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The TOEFL Speaking Blog

Unconventional Advice from TOEFL Speaking Expert John Healy

“Interview” Task in TOEFL Speaking 2026: What It Is and How It’s Scored

The Interview task is designed to feel natural — but it tests real speaking skill under pressure. It challenges you to organize your thoughts quickly, express yourself clearly, and respond with confidence.

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Why Data-Driven Prep is Winning the TOEFL Race

Nothing against teachers. Really. But 000s of users are rethinking TOEFL prep with data-driven platforms like My Speaking Score. Enjoy real-time feedback, enhance independence, and boost scores without waiting for $$$ tutors to show up on Zoom.

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Yes, My Speaking Score has an API

The My Speaking Score API enables scalable TOEFL Speaking assessments for universities, processing audio files swiftly with detailed feedback on various speaking aspects, available through invite-only partnerships.

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Why Brazil Struggles with TOEFL Speaking — And How to Fix It

Brazilian students struggle with TOEFL Speaking scores due to language structure differences, lack of speaking practice, and anxiety. Tools like SpeechRater can enhance fluency.

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Webinar Notes: How to Paraphrase in TOEFL Speaking (+video)

Most TOEFL test-takers get stuck somewhere between structure and fluency, especially on Speaking Tasks 2 and 3. They’re unsure how much detail is enough, how to paraphrase without losing meaning, and how to keep things sounding natural. In our recent webinar...

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What is My Speaking Score's Moat?

The AI revolution has transformed product creation, A new AI-native platform era is emerging—those who anticipate and adapt early will thrive, while others risk being cut off. We're ready.

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Top Grammar Tips for Excelling in TOEFL Speaking (2025 Guide)

Grammar sucks. But mastering varied grammar, flexible templates, and prompt adaptation improves TOEFL Speaking scores by boosting accuracy, complexity, and confidence through consistent practice and feedback.

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Unlocking the Power of Data with SpeechRater

Yeah, SpeechRater data will improve your TOEFL Speaking score by targeting low dimensions, focusing on fluency, and practicing consistently for better results.

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The Ultimate Guide to TOEFL Speaking Questions and Practice (2025)

This guide covers TOEFL Speaking tasks, prep tips, updated prompts, and practice materials to improve fluency, grammar, and coherence before 2025-26 exam changes.

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Top 5 Myths About TOEFL Speaking

Oooh there are so many misconceptions about the TOEFL Speaking section, like the belief that only perfect pronunciation or complex vocabulary matters. Clear communication and a natural pace are key, and practicing with others boosts confidence.

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The Truth About TOEFL Speaking Scoring (From a Former ETS Rater)

This post is about truth vs. myth—what’s actually happening behind the scenes in scoring, and what test-takers need to do if they’re serious about getting a 26+.

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The TOEFL Speaking Wall: How to Break Through 25

In this post you’ll learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to finally break through the hardest part of the TOEFL Speaking mountain: getting from 25 to 26.

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The Rise of the TOEFL Dashboard

My Speaking Score's data dashboard is called the Progress page. It's for real-time metrics, enhancing motivation and clarity in language learning without subjective biases.

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The Invisible TOEFL Speaking Skill

Effective note-taking for TOEFL Speaking Task 4 involves organizing notes into an introduction and examples, using about 40 keywords for clarity and fluency.

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The 5 Hidden Problems That Keep You Stuck in TOEFL Speaking (and How to Fix Them)

Why do test-takers who are on their 30th, 40th, 50th attempt continue to register for another TOEFL, believing somehow that "this time might be different"?

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TOEFL Speaking: Anatomy of a Template

Of course you should use a "template". TOEFL Speaking templates can aid organization and fluency under time constraints, but critics argue they may hinder creativity and sound robotic. Personalization is key.

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TOEFL Speaking in 2026: The Ultimate Guide

The TOEFL iBT® Speaking section is undergoing its most significant update in years. Here's everything you need to know.

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TOEFL Speaking = Structure + Content + Speed

I call this the "crawl, walk, run" approach. To excel in TOEFL Speaking, focus on structure, content, and then speed. Organize ideas, use varied vocabulary, and maintain a confident pace for fluency.

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Mastering TOEFL Speaking Scores with SpeechRater: What Really Matters (And Why You Probably Don’t Need a Coach)

So the next time you think about TOEFL Speaking, skip the tutor. Open your browser. Use your data. Because in TOEFL prep, clarity starts with insight — not guesswork.

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Is it easy to score 26 on TOEFL Speaking?

Scoring 26 on the TOEFL Speaking section demands clear organization, fluency, and grammar; tools like myspeakingscore.com provide instant feedback to support focused improvement.

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How to Speak 150 wpm

Feel the need for TOEFL Speaking speed. To effectively speak at 150 words per minute for the TOEFL test, practice regularly, organize thoughts, limit fillers, and use transitions.

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How to Paraphrase in TOEFL Speaking

Paraphrasing is a core TOEFL skill that reflects how well you understand and communicate ideas. Use my CCC method to break complex ideas into clear, digestible language.

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How to Prioritize Your TOEFL Speaking Practice (Using Data)

So many people get this wrong. To improve TOEFL Speaking scores, focus on structure, content, and topic development. Use SpeechRater data to identify weak areas and practice effectively.

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How to Improve Your TOEFL Speaking Score with SpeechRater

Learn the TOEFL Speaking rubrics! To boost your TOEFL speaking score, focus on delivery, language use, and topic development. Practice regularly and use SpeechRater's feedback for targeted improvements.

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How to Fix Word Choice in TOEFL Speaking

Boost your TOEFL Speaking score by using varied, precise vocabulary instead of basic words, pacing at 150 WPM, and cutting fillers for clearer, more effective speech.

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How to Fix Speech Clarity in TOEFL Speaking

Clear speech, proper pacing, and natural intonation can boost your TOEFL Speaking score beyond 26. Practice slow, deliberate speech and record yourself to improve clarity.

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How to Fix Sentence Structure in TOEFL Speaking

Stuck at 23 on TOEFL speaking? Combine sentences, vary vocabulary, speak naturally, and avoid memorized answers to boost your grammar and fluency scores.

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How to Fix Response Organization in TOEFL Speaking

Stuck at a 24 in TOEFL Speaking? Focus on clear answer structures, effective note-taking, smooth transitions, and timed practice to boost your score.

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How to Fix Pausing in TOEFL Speaking

If your TOEFL Speaking score is stuck at 22, focus on natural pauses, varied pitch, and a steady pace to improve delivery and boost your score.

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How to Fix Grammar Range in TOEFL Speaking

Stuck at a 23 TOEFL Speaking score? Focus on fluency, pacing, and varied grammar by practicing longer phrases at 75 wpm and reviewing your recordings for better results.

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How to Fix Intonation in TOEFL Speaking

Struggling with a TOEFL speaking score? Improving intonation and natural speech flow can boost your delivery and help you break through that 22-point barrier.

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How TOEFL Speaking is Scored: A Simple Guide

How ETS blends human rater scores and SpeechRater scores is a closely held secret. But, TOEFL Speaking scores do combine human raters and SpeechRater to evaluate delivery, language use, and topic development.

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Go Get Your 26: It's Waiting for You

A big part of it is mindset. To achieve a 26+ on the TOEFL Speaking section, focus on building confidence, managing test anxiety, and utilizing visualization techniques for success.

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Effective Time Management in TOEFL Speaking Prep

Practical and non-obvious advice about how not to screw up your time management. It's essential for the TOEFL Speaking section. Use timers, establish clear structures, and practice consistently to enhance fluency under pressure.

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Assessment Isn’t Practice: Why You’re Stuck at 25 on TOEFL Speaking

My Speaking Score can tell you what’s wrong. But you have to do the work to fix it.

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Account Sharing with TOEFL Speaking Data: Why You Shouldn't Do It

It's not what you think! Sharing accounts screws up your TOEFL Speaking data. There is a much better way to help your friends.

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5 Tips for Taking Effective Notes in TOEFL Speaking

Your notes probably suck. Effective TOEFL Speaking notes involve structured formats, key points, abbreviations, active listening, and post-review for better recall and clarity.

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"Listen and Repeat" Task in TOEFL Speaking 2026: What It Is and How It’s Scored

The Listen and Repeat task requires you to listen to a sentence once and then repeat it exactly as you heard it. It's my new favourite task, and it will be yours too. But be careful, it's tougher than it looks...

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"I Can't Think and Speak at the Same Time"

Disorganized speakers often talk too fast or slow down erratically as they search for words. SpeechRater calculates this in words per second and gives a percentile score.

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