TOEFL reporting verbs are essential tools that help you clearly and accurately summarize information from reading passages, lectures, and academic discussions. Whether you're working on the Speaking or Writing sections of the TOEFL iBT, knowing how to use these verbs can significantly improve the coherence and organization of your responses.

This blog post teaches TOEFL test takers how to use reporting verbs when summarizing reading passages, lectures, and discussions. Learn how these verbs improve coherence and discover how personalized feedback can help you master this skill.

What Are TOEFL Reporting Verbs?

Reporting verbs are used to show that you're sharing someone else's ideas or information — not your own opinion. Common examples include:

• States

• Claims

• Argues

• Suggests

• Explains

Using these verbs correctly allows you to summarize a source while making it clear whose idea you're presenting. This is crucial when responding to integrated tasks that combine reading and listening material.

Why Reporting Verbs Matter

When you use TOEFL reporting verbs inside your Speaking or Writing tasks, you show that you can distinguish between your ideas and those of others. This is exactly what the TOEFL raters are looking for, especially in integrated tasks. For example, in Speaking Task 4 or Writing Task 1, you’ll need to summarize a lecture and reading. TOEFL scoring rubrics reward students who demonstrate clear organization, cohesion, and academic tone — and reporting verbs help you achieve that.

Use Reporting Verbs in Signal Phrases

To improve your coherence and cohesion, place reporting verbs inside signal phrases. These phrases guide the listener or reader and make your response easier to follow. You can position signal phrases in different parts of the sentence:

• Beginning:
  “The author claims that higher taxes reduce spending.”

• Middle:
  “Higher taxes, the author claims, reduce spending.”

• End:
  “Higher taxes reduce spending, the author claims.”

Varying your placement of signal phrases keeps your response natural and fluent — an important factor in scoring well on both TOEFL Speaking and Writing sections.

Get Feedback

Learning how to use TOEFL reporting verbs effectively takes practice — and feedback. That’s where I come in. My TOEFL Speaking and Writing Feedback Service at BetterTOEFLScores.com helps you identify where your signal phrases may sound awkward or unclear. I give you personalized advice on how to strengthen your grammar, vocabulary, and organization.

Final Thoughts

Mastering TOEFL reporting verbs is one of the best ways to make your responses sound academic, organized, and professional. Whether you're summarizing a university lecture or explaining a reading passage, the right verbs in the right places make all the difference.

If you're aiming for a higher score, let me help! Visit BetterTOEFLScores.com to get expert feedback and take your TOEFL performance to the next level.