TOEFL Speaking

The speaking section will last about 20 minutes. The total score is 30.

Four academic skills 1. Taking Notes 2. Paraphrasing 3. Summarizing 4. Synthesizing

Overview of the Speaking Section

Two Types of Integrated Speaking Tasks 1. Task type 1: Reading – Listening – Speaking 2. Task type 2: Listening -Speaking Speaking Section Question Independent task 1 Independent task 2 Integrated task 1 Integrated task 2 Integrated task 3 Integrated task 4 Reading time —— —— 45 seconds 45 seconds —— —— Listening time —— —— 1 – 2 minutes 1 – 2 minutes 1 – 2 minutes 1 – 2 minutes Preparation time 15 seconds 15 seconds 30 seconds 30 seconds 20 seconds 20 seconds Response time 45 seconds 45 seconds 60 seconds 60 seconds 60 seconds 60 seconds

Review of problems for the speaking section

1. Prompts

NB: The listening part will not be shown, while the reading passage will.

2. Problems

1) Answer/choice and reasons 2) Situation and opinion

3) Problem and possible solutions, opinions and reasons 4) Concept and example

Independent Speaking Section The following abilities:

1. State and support one position 2. Explain with supporting details 3. Speak coherently

4. Speak clearly and understandably

Integrated Speaking Section

The following abilities are required:

1. Connect information from one or two sources 2. Explain with supporting details 3. Speak coherently

4. Speak clearly and understandably

Strategies for the Speaking Section (General) Before the test

1. Enlarge your vocabulary. Practice using transitional words and phrases to express fluently and coherently

2. Improve your pronunciation while focusing on stress and tone. 3. Listen to your own speaking.

4. Listen to academic English such as lectures, documentaries and TV programmes. During the test —— Independent Tasks

1. Make full use of the preparation time. (analysis, how, outline, details) 2. Speak clearly.

3. Pay attention to the time limit.

During the test —— Integrated Task

1. Focus on the main idea and major points while reading the passage. Do not try to remember all the details

2. Focus on the main idea and major points while listening to the passage. Pay special attention to the key words and concepts that the speaker emphasizes.

3. Put down key information: key words, examples and reasons while listening. (Do not try to write every word down)

4. Make full use of the preparation time. (analysis, outline based on notes, 2-3 views together with supporting details)

5. Provide complete answers. 6. Speak clearly.

7. Pay attention to the time limit and the speed you speak.

Speaking Strategies (Specific) 1. Anticipate the first question 1) Prepare the answers 2) Speak them out

2. Support your answers 1) Use “because”

2) Offer 2-3 examples or reasons

3. Understand the task

1) Read the question carefully 2) Answer it

4. Pronounce to communicate 1) Accept your own pronunciation

2) Improve your ability to communicate

5. Sound confident 1) Speak loudly 2) Sound firm

6. Read 135 words per minute

1) Keep a record of the time you spend 2) Improve your reading speed

7. Adapt notes

1) Choose your own way of taking notes

2) Combine your notes with specific questions

8. Pace yourself

1) Begin with direct statement 2) Express some major points 3) Control your time

9. Prepare key phrases

10 Use verbal phrases 1) Learn to pause

2) Pause when only necessary

11. Correct yourself

1) Correct your slips of tongue

2) Use phrases such as “I mean” “that is”

12. Speak to the criteria for evaluation 1) Keep in mind the criteria for evaluation 2) Adopt other methods

13. Stay positive 1) Take a deep breath 2) Use positive hints

Strategies for raising your TOEFL Speaking Score

1. Analyze and evaluate each answer carefully during practice. Think about possible

improvements after that.

2. Analyze all the advantages and disadvantages in your speaking and give reasons. 3. Pay attention to the speed. 4. Listen to others’ comments

Tips for the day of the test

1. Remember to take notes during reading and listening

2. Listen to the directions carefully and understand the requirements. 3. Make full use of the preparation time and organize your expressions. 4. Do not answer before the specified time.

5. Answer all the questions within the specified time.

6. Make sure that the microphone is in the appropriate position and the volume is OK.

7. Keep your voice moderate. Do not put the microphone on the mouth, otherwise you will not be heard.

8. Do not speak in a low voice, otherwise you will not be heard.