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1. What is TOEFL Speaking Task 2: Take an Interview?
Take an Interview is a new interactive speaking task in TOEFL 2026. An interviewer asks you a series of questions on one topic, such as university life, technology, or city living. After each question you answer as if you were speaking to a real person in a short, focused mini-interview.
Key features
- You hear several questions, all on the same general topic.
- You answer each question separately, but your answers together feel like a natural interview.
- The task checks how well you can speak spontaneously about familiar topics.
2. Task details & timing
How the task works
- An interviewer appears on the screen and asks you questions.
- All questions are linked to one theme (for example, "Urban life").
- You reply directly to the interviewer for each question.
Response length
- You have up to 45 seconds to answer each question.
- Aim to speak for at least 20 seconds so you can develop your ideas.
- There is no preparation time; you speak right after the question ends.
What is being tested?
- How clearly you answer the question and stay on topic.
- How well you organize and develop your answer.
- Use of grammar and vocabulary to express opinions and experiences.
- Pronunciation, rhythm, and overall intelligibility.
3. Typical question flow in Take an Interview
Although the exact wording changes, the questions often follow a predictable sequence. Knowing this flow makes it easier to plan your answers.
"Tell me about yourself..."
The first question usually asks about your situation or background.
- Example: "Which faculty or department are you part of, and why did you choose it?"
- Goal: introduce yourself and give a short, concrete explanation.
"What difficulties do you face?"
The second question often asks about problems and how you deal with them.
- Example: "What challenges do you face, and how do you overcome them?"
- Goal: show problem–solution thinking with at least one clear example.
"Do you agree or disagree?"
Now you give your opinion on a statement related to the topic.
- Example: "Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?"
- Goal: take a clear position and support it with reasons.
"What should be done?"
The final question often asks about the future or about possible solutions.
- Example: "Do you think universities should provide support for this? Why or why not?"
- Goal: make a recommendation, prediction, or evaluation with justification.
4. Take an Interview scoring rubric (0–5)
Each response is scored on a 0–5 scale. High-level answers are clear, organized, and fully answer the question.
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 5 | Fully addresses the question with a clear structure and strong development. Grammar and vocabulary are accurate and varied. Pronunciation is clear and fluent; easy to understand throughout. |
| 4 | Answers the question well with minor issues. There may be small problems in connectors, pacing, or pronunciation, but the message is easy to follow. |
| 3 | Stays on topic but development is limited. Frequent pauses, repetition, or vocabulary/grammar limitations reduce precision and clarity. |
| 2 | Attempts to answer but support is thin and speech is sometimes hard to understand. Very restricted vocabulary and grammar. |
| 1 | Minimal control of language. Response may contain isolated words or memorized phrases and is largely unintelligible. |
| 0 | No answer, completely off topic, or not in English. |
5. Core strategies & response templates
Use the A–D–S structure (Answer – Develop – Summary)
- Answer (≈5–7 seconds): Give a direct response to the question.
- Develop (≈20–30 seconds): Add 1–2 clear reasons and at least one example.
- Summary (≈5 seconds): Wrap up by restating your main point.
Example template: "I would say… The main reason is… For example… So overall, that's why I feel this way."
Use functional phrases for each stage
Memorize short, flexible expressions so you can speak smoothly even when you are nervous.
- Openers: "In my experience…", "From what I've seen…", "Personally, I think…"
- Reasons: "The main reason is…", "Another factor is…", "This is important because…"
- Examples: "For instance…", "A clear example is…", "Recently, I…"
- Qualifiers: "generally", "to some extent", "in most cases"
- Wrap-ups: "So overall…", "That's why…", "For these reasons…"
Use cue phrases to guide the listener
- Signal your plan: "There are two main reasons for this."
- Move through ideas: "First…", "Second…", "Finally…"
- Contrast ideas: "On the other hand…", "However…"
- Give examples: "For example…", "Such as…"
- Conclude: "Overall…", "In conclusion…"
Prioritize accuracy & pronunciation
- Keep a steady pace; you do not need to speak as fast as the interviewer.
- If you get stuck, rephrase the question: "In my experience, one reason is…"
- Choose words you can say clearly; clarity is more important than rare vocabulary.
- Release final consonants, use natural stress, and avoid fillers like "uh" and "um".
Create your own templates
Design 3–4 personal templates—one for experience questions, one for challenges, one for opinions, and one for prediction/recommendation. Practice them until they feel automatic so you can focus on your ideas during the test.
6. Example Take an Interview task – Urban Life
Below is a sample four-question interview about living in a city. In the real test, you would only hear the interviewer and then give your own answers, but here we provide model responses so you can see how to use the strategies.
Context
A researcher is interviewing you about your experiences and opinions of city life. Answer each question clearly and fully in up to 45 seconds.
Question 1 – Personal situation
Interviewer: "Do you currently live in a big city, a small town, or a village?"
Sample answer: "Right now I live in a large city. I moved here a few years ago to attend university, and since then I've really enjoyed the opportunities it provides. There are always new places to discover, and public transportation makes it much easier to get around than in smaller towns."
Question 2 – Personal reaction
Interviewer: "Some people feel cities are exciting, while others find them tiring and stressful. How do you react to cities, and why do you think you react this way?"
Sample answer: "For me, cities are more energizing than exhausting. I like the variety of people, activities, and ideas, and I enjoy the quick pace of life. I think I respond positively because I like having many choices—cultural events, restaurants, or career options. Even though cities can be noisy, the benefits are much stronger than the negatives for me."
Question 3 – Opinion
Interviewer: "Some people say that people who live in cities lead more interesting lives. Do you agree or disagree? Why?"
Sample answer: "In general I agree that city life often feels more varied. People in cities usually have easier access to concerts, museums, and professional events, so there is always something new to do. At the same time, I don't think rural life is boring; it can be meaningful in different ways, such as being closer to nature. So I'd say city life is often more event-filled, but 'interesting' really depends on a person's values."
Question 4 – Recommendation
Interviewer: "Do you think city governments should create more parks to increase happiness and life satisfaction for residents? Why or why not?"
Sample answer: "I strongly believe that governments should invest in more parks. Urban life can be very stressful, and green spaces give people a chance to relax, exercise, and spend time with friends or family outdoors. When I visit my local park after a busy day, I feel calmer and more balanced. If cities create more parks, they can improve both mental and physical health, which is good for the whole community."
7. Practice routine for Take an Interview
Step 1 – Choose a topic
- Select familiar themes: university life, technology, hobbies, travel, or environment.
- Write four questions following the pattern: experience → challenge → opinion → recommendation.
Step 2 – Simulate the interview
- Record yourself asking each question, leaving a 5-second gap before the next one.
- Play the recording and answer as if you were taking the real test.
Step 3 – Check timing & structure
- Make sure each answer is between 20 and 45 seconds.
- Check that you followed the A–D–S structure and used at least one example.
Step 4 – Improve language
- Listen to your recording and note problems with grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation.
- Rewrite or re-record answers using better phrases and clearer pronunciation.
8. Frequently asked questions
Is Take an Interview more difficult than other speaking tasks?
It can feel challenging because there is no preparation time. However, the topics are familiar and predictable, and you can rely on good templates. With practice, many students find it easier than integrated tasks that involve reading and listening.
Do I have to speak for the full 45 seconds?
No, but you should speak for at least 20 seconds and use most of the available time. Very short answers usually do not give enough detail for a high score.
Can I pause to think during my answer?
Short pauses are normal, but avoid long silences and repeated fillers like "uh" or "you know." Use cue phrases such as "Let me think for a moment…" to keep your speech smooth while you organize your ideas.
Do I need complex vocabulary to get a high score?
High scores use vocabulary that is accurate and appropriate, not necessarily complicated. It is better to use common words correctly than to use advanced words incorrectly.
How many times can I listen to the question?
You only hear each question once, just like in a real conversation. Train yourself to listen carefully and take quick mental notes about the key parts of the question.
