TOEFL Speaking Template

TASK-1

Prompt:  Some people prefer to watch entertainment TV programs while others prefer to watch educational programs, which do you prefer?  Why?

Prompt:  Some people think in the future students will have classes on the internet in stand of in building, but some thinks students will still have class in building. What do you think?

Prompt:  Some people think taking notes is necessary when people are having class, others don’t think taking notes is necessary. What is your opinion?

Prompt:  We need zoos. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Give examples and reasons to support your opinion.

Note Takings and developing ideas 15 in seconds:

G  =  personally agree, need zoos 

TiC  =  for example lions 

TiC  =  for example family 

C  =  in conclusion agree

(15 seconds)

TEMPLATE:

Personally, I think that/ in my opinion/ I believe that —- because —– (reason1) and —– (reason2).

(reason1). For example, —-

(reason1). In addition / For example,

In conclusion, for those reasons, I believe that/ I contend that ——-

Sample Response;

Personally, I think that/ in my opinion/ I believe that we need zoos because zoos are educational (reason1) and fun for families (reason2).

Zoos are educational (reason1). For example, when I was 12, my teacher took us to the zoo in Berlin. I had never seen wild animals before. I had just read about them in books and seen them on the TV. But seeing them in real life was amazing, especially the lions. On TV, they looked so small, but seeing them alive they were really big. By going to the zoo, I definitely saw things in a whole new light.

Zoos are also good for families (reason2). In addition,/ For example, now I have a family and we always go to the zoo every summer. My wife makes a picnic and we spend all day there. My kids love taking pictures and learning all about the animals, especially the gorillas. Being outside is good for my children. Best of all, they can leave the internet and the TV at home.

In conclusion, for those reasons, I believe that/ I contend that we need zoos. Zoos are educational and fun for families.

Task 2

Reading                                     Listening

Topic_____                             Opinion_____

Reasons ____                          Reasons_______  

and_____                              and_________

According to the announcement/ The announcement from the university newspaper/article says that the university is planning to —– for two reasons;/ because —– and—– / . (10 seconds)

Or

The letter from a student/ professor says that the university should —— (10 seconds)

First, ——— Second,—– (15 seconds)

However,

In the conversation, the man/women agrees/ disagrees with —- this new policy/proposal with /plan/ decision because of/ due to/ for two reasons (5 seconds)

First, he/ she points out that, ——- (15 seconds)

Seconds, Moreover, she argues that/ ——– (15 seconds)

Sample Response:

According to the announcement/ article/ proposal/ letter The announcement from the university says that the university has decided to permit top under graduate to take graduate school courses. For two reasons —— and —-/ because —- and —–.

And they can take their credits into their graduate study stage. This program can encourage top students to study in the graduate school of this university.

However, In the conversation, the man agrees/ disagrees with/ opposes this plan/proposal for two reasons.

First, he/ she points out that, this program will make the current small seminar class size bigger, so students will have less opportunity to discuss about the questions.

In addition/ Second/ Moreover/ Besides, she argues that/ he believes that students should attend different universities in various stages, so as to meet new teachers and schoolmates, and have new experiences.  

Note Taking:

Task 3

 Reading

     Topic/Principle__________

         Description______________

  Listening

     Topic______________

        Main1______________Details_____

        Main2______________Details_____

  Conclusion____________

In this set of materials, the reading passage introduces a definition/ theory/ principle , ——, which means that/ suggests that meaning that—– (15 sec)

In the lecture, the professor uses two examples to explain/ illustrate/ demonstrate/ clarify this definition/ principle. (5 sec)

The first example is————-(20 sec)

The second example is ———–(20 sec)

The professor also mentions/ says that ——-

In this set of material, the reading passage introduces a principle, perceptual constancy. According to this definition, even though the shape of an object we see may change with our positions, our perspective is always consistent. In the lecture, the professor provides us two examples to explain this theory. The first example is about observing a plate. You may see a plate as a perfect circle or oval from different positions but your perspecctive about this plate will not change.

The second example is about observing a teacher. The size of a teacher may be different when you observe this teacher from the front seat and the back of the classroom. However, you know that he is the same teacher. (120 words)

Task 4

Topic_________

    Description__________________

Main1 _________ details_______

Main2__________details_______

  or

Group1 _________ details_______

Group2__________details_______

In this lecture, the professor talks about/ discusses about/ introduces two—(6 sec)

The first —–is ——-, which means that—-. For example,—-(27 sec)

The second—–is—–, which means that—–. For example—-(27 sec)

In this lecture, the professor introduces two types of protective colorations used by animals when they meet predators. The first type of protective coloration means that animals skin color can be changed with different background colors. For example, a lizard is green when it is in a lawn and it will be yellow when it is in a desert.

The second type is called disruptive coloration. An animal’s color can not be changed. However it can disrupt predator’s judgement about the animal and the environment. For example, a zebra can use its black stripes to protect itself.

Task 4

Write down the content words of the topics and examples in listening,

Retell each “example” or “process” in 2~3 sentences (requires practice)

September 15, 2006

October 8, 2006