TOEFL SPEAKINGQuestion 1

Johnathan JonesSummer, 2011

2

Overview• Question types:

o Independent (2)• based on your experience• No wrong answer

o Integrated (4)• Tests ability to combine “modalities”

e.g.: reading, listening, and speaking

3

Overview• The test will check 3 things:

1)Fluency: pronunciation, speed, intelligibility2)Vocabulary & mechanics: efficiency, effectiveness

of grammar and vocabulary3)Consistency of subject: do you understand the

question and respond appropriately?

4

Scoring Rubric

• Clear speech (minor mistakes don’t affect listener’s understanding)

• Well-paced flow• Effective grammar & vocabulary• Clear progression of ideas • Relevant information with

appropriate detail• Automaticity

Clear speech is up to you, everything else is covered here! (just practice and don’t mumble in the test)

5

Question 1• Independent (open-ended) question based on you

and your experience.

• Prepare: 15 seconds• Speak: 45 seconds• Question: What’s your opinion?

• No wrong answer, but…• Give reasons AND details

6

Tips for Q1• Show your control of the language; speak calmly and clearly

• Avoid “filler” (repeating yourself, uhm..., uhh, irrelevant details, etc.)

• Make your reasons and examples clear. Use sequence words like first, second, another reason is, or for instance. These provide structure for you and the grader.

• Key words such as names and adjectives can help for notes: o opinion (e.g. name) o reason 1 (e.g. funny)o reason 2 (e.g. intelligent)

• You don’t have to be honest! You just have to show that you understand the question and can answer properly. If you’re stuck thinking about how to describe someone or why a subject was important to you, make it up!

7

Timing

1. Restate the questiono In my opinion, X is the most

important Y for 2 reasons. (6-7 seconds)

1. Give the 2 reasons with details or exampleso First…(18-22 seconds)o Second… (16-20 seconds)

1. Conclusiono That’s whyo And that’s why

45 second mark

38 second mark/

20 second mark

Any remaining time

Well-paced flow

8

Notes• On your paper, write:

O-R1-R2-

o ...opinion, reason 1, reason 2

9

Sample Question• Who was the most significant teacher to you in

high school? Why was he or she so important to you? Give details and examples to support your answer.

10

How should I answer?

• Focus on timing

• Use your notes for cues and organizing your answer

11

Sample Answer The most important teacher to me in high school was my Math

teacher, Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones was very effective at helping us understand difficult problems. Once, I told him I didn't understand why Math was useful, and he stopped class to explain how people can rip you off if you don't understand math.

Another reason is that he was so funny. He always brought things in to class to illustrate his point. One day he brought in an angry hamster and a bowl of water to help us understand how to measure density. Seeing the water go up as the angry hamster sat in it made everyone laugh. After that, everyone remembered the measurement and did well on that part of the test.

• What's the opinion? What are the reasons? What are the examples?

“

”

12

ProblemQuestion: What if I only think of 1 reason?

Solutions• Describe it well and give examples. This will give

you vocabulary points while maintaining your flow• Contrast. Show the opposite side to your opinion

o Opinion: Professor X was the most helpful teacher in University. o Contrast: Other professors weren’t as kind or competent as him. o Contrast details: Because other teachers weren’t helpful, I lost interest

in school and my grades suffered in the second year.

13

Pair WorkFind a partner

Partners have an important, active role! Listen carefully Record the speaker's opinion, reasons, and

details Keep track of time

Think: Did the speaker miss anything? How was their

timing?How can they improve?

14

Practice Questions1) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be

and why?

2) Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?

3) What hobby do you enjoy doing the most in your spare time and why?

4) What is your favorite time of year and why?

5) Who do you trust the most in this world and why?

6) What is the best age to retire and why?

Remember: time your partner!

15

Review Quiz1) What are the two types of speaking questions on the

TOEFL?

2) What types of things are the graders looking for? (e.g.: automaticity)

3) How much time do you have to answer the first question?

4) What information should you include in your answer?

5) What should you do if you can't think of enough reasons or details for your answer?

16

All Done!Except...

Practice the sample questions at home and work on your timing. You'll be tested later!

Record yourself. Bring it to class if you'd like me to check.