The transitions you are using
are working against you.
You are losing points on TOEFL Speaking and you do not even know why. The three phrases you rely on signal to the rater that you are reciting a template, not speaking English. Here is what to use instead.
A rater hears hundreds of identical responses every day.
Three transitions appear in nearly every international dentist’s TOEFL Speaking response. None of them are grammatically wrong. But all three immediately signal to the rater that you are working from a memorized template. The TOEFL Speaking rubric rewards spontaneity, natural phrasing, and language control. These three phrases undercut all of that before your idea is even heard.
The replacements below are not fancy vocabulary. They are phrases that fluent English speakers actually use — phrasing that sounds like thought, not recitation.
Stop saying these. Say this instead.
The numbered list structure is not wrong — it is just overused to the point of invisibility. Raters want to hear that you can build an argument, not label three pre-prepared bullets. Phrases like “the main reason is” force you to frame your point as a reason, which immediately improves topic development — one of the three rubric dimensions.
TOEFL Speaking tasks are already asking for your opinion. Every second of your 45-second window is precious. “In my opinion, I think that” can cost you 3–4 seconds of filler that never moves your score forward. Fluent speakers front-load content, not disclaimers.
TOEFL Speaking tasks are spoken conversations, not written essays. Raters are trained to evaluate spoken language register. Closing with essay vocabulary like “in conclusion” or “to conclude” signals that you are reciting rather than speaking. Natural spoken closings like “all things considered” or “that is why I feel” complete your response in the correct register.
Full 45-second response comparison
Read the weak version first. Then switch to the strong version. Use the timer to practice delivering either answer aloud. Notice how the same ideas land completely differently.
Prompt: Do you prefer to live in the city or in a rural area? Explain why.
In my opinion, I think that living in the city is better. Firstly, there are more job opportunities. Secondly, there are good hospitals and schools. The transportation is also easy. Finally, I like to have access to entertainment and shopping. Rural areas are quiet but there are not many opportunities. In conclusion, I think the city is the better choice for most people because of these advantages.
Prompt: Do you prefer to live in the city or in a rural area? Explain why.
I believe living in the city offers more practical advantages for someone at my stage of life. The main reason is access to specialized medical and professional opportunities — as an international dentist, proximity to dental schools and licensing resources is essential. Another key point is that urban transit networks make daily life far more efficient, especially when managing a demanding study schedule. That said, I recognize that rural living offers genuine peace that cities cannot match. All things considered, the career opportunities and infrastructure the city provides outweigh those quieter advantages for where I am right now.
Three swaps — keep this with you
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