SPEAKING SECTION 59

Speaking Section
The Speaking Section of the TOEFL tests your ability to speak in English about a variety of general
and academic topics. The Speaking Section is not included in the Paper-Based TOEFL. It is included
only in the Internet-Based TOEFL. This section was formerly referred to as the TO EFL Academic Speak-
ing Test (TAST).

Next Generation TOEFL

There are usually six questions on the Speaking Section of the iBT®. The topics are both general
and academic. There are two types of tasks included in the Speaking Section: two independent speak-
ing tasks and four integrated speaking tasks. The questions are presented only one time. You may take
notes.
ln the independent speaking tasks, you will hear questions about familiar topics. You can use your
personal experience and general knowledge to answer. After each question, you have 15 seconds to
prepare your an wer, and 45 seconds to record it. Refer to Exercise 3 1 to see examples.
In the integrated speaking tasks, you will hear a lecture, read a passage, or hear a lecture and read
a related passage about a campus situation or an academic topic. You may take notes to prepare your
answer. After each lecture or reading passage, you will hear a question that requires you to respond by
speaking. You will have 20-30 econds to prepare your answer, and 60 econds to record it. Refer to
Exercise 34 to see examples.

Be sure to use the audio to listen to the directions.

60 PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SPEAKING

EXERCISE 31: General Topics-Personal Experiences

In some questions in the Speaking Section on the Internet-Based TOEFL, you will be asked to talk
about a personal experience. You have 15 seconds to prepare after you have heard the question. Then,
you have 45 seconds to record your answer.

Topic One
Question:
What are the qualities that you look for in a best friend? Describe a friend, and explain what influenced
you to choose this person as a best friend. Be sure to include specific details and examples in your
answer.

Preparation time: 15 seconds

Recording time: 45 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 388- 389 for the Example Answer.

 SPEAKING SECTION: EXERCISE 31 61

Topic Two
Question:
How do you like to spend your leisure time? Choose an activity and explain why you enjoy participat-
ing in it. Be sure to include specific details and examples in your answer.

Preparation ti me: 15 seconds

Recording time: 45 seconds

Notes

Refer to page 389 for the Example Answer.

62 PRACT ICE EXERCISES FOR SPEAKING

E XERCISE 32: General Topics-Opinions

ln some questions in the Speaking Section on the Internet-Based TOEFL, you will be asked to make
a choice and defend your opinion. You have 15 seconds to prepare after you have heard the question.
Then, you have 45 seconds to record your answer.

Topic One
Question:
Some teachers encourage competition among their students. Others help students learn how to col-
laborate and study in groups. Which approach do you think is better for learning and why do you think
so? Be sure to use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Preparation ti me: 15 seconds

Recording time: 45 seconds

Notes

Refer to page 390 for the Example Answer.

 SPEAKING SECTION: EXERCISE 32 63

Topic Two
Question:
Some people cope with stress by exercising. Others talk with family or friends. How do you handle
stressful situations? Be sure to use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Preparation time: 15 seconds

Recording time: 45 seconds

Notes

Refer to page 391 for the Example Answer.

64 PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SPEAKING

E XERCISE 33: Campus Situations-Connections

In some questions in the Speaking Section on the Internet-Based TOEFL, you will be asked to make
a connection between a short reading passage and a talk. You have 30 seconds to prepare after you have
read the passage and heard the talk. Then, you have 60 seconds to record your answer.

Topic One
Reading time: 45 seconds

Accelerated Bachelor's Proi:ram

City College currently requires all bachelor's degree students to complete their degrees by fulfilling
the course requirements in a four-year program plan. A three-year bachelor's degree program is being
proposed to aJlow selected students to accelerate their programs, completing their degrees in three-
fourths the time. If there is sufficient interest, the program will be offered to students in forty major
fields of study. Classes will be limited to twenty students as compared with over one hundred in
the large lecture classes for students enrolled in the four-year program. To find out whether you
qualify for this opportunity, contact an advisor in the Millennium Program Office in the Old Main
Building.

Now listen to a talk on the same topic.

Audio: Exercise 33, Topic One.

Question:
The student expresses her opinion about the college's plans for an accelerated three-year degree
program. Summarize her opinion and the reasons she gives for having that opinion.

Preparation time: 30 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 393- 394 for the Example Answer.

 SPEAKING SECTION: EXERCISE 33 65

Topic Two
Reading time: 45 seconds

Notice concerning dorm closing

State University is considering a proposal to close all but one of the dormitories over spring break.
The Office of University Research reports that only I0 percent of the dorm students maintain their
residence on campus over the break, whereas the other 90 percent go home or leave for vacations.
The cost of keeping all of the dorms open is difficult to justify; however, Norman Hall would offer
a temporary living situation for those students who chose to remain on campus. This proposal will
be discussed at a public meeting in the Little Theater at 7 P.M. on January 10.

Now listen to a talk on the same topic.

Audio: Exercise 33, Topic Two.

Question:
The student expresses his opinion about the proposal for closing the dorms over spring break. Sum-
marize his opinion and the reasons he gives for having that opinion.

Preparation time: 30 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 394- 395 for the Example Answer.

66 PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SPEAKING

EXERCISE 34: Campus Situations-More Connections

In some questions in the Speaking Section on the Internet-Based TOEFL, you will be a ked to make
a connection between a short reading passage and a conversation. You have 30 seconds to prepare after
you have read the passage and heard the conver ation. Then, you have 60 seconds to record your answer.

Topic One
Reading time: 45 seconds

Re2istration hours shortened

The hours for on-site registration at City College have traditionaJly been from 7 A.M . to 7 P.M.
Monday through Friday the week before classes. However, since many students have been taking
advantage of on-line registration, next term registration week will be shortened to three days, start-
ing at 7 A .M . the Wednesday before classes begin and ending at 7 P.M. on Friday. Late registration
during the first two days of classes will not be affected. Both on-site and on-line registration will be
open for late scheduling and drop-add scheduling as usual on the first Monday and Tuesday of the
semester.

Now listen to a conversation on the same topic.

Audio: Exercise 34, Topic One.

Question:
The man expresses his opinion about the changes in the registration procedure. Report his opinion and
explain the reasons that he gives for having that opinion.

Preparation time: 30 seconds

Recordi ng time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 395-396 for the Example Answer.

 SPEAKING SECTION: EXERCISE 34 67

Topic Two
Reading time: 45 seconds

Notice concemin~ the fall career fair

Over 100 representatives from business and industry will be participating in the annual career fair
on Saturday, October 7, including high-level officers from a number of international companies.
Booths and exhibits will be set up in the college auditorium between 9 A.M. and 3 P.M. To take full
advantage of this opportunity, bring copies of your resume and transcripts with you to the fair. Rep-
resentatives will be collecting applications so that they can contact students to arrange interviews.
Most of the representatives will return to campus next month to complete the screening process,
although some companies have announced that they will interview immediately after the exhibits are
closed on Saturday.

Now listen to a conversation on the same topic.

Audio: Exercise 34, Topic Two.

Question:
The woman expresses her opinion about the career fair. Report her opinion and explain the reasons that
she gives for having that opinion.

Preparation time: 30 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 396-398 for the Example Answer.

68 PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SPEAKING

EXERCISE 35: Academic Content-Connections

In some questions in the Speaking Section on the Internet-Based TOEFL, you will be asked to make
a connection between a short reading passage and a lecture. In most of these items, you will be required
to relate an example to a general concept. You have 30 seconds to prepare after you have read the
passage and heard the lecture. Then, you have 60 seconds to record your answer.

Topic One
Reading time: 45 seconds

A traditional village is self-contained, which means that within the village, facilities for daily life
such as sleeping, eating, health care, and social activities are constructed. Furthermore, nearly aJI the
essential supplies of goods and services are stored within the confines of the village, although one
village may trade with another to secure certain items. In addition, the residents of the village inter-
act closely with each other and have common goals and interests that are reflected in their activities.
Finally, it is said the outward appearance of a village expresses the essence of who the inhabitants
believe them elves to be.

Now listen to part of a lecture on the same topic.

Audio: Exercise 35, Topic One.

Question:
Refer to Thomas Jefferson's definition of a college campus presented in the lecture, and explain how
the information in the anthropology text supported Jefferson's view.

Preparation time: 30 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 398- 399 for the Example Answer.

 SPEAKING SECTION: EXERCISE 35 69

Topic Two
Reading time: 45 seconds

Entrepreneurs

Numerous studies of small-business owners in the United States reveal that about 50 percent of them
come from poor or lower middle-class families. Most begin their working life early and are already
employed full time by the age of 18. Most have already established their businesses by the age of
30. In general, they tend to display three characteristics, including a strong desire for independence,
a high level of initiative, and the ability to react quickly to take advantage of an opportunity. Another
interesting characteristic is the fact that so many successful small-business owners establish their
businesses as a result of a coincidence rather than by following a business plan.

Now listen to part of a lecture on the same topic.

Audio: Exercise 35, Topic Two.

Question:
Referring to both the lecture and the reading passage, explain why the experience of Levi Strauss is
typical of small-business owners.

Preparation time: 30 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 399-400 for the Example Answer.

70 PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SPEAKING

EXERCISE 36: Academic Content-More Connections

In some questions in the Speaking Section on the Internet-Based TOEFL, you will be asked to make
a connection between a short reading passage and a lecture. In most of these items, you will be required
to relate an example to a general concept. You have 30 seconds to prepare after you have read the
passage and heard the lecture. Then, you have 60 seconds to record your answer.

Topic One
Reading time: 45 seconds

Color is light, a form of energy that travels in waves. Light waves emanate from a source, as for
example, from a candle, a light bulb, or the Sun. In all of these sources of light there are many dif-
ferent wavelengths, measured from crest to crest in nanometers or millimicrons. All visible colors
are contained in white or colorless light. When passed through a prism, a beam of white light is
refracted into separate bands of colors, each with its own wavelength that differs from that of any
other color. These are the colors of the visible spectrum which we occasionally see in nature as a
rainbow.

Now listen to part of a lecture on the same topic.

Audio: Exercise 36, Topic One.

Question:
Referring to both the lecture and the reading passage, explain why the sky is blue.

Preparation time: 30 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 400-402 for the Example Answer.

 SPEAKING SECTION: EXERCISE 36 71

Topic Two
Reading time: 45 seconds

Polio is a virus that is spread by drinking water from sources contaminated by sewage, as for example,
when local water supplies are not properly treated and the population uses contaminated water from
the kitchen faucet for drinking or cooking. Polio is also occasionally spread from one person to
another, especially among children whose hands may have been in contact with the virus. In any
case, the polio virus enters the mouth and passes into the digestive tract where the cells lining the
intestine are infected. It is then carried through the intestine and released into the sewage system to
begin the cycle again.

Now listen to part of a lecture on the same topic.

Audio: Exercise 36, Topic Two.

Question:
Referring to both the lecture and the reading passage, explain how polio is spread and why the more
developed societies tend to suffer more serious epidemics.

Preparation time: 30 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 402~03 for the Example Answer.

72 PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SPEAKING

E XERCISE 37: Campus Situations-Problems

In some questions in the Speaking Section on the Internet-Based TOEFL, you will be asked to listen
to a conversation, describe the problem that the speakers are discussing, and evaluate the alternatives.
You have 20 seconds to prepare after you have heard the conversation. Then, you have 60 seconds to
record your answer.

Topic One
Question:
Describe the man's problem and the two suggestions that the woman makes about how to handle it.
What do you thfok the man should do, and why?

Preparation time: 20 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 403-404 for the Example Answer.

 SPEAKING SECTION: EXERCISE 37 73

Topic Two
Question:
Describe the woman 's problem and the three suggestions that the man makes about how to handle it.
What do you think the woman should do, and why?

Preparation time: 20 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 404-406 for the Example Answer.

74 PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SPEAKING

EXERCISE 38: Campus Situations-More Problems

In some questions in the Speaking Section on the Internet-Based TOEFL, you will be asked to listen
to a conversation, describe the problem that the speakers are discussing, and evaluate the alternatives.
You have 20 seconds to prepare after you have heard the conversation. Then, you have 60 seconds to
record your answer.

Topic One
Question:
Describe the woman's problem and the two suggestions that the man makes about how to handle it.
What do you think the woman should do, and why?

Preparation time: 20 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 406-407 for the Example Answer.

 SPEAKING SECTION: EXERCISE 38 75

Topic Two
Question:
Describe the man's problem and the two suggestions that the woman makes about how to handle it.
What do you think the man should do, and why?

Preparation time: 20 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 407-408 for the Example Answer.

76 PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SPEAKING

EXERCISE 39: Academic Content-Summaries

In some questions in the Speaking Section on the Internet-Based TOEFL, you will be asked to sum-
marize the main points in a short lecture. In most of these summaries, you will be required to explain
a term or a concept. You have 20 seconds to prepare after you have heard the lecture. Then, you have
60 seconds to record your answer.

Topic One
Question:
Referring to the main points and examples from the lecture, describe the two general groups of flow-
ering plants. Then explain the problem for classification that the professor presents.

Preparation time: 20 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 408-410 for the Example Answer.

 SPEAKING SECTION : EXERCISE 39 n

Topic Two
Question:
Referring to the main points and examples from the lecture, describe the two types of bridge construc-
tion presented by the professor. Then explain the specific advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Preparation time: 20 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 41~11 for the Example Answer.

78 PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SPEAKING

EXERCISE 40: Academic Content-More Summaries

In some questions in the Speaking Section on the Internet-Based TOEFL, you will be asked to sum-
marize the main points in a short lecture. In most of these summaries, you will be required to explain
a term or a concept. You have 20 seconds to prepare after you have heard the lecture. Then, you have
60 seconds to record your answer.

Topic One
Question:
Referring to the main points and examples from the lecture, describe the three basic functions of the
liver presented by the professor.

Preparation time: 20 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 411-413 for the Example Answer.

 SPEAKING SECTION: EXERCISE 40 79

Topic Two
Question:
Referring to the main points and examples from the lecture, describe two types of research correlations
that the professor presents. Then explain causality.

Preparation time: 20 seconds

Recording time: 60 seconds

Notes

Refer to pages 413-414 for the Example Answer.