Questions
Answers before you start
How scoring works, what your pass includes, and what happens to your recordings.
How accurate is the score?
In our own validation across several hundred recorded practice tests, at least 96% of full-test bands landed within half a band of our master grader's band. That is our measurement, not an independent study. Practice scores are estimates, not a prediction or guarantee of your official result.
Will my practice score match my real TOEFL score?
Not exactly, and no practice tool can promise that. The official test uses its own scoring system, and your performance changes from day to day. Treat your practice score as an estimate of where you stand, and watch the trend across several attempts instead of any single number.
How is my answer scored?
Your recording is analysed for pace, pausing and pronunciation, and its transcript for content and language use. Listen & Repeat is also checked against the prompt sentence. The result maps to the 1 to 6 band.
Is a person or a computer scoring me?
Your answers are scored by our automated grader, which was calibrated against the scores of our master grader. A person does not review each answer.
What do the band and the score range mean?
We convert your raw score (out of 55) to a 1 to 6 band in half-band steps, and show the matching range on the older 0 to 30 scale.
Why is my score lower than I expected?
Open the report breakdown. Delivery (pace, pauses, pronunciation), language use and content are scored separately, and a strong answer in one area cannot cover a weak one in another. The report also lists your top fixes. We do not round scores up to make you feel better.
Is the score fair for my accent or first language?
The rubric rewards clear, understandable speech, not a particular accent. Our own checks so far rely mostly on recordings from Korean-speaking learners, and we are widening them. If a score looks off for your speech, tell us.
What if I think a score is wrong?
Email support@speakinglab.org with the test name and question number, and we will take a look.
What is the new TOEFL Speaking section?
It has two tasks: Listen & Repeat, where you hear a sentence and say it back, and Take an Interview, where you answer questions out loud. See ets.org for the official format, timing and scoring.
What is in the free test?
A free Listen & Repeat test with feedback. You do not need a credit card.
What does the Pro Pass include?
Access to 3,500+ question sets (1,784 Listen & Repeat and 1,784 Interview), unlimited practice drills, graded tests with a full report, personalized drills, progress graphs, and grammar and vocabulary remediation.
Can I practice one type of question?
Yes. You can filter the question library by task type, difficulty and topic, and drill the formats you find hardest.
How many times can I retake a test?
Practice drills are unlimited. Graded full tests and interview tests are included in your pass, and your dashboard shows what is left if a limit applies to your plan.
What are the Top 3 grammar fixes?
After an interview test, the report picks the grammar errors that matter most and shows what you said, a natural fix and the rule behind it.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Practice and drills start from where you are, and the report shows what to fix first at any level.
How much does it cost?
See the pricing section on the home page for the current price. The Listen & Repeat test is free.
Is it a subscription?
No. The Pro Pass is a one-time purchase. It does not renew or charge you again automatically.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. If you are not satisfied, contact us within 7 days of purchase for a full refund. See the Terms for details.
Do you offer access for teachers or academies?
Yes. Teachers can give students access codes and follow their progress. Email support@speakinglab.org to set it up.
What happens to my recordings?
Recordings are stored privately so you can replay and download them for 14 days, then they are deleted. Transcripts and score reports are kept while your account is active. If your account is deleted, your recordings are deleted with it.
Who can hear my recordings?
They are stored privately and can only be opened through your own account. If you joined through a teacher or academy, ask them what they can see.
How do I delete my account?
Email support@speakinglab.org and we will delete your account. Your recordings are deleted with it.
What do I need to use it?
A computer or phone with a current browser, microphone access and a quiet room. There is nothing to download.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes, in a current mobile browser with microphone access.
Which languages is the site available in?
English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic. The speaking practice itself is in English.
Is Speaking Lab Pro connected to ETS?
No. TOEFL is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS). This product is not endorsed or approved by ETS.
Who built it?
Speaking Lab Pro was designed by a TOEFL Speaking specialist with more than 20 years in the classroom and more than 65,000 students taught.
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Still have a question?
Email us. If it is about a score, include the test name and question number.