Problems and solutions Study the explanations and examples in the chart. Make your own examples. When describing someone else’s problem, rememiber to change pronouns and verb agreement. You may need to summarize and rephrase the problem. Scott: don't have time to finish my assignment, ‘The man's problem is that he doesn’t have time to finish his assignment. Lisa: My neighbors are so noisy that I can’t study. ‘The woman's problem is that her neighbors are so noisy that she can't study. Maria: | have too many classes on my schedule. The woman's problem is that she has too many classes on her schedule, Ben: Which classes should | take next semester? ‘The man’s problem is that he can’t decide which classes to take next semester. When making recommendations for another person, a variety of structures can be used. J think he / she should + verb | think she should take an extra class. recommend / suggest / advise + (that) + recommend that he join a study group. he / she + verb (third person verb with or willioul s*) would advise + him / her + to + verb | would advise him to plan his time more careful. |] were her / him, | would ... (second If were him, | would ask for some advice from conditional, see Grammar Unit 6) the financial aid office. In my opinion, the best thing for him / her to. In my opinion, the best thing for him to do db is / would be would be to get a part-time job. | think that ... is / would be the best solution _| think that taking out a student loan would be to his / her problem. the best solution to his problem. Note: * After verbs such as recommend and suggest, itis possible to use the subjunctive form {present tense vert with no s in the third person singular) 112GRAMMAR: PROBLEMS AND SOLITIONS Practice Exercises ‘A Complete each recommendation using the prompt provided. 1. Lisa /take an art class this semester I suggest 2. Mike / apply fora job as a teaching assistant | recommend 3. Karen / do an extra research assignment this semester would advise 4. Kristin / go to summer school irl 5. Pete/ speak to his roommate about the problem In my opinion, 6. Brian / get a part-time job | think B Summarize each problem and make a recommendation for each person giving two reasons for your advice, Use a variety of structures in your answers. 1, (woman) | have taken too many classes this semester and | can't keep up 2. (man) I need to take a required class this semester but i's already full 3. (woman) | gota bad grade in my midterm in math and I'm going to fail this class (man) | have an assignment due tomorrow and | haven't finished it 113,‘GRAMMAR FOR THE TOEFL TEST Read the following spoken response to an example of question 5 in the speaking section. Complete the paragraph with phrases from the box. ‘even though the math test is more difficult her other option is if she does that ‘one option is she doesn't have time to study should turn in the take-home test on time ‘The woman's problem is that ' for ‘a math midterm the next day and complete a take-home exam that’s due the day after that. 2 for her to turnin the take-home exam a day late, but * . she will get a lower grade. “ to take a makeup test for her math class next week, butit wil be much more difficult than the original test. In my opinion, the woman ‘ . First, the take-home exam is more important , she will have as it is her major. Second, ® more time to study for it. \ | a It is important to understand everyday spoken conversation for this task (question 5 in the speaking section) and practice your conversation skills as much as possible. One idea might be to join an English ‘conversation club online, or find an e-pen pal to chat with online, Test Practice © Listen to a conversation between two students and take notes. Track 21 Notes Problem Option | Good Option 2 Good My opinion 114 Ne‘GRAMMAR: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS Write your spoken response below (or record your response and write the transcript below). You may Use your notes. You have 60 seconds. TEST TIP: Speaking section question 5 (campus conversation) ‘You will hear two students discussing a problem relating to a study or college issue. Familiarizing yourself with U.S. college campus vocabulary will help you answer this. A top-scoring response will accurately and fluently address all of the information asked for in the question within the time provided (60-90 seconds). It will provide a brief summary of the problem and of the two options available to the students. Furthermore, a good response will give a well-reasoned recommendation about which option is best. It does not matter which option you choose, as long as your reasoning is well-supported. 115