Preparing your English language learners for the TOEFL speaking exam can be challenging, especially when it comes to Questions 3 and 4. These questions require specific skills and strategies to effectively comprehend and respond to academic material. In this blog post, we will explore five essential tips to help English language learners prepare for the TOEFL speaking exam, using examples from 21st Century Communication, Second Edition.
About the TOEFL speaking exam
The TOEFL speaking exam is designed to test candidates’ ability to speak in the academic classroom and on campus. It is conducted on a computer. Candidates read and listen to input, and their answers are then recorded and sent for evaluation. There are four questions in the Speaking section:
The independent speaking task (Question 1) requires candidates to indicate their preference between two choices and give reasons to support their answer. The integrated speaking tasks (Questions 2–4) require candidates to use a combination of skills: they must read and/or listen and speak.
Let’s take a closer look at Questions 3 and 4. These two questions assess students’ ability to comprehend and effectively communicate information in an academic context.
In Question 3, candidates:
- read a short article about an academic topic (usually a specific term or concept), then
- listen to a lecture that elaborates on the same topic using some examples.
Finally, they are asked to explain the term/concept using the examples from the lecture. This section evaluates their ability to understand and extract key information, and provide a concise explanation using supporting examples.
Question 4 involves listening to a lecture on an academic topic that includes examples to illustrate that topic. The question will ask candidates to summarize the lecture. They should demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the supporting information and the overall topic.
Here are some tips that can help students perform well in the TOEFL speaking exam.
1. Build vocabulary in relevant topics
Although the TOEFL speaking exam does not require students to have content knowledge of academic subjects, it is useful to develop academic vocabulary in areas commonly covered in the exam, such as life science, social science, humanities, and business. Students can read books and articles, or listen to podcasts related to these topics. Keeping a vocabulary notebook can be helpful in learning new academic terms. Students can also use English language coursebooks and materials that include academic topics or settings. 21st Century Communication, for example, has a range of topics that are presented in different formats such as online lectures, webinars, and TED Talks.
2. Practice note-taking
Note-taking is a vital skill for success in Questions 3 and 4 of the TOEFL speaking exam. During the exam, candidates will only have a few minutes to read an article and listen to a lecture, and they have 20–30 seconds before they have to respond.
Developing effective note-taking skills to capture essential information will help students structure their responses. For example, in 21st Century Communication, students learn and practice different note-taking techniques like using abbreviations and organizing ideas in a T-chart. Encourage students to practice taking notes on key ideas and supporting details while listening, then checking if their notes are clear and organized.
Watch this webinar for more tips on using graphic organizers, like T-charts, to help students organize and communicate their ideas!
3. Learn to identify the relationships between ideas
Another important skill for performing well in the TOEFL speaking exam is making connections between ideas. For example, in Question 3, candidates may first read an article explaining the concept of animal migration. They may then listen to a lecture containing examples of animals that migrate, such as salmon or humpback whales. Finally, they may be asked to explain what animal migration is, using examples from the lecture to support their explanation.
Hence, it is essential to practice recognizing the relationships between ideas: main ideas and supporting details, cause-effect relationships, facts vs. opinions, etc. In the example below, students listen for evidence that support the main ideas in the TED Talk.
4. Use transition phrases to improve fluency
Delivery (how fluent and clear speech is) is one of the areas that is assessed during the TOEFL speaking exam. In addition to pace, pronunciation, and intonation, examiners will also look at how fluent candidates’ speech is.
Using transition phrases such as “as a result,” “in addition,” “on the other hand,” and “for instance” is one way to organize speech and improve fluency. Transition phrases help smoothly connect ideas, indicate relationships between concepts, and create a coherent flow when speaking. In the example below from 21st Century Communication, students are introduced to signal words that help sequence ideas or further develop a topic. Have students incorporate transition phrases into their speaking practice to improve fluency and express their ideas more effectively.
5. Practice speaking!
Finally, there’s no better way to become more proficient in a language than to speak it! Students should practice speaking regularly to improve fluency, coherence, and pronunciation. Finding a study partner is a great way to practice, as they can get feedback on their speaking.
If students are practicing alone, they can read articles or listen to lectures, then try to create a summary by paraphrasing the information. Recording and reviewing their practice sessions can also help identify areas for improvement and build confidence.
21st Century Communication provides plenty of opportunities for speaking – communication activities are included in every unit, from shorter speaking activities to more involved collaborative tasks and presentations.
Consistent practice and exposure to English materials are key to improving students’ speaking skills for the TOEFL exam. By encouraging them to incorporate the above tips into their preparation routine, they will be equipped to tackle Questions 3 and 4 of the TOEFL speaking exam with confidence.
21st Century Communication, Second Edition, a four-level series, helps students develop essential listening and speaking skills to prepare them for high-stakes exams!
