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For Question #2 on the TOEFL iBT Speaking Section, you need to choose between one of two options, and support your choice with specific details, reasons, or examples. Question #2 is very similar to Question #1, in the following ways: You create the content, no paraphrasing other material. You use your own personal ideas and opinions for support. It is independent, you don't read or listen to anything before responding. You have 15 seconds to prepare, and 45 seconds to respond. The same type of introduction and language can be used (in general). However, Question #2 is a bit different from Question #1 in some ways: Your choice is limited to one of two ideas, possibly a combination of both, or neither of the two (in some cases). You need to use comparitive language (i.e. better, more convenient, etc.), whereas in question #1, you used superlative language (i.e. best, most convenient, etc.) You have an easy way to support your choice with two main ideas - the first one is the main reason you made your choice, and the second one can be a reason why you don't like the other choice. Based on this, we can use the same basic blueprint, or template, for question #2 with a few minor adjustments. 1) The Introduction “I prefer X over Y, because of two (or three) main reasons – A, B, [and C].” You may replace “I prefer X over Y…” with: “To me, X is better (more interesting, more important, etc.) than Y…” “I’d say that…” “In my opinion,…” “I believe…” 2) The Body “Regarding A, I’d say that it is/was ______ (comparative adjective, i.e. more important, easier, etc.) because… “As for B, then I believe…” “And finally, C is, to me, (more important, easier, less harmful)…” If you cannot think of support for your answer, here's a great tip: Support your choice in Question #2 with one reason in favor of your choice (the first reason that comes to mind), and one reason for not choosing the other choice! 3) The Conclusion “For these reasons, I feel that…” (Restate your original opinion in different words.) Remember to keep it simple and clear, connecting your ideas, using language you are comfortable with. Here is a sample of how the blueprint above can be used. Question: Do you prefer attending large classes or smaller ones? Use specific reasons to support your choice. Response: I prefer attending small classes over larger ones, for two main reasons - Access to the professor and the ability to focus. Access to course instructors, especially experts in their fields, is an invaluable part of the university experience. In small classes, you get many more opportunities to ask questions, and the professor can even help you with your specific research if he doesn't have 100 students expecting the same attention. Another reason I feel small classes are better is the ability to concentrate on the lectures more easily. In large classes, there are just too many people and too many distractions, like cellphones, chatting, and people entering and exiting. These are the reasons why I prefer small classes. I timed this response at exactly 45 seconds. The total time allowed for a response to this question type is exactly 45 seconds.

While experts recommend TOEFL test takers to be as creative as they can in their responses to the TOEFL Speaking Section questions (Types #1 and #2 specifically), there is sometimes a need to have fallback standard responses to the speaking questions, because sometimes: The test taker may not like the question. The test taker may not feel comfortable with the nature of the question. The test taker may be experiencing a mental block. The test taker may not have any “creative juices” flowing. For these reasons, there is a need for a “safety net”, or a basic, fallback set-up to use for the foundation of the response. The following blueprint could be used for the first question about significant people, places, events, or objects: 1) The Introduction “I thinkX is/was a _____ (adj.) thing/person/event, because of three basic reasons – A, B, and C.” You may replace “I think…” with: “To me,…” “I’d say that…” “In my opinion,…” “I believe…” 2) The Body “Regarding A, I’d say that it is/was so ______ (adj.) because… To me, that is really _______.” “As for B, then I believe…” “And finally, C is, to me,…” 3) The Conclusion “For these reasons, I feel that…” (Restate your original opinion in different words.) Remember to keep it simple and clear, connecting your ideas, using language you are comfortable with. Here is a sample of how the blueprint above can be used. Question: What is the best place to go for a vacation, and why? Response: To me, the best place to go for a vacation is Taif, Saudi Arabia, because of the attractions, the weather, and the low costs involved. Taif has many unique and exciting attractions, like the Hada cable cars that take you down through the mountains, and the beautiful parks in Shafa. As for the weather, the cool winds of Taif provide a much-needed break from the heat of most cities in Saudi Arabia. And finally, a vacation to Taif is not expensive. As many people in our current economic slowdown look for cheaper alternatives to international destinations, I feel that Taif provides a great local experience without the heavy expenses. These are the reasons why I think that Taif is the best vacation spot. I timed this response at exactly 43 seconds. The total time allowed for a response to this question type is 45 seconds.

"Give advice to a friend..." Remember that confusing new style of prompt for question 1 in the TOEFL speaking section? Well, the example question, audio response and full script attached below will hopefully give you some ideas on how to handle this! :-) Hope it's helpful. All the best in your TOEFL preparation, - Jason Renshaw