Advanced English: TOEFL Preparation

Independent Speaking

Introduction The first two questions of the TOEFL speaking section

are called Independent Speaking questions.

You will be asked to talk for 45 seconds for each question about a familiar topic.

You will be given 15 seconds to prepare each one.

In today’s lesson we are going to practice this type of question. N.B. In the beginning, you will be given more than 15 seconds preparation time as a means of ‘easing into it’.

Exercise 1

Your teacher will read out a question and then give you 30 seconds to think about it.

You will then have to answer it in 45 seconds. Your teacher will time you.

At the end, your teacher will give you some advice on how you might improve. (At the teacher’s discretion, you may repeat this exercise with the same question, taking into account the teacher’s comments.)

Your teacher will now read out the question on the next slide.

Exercise 1: Question

Most high schools these days are co-educational. There are, however, still many single-sex schools. What is your opinion on co-education? Include details and examples in your answer.

Exercise 2

Follow the same instructions for Exercise 2.

This time, however, you will have 25 seconds preparation time.

Your teacher will now read out the question on the next slide.

Exercise 2: Question

Describe a pleasant and memorable holiday you have been on. Explain why you enjoyed yourself and why it is so memorable to you.

Exercise 3

Follow the same procedure as before. This time you will have 20 seconds preparation time.

Question: Do you prefer to eat in (i.e. at home) or out (i.e. at a restaurant, café, etc.)? Explain why. Use examples with reference to your lifestyle.

Exercise 4

Follow the same procedure as before. This time you will have 15 seconds preparation time (like in the real TOEFL).

Question:In some countries, students can get relatively cheap meals on campus or in cafeterias located off-campus. They are cheap because they are partly or entirely funded by the state. Do you think that the state should subsidise student meals? Explain why or why not.

Exercise 5

Follow the same procedure as before. This time you will have 15 seconds preparation time.

Question:

Name a person you admire. Describe this person and explain what it is you admire about him/her.

Exercise 6

Follow the same procedure as before. This time you will have 15 seconds preparation time.

Question:

You are in your home town and you meet a tourist the same age as you in the street. Tell him/her about a fun thing he/she can do that afternoon in your town.

Exercise 7

Follow the same procedure as before. This time you will have 10 seconds preparation time. (This is less time than what you will have in the TOEFL, but if you are comfortable with 10 seconds preparation time, 15 seconds will be easy!)

Question

What is your favourite season of the year? Explain why you like it more than the other seasons.

Exercise 8

Try it again with only 10 seconds preparation time.

Question:Where do you most like to study (i.e. in your bedroom, in a certain library, etc.)? Explain why this is your favourite study place.

Exercise 9

Now try it with 15 seconds preparation time.

Question:Some say that smells are often better at bringing back certain memories than pictures. Describe a smell that brings back a pleasant memory for you and explain why it is a nice memory.

Listening, Part 2 (Question-Response)

Watch the video below and write down the letters that correspond to the right answer. The correct answers will be given at the end. Pause the video at the end of each question to discuss any unfamiliar vocabulary with your teacher.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJuAa-BAd2A&feature=related

Conclusion

Discuss with your teacher what you found difficult.

Your teacher may make suggestions on where you might improve (e.g. structure of answer, grammar, pronunciation, articulation, etc.).