Repetitions in TOEFL speaking refer to the repeated use of words or phrases in your speech. In the TOEFL speaking section, you are assessed on your ability to avoid repeating the same words or phrases over and over again in your responses. This means using a variety of different words and phrases to express your ideas and avoid repeating the same ones. A speaker who avoids repetitions in their speech will be able to communicate
their ideas more effectively and make their speech more engaging for the listener. However, it is important to note that the TOEFL speaking section does not assess your ability to avoid repetitions in isolation. Instead, it assesses your ability to use a variety of different words and phrases as part of a coherent and well-structured speech.
What is Repetitions in TOEFL® Speaking?
Repetitions (Re) in TOEFL® Speaking is a SpeechRater™ indicator of your fluency.
Re is a measure of how often you repeat the same words and phrases, including your repetitions to self-correct yourself.
You should repeat the same words less frequently and use a variety of words in your speech.
Your Repetitions Score
Your Repetitions score is calculated based on [Information on how SR measures repetitions].
- Higher Repetitions score = few words repeated
Repetitions is scored out of 100. Your score is indicated by the “You are here” line.

- This response outscored 40% of the test takers in ETS’s database.
- 60% of the responses scored higher in this one dimension.
- This response is consistent with other TOEFL Speaking responses in the 10-17 range.
Tip: Learn more about how to read My Speaking Score charts, including the Impact score and what the coloured bars mean, in our knowledge base.
Why You Should Care
- Those who score 26+ on TOEFL Speaking have an average Re score of 87.47.
- Re is not one of the stronger predictors of your overall TOEFL speaking score, but this does not mean that it has no effect on your score.
Increase Your Score
Make sure that you do not frequently repeat the same words and phrases in your speech. Stronger speakers
- Do not repeat the same words frequently.
- Use a wide variety of words in their speech.
On My Speaking Score, remember to check your transcription to see if you use the same words and phrases often in your speech.

Remember, Repetitions is a measure of your fluency. It does not have a high impact on your speaking score, but a low repetitions score can decrease your SpeechRater score.
Check out our blog to learn more about how to improve your score in other dimensions!