Some helpful tips and resources for passing the TOEFL Speaking Test from Pete Bush, one of our tutors.
Pete Bush, one of our tutors at English At Large, is helping his learner Wen Wang pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Second Language), an internationally acknowledged test administered via Internet to determine English-language proficiency. People take this test for admission at higher education institutions, to qualify as a candidate for certain scholarships or certifications, or to satisfy visa requirements. The cost of the test ranges from $160 to $250 depending on the country of the test location. Since nobody wants to spend that money more than once, it's best to go into the test feeling fully prepared. The following is Pete's advice for learners preparing to take the TOEFL, with helpful tips on how to pass the difficult Speaking Test portion of the exam:
"American colleges and universities require speakers of foreign languages to take the TOEFL as proof that they can pursue programs of study in English. The test has four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
If you manage to use these words in your answer, he says, you will get a good enough grade to boost you toward the qualifying score levels. Any details that you are able to add to your summary will boost your score. But concentrate on using those keywords, used in phrases from the lecture, and you'll be okay.
Pete Bush, one of our tutors at English At Large, is helping his learner Wen Wang pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Second Language), an internationally acknowledged test administered via Internet to determine English-language proficiency. People take this test for admission at higher education institutions, to qualify as a candidate for certain scholarships or certifications, or to satisfy visa requirements. The cost of the test ranges from $160 to $250 depending on the country of the test location. Since nobody wants to spend that money more than once, it's best to go into the test feeling fully prepared. The following is Pete's advice for learners preparing to take the TOEFL, with helpful tips on how to pass the difficult Speaking Test portion of the exam:
"American colleges and universities require speakers of foreign languages to take the TOEFL as proof that they can pursue programs of study in English. The test has four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
If
you live in the U.S., you only have to get an overall score of 85 out
of 120. But if you live overseas, you have to get 100 or better.
Wen's husband took the test while still living in China, and he
was able to get 100 or better. She says that his fluency is better
than hers, but the Speaking Test was still the most difficult part
for him.
In
the Speaking Test, you get a lecture that lasts from 1.5 to 2.5
minutes. Next you are given 40 seconds to prepare your response.
Then you have 60 seconds to speak. This
Speaking Test, with its very short time limits, seems difficult even
for native English speakers. But
it becomes much more manageable when you know some basic facts about
the test and how it
is scored.
"TOEFL
Speaking Question 6, Help" - This
video explains how to approach the test, with tips on basic ways to
help get a passing grade.
The
Speaking Test presents you with a short lecture on any of various
subjects. The first paragraph states an
overall subject, such as a subject in psychology, biology, or
business. Then there are second and third paragraphs that describe
two sub-topics. There are never more than two subtopics. Each
paragraph gives an example to illustrate its subtopic. The
teacher in the video notes that you should generally write down about
5 key vocabulary words in
your notes. One of these will be the overall subject, and one
will be a title for each of the two subtopics. The other words will
be words that were important in explaining the subtopics.
If you manage to use these words in your answer, he says, you will get a good enough grade to boost you toward the qualifying score levels. Any details that you are able to add to your summary will boost your score. But concentrate on using those keywords, used in phrases from the lecture, and you'll be okay.
There are many different places to go for further TOEFL preparation resources. This
teacher has his own web site at www.notefull.com, and additionally, here
are some practice videos with sample Speaking Test lectures and good summaries of
what the lecturers said. At English Club, you can find a sample full TOEFL test, along with sample responses from students."
These resources are useful for helping your learners pass the TOEFL. However, if your learner is looking for an extremely high score for professional reasons, Pete recommends that they see a professional trainer, such as Jaime Miller. Jaime and trainers like her are dedicated to giving learners the best, personalized help they can give. Taking a course with a professional is a near guarantee of doing well on the TOEFL. The cost of being professionally trained is definitely higher, which is why it's only recommended if your learner really needs to ace the test.
Between the growing number of free resources and the availability of professionals like Jaime Miller, your learners should be able to pass the formidable TOEFL with flying colors. It's not an easy task, but passing the test will unlock a range of opportunities for your learner and their future.
A huge thanks to Pete Bush for sharing his experience and advice with us. It's our hope that you'll be able to use this information to help your learners feel good going into the TOEFL test, and more importantly, to pass it and unlock the opportunities they deserve.
Happy tutoring!
Kris
Kristofer Pieper
Programs and Social Media Intern, English At Large
Tufts University, Class of 2016
ENGLISH AT LARGE
Literacy and Learning for Life
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