TOEFL Independent Speaking Format
Posted: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
by William Sullivan
Cz-Training
There are two types of questions on the TOEFL independent speaking: "free choice" and "paired-choice". Both questions can be answered using the same format:
INTRODUCTION: clear and direct answerREASON 1: reason supporting answerREASON 2: reason supporting answerREASON 3: reason supporting answerCONCLUSION: concluding sentence
You only have 45 seconds, so you may not have enough time to give all three reasons. However, try to give at least two reasons to support your answer. A typical response might look like this:
I would much rather be self-employed than to work for somebody else.
For one thing, I would be my own boss. In other words, there wouldn't be somebody that I had to listen to or take orders from--I could do whatever I wanted to. For example, I could set my own hours and work only when it was convenient. I could also take vacations whenever I wanted.
Another thing is that I would be able to earn more money. I say this because most companies pay their employees only enough money to keep them coming to work. If I had my own business, however, I would be able to keep all the profits of the company. This is something that I could never do if I worked for somebody else.
For these reasons, I would rather have my own business than to work for somebody else.
There is something very important to notice in the sample speaking answer: transitional phrases. These are phrases such as the following: for one thing, in other words, for example, another thing is that, I say this because, however, for these reasons. It is absolutely essential to use transitional phrases in your speaking. Otherwise, your answer will be difficult to understand and seem unorganized.
It's easy to learn the independent speaking format, and with just a little bit of practice, you'll soon feel comfortable using it. That's the good news. Unfortunately, the next step is a little bit more difficult: improving pronunciation and practicing stress, rhythm, intonation, and connected speech. Best of luck on the TOEFL!
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