Lesson 3 of 4 · Speaking: Listen and Repeat and Take an Interview (25%)
Take an Interview: opinions on broader issues
8 min read · about 1 h 10 min with practice3 quick checks≈5% of the testStretch: Stretch: harder material that separates the top gradesAI-generated · reviewed
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These later Take an Interview questions matter because they often separate competent spoken English from top-band speaking: you must give a clear opinion on a broader issue, support it, and keep speaking coherently for 45 seconds with no preparation time. In the updated TOEFL iBT Speaking section, these are the harder interview items, and strong answers show not just ideas, but control, nuance, and fluency under pressure.
By the end you’ll be able to
State a clear position at once (agree or disagree, yes or no, which option) in response to an opinion or policy question
Support the position with one or two reasons, each developed with an example, a consequence or a comparison
Briefly acknowledge an opposing view or a condition (While some people…, That said…) to show range
Use hedging, modals and conditionals to express nuanced opinions (It would probably…, If the city invested in…)
Stay coherent under time pressure with signposting and connectors between sentences
What the exam asks
In Take an Interview, you answer 4 questions on one scenario. Questions 1–2 usually ask about your experiences or habits; questions 3–4 often widen into an opinion or policy issue connected to the topic.
Typical prompts sound like:
Do you think universities should require community service?
Which is better for students: online workshops or in-person events?
Should cities spend more money on public transportation?
Do you agree that schools should start later in the morning?
What ETS is testing here:
Can you take a position immediately?
Can you give reasons and develop them?
Can you show range with hedging or a brief contrast?
Can you stay organized and fluent for the full 45 seconds?
Core ideas
Hear the cue and choose the right frame
The first job is to identify the question cue. That cue tells you what shape your answer needs.
Cue in the question
Best opening frame
Do you think…? / Do you agree…?
“Yes, I do, because…” / “Actually, I don’t, because…”
Should…?
“I think they should…” / “I don’t think they should…”
Which is better…?
“I’d choose X, mainly because…”
What is the best way…?
“The best way is probably…”
Your answer should give the decision in the first sentence. Do not spend 10 seconds paraphrasing the question.
vii.Check your understanding
3 questions on take an Interview: opinions on broader issues. Every option is explained once you answer.
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A strong 45-second answer usually follows this pattern:
Position→Reason 1 + support→Reason 2 + support→brief contrast/condition or conclusion
A practical timing model:
Part
Time
What to say
Position
5–7 sec
Clear yes/no or choice
Reason 1
12–15 sec
Main reason + example/consequence
Reason 2
12–15 sec
Second reason + example/comparison
Contrast/close
5–8 sec
“While some people…,” “That said…,” or final summary
This structure keeps you coherent even when ideas arrive late.
Develop reasons, do not just list them
Weak answer: “Yes, because it’s good and helpful.”
Strong answer: “Yes, because it gives students practical experience. For example, if they volunteer at a hospital, they can test whether a medical career really fits them.”
You can develop a reason in three quick ways:
Example: “For example…”
Consequence: “As a result…” / “That means…”
Comparison: “Compared with…” / “Unlike…”
Add nuance with hedging, modals, and conditionals
Top answers are not always absolute. Natural spoken English often sounds more realistic with softening language.
Useful forms:
Hedging: probably, generally, in most cases, I’d say, I tend to think
Modals: would, could, might, should
Conditionals: If the city invested in parks, families would have more safe places to meet.
These help you sound thoughtful rather than simplistic.
Compare:
Basic: “Cities need more parks.”
Better: “Cities would probably benefit from more parks, especially if those spaces were built in crowded neighborhoods.”
Briefly acknowledge the other side
You do not need a full balanced debate. But one short contrast can raise the quality of the answer.
Useful moves:
“While some people prefer X, I think…”
“That said, this only works if…”
“I understand the cost concern, but…”
“Of course, it depends on the school or city.”
This shows flexibility and language range without losing your position.
Signpost your ideas so the listener can follow you
Because there is no prep time, signposting is a major fluency tool.
Use connectors like:
First / Second
One reason is…
Another point is…
For example…
As a result…
That said…
So overall…
These phrases buy you thinking time and make the answer sound organized.
Worked examples
Exam technique
Recognize this question type fast: if the interviewer asks about policy, comparison, or what people/schools/cities should do, it is an opinion on a broader issue question.