Speaking Section 1: Read a Text Aloud
Welcome to Part 2 of the TOEIC® Listening test. This section looks simple — you hear a short question or statement followed by three possible responses (A), (B), (C).
Welcome to the first challenge of the TOEIC® Speaking test: Reading a Text Aloud. It sounds simple — but don’t underestimate it. Examiners are not just listening to whether you can read. They’re checking if you can sound natural, fluent, and confident.
Think of this as your warm-up. Just like stretching before a run, this section gets your voice, rhythm, and pronunciation ready. If you start strong here, you’ll carry that energy through the whole test.
What This Part Tests
In this part, you’ll be judged on:
- Pronunciation (can you be understood clearly?)
- Intonation & stress (does your voice rise and fall naturally?)
- Fluency (do you read smoothly, without long pauses or hesitations?)
Quick fact checks:
- You’ll read two short texts.
- You get 45 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to speak.
Coach Tip: Mentally note tricky words in the preparation time. Practise their pronunciation quickly before the timer starts. A calm start beats a rushed one.
How to Do It (Step by Step)
Step 1. Preview the text. Use prep time to scan and spot names, numbers, or difficult words.
Step 2. Mark the rhythm. Look for commas, full stops, and natural pauses.
Step 3. Breathe. Start with a steady breath — it keeps your voice strong.
Step 4. Don’t rush. Read at a calm, steady pace. Clarity is more important than speed.
Step 5. Read clearly. Aim for smooth pacing, not mumbling or stopping.
Step 6. Finish with confidence. Don’t fade away — land the last word with strength.
The word count is usually 90–120 words per passage.
A comfortable speaking rate is around 120–150 words per minute.
That gives about 45 seconds of speaking time when read clearly (not rushed).
Score-Boost Strategies
- Practise out loud every day. Even 5 minutes with a news article or an ad.
- Record yourself. Listen back — do you sound clear and natural?
- Imitate native speakers. Copy the rhythm and melody of real announcements.
Quick Success Checklist
☐ I pause at commas and full stops.
☐ I pronounce numbers, dates, and names clearly.
☐ My voice rises and falls naturally.
☐ I finish strong — not weak.
Practice Text A2 – Store Notice track 46
Welcome to Green’s Supermarket, your local store, for fresh food every day. Today’s special offer is red apples for only one euro fifty per kilo. We also have discounts on orange juice, breakfast cereal, and fresh milk. Please visit our bakery section for warm bread and croissants, baked fresh each morning. Our butcher’s counter is open until 7 p.m., offering fresh meat and poultry. Green’s Supermarket is proud to support local farmers. Thank you for shopping with us, and we hope to see you again soon.
Coach’s Notes
Numbers: one euro fifty, seven p.m.
Stress: special offer, bakery section, support local farmers.
Tone: warm, friendly, upbeat.
Practice Text B1 – Library Announcement track 47
Good afternoon, and welcome to the City Library. Please note that the library will close early today at 5:30 p.m. due to scheduled maintenance work. All borrowed books should be returned to the front desk before closing time. The study room will remain open until 5:00 p.m. for those who need a quiet space. Visitors are reminded that late fees apply to overdue books, and renewals can be made online. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your cooperation.
Coach’s Notes
Numbers: five thirty p.m., five o’clock.
Stress: borrowed books, study room, renewals.
Tone: calm, polite.
