TOEFL Together - Lesson 1

TOEFL Together

LESSON 1

TOEFL Speaking: Student Guide

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Introduction

How the Speaking Questions relate to the real world

Learning Outcomes

01

You will be able to relate the skills needed in TOEFL to a variety of academic and professional situations.

Speaking Applications

02

You will be able to describe the structure and format of the Speaking exam and understand what you have to do

Exam Structure

03

You will be able to prepare and practice all 4 types of questions and apply the timing process

Question Preparation

04

You will be able to analyse and appraise your responses and determine how to improve

Analyis

TOEFL Speaking Toolkit

Your Toolkit

At the end of this guide you can access the TOEFL Speaking Toolkit with additional resources to help you prepare.

• Tools to help you practice from anywhere

• Step by step guide for practice questions and how to use the official AI scored practice sets on mobile

• Additional resources: videos, weblinks, extra tips and techniques.

What do you already know?

How much do you know about the Speaking section?

Index

Section 1

Section 2

Introduction

Your TOEFL Speaking Guide is a step by step document to help you prepare, practice and gain the confidence for the Speaking Introduction Class and the exam

Exam Structure

Question Practice

Exam Overview & Format

Question Preparation & Practice

Section 3

Quiz

Module 3 Toolkit

Answer Analysis

Evaluate what you know before attending the Speaking Introduction Class.

Explore additional resources and curated references

Analysis & How to improve

Section 1 Exam Structure and Format

45 - 60 minutes

Section 1: Exam Structure - Speaking

Speaking Structure

Speaking is the 3rd part of the exam.

This part lasts 16 minutes in total. You will record yourself speaking into a microphone and it will be timed. You will hear and read the questions on a computer screen. There is no interaction with a live examiner.

In the exam, your speaking will be marked by two raters: 1. Human Rater–evaluates content, meaning and language in a holistic manner. 2. Automated Speech Rater evaluates in a more analytical manner and looks for linguistic features.

Question 1

Types of Questions

Q1. Independent Speaking

There are 2 types of questions:

1. You are given a statement

For example: Many people prefer to study alone, but group collaboration is growing in popularity.

Independent Speaking

Independent Speaking & Integrated Speaking

Which do you prefer?

It asks for your personal opinion.

2. Now choose a side, which do you prefer?

Do you prefer to study alone?

Or

Do you prefer group colloboration?

Pyramid Plan

15 Seconds

After you read the statement, you have 15 seconds to generate and organize your ideas

Study alone

Draw a pyramid shape

Convenient

Concentrate

Focus on your own needs

Study at any time

Study where you want

Study on task

This is how it works

Listen

Go to Q1 Practice

Listen to this model answer

1. Chose a side

Study alone

Answer = 45 seconds

Convenient

Concentrate

2. Write 2 ideas

Focus on your own needs

Study at any time

Study where you want

Study on task

3. Write 2 points for each idea

Question 2, 3, and 4

Types of Questions

Integrated Speaking Questions

With Q2 you have 3 activities 1. Reading 2. Listening 3. Speaking

There are 3 types of integrated questions:

With Q3 you have 3 activities 1. Reading 2. Listening 3. Speaking

With Q4 you have 2 activities 1. Listening 2. Speaking

Integrated Speaking Question 2 - Campus Situation

3. Speaking

2. Listening

1. Reading

Give a summary of the opinion in the Listening in context of the Reading 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Read (80-110 words) about a campus-related issue 45 seconds

Listen to comments made on the issue 60 - 80 seconds

Integrated Speaking Question 2

When Reading, take notes in a table

1. Reading

3. Speaking

What is the change? What are the reasons x 2?

Read (80-110 words) about a campus-related issue 45 seconds

Integrated Speaking Question 2

When Listening, take notes in a table

3. Speaking

3. Speaking

2. Listening

What is his opinion? What reasons does he give x 2?

Listen to comments made on the issue 60 - 80 seconds

Integrated Speaking Question 2

When Speaking, use the notes in your table

3. Speaking

Give a summary of the opinion in the Listening in context of the Reading 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Integrated Speaking Question 2 - Structure

When Speaking, follow this structure to give a complete response

3. Speaking

1. State the theme of the Reading

The reading states that the college association wants to spend money on purchasing a new sound system for Lincoln Hall.

Give a summary of the opinion in the Listening in context of the Reading 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

2. and the 2 reasons ...

This is to encourage more students to attend the films and to increase ticket sales.

3. State the opinion from the Listening in relation to the Reading

The man does not think that this is a good option. His opinion is it's a waste of money

4. and the 2 reasons ...

Firstly, because he doesn't think spending money on the sound system will improve the sound in the old building because the acoustics are so bad. His second reason is he doesn't think the cinema would be a popular choice for students. If there were better things to do on campus they would choose them

Integrated Speaking Question 3 - Reading & Lecture

3. Speaking

2. Listening

1. Reading

Give a summary of the opinion in the Listening in context of the Reading 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Listen to to a professor giving a lecture for approx 120 seconds on the same subject as the reading material 60 - 90 seconds

Read (80-110 words) from a University textbook 45 seconds

Integrated Speaking Question 3

When Reading, take notes in a table

3. Speaking

What is the title? What is the definition of the concept?

1. Reading

Read (80-110 words) from a University textbook 45 seconds

Integrated Speaking Question 3

When Listening, take notes in a table

Explain the Title/Topic? What is the definition? What is the example?

3. Speaking

3. Speaking

2. Listening

Listen to the professor and take notes from the Lecture 60 - 80 seconds

Integrated Speaking Question 3

When Speaking, use the notes in your table

3. Speaking

Question: Explain flow and how the example used by the professor illustrates the concept. 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Integrated Speaking Question 3 - Structure

When Speaking, follow this structure to give a complete response

1. The introduction phrase:

3. Speaking

Both the Reading and the Lecture discuss the concept of Flow and how it usually happens.

2. The definition phrase: explain the concept of flow as it was presented in the reading

Question: Explain flow and how the example used by the professor illustrates the concept. 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Flow is a state or feeling of complete and energized focus in an activity -usually one that stretches one’s physical or mental abilities

3. Transitioning from the reading to the lecturer:

The professor's friend experienced flow while working on a mathematics puzzle which is a mentally challenging activity

4. Transition phrases for developing points, such as: “also, in addition, moreover, as a result, consequently,”

Since flow is characterized by losing a sense of time, the friend stayed up late or did not stop for other activities such as eating or sleeping

5. Conclusion

This is how the professor explains Flow

Integrated Speaking Question 4 - Academic Lecture

2. Speaking

1. Listening

Listen to an academic lecturer on a specific concept/term 90 - 120 seconds

Summarize the lecture explaining the examples illustrate the subject of the lecture 20 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Integrated Speaking Question 4 - Instructions

In the Listening, a professor introduces a talk on a specific topic. It’s very important that you note down the definition given; this will be right at the beginning of the lecture.

2. Speaking

Your notes are essential in Q4.

Summarize the lecture explaining the examples illustrate the subject of the lecture 20 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

See the table below for good note taking structure.

Integrated Speaking Question 4 - Instructions adapted

Not all lectures will follow the same structure. Here, in this lecture there is 1 overall Topic and then 2 subtopics are needed, for "the narrow definition" and "the broad definition".

So you have to logically adapt your notes in Q4.

2. Speaking

Summarize the lecture explaining the examples illustrate the subject of the lecture 20 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Integrated Speaking Question 4 - Structure

Use this structure to practice speaking .Repeat until it sounds fluent and natural

When speaking, don’t try and read your notes. If you sound like you are reading, your score will be lower. Instead, pretend you are a teacher explaining this topic to a student.

The professor discusses (topic) which she defines as (definition)

She describes two definitions: narrow & broad.

First, (subtopic one) which is + definition 1 - the professor provides an example of (example one) to illustrate this.

Second, (subtopic two) which is + definition 2 - The professor provides an example of (example 2) to illustrate this.

and that is how the professor describes + reinstate the topic

Section 2 Question Preparation & Practice

60 minutes

Question 1 Preparation & Practice

Now it is your turn!

Use your Pyramid Plan = 15 seconds

Use your phone to record your answer for 45 seconds

Your Preference

Idea 1

Idea 2

Point 1

Point 3

Point 4

Point 2

Ready?

Question 1 - Independent Speaking - Timed

Use 15 seconds for the Pyramid Plan

10

15

Statement: Some people believe that watching television is a better way to spend time than reading books. Which do you prefer? Why?

Now record your answer in 45 seconds.

How did you do?

Question 1 - Independent Speaking - Timed

Here's another practice example

10

15

Statement: Some students believe that reading books is better than attending lectures. Others believe attending lectures adds real value to their education. Which do you believe? Why?

Now record your answer in 45 seconds.

How did you do?

Question 2 Practice

3. Speaking

2. Listening

1. Reading

Give a summary of the opinion in the Listening in context of the Reading 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Read (80-110 words) about a campus-related issue 45 seconds

Listen to comments made on the issue 60 - 80 seconds

Integrated Speaking Question 2 - Timed

Question:The woman expresses her opinion of the university's new policy. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.

3. Speaking

Give a summary of the opinion in the Listening in context of the Reading 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

In the exam you have 30 seconds to prepare your speaking answer

10

20

30

Then you have 60 seconds to record your speaking answer. Use your phone to record your answer.

40

50

60

10

20

30

Question 3 Practice

3. Speaking

2. Listening

1. Reading

Question: Using the Professor's example, explain what an establishing shot is and how it is used. 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Read (80-110 words) from a University textbook 45 seconds

Listen to to a professor giving a lecture for approx 120 seconds on the same subject as the reading material 60 - 80 seconds

Integrated Speaking Question 3 - Timed

Question:Using the Professor's example, explain what an establishing shot is and how it is used.

3. Speaking

Give a summary of the opinion in the Listening in context of the Reading 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

In the exam you have 30 seconds to prepare your speaking answer

10

20

30

Then you have 60 seconds to record your speaking answer. Use your phone to record your answer.

40

50

60

10

20

30

Question 4 Practice

2. Speaking

1. Listening

Summarize the lecture explaining the examples illustrate the subject of the lecture 20 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Listen to part of a lecture in a biology class 90 - 120 seconds

Integrated Speaking Question 4 - Timed

Question:Using points from the lecture, explain how the passion plant and the potato plant defend themselves from insects.

2. Speaking

Summarize the lecture explaining the examples illustrate the subject of the lecture 20 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

In the exam you have 20 seconds to prepare your speaking answer

20

10

Then you have 60 seconds to record your speaking answer. Use your phone to record your answer.

30

60

50

10

20

40

Section 3 Answer Analysis & How to Improve

60 minutes

Speech to Text Apps

Analyse your speech

Using free smartphone apps is a great way to analyse your speech. On Android, download the Speechnotes application. On iOS, use the Dictation app

These applications will allow you to dictate and transcribe any texts instead of typing them.

As we move forward with your TOEFL Training, there are 4 important speech factors to pay attention to. Analyse your phone recordings for...

1. Speaking Rate: The suggested speaking rate is between 100-150 words a minute. Also, speak clearly so that is easy for others to understand you.

2. Sustained Speech: Use short sentences with linking words to connect 2 sentences. Try to avoid filler words such as “um,” “er,” and “you know.”

3. Pause Frequency: Make small pauses at the end of each of your sentences. Use a lower tone when you get to the end of your sentences. Do not pause when you are in the middle of an idea.

4. Repetitions: Do not repeat words or phrases such as “Good roommates, good roommates are honest.”

Question 1: Analysis - Improving Structure

Let's look at the text from the model answer

Your Preference

Personally, I prefer to study alone.

First, I think that studying independently is more convenient than studying with a group.

Personally, I prefer to study alone. First, I think that studying independently is more convenient than studying with a group. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find a time that all of you are free and when you study alone, you can choose the time that is best for you without having to decide with another person. It is also more convenient because you can study where you want. You do not need to find a place that is suitable for a larger group of people. Secondly, studying alone allows you to concentrate better. When you study with a group, you often start to talk about other subjects and you don’t focus on your studies. Additionally, you can better focus on what YOU need to revise instead of worrying about what your friends’ weaknesses are. That’s why I believe it is better to study alone than with a group.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to find a time that all of you are free and when you study alone, you can choose the time that is best for you without having to decide with another person.

Idea 1

It is also more convenient because you can study where you want. You do not need to find a place that is suitable for a larger group of people.

Point 1

Point 2

When you study with a group, you often start to talk about other subjects and you don’t focus on your studies.

Secondly, studying alone allows you to concentrate better.

Idea 2

Additionally, you can better focus on what YOU need to revise instead of worrying about what your friends’ weaknesses are. That’s why I believe it is better to study alone than with a group.

Point 1

Point 2

Question 1: Analysis - Improving Structure

Let's look at the structural words used

Your Preference

Personally,

Personally, I prefer to study alone.

First,

First, I think that studying independently is more convenient than studying with a group.

Idea 1

Sometimes,

Sometimes, it can be difficult to find a time that all of you are free and when you study alone, you can choose the time that is best for you without having to decide with another person.

It is also more convenient because you can study where you want. You do not need to find a place that is suitable for a larger group of people.

Point 1

It is also

Point 2

Secondly,

Secondly, studying alone allows you to concentrate better.

When you

When you study with a group, you often start to talk about other subjects and you don’t focus on your studies.

Idea 2

Additionally,

Additionally, you can better focus on what YOU need to revise instead of worrying about what your friends’ weaknesses are. That’s why I believe it is better to study alone than with a group.

Point 1

Point 2

Q1: Analysis - Improving Structure - Guide

Practice with these structure words

Your Preference

Personally,

First,

Idea 1

Sometimes,

Point 2

It is also

Point 1

Secondly,

Idea 2

Additionally,

When you

Point 2

Point 1

Question 2 Analysis

3. Speaking

2. Listening

1. Reading

Read (80-110 words) about a campus-related issue 45 seconds

Listen to comments made on the issue 60 - 80 seconds

Give a summary of the opinion in the Listening in context of the Reading 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Question 2 Recording Analysis

1. First, let's use this example from earlier. See below.

2. Next, use your phone and record yourself speaking the answer below

The reading states that the college association wants to spend money on purchasing a new sound system for Lincoln Hall.

This is to encourage more students to attend the films and to increase ticket sales.

The man does not think that this is a good option. His opinion is it's a waste of money

Firstly, because he doesn't think spending money on the sound system will improve the sound in the old building because the acoustics are so bad. His second reason is he doesn't think the cinema would be a popular choice for students. If there were better things to do on campus they would choose them

3. Listen to your recording. Assess your recording for ...- speaking rate - sustained speech - pause frequency - repetitions

Question 2 Recording Analysis

4. Now, record yourself again but only using the notes

5. Here are some tips to improve your score

Tip 1 = Be casual!, the exam is testing if you feel comfortable and confident while speaking English, so you should sound as natural as possible.

Tip 2 = Imagine you are a reporter and have to explain this story to people who do not know anything about this topic. Start from the beginning and progress in a smooth and logical manner.

Tip 3 = Don’t read your notes! This is why we advise only writing a few words and phrases so you don’t spend all your time staring down at your paper

Tip 4 = Don’t give your opinion! Remember you are only reporting on what the announcement/letter said and if the student agreed or disagreed and why. In Q2 don't use “ I think,” or “In my opinion,”.

Question 3 Analysis

3. Speaking

2. Listening

1. Reading

Read (80-110 words) from a University textbook 45 seconds

Listen to to a professor giving a lecture for approx 120 seconds on the same subject as the reading material 60 - 80 seconds

Question: Using the Professor's example, explain what an establishing shot is and how it is used. 30 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Question 3 Recording Analysis

1. First, let's use this example from the previous screen. See below.

2. Next, use your phone and record yourself speaking the answer below. You have 80 seconds.

Film directors use different types of camera shots for specific purposes.

An establishing shot is an image, shown briefly at the beginning of a scene, usually taken from far away, that is used to provide context for the rest of the scene.

One purpose of the establishing shot is to communicate background information to the viewer, such as the setting -- where and when the rest of the scene will occur.

It also establishes the mood or feeling of the scene. Due to the context that the establishing shot provides, the characters and events that are shown next are better understood by the viewer

3. Listen to your recording. Assess your recording for ...- speaking rate - sustained speech - pause frequency - repetitions

Question 3 Recording Analysis

4. Now, record yourself again but only using your notes

5. Here are some tips to improve your score

Tip 1 = Be casual!, the exam is testing if you feel comfortable and confident while speaking English, so you should sound as natural as possible.

Tip 2 = Imagine you are a reporter and have to explain this story to people who do not know anything about this topic. Start from the beginning and progress in a smooth and logical manner.

Tip 3 = Don’t read your notes! This is why we advise only writing a few words and phrases so you don’t spend all your time staring down at your paper

Tip 4 = Don’t give your opinion! Remember you are only reporting on what the announcement/letter said and if the student agreed or disagreed and why. In Q2 don't use “ I think,” or “In my opinion,”.

Question 4 Analysis

2. Speaking

1. Listening

Summarize the lecture explaining the examples illustrate the subject of the lecture 20 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to give your answer

Listen to part of a lecture in a biology class 90 - 120 seconds

Question 4 Recording Analysis

1. First, let's use this example from the previous screen. See below.

2. Next, use your phone and record yourself speaking the answer below. You have 80 seconds.

Film directors use different types of camera shots for specific purposes.

An establishing shot is an image, shown briefly at the beginning of a scene, usually taken from far away, that is used to provide context for the rest of the scene.

One purpose of the establishing shot is to communicate background information to the viewer, such as the setting -- where and when the rest of the scene will occur.

It also establishes the mood or feeling of the scene. Due to the context that the establishing shot provides, the characters and events that are shown next are better understood by the viewer

3. Listen to your recording. Assess your recording for ...- speaking rate - sustained speech - pause frequency - repetitions

Quiz

What do you remember?

15 minutes

Quiz 1/5

A. 3

B. 2

1. How many independent speaking tasks are there?

C. 1

Quiz 2/5

A. 17

B. 12

2. Approximately how long does the speaking section last?

C. 22

Quiz 3/5

A. About 10 minutes

B. Less than 4 minutes

3. How long do you actually spend speaking?

C. Just over 5 minutes

Quiz 4/5

A. 3

B. 4

4. How many questions total are there in the speaking section?

C. 5

Quiz 5/5

FALSE

TRUE

5. You are allowed to take notes

Additional Resources & Your Next Steps

Forum

Module 3 Toolkit

Your Next Steps

Click on the link icon to view Module 3 Toolkit

1. Use the Toolkit and the additional resources to practice as much as possible before your first Virtual Class 2. Virtual Class 1 will revise the essentials from this eLearning and offer you the opportunity to practice the 4 types of questions with your peer group. In the Virtual Class you can compare your answers to your peers and learn from their feedback. In the first Virtual Class we will investigate th elements of a high score and examine model answers for comparison. 3. Forum. Do you have questions and the speking section? Visit the Forum and post your comments and questions. The TOEFL mentor will respond to all questions.

Click on the image below to view the TOEFL Together forum

Quiz

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Quiz

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