Preparing for TOEFL - Tips for the Independent Speaking Component
Submitted by: Kimi
The TOEFL test is the most famous of all ESL (English as a Second Language) tests available, as well as being the most taken test. The reasons are two-fold: on one hand, the test is the most recognized in the world in regards to schools and businesses; and on the other hand, it is available online (known as the iBT Test). Because of this, students do not need to live in a major metropolitan center in order to take the test; all that is needed is a simple internet hook-up.
Many students of ESL find that speaking is the most difficult component of the test. Although it only occupies a small section of the entire test (only 20 minutes of the four hours), it is often the reason why students fail, especially in Asian countries. This is because students become nervous when having to speak; they get flustered and cannot think clearly. As a result, here are some tips to help you pass the dreadful Speaking part of the TOEFL exam. But before you take the test, pick up iBT study guides. Each section of the test has its own guide book.
TOEFL Speaking test – an overview
The speaking test is broken into two sections: Independent Tasks and Integrated Tasks. The first, Independent Tasks, asks for a personal preference or for you to make a choice. For example, the question may ask you to choose between taking a vacation in the big city or by the beach. These questions are only 45 seconds long with 15 seconds of preparation time. The second component, Integrated Tasks, is much more difficult. Here, you are asked to read a passage from a text and then summarize what you have read. Another type of question in the Integrated Tasks section is to listen to a dialogue between two university students for 60 to 90 seconds. All questions appear on screen in written form, and then it is read to you. When it is finished, you have 20 seconds to prepare and then 60 seconds to explain both sides of the conversation, location, and any other details required. In total, you will have 20 minutes worth of questions to answer, which can be very grueling.
Study Tips
Here is a sample of an Independent Tasks question; one that has featured in a real test:
“Describe a class you have taken in school and explain why the class was important to you. Use details and examples to support your answer.”
In this question, as the last sentence reads, asks you to use examples and details in your answer. That is the key in this section: details. Here is an example of how to answer this question:
“The class that meant the most to me was my 12th grade English class. My teacher, Mr. Smith, taught me the importance of English and set me on my path for university. Without this math class, I would not know what I wanted to do with my life. For example, Mr. Smith once showed us how English can help us on vacation anywhere in the world.”
As you can see, this is only four sentences.
Stay Calm
Although it may seem intimidating, 15 seconds is not a long time. Do not use too many examples or drag on for too long as you will likely go over the time limit, which will result in point deductions. Keep it short and to the point, and remember to answer the question exactly. Do not explain how you loved school; this is not the question. Be specific and precise.
Use your time wisely
For the first section, you will only have 15 seconds to prepare your answer, which means that you have to use those precious seconds wisely. Because you have the question written in front of you as the test reads it to you, try to read the question faster than it is being read to you. Look at the last sentence of the question: “Include details and examples to support your explanation.” This sentence concludes every question in the Independent Tasks Section. That question takes about four to five seconds to be read; that means you have four to five extra seconds to prepare!
Take notes
Use your time to make short notes. DO NOT write down what you intend to say, as you will not have enough time to do it. What you should do is take short notes to keep you on pace. For example, with the above question, your notes should read, “12th grade English”, “Mr. Smith”, “importance of English in the world”, etc. Do not write “The class of importance to me is…”
Mandatory elements and grading
Many native English speakers have taken the iBT test to see just how hard it really is.
Many of these speakers failed because they either spoke for too long or they didn’t provide the necessary details. Here are some things to keep in mind when answering a question: remember to repeat the question in your answer (as in the answer above). This will show that you understand what is asked for you. There are also some key words you should use. Say “for example,” before providing a story, or “furthermore” when you add to your reasoning. All of this is important because of what is required from you.
Each question you answer in the Speaking section of the iBT test will be graded on the following: Delivery, Language Use, and Topic Development.
- Delivery is your accent and how clear you speak. Pronunciation, pace, and intonation are all important for this.
- Language Use is defined by your grammar and vocabulary. Avoid repeating words; use synonyms when you can (don’t repeat “big” when you can also use “large”, “enormous”, etc.).
- Topic Development is defined by how well you address the question. Make sure that your progression from topic to topic is smooth and easy to follow.
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Word Count: 1078 Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2011 Time: 2:31 PM
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