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TOEFL Exam Preparation|How to answer speaking task 1 well

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Published

December 18, 2023

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LingoLeap

TOEFL Exam Preparation|How to answer speaking task 1 well

After the TOEFL reform, the preparation time for the first speaking question is very limited, with only 15 seconds toprepare and only 45 seconds to answer.

In such a short time, we must use some skills to better show our English Speaking Ability.

Think about your opening statement in advance

When we are preparing for exams, in addition to memorizing more words, sentence structures, and expressions, we can also plan in advance some universal sentence patterns that can be used as opening statements, to avoid the awkward situation of 'not knowing what to say'.

Write down the key words

Within the preparation time, write down at least one reason and one example that can support your point of view.

As the time is very short, you don't need to write down in detail. Just give a few key words roughly. This can help you recall and organize your language during oral expression.

Clarify Your Position

At the very beginning of your answer, you can choose a viewpoint and state your position, which makes your response sound very clear.

Calm down

Although the oral exam is computer-based, human involvement is present in scoring, and intonation and tone are important criteria for assessment.

Therefore, during the speaking test, you can imagine that you are chatting with a friend to keep your language natural.

Only in this way can our tone be natural.

Although I know nervousness is inevitable, everyone still needs to try to calm their mindset. If you are too nervous, the result of the exam may turn out worse than expected.

Appropriate Use of Templates

While it's generally discouraged to use templates, but if we use some template sentences or fixed phrases at transitions between dparts, it can make our language expression smoother and provide some breathing space for thought.

Here are Leapy's Templates:

  1. Opening statement (one sentence); 2. One reason & example from your notes, now explained in your own words; 3. Your opinion; 4. Conclusion

Opening statement:
Personally speaking…; To be honest…; I definitely feel that (or think that)…;
Reason & Example:
I once heard about…; One example is…; I will never forget when…;
Expressing opinion:
I do believe that…; I definitely think that…; In my opinion, …;
Conclusion:
To make a long story short…; As you can see…; So, that's why….."

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