TOEFL Speaking Task 4: Strategies, Model Response, and 10 Practice Tests

Master TOEFL Speaking Task 4: What is  this task?

Master TOEFL Speaking Task 4 is the final task in the speaking section of the exam. In this task, you’ll listen to a short academic lecture (60–90 seconds) and then summarize its main idea and supporting examples. You’ll have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.

This task measures your ability to comprehend and clearly explain academic content using spoken English. It’s challenging — but with the right approach and enough practice, you can master it.

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Master TOEFL Speaking Task 4 Strategies

1. Know the Structure of the Lecture

Most lectures follow this structure:

• A definition or explanation of a concept

• Example 1

• Example 2

2. Take Notes on the Big Picture

Focus your notes on:

• The main concept or term

• Key details from both examples

• Any contrast or cause/effect mentioned

3. Use a Reliable Template

“In the lecture, the professor explains [concept]. First, they describe [example 1]. Then, they provide another example about [example 2]. These examples support the concept.”

4. Paraphrase—Don’t Memorize

Use your own words. This shows understanding and improves your fluency score.

5. Practice and Get Feedback

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️ Model Response Example

Lecture Summary:
The professor discusses social facilitation, which is when people perform better in front of others—but only if they already know the task well.

Model Response:

In the lecture, the professor explains social facilitation, which means people perform better when others are watching—but only for tasks they already know well.
First, he gives the example of a piano player who performs better in front of an audience.
Then, he describes a student struggling with math who does worse when people are watching.
These examples show that social facilitation only helps when the task is already familiar.

Master TOEFL Speaking Task 4: Practice Tests 

Each test includes a realistic professor-style  (~200 words) and a speaking prompt.

Master TOEFL Speaking Task 4: Practice Test 1: Mirror Neurons

Prompt:
Explain mirror neurons and how the professor’s two examples illustrate this concept.

Master TOEFL Speaking Task 4: Practice Test 2: Opportunity Cost

Prompt:
Describe the concept of opportunity cost and the examples the professor gives.

Master TOEFL Speaking Task 4: Practice Test 3: Hibernation

Prompt:
Explain hibernation and how the professor’s examples illustrate it.

Practice Test 4: Photosynthesis

Prompt:
Summarize the lecture on photosynthesis and explain how the professor’s two examples illustrate the concept.

Practice Test 5: Groupthink

Prompt:
Explain the concept of groupthink and how the professor’s examples support it.

Practice Test 6: Operant Conditioning

Prompt:
Describe operant conditioning and how both examples illustrate the concept.

Practice Test 7: Renewable Energy

Prompt:
Explain the benefits and limitations of renewable energy using the professor’s two examples.

Practice Test 8: Coral Reefs

Prompt:
Describe the importance of coral reefs and the two main examples the professor uses.

Practice Test 9: Behavioral Adaptations

Prompt:
Explain what behavioral adaptations are and how the professor’s examples illustrate the concept.

Practice Test 10: Division of Labor

Prompt:
Summarize the concept of division of labor and explain how both examples support it.

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