TOEIC Speaking Practice Test: All 11 Tasks Timed, 50 Items with Model Answers

The 11 tasks, timed exactly

A useful TOEIC Speaking practice test copies two things: the eleven tasks in their real order, and the clock. The test is 11 questions in about 20 minutes, per the YBM test page in Korea, the IIBC format page in Japan and the ETS examinee handbook. Below the table are 50 practice items in that format, all written by TalkDrill, each with a model answer: 10 read-aloud texts, 10 picture scenes, 10 question sets, 5 information sets and 10 opinion prompts. Five optional propose-a-solution drills sit at the end. None of them is a real test question.

Questions	Task	Preparation	Answer time	What raters listen for (YBM table)	Rating (ETS)
1 and 2	Read a text aloud	45 seconds	45 seconds	Pronunciation; intonation and stress	0 to 3, two ratings each
3 and 4	Describe a picture	45 seconds	30 seconds	The above, plus grammar, vocabulary, cohesion	0 to 3
5, 6, 7	Respond to questions	3 seconds per question	15, 15 and 30 seconds	The above, plus coherence and completeness of content	0 to 3
8, 9, 10	Respond to questions using information provided	45 seconds to read the information, then 3 seconds per question	15, 15 and 30 seconds; Question 10 is played twice	All of the above	0 to 3
11	Express an opinion	45 seconds	60 seconds	All of the above	0 to 5

The split of 15, 15 and 30 seconds comes from the task directions in the ETS handbook; the YBM table gives the range "15초~30초" and adds that the Question 10 prompt is played twice. The handbook also says the information for Questions 8 to 10 stays on screen for all three questions, and that the sum of all eleven ratings is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 200. Our levels and scores page explains that conversion and the level names.

How to use this bank and mark yourself

Treat each item as a real question, not as reading material. Four rules make the difference between practice that moves your level and practice that only feels productive.

1. Use the real clock. Set a phone timer to the seconds in the table. Read the prompt, start the preparation timer, then start the answer timer and speak until it ends. For Questions 5 to 10, give yourself only 3 seconds: count "one, two, three" and start.
2. Record every answer. The test is a recording marked later by ETS raters, so the recording is what you are training. Listen back the same day.
3. Mark against the ETS words, not against our model. The model shows one good way to answer. Your answer can be different and still earn the top rating.
4. Never memorise a model. The ETS handbook says scores may be cancelled where a speaking response includes text or ideas substantially similar to other TOEIC responses. Borrow structures and phrases; build the content fresh.

The ETS handbook also says note taking is allowed in the test and that scratch paper is provided. In Korea, YBM's test rules give you one sheet and a pen from the centre (article 19), and writing on the sheet before the test starts voids your score (article 14). Practise writing three or four key words during the 45 seconds before Questions 3, 4 and 11, never full sentences, and only on one sheet.

Task	What the top rating needs (ETS scoring guide, paraphrased)	Check your recording
Read aloud (0 to 3, twice)	Pronunciation highly intelligible; emphasis, pauses and rising and falling pitch appropriate to the text.	Did you pause at commas and full stops, stress the key words and fall at the end of each sentence?
Describe a picture (0 to 3)	Describes the main features of the picture; delivery generally intelligible; vocabulary and structures allow coherent expression.	Did you name the place, the main people and what they are doing before the details?
Respond to questions (0 to 3)	A full, relevant, socially appropriate reply; little listener effort; appropriate vocabulary.	Did the first sentence answer the question? Did you add a reason or detail?
Information provided (0 to 3)	As above, and the information from the schedule is accurate.	Did you turn the table into spoken sentences, and were the times, prices and names right?
Express an opinion (0 to 5)	A clear opinion; support that is intelligible, sustained and coherent; good control of basic and complex structures; effective vocabulary.	Did you state the opinion in the first ten seconds and give two developed reasons or one reason with an example?

Questions 1 and 2: ten read-aloud texts

You get 45 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to read. Each text below is marked as our model reading: a slash (/) is a short pause, and bold words carry the main stress. Read each text once without looking at the marks, record it, then read it again with the marks and compare. The ETS guide gives two ratings here, one for pronunciation and one for intonation and stress, so a clear but flat reading still loses points. Record these on TalkDrill read-aloud practice or on your phone.

Read-aloud 1: a cafe advertisement

Are you tired of waiting in long lines for your morning coffee? / At Harbour Street Cafe, / we take your order on our app, / so your drink is ready when you arrive. / Choose from espresso, / fresh fruit smoothies, / or our famous honey latte. / This month only, / new members receive a free pastry with their first order. / Harbour Street Cafe is open from six thirty every morning, / including weekends and public holidays.

Watch for: the opening question rises at the end; the three-item list rises on "espresso" and "smoothies" and falls on "honey latte".

Read-aloud 2: an airport announcement

Attention, passengers on Flight four eighteen to Singapore. / Due to strong winds, / your departure has been moved from Gate twelve / to Gate twenty-seven. / Boarding will now begin at ten forty-five. / Please have your passport, / boarding pass, / and any travel documents ready before you reach the gate. / Passengers who need extra time or assistance / are invited to board first. / We apologise for the delay / and thank you for your patience.

Watch for: numbers are where readings fall apart; "twelve" and "twenty-seven" carry the news, so stress both. Keep the final "d" in "moved".

Read-aloud 3: a voicemail from accounts

Hello, / this is Dana Morris from the accounts department. / I'm calling about the invoice you sent on Tuesday. / The total looks correct, / but the purchase order number is missing, / so we can't process the payment yet. / Could you send a revised copy by Thursday afternoon? / If you have any questions, / you can reach me on extension two four six. / Thanks very much, / and have a good day.

Watch for: "accounts department" has two consonant clusters in a row; "can't" needs its final "t" or it sounds like "can".

Read-aloud 4: a radio traffic update

Good morning, / and welcome to the City Radio traffic update. / Drivers heading downtown should expect delays on River Road this morning, / where repair work has closed one lane. / If possible, / take Park Avenue / or Station Street instead. / Buses are running on time, / and the new express service from the airport / now stops at the convention centre every fifteen minutes. / We'll have another update at eight o'clock.

Watch for: "fifteen" is stressed on the second syllable, which is how a listener tells it from "fifty"; the "or" choice rises then falls.

Read-aloud 5: introducing a speaker

Our guest speaker tonight / has spent twenty years helping small companies grow. / After starting her career as a sales assistant, / Ms Kim went on to found three successful businesses, / in food delivery, / online education, / and home design. / Her new book, / Small Steps, Big Results, / explains how ordinary teams can make better decisions. / Please join me in giving a warm welcome / to Jiyeon Kim.

Watch for: read the book title as one unit with a pause before and after it; "successful businesses" has three "s" sounds close together, so slow down.

Read-aloud 6: a supermarket closing announcement

Thank you for shopping at Green Valley Market. / Our store will close in fifteen minutes. / Please bring your final items to the checkout counters at the front of the store. / Don't forget / that every Wednesday is Family Day, / when fresh bread, / fruit, / and dairy products are twenty per cent off. / Members can also collect double points on all household goods. / We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Watch for: short one-syllable list items ("bread, fruit") are easy to rush; give each its own small rise.

Read-aloud 7: a walking tour

Welcome to the Old Town walking tour. / Over the next two hours, / we'll visit the central market, / the historic library, / and the river bridge, / which was built more than three hundred years ago. / Please stay close to the group / and keep your ticket with you, / because it also gives you free entry to the city museum. / If you have questions at any point, / just raise your hand, / and I'll be happy to help.

Watch for: "built" ends in a clear "t"; "historic" is stressed on the second syllable.

Read-aloud 8: a weekend weather forecast

Here is your weekend weather forecast. / Saturday will start cloudy and cool, / with light rain expected in the afternoon. / On Sunday, / the clouds will clear by mid-morning, / and temperatures will rise to around twenty-four degrees. / It's a good day for hiking, / cycling, / or a picnic in the park. / Next week looks warmer and drier, / so if you're planning an outdoor event, / Wednesday or Thursday would be the best choice.

Watch for: the contrast between Saturday and Sunday is the point of the text, so stress both days.

Read-aloud 9: a staff notice

Attention, all staff. / The annual safety inspection will take place this Friday, / between nine a.m. and noon. / During this time, / the east staircase and the second-floor kitchen will be closed. / Please use the main elevators / and keep all fire exits clear. / Inspectors may ask you short questions about emergency procedures, / so take a few minutes to review the guide on the company website. / Thank you for your cooperation.

Watch for: long words ("inspection", "procedures", "cooperation") each have one strong syllable; find it during the 45 seconds.

Read-aloud 10: a business news item

In business news today, / the city's largest electronics fair opens on Monday at the Riverside Exhibition Hall. / More than four hundred companies will display new phones, / laptops, / and home appliances. / Organisers say this year's event will focus on energy-saving products and recycling programmes. / Tickets are available online and at the main entrance, / and visitors under eighteen can enter free of charge with an adult.

Watch for: "electronics", "exhibition" and "appliances" are stressed on the third, third and second syllables; "eighteen" is stressed on "-teen".

Questions 3 and 4: ten scenes to describe

In the test you see a photograph. This page has no photographs, so each item is a written scene: read it, picture it, then answer as if the photo were on your screen. You get 45 seconds to prepare and 30 seconds to speak. The ETS scoring guide gives the top rating to a response that "describes the main features of the picture", so a strong answer moves from the big picture to the details: the place, the main person or group, what they are doing, two details, and a closing impression. Each model below is written by TalkDrill and takes about 30 seconds at a calm pace.

Scene 1: a meeting room

Scene: An office meeting room with a large window. Four people sit around an oval table with laptops and paper cups. A woman in a navy jacket stands beside a screen showing a bar chart and points at the tallest bar. One man is taking notes; the man next to him is looking at his phone. Tall buildings are visible outside.

Model: This picture was taken in a meeting room in an office. In the centre, a woman in a navy jacket is standing beside a screen. She's pointing at a bar chart, so I think she's presenting sales results. Four colleagues are sitting around an oval table with laptops and coffee cups. On the left, one man is taking notes, but the man beside him is checking his phone. Through the window, I can see tall buildings. It looks like a busy weekly meeting.

Scene 2: an outdoor market

Scene: A street market on a sunny day. Under a striped awning, a vendor in a green apron hands a paper bag to a customer. Boxes of apples, oranges and tomatoes are stacked in front of the stall. A woman with a pushchair is waiting behind the customer. In the background, more stalls and a row of shops.

Model: This is an outdoor market on a sunny day. In the foreground, there's a fruit and vegetable stall under a striped awning. A vendor in a green apron is handing a paper bag to a customer, who is reaching out to take it. In front of the stall, boxes of apples, oranges and tomatoes are stacked neatly. Behind the customer, a woman with a pushchair is waiting her turn. In the background, I can see more stalls and some shops, so the market seems quite busy.

Scene 3: a train platform

Scene: A railway platform in the early morning. A silver train is arriving on the right. About ten passengers stand behind a yellow line, most of them holding coffee or looking at their phones. A man in a suit is running down the stairs with a briefcase. A digital sign above shows the time and the next destination.

Model: This photo shows a train platform, probably early in the morning. On the right, a silver train is pulling into the station. About ten passengers are standing behind a yellow line, and most of them are holding coffee or looking at their phones. On the left, a man in a suit is hurrying down the stairs with a briefcase. I think he's worried about missing the train. Above the platform, there's a digital sign showing the time. It looks like a typical morning commute.

Scene 4: a cafe counter

Scene: Inside a small cafe. Behind the counter, a young barista with a black cap is pouring milk into a cup. A coffee machine and a row of mugs are next to her. A customer in a grey coat is paying with a phone at the card reader. A glass case on the counter holds muffins and croissants. Chalkboard menus hang on the wall.

Model: This picture was taken inside a small cafe. Behind the counter, a young barista wearing a black cap is pouring milk into a cup, maybe making a latte. Next to her, there's a large coffee machine and a row of mugs. In front of the counter, a customer in a grey coat is paying with his phone. On the counter, there's a glass case full of muffins and croissants, and menus are written on chalkboards on the wall. The atmosphere looks warm and relaxed.

Scene 5: a park in the evening

Scene: A city park at sunset. On a wide path, two runners in bright clothes jog side by side. On the grass to the left, a group of five people does a yoga class led by an instructor on a mat. A man sits on a bench reading a newspaper while his dog lies at his feet. Tall trees and street lamps line the path.

Model: This is a city park, and judging by the light, it's around sunset. In the middle of the picture, two runners in bright clothes are jogging side by side along a wide path. On the left, on the grass, a group of five people is doing yoga, and an instructor is leading the class from a mat at the front. On the right, a man is sitting on a bench reading a newspaper, and his dog is lying at his feet. The path is lined with tall trees and street lamps.

Scene 6: a supermarket aisle

Scene: A long supermarket aisle with shelves of cereal and pasta. A store employee in a red shirt kneels on the floor and places boxes on the bottom shelf from a trolley. An older woman holds a shopping basket and reads the label on a packet. Sale signs hang from the ceiling.

Model: This picture shows an aisle in a supermarket. On both sides, the shelves are full of cereal boxes and packets of pasta. In the foreground, a store employee in a red shirt is kneeling on the floor. He's taking boxes from a trolley and putting them on the bottom shelf. A little further down the aisle, an older woman is holding a basket and reading the label on a packet, perhaps checking the price. Sale signs are hanging from the ceiling, so there might be a promotion this week.

Scene 7: an airport check-in area

Scene: An airport check-in hall. A family of four stands at a desk; the father hands passports to an airline employee behind the desk, and a suitcase sits on the scale. Two children hold small backpacks. Behind them, a long queue of travellers waits with luggage trolleys. Large departure screens hang overhead.

Model: This photo was taken at an airport check-in area. In the front, a family of four is standing at a check-in desk. The father is handing their passports to an airline employee, and one of their suitcases is on the scale. The two children are holding small backpacks and look excited. Behind the family, a long queue of travellers is waiting with luggage trolleys. Above them, there are large screens showing departure times. It must be a busy holiday period.

Scene 8: a restaurant kitchen

Scene: A busy restaurant kitchen. Three chefs in white uniforms work at a long steel counter. The chef in front chops vegetables on a wooden board; another stirs a large pot on the stove; the third arranges food on plates. Pans hang from a rack above them, and order tickets are clipped to a rail.

Model: This picture shows a professional kitchen in a restaurant. Three chefs in white uniforms are working at a long steel counter. The chef in the front is chopping vegetables on a wooden board. Behind him, another chef is stirring a large pot on the stove, and the third chef is putting food on plates, probably getting ready to serve. Above them, pans are hanging from a metal rack, and several order tickets are clipped to a rail. Everyone looks very focused.

Scene 9: road works

Scene: A city street where one lane is closed by orange cones. Two workers in hard hats and yellow safety vests stand beside a small digger; one points at a hole in the road while the other holds a clipboard. A line of cars waits behind a temporary traffic light. A cyclist passes on the pavement side.

Model: This picture shows road works on a city street. One lane has been closed with orange cones. In the middle of the picture, two workers in hard hats and yellow safety vests are standing next to a small digger. One of them is pointing at a hole in the road, and the other is holding a clipboard, so maybe they're discussing the repairs. On the right, a line of cars is waiting at a temporary traffic light, and a cyclist is passing beside them. Traffic seems slow.

Scene 10: a library study area

Scene: A bright library study area with long wooden tables. Several students work quietly; one wears headphones and types on a laptop, another writes in a notebook surrounded by open books. A librarian pushes a cart of books along the shelves in the background. Large windows let in sunlight.

Model: This picture was taken in the study area of a library. The room is bright because of the large windows. Several students are sitting at long wooden tables. In the front, a young man wearing headphones is typing on his laptop. Next to him, a woman is writing in a notebook, and she's surrounded by open books. In the background, a librarian is pushing a cart of books along the shelves. It looks like a calm, quiet place to study, maybe before exams.

Questions 5 to 7: ten question sets

Each set starts with a situation, usually a telephone survey or a conversation with a friend, and three questions on one topic. You have 3 seconds after each question, then 15 seconds for Questions 5 and 6 and 30 seconds for Question 7. The ETS guide gives the top rating to "a full, relevant, socially appropriate reply", so answer the question in your first sentence, then add one detail (15 seconds) or a reason and an example (30 seconds). Every set and model below is written by TalkDrill.

Set 1: coffee shops

Situation: A marketing firm is doing research in your area. You have agreed to a telephone interview about coffee shops.

• Q5: How often do you go to a coffee shop, and who do you usually go with? Model: I go about three times a week, usually with colleagues after lunch. At weekends I sometimes go alone, because it's a quiet place to read.
• Q6: What do you usually order, and why? Model: I usually order an iced americano. It's cheap, it has no sugar, and it keeps me awake in long afternoon meetings.
• Q7: When you choose a coffee shop, which matters most: price, location or atmosphere? Why? Model: For me, location matters most. My lunch break is short, so I need a place within five minutes of my office. If a cafe is far away, I can't relax because I keep checking the time. For example, there's a small cafe on the ground floor of my building. It's a little expensive, but I go there almost every day because I save so much time.

Set 2: commuting

Situation: A transport company is doing research in your city. You have agreed to answer some questions about commuting.

• Q5: How do you usually get to work or school, and how long does it take? Model: I usually take the subway, and it takes about forty minutes door to door, including a short walk at each end.
• Q6: What do you usually do during your commute? Model: I mostly listen to podcasts, often English ones, so the time feels useful. If I get a seat, I read the news on my phone.
• Q7: If your company let you start work an hour later, would that improve your commute? Why or why not? Model: Yes, definitely. At eight o'clock the trains are so crowded that I often have to wait for the next one. An hour later, there would be more space, and the journey would be calmer and more predictable. I think I would also arrive less tired, so I could start work with more energy. Many of my colleagues feel the same way.

Set 3: online shopping

Situation: A research company is conducting a survey about shopping habits. You have agreed to take part in a telephone interview.

• Q5: When did you last buy something online, and what was it? Model: I bought a pair of running shoes online last weekend. They arrived the next day, which was very convenient.
• Q6: Do you read customer reviews before you buy something online? Why? Model: Yes, always. Photos can be misleading, so reviews tell me about the real size and quality before I spend money.
• Q7: What are the disadvantages of shopping online compared with shopping in a store? Model: The biggest disadvantage is that you can't check the product before you buy it. For clothes, the size or colour is often different from the picture, and returning items takes time. Also, when you shop online, it's easy to buy things you don't need, because paying is just one click. In a store, I usually think more carefully before I buy.

Set 4: exercise

Situation: You are talking to a friend who wants to start exercising more.

• Q5: How often do you exercise, and what do you do? Model: I exercise about three times a week. Usually I go swimming before work, and on Sundays I go hiking with friends.
• Q6: Do you prefer exercising alone or with other people? Model: I prefer exercising with other people, because it's more fun and I'm less likely to skip a session.
• Q7: What advice would you give to someone who wants to exercise more but is very busy? Model: I'd suggest starting small. Instead of planning a one-hour workout, do twenty minutes in the morning, or walk part of the way to work. It's also a good idea to put exercise in your calendar like a meeting, so you don't cancel it. Once it becomes a habit, you can make the sessions longer.

Set 5: smartphone apps

Situation: A technology magazine is doing research in your country. You have agreed to a telephone interview about smartphone apps.

• Q5: How many hours a day do you use your smartphone? Model: Probably about four hours a day, mostly for messages, maps and work email. On weekends it's a little more.
• Q6: What kind of app do you use most often? Model: I use messaging apps most, because my team and my family both use them to stay in touch all day.
• Q7: Would you pay for an app that helps you study or work better? Why or why not? Model: Yes, I would, if it really saved me time. For example, I already pay a small monthly fee for a note-taking app, because I can search all my meeting notes on any device. Free apps often show a lot of adverts, which is distracting. So if an app is useful every day, paying for it is worth it.

Set 6: public libraries

Situation: Your local government is doing research on public services. You have agreed to answer questions about libraries.

• Q5: When was the last time you visited a library? Model: The last time was about a month ago. I went to my local library to borrow a book on project management.
• Q6: Is there a library near your home, and how do you get there? Model: Yes, there's one about ten minutes from my apartment, so I usually walk there.
• Q7: What could libraries do to attract more young people? Model: I think libraries should offer more than books. For example, they could have quiet rooms for online meetings, fast Wi-Fi and evening study spaces, because many young people don't have room to study at home. They could also run free classes, like coding or language clubs. If libraries feel modern and useful, young people will visit more often.

Set 7: holidays

Situation: A travel agency is doing research in your area. You have agreed to a telephone interview about holidays.

• Q5: Where did you go on your last holiday, and who did you go with? Model: I went to the coast with my parents last summer. We stayed for three days in a small seaside town.
• Q6: How do you usually plan a trip? Model: I usually plan online. I compare hotels on two or three websites and read reviews before I book anything.
• Q7: Do you prefer a holiday with a fixed plan or a holiday where you decide each day? Why? Model: I prefer a holiday with a basic plan but some free time. If everything is fixed, the trip feels like work. But with no plan at all, I waste time deciding where to eat or how to get somewhere. So I usually book the hotel and one or two activities in advance, and decide the rest when I'm there.

Set 8: eating out

Situation: A restaurant guide is doing research in your city. You have agreed to answer questions about eating out.

• Q5: How often do you eat at restaurants, and with whom? Model: About once a week, usually with my team on Fridays, and sometimes with my family at weekends.
• Q6: What kind of food do you usually choose when you eat out? Model: I usually choose Korean barbecue or Vietnamese noodles, because they're good for sharing with a group.
• Q7: What would make you go back to the same restaurant again and again? Model: Mostly friendly service. Good food is important, of course, but many places have good food. If the staff remember me and serve quickly, I feel welcome and I come back. For example, there's a noodle shop near my office where the owner always remembers my order. I've been going there for three years.

Set 9: music

Situation: A music streaming company is doing research in your country. You have agreed to a telephone interview about listening to music.

• Q5: When do you usually listen to music? Model: Mostly on my way to work and when I exercise. It helps me wake up and keeps me motivated.
• Q6: Have you been to a live concert recently? Model: Yes, I went to a jazz concert in a small club last month with two friends. It was excellent.
• Q7: Do you think it is better to listen to music at home or at a live concert? Why? Model: I think live concerts are better, even though they're more expensive. At a concert, you can feel the energy of the musicians and the audience, which you can't get from headphones. You also hear songs played in a different way from the recording. At home, music is just background, but a concert is an experience you remember.

Set 10: training at work

Situation: A human resources consultancy is doing research in your area. You have agreed to answer questions about training at work.

• Q5: When did you last take a training course, and what was it about? Model: I took a two-day course on presentation skills about three months ago. My company organised it for new team leaders.
• Q6: Do you prefer training online or in a classroom? Model: I prefer classroom training, because I can ask questions immediately and practise with other people.
• Q7: What kind of training would help you most in your job right now? Why? Model: Training in business English would help me most. My team works with partners in Singapore and Vietnam, and every week I join video calls in English. I can understand most of what people say, but I find it hard to explain problems clearly and quickly. Practical speaking training would make those calls much easier.

Questions 8 to 10: five information sets

You see a schedule, agenda or itinerary for 45 seconds before the questions begin, and it stays on screen. A caller then asks three questions: 15 seconds for Question 8, 15 for Question 9, and 30 for Question 10, which you hear twice (ETS handbook and YBM table). The ETS guide asks that "information from the prompt is accurate" and marks down candidates who find the right line but fail to "transform the written language so a listener can easily understand it". So never read the table out like a list: turn it into sentences. Use the 45 seconds to spot three things: the date and start time, anything cancelled or moved, and one person or topic that appears twice, because Question 10 often needs two items joined together. Every set below is written by TalkDrill.

Information set 1: a marketing workshop

Lakeside Conference Centre: Digital Marketing Workshop, Thursday 12 March. Fee: $80 ($60 for members)
9:00 a.m.	Registration and coffee
9:30 a.m.	Talk: Social media trends (Mark Ellis)
10:30 a.m.	Workshop: Writing for mobile readers (Sara Lin)
12:00 p.m.	Lunch (included)
1:00 p.m.	Panel: Measuring results (Mark Ellis, Ravi Patel)
2:30 p.m.	Workshop: Video on a small budget (cancelled)
3:30 p.m.	Closing remarks

Caller: Hi, I'm interested in the marketing workshop next month, and I have a few questions.

• Q8: What date is the workshop, and what time does registration start? Model: The workshop is on Thursday, March the twelfth, and registration starts at nine a.m. Coffee is served while you register.
• Q9: I heard the afternoon video workshop is the best session. That's at two thirty, right? Model: I'm sorry, but that session has been cancelled. However, there's a panel on measuring results at one o'clock that you might enjoy.
• Q10: Could you tell me about all the sessions Mark Ellis is leading? Model: Sure. Mark Ellis is leading two sessions. First, at nine thirty, he's giving a talk on social media trends. Then, after lunch, at one p.m., he's on a panel about measuring results, together with Ravi Patel. So if you'd like to hear him, it's best to arrive before nine thirty.

Information set 2: an interview schedule

Interviews: Sales Manager position. Monday 6 April, Room 302. Interviewers: Paul Grant, Mina Cho
9:30 a.m.	Daniel Ortiz	Current employer: Brightline Foods
10:30 a.m.	Hana Suzuki	Moved to Tuesday 7 April, 2:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m.	Lunch
1:00 p.m.	Kevin Tran	Video interview (lives overseas)
2:30 p.m.	Priya Nair	Current employer: Northgate Retail

Caller: Hi, this is Paul Grant. I've left my copy of Monday's interview schedule at home. Could you help me?

• Q8: Where are the interviews, and who is the first candidate? Model: The interviews are in Room three oh two. The first candidate is Daniel Ortiz, at nine thirty.
• Q9: I'm meeting Hana Suzuki at ten thirty, correct? Model: Actually, her interview has been moved. She's now coming on Tuesday, April the seventh, at two in the afternoon.
• Q10: What can you tell me about the interviews in the afternoon? Model: There are two interviews in the afternoon. At one o'clock, you're interviewing Kevin Tran, but that's a video interview, because he lives overseas. Then at two thirty, you're meeting Priya Nair, who currently works at Northgate Retail. Both interviews are with Mina Cho as well.

Information set 3: a business trip itinerary

Itinerary: Laura Chen, Seoul to Singapore
Tue 14 April, 8:40 a.m.	Flight SA 207 departs Seoul; arrives Singapore 2:10 p.m.
Tue 14 April, 4:00 p.m.	Check in: Marina Park Hotel (three nights)
Wed 15 April, 10:00 a.m.	Meeting with Tan Logistics (main office)
Wed 15 April, 7:00 p.m.	Dinner with Tan Logistics team
Thu 16 April, all day	Trade fair, Expo Hall B, stand 41
Fri 17 April, 11:30 a.m.	Flight SA 208 departs Singapore

Caller: Hi, this is Laura. I'm getting ready for my trip and I just want to check a few details.

• Q8: What time does my flight leave Seoul, and when do I arrive? Model: Your flight leaves Seoul at eight forty a.m. on Tuesday, and you arrive in Singapore at ten past two in the afternoon.
• Q9: Where am I staying, and for how long? Model: You're staying at the Marina Park Hotel for three nights. You can check in from four p.m. on Tuesday.
• Q10: What have I got planned with Tan Logistics? Model: You have two things planned with Tan Logistics, both on Wednesday the fifteenth. First, there's a meeting at their main office at ten in the morning. Then, in the evening, at seven o'clock, you're having dinner with their team. On Thursday, you're at the trade fair all day, at stand forty-one in Hall B.

Information set 4: evening classes

Course (Westside Community Centre, spring term)	Day and time	Teacher	Fee (8 weeks)
Beginner photography	Monday, 7:00 p.m.	Alex Kim	$120
Business English	Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.	Ruth Bell	$150 (full)
Business English	Thursday, 7:30 p.m.	Ruth Bell	$150
Healthy cooking	Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.	Marco Diaz	$180 (ingredients included)
Yoga for beginners	Saturday, 9:00 a.m.	Lena Park	$90

Caller: Hello, I saw your spring course list and I'd like some information before I sign up.

• Q8: How long are the courses, and how much is the photography class? Model: All the courses run for eight weeks. The beginner photography class costs one hundred and twenty dollars.
• Q9: I'd like to join the Business English class on Tuesday. Is that possible? Model: I'm afraid the Tuesday class is full. But there's another Business English class on Thursday at seven thirty with the same teacher, Ruth Bell.
• Q10: I'm free on weekends and Wednesday evenings. Which courses could I take? Model: You have two options. On Wednesday evenings at six, there's a healthy cooking class with Marco Diaz. It's one hundred and eighty dollars, but that includes ingredients. And on Saturday mornings at nine, there's yoga for beginners with Lena Park, which costs ninety dollars. You could take both.

Information set 5: orientation week

New employee orientation: week of 4 May
Monday, 9:00 a.m.	Welcome and company history	Main hall
Monday, 2:00 p.m.	IT setup: laptop and email	Room 105 (bring photo ID)
Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.	Health and safety training	Room 210
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.	Meet your department	Your team's floor
Friday, 12:00 p.m.	Lunch with the CEO	Rooftop cafe

Caller: Hi, I'm starting at the company next week and I've lost the orientation email.

• Q8: What time should I arrive on Monday, and where should I go? Model: Please arrive before nine a.m. on Monday and go to the main hall, where the welcome session starts.
• Q9: Do I need to bring anything? Model: Yes, please bring photo ID for the IT setup on Monday afternoon at two, in Room one oh five.
• Q10: What happens during the rest of the week, after Monday? Model: On Tuesday at ten, there's health and safety training in Room two ten. On Wednesday at nine thirty, you'll meet your department on your team's floor. Then on Friday at noon, all new employees have lunch with the CEO at the rooftop cafe. Thursday is free for you to start working with your team.

Question 11: ten opinion prompts

You get 45 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak, and this one question is rated out of 5 rather than 3. The ETS guide's top level asks for a clear opinion with support that is "readily intelligible, sustained, and coherent". Its level 3 describes the most common weak answer: at least one reason, but "little or no elaboration", or an answer that "repeats itself with no new information". A safe shape is: opinion in one sentence, first reason with a detail, second reason with an example, one-sentence close. Each model below is written by TalkDrill and runs about 60 seconds.

Opinion 1: large company or small company

Prompt: Would you rather work for a large company or a small company? Give reasons for your opinion.

Model: I'd rather work for a large company, for two reasons. First, large companies usually offer more structured training. When I started my first job at a big electronics firm, I had a three-month programme where I learned from experienced managers. That kind of support is hard to find in a small company. Second, a large company gives you more options for your career. You can move to another department or even another country without changing employers. For example, a friend of mine moved from marketing to the overseas sales team in the same company. Of course, small companies can be more flexible, but for building skills early in a career, I think a large company is the better choice.

Opinion 2: working from home

Prompt: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Companies should allow employees to work from home two days a week.

Model: I agree with this statement. The main reason is that working from home saves a lot of time. Many people in my city spend more than an hour commuting each way, so two days at home means four extra hours a week. People can use that time to rest or exercise, and they come back to the office with more energy. Another reason is that some tasks need quiet. When I write reports, I concentrate much better at home than in an open office where phones are ringing. However, I think three days in the office is still important for meetings and team spirit. So a mix of two days at home and three in the office seems like the best balance.

Opinion 3: what a manager needs

Prompt: Which is more important for a team manager: technical skill or communication skill? Why?

Model: In my opinion, communication skill is more important. A manager's main job is not to do the work, but to help the team do it well. That means explaining goals clearly, giving useful feedback and solving conflicts. If a manager can't communicate, even an expert team will be confused about priorities. For instance, my previous manager was brilliant technically, but she rarely explained her decisions, so we often redid work. My current manager is less technical, but he holds a short meeting every Monday and checks that everyone understands the plan, and our team is much more productive. Technical knowledge helps, but communication is what makes a team work.

Opinion 4: paying for English classes

Prompt: Some people think companies should pay for their employees' English lessons. Others think employees should pay for themselves. What is your opinion?

Model: I believe companies should pay, at least partly. First, the company benefits directly. When employees can speak English well, they can handle overseas clients and partners without needing an interpreter, which saves the company money. Second, if employees have to pay themselves, many will not study, because lessons are expensive and they are already busy. Support from the company sends a message that the skill really matters. For example, at my company, staff who reach a certain TOEIC Speaking level get their lesson fees back, and many of my colleagues have improved because of that. So I think sharing the cost is fair for both sides.

Opinion 5: learning online or in a class

Prompt: Is it better to learn a new skill by taking a class or by studying online by yourself? Give specific reasons.

Model: I think taking a class is better for most people. The biggest advantage is motivation. When you study alone online, it's very easy to skip a day, then a week, and finally stop. A class has a fixed time and other students, so you keep going. Another advantage is feedback. In a class, a teacher can see your mistakes immediately and correct them. For example, when I learned to play the guitar online, I practised the wrong hand position for months, and a teacher fixed it in one lesson. Online learning is cheaper and more flexible, but for real progress, I'd choose a class.

Opinion 6: meetings

Prompt: Do you agree or disagree? Most meetings at work are a waste of time.

Model: I partly agree. Many meetings are a waste of time because they have no clear goal. People share updates that could be sent by email, and the meeting runs over time. In my office, we used to have a one-hour meeting every morning, and most of it wasn't relevant to me. However, I don't think all meetings are useless. When a team has to make a decision or solve a difficult problem, talking face to face is much faster than writing messages back and forth. So the problem isn't meetings themselves. If every meeting had an agenda and a time limit, most of them would be useful.

Opinion 7: keeping good employees

Prompt: What is the best way for a company to keep good employees: higher pay, flexible working hours, or more training opportunities? Why?

Model: I think flexible working hours are the best way. Higher pay is attractive, but another company can always offer more money, so it doesn't create loyalty. Flexibility, on the other hand, changes people's daily lives. For example, parents can take their children to school, and people who live far away can avoid rush hour. My cousin turned down a job with a higher salary because her current company lets her start at ten. Training is also valuable, but not everyone wants it at every stage. Flexible hours help almost everyone, which is why I think they keep employees the longest.

Opinion 8: changing jobs often

Prompt: Some people say young employees should change jobs often to gain different experiences. Do you agree or disagree?

Model: I disagree. Changing jobs every year or so may give you variety, but it doesn't give you depth. In most jobs, it takes at least two years to understand the business properly and to take on bigger responsibilities. If you leave before that, you only learn the basics again and again. Also, employers may worry about hiring someone who has moved many times, because they expect that person to leave quickly too. In my experience, the colleagues who stayed three or four years in one role became experts and got promoted faster. So I think young people should change jobs only when they have a clear reason.

Opinion 9: technology and productivity

Prompt: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has made workers more productive.

Model: I agree, although technology also brings new distractions. On the positive side, tools like shared documents and video calls let us work with people anywhere. At my company, a report that used to take a week of emails can now be finished in one afternoon, because everyone edits the same file. Automatic translation and scheduling tools also save time on small tasks. On the other hand, constant messages can interrupt deep work. But that's a problem of how we use technology, not of the technology itself. If workers turn off notifications when they need to focus, technology clearly makes them more productive.

Opinion 10: the most important quality in a colleague

Prompt: What is the most important quality in a good colleague? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Model: For me, the most important quality is reliability. A reliable colleague does what they promise, on time, and tells you early if there's a problem. This matters because almost every task depends on someone else. If one person misses a deadline, the whole team has to work late. For example, last year I worked on a project with a colleague who always sent his part a day early. I never had to remind him, so I could plan my own work with confidence. Being friendly or creative is great too, but without reliability, a team can't trust each other, and nothing gets finished well.

Extra: five propose-a-solution drills

A word of warning first. The current task tables on the YBM page, the IIBC format page and in the ETS handbook list five task types, and none of them is "propose a solution". IIG Vietnam's TOEIC SW page records when it went: removed from 7 August 2021, the same date the answer time for each picture was cut from 45 to 30 seconds. Older prep books still carry that task, so if your book has one, or gives 45 seconds for a picture answer, it predates the change. We keep five drills here anyway, as optional practice, because the skill is useful elsewhere: Question 11 rewards a clear problem and a reasoned answer, and OPIc role-plays often ask you to explain a problem and suggest what to do. Treat them as 60-second speaking drills with 45 seconds to prepare. Each is written by TalkDrill.

1. The late delivery. Voicemail: "Hi, this is Sam from the Hilltop Hotel. The 200 welcome bags for our conference were supposed to arrive today, but your company says they'll come in three days. The conference starts the day after tomorrow. What can you do?" Model: Hello Sam, this is Jin from Brightpack, returning your call about the welcome bags. I'm very sorry they're delayed. I understand the conference starts in two days, so here's what I suggest. First, we have about 120 bags ready in our warehouse, and I can send those today by courier at no extra cost. Second, our team will pack the remaining 80 tomorrow morning and deliver them in the afternoon, before your conference begins. If that works for you, please call me back on 555 0182, and I'll arrange the courier right away.
2. The broken printer. Voicemail: "Hi, it's Olivia from the design team. Our only colour printer has been broken since Monday, and we have a client presentation on Friday. Nobody seems to know who's responsible for fixing it." Model: Hi Olivia, it's Ken from the office management team. Thanks for letting me know, and sorry nobody got back to you sooner. Printers on your floor are my responsibility. I've already booked a technician for tomorrow morning. In case it can't be repaired in time, I've also spoken to the finance team on the fourth floor, and they're happy for you to use their colour printer on Thursday and Friday. Just send the files to me and I'll print them for you. I'll update you after the technician's visit.
3. The double booking. Voicemail: "Hello, this is Mr Lee. I booked the large meeting room for Thursday at two, but another team says they booked it too. I have eight clients coming." Model: Hello Mr Lee, this is Sara at reception. I'm sorry about the confusion with the meeting room. I've checked the system, and both bookings were accepted because of an error. Since you have external clients, your meeting will keep the large room. I've offered the other team the smaller room on the third floor, and they've agreed. I'll also make sure there's water and coffee ready for your eight guests at a quarter to two. Please let me know if you need anything else.
4. The wrong order. Voicemail: "Hi, my name is Maria Santos. I ordered a grey office chair from your website, but you sent a black one. I need the grey one to match the rest of my office." Model: Hello Ms Santos, this is Tom from customer service. I'm sorry we sent the wrong colour. I've checked, and the grey chair is in stock, so I've arranged for it to be delivered this Friday. Our driver will collect the black chair at the same time, so you don't need to pack it or go anywhere. Because of the trouble, I've also refunded your delivery fee. If Friday isn't convenient, please call me on 555 0147 and I'll change the date.
5. The crowded training. Voicemail: "Hi, this is Ahmed from HR. Forty people have signed up for next week's safety training, but the training room only holds twenty-five. What should we do?" Model: Hi Ahmed, it's Grace from the training team. Thanks for the heads-up; it's good news that so many people are interested. I'd suggest running the session twice instead of once. The trainer is available on both Tuesday and Wednesday morning, so we can split the group into two sessions of twenty. I'll send you a short form today so people can choose their day. If anyone can't make either session, we can record the training and share it with them. Let me know if that works.

From your recordings to an estimated level

ETS does not print the table that converts the eleven ratings into the 0 to 200 score, so no practice site, including this one, can turn your answers into an official number. What ETS does publish is a description of what candidates in each score range typically can do. The table below uses those descriptions, from the ETS examinee handbook and the YBM levels page, to give you a TalkDrill estimate from your recordings. It is a rough guide, not a score.

What your recordings show	ETS descriptor range	YBM level name
Questions 5 to 10 mostly answered, but Question 11 has one vague reason or repeats itself; long pauses when you create language; read-aloud generally intelligible.	110 to 120	Intermediate Mid (110 to 130)
A relevant opinion in Question 11, but the reasons are unclear at least part of the time; some grammar mistakes and a limited range of words; read-aloud intelligible.	130 to 150	Upper Intermediate Mid to Intermediate High (140 to 150)
Connected, sustained speech; opinions and Question 10 handled effectively; only minor slips in pronunciation, complex grammar or word choice; read-aloud highly intelligible.	160 to 180	Advanced Low (160 to 170) to Advanced Mid (180 to 190)
Highly intelligible at all times, including opinions and complicated requests; accurate and precise vocabulary; good basic and complex grammar.	190 to 200	Advanced Mid to Advanced High (200)

The ETS ranges and the YBM level names do not line up exactly, which is why the right-hand column spans two names in places. Our levels and scores page sets the two side by side and explains what a 10-point jump usually needs.

A two-week practice route

If your test is about two weeks away, this route uses the whole bank once and leaves time for two full mocks. Twenty to thirty minutes a day is enough; recording and listening back is the part that cannot be skipped.

Days	Do this	Where
1	Full timed mock using read-aloud 1, scene 1, set 1, information set 1 and opinion 1. Record it all. Mark it with the self-check table.	This page
2 to 4	Two read-aloud texts a day, then the sound you struggled with most.	Read-aloud practice, final consonant clusters, p, f, b and v
5 to 7	Two scenes and two question sets a day, timed. Add the picture and respond templates.	Templates page
8 to 9	Information sets 2 to 5, then the same skills out loud in a phone-call role-play.	Role-play practice
10 to 12	Three opinion prompts a day, each answered twice: once as you like, once with a different example.	AI interview practice for follow-up questions
13	Second full mock with fresh items: read-aloud 10, scenes 9 and 10, set 10, information set 5, opinion 10. Compare with day 1.	This page
14	Rest. Check your test centre, ID and start time.	Fees, dates and results by country

If your first language is Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, Vietnamese or Thai, read our mistakes by first language page before day 2, so the read-aloud days target the right sounds. For the longer plan, see the 30-day plan; for the wider picture of both tests, start at the OPIc and TOEIC Speaking hub.