance…
- To illustrate this…
- Let me give an example…
Example Answer
“I believe group study is better than studying alone. First of all, it gives you access to different viewpoints. For example, when I prepared for my biology exam, my study group helped explain topics I had misunderstood. In addition, group study keeps me motivated. When I commit to meeting others, I’m less likely to skip studying.”
Comparing & Contrasting Phrases
To Show Similarities
- Similarly…
- In the same way…
- Likewise…
- Both options…
To Show Differences
- However…
- In contrast…
- On the other hand…
- While X is…, Y is…
Expressing Preferences Clearly
For “Which do you prefer?” questions, state your choice immediately.
Useful Phrases
- I would rather…
- I prefer… because…
- My preference is…
- I would choose… over…
Example
“I prefer attending morning classes because I can focus better earlier in the day. For example, I understand lectures more clearly in the morning. In addition, morning classes free up my afternoons for work or activities.”
Handling Integrated Tasks Smoothly
Reading Summary
- The reading discusses…
- According to the text…
- The article explains…
Lecture Summary
- The professor argues that…
- The lecturer points out…
- The speaker disagrees…
If They Contradict
- However, the professor disagrees…
- In contrast, the lecture argues…
- The professor challenges this point…
If They Agree
- The professor supports this by…
- The lecture provides examples of…
Perfect Structure for Integrated Responses
- Start with the reading
- Transition to the lecture
- Show whether the lecture agrees or disagrees
Example:
“The reading explains that renewable energy reduces pollution and creates jobs. However, the professor disagrees. She argues that renewable energy is still too expensive for many countries. She also mentions that solar panels require rare materials, and wind turbines can harm bird populations.”
Time-Management Phrases
If You Have Extra Time
- Another point to consider is…
- Let me explain further…
- This is important because…
If You Need to End Quickly
- In conclusion…
- To sum up…
- Overall…
- In short…
Use ending phrases only when you’re actually summarising.
Dealing with Difficult Words
If you can’t pronounce a word:
Try but don’t stress
- The reading mentions a concept called…
- The professor discusses something known as…
If the word is too difficult:
Describe it instead
- The reading talks about a scientific process…
- The lecture explains a theory involving…
Communication > Perfection.
Practice Tips for Singaporean & International Students
For Singaporean Students
- Your pronunciation is usually strong
- Focus on slowing down a little
- Clarity matters more than speed
For International Learners
- Practise common phrases until they become automatic
- Record yourself to check pacing and clarity
- Use a timer (45 sec for independent / 60 sec for integrated)
- Make sure transitions are clear and natural
Build Your Personal Phrase Bank
Don’t rely only on memorisation. Build your own list of phrases that feel natural to you.
- Prepare simple 5-10 phrases for each task
- Practise them daily
- Mix & match until they become part of your natural speaking style
Test-Day Mindset
When test day arrives:
✔ Your openings should come to you automatically
✔ Your transitions should flow naturally
✔ Minor mistakes are okay—keep going
✔ Focus on the flow
Remember, fancy vocabulary won’t help you alone if there’s no clarity, structure, and confidence.
How Princeton Review Singapore Can Help You
Princeton Review Singapore offers specialised TOEFL preparation for both Singaporean and international students. Their instructors provide:
- Personalised feedback on your speaking responses
- Training in phrases, structure, and timing
- Updated strategies based on 2026 TOEFL trends
- Right guidance on the test format
- Flexible learning options
- Constant expert support and feedback
If you need proper expert guidance, structured practice, and real speaking improvement, contact The Princeton Review Singapore today and achieve your target scores with confidence.