TOEFL iBT Speaking - Overview

TOEFL IBT Speaking - Structure

THE TOEFL iBT has the merit of evaluating the 4 skills ( Reading comprehension And oral , written expression and oral). Unlike other tests assessing oral expression, the test is carried out entirely on a computer, you speak into a microphone. The recorded audio tapes will then be corrected by a corrector accredited by ETS, the administrator of the test. For each question, you therefore answer in the form of a short monologue, there is no discussion with an examiner.

TOEFL Preparation

The section TOEFL IBT Speaking is composed of 6 independent questions. There are two types of questions:

• The first two questions are independent and open-ended, asking you to tell about an experience or give your opinion on a subject.
• The following four questions are accompanied by reading passages and audio tapes on which the questions will be based.

The test of the TOEFL IBT Speaking does not only assess your speaking ability. For the majority of questions, you must understand a text or audio passage in order to answer the question correctly.

TOEFL IBT Speaking - Strategies for Success

Tip #1: Don't let yourself get destabilized

The format of the test of the TOEFL IBT Speaking is unsettling: you have to speak into a microphone in front of the computer. In addition, the other candidates will take the test at the same time as you ( how the TOEFL IBT works ), with delays of a few minutes, this will add additional discomfort on test day.

Finally, the format often poses difficulties for the French because we are less used to expressing ourselves orally during our studies. The format of the TOEFL IBT Speaking is a monologue type with a short preparation of fifteen to thirty seconds depending on the questions. You therefore do not have time to write down what you are going to say. You just have time to make a plan with a few ideas and then improvise.

Tip #2: Know the typical questions well

The work of the official subject designer of the TOEFL IBT consists of following precise specifications to create standardized questions. This is why there is a limited number of questions that you absolutely must know. You must practice and repeat these typical questions .

Tip #3: Structure your ideas

THE TOEFL IBT Speaking does not specifically assess your knowledge on a given subject, but mainly seeks to know if you have the ability to structure your ideas without being overwhelmed by a flood of words without rhetoric.

That is why whether it is for the TOEFL IBT Writing or the TOEFL IBT Speaking , you must master the "linking words" at your fingertips. They will make it much easier for you to structure your ideas.

Tip #4: Practice, practice, practice

You must train In the exam format, practicing speaking in English is not enough. Indeed, a discussion gives you time to bounce off a line and find your words. In a monologue, you must structure your speech, come up with ideas, and speak fluently, avoiding mistakes. Target your training on preparation time management and on your speaking speed .