TOEFL Exam Preparation| How to enhance speaking

"For many students, Speaking is undoubtedly the most difficult part of learning English.

Many students found that even though their vocabulary may be adequate, and their reading and listening skills are decent, it's hard to transform what they've learned into something of their own.

The key to mastering TOEFL speaking lies in systematic preparation and practice. Preparation is the foundation, and practice is necessary.

Here are several in-depth techniques, try more, practice more, they can help you effectively improve your speaking ability:

1. Do not spend time extensively browsing so-called 'high-score learning techniques' videos. Just practice more!

Many students often spend a lot of time searching for high-score learning skills on Youtube. However, in my view, this is largely a way of escaping from the reality.

Would it be beneficial if only watching learning videos without practicing? That's just passive learning.

Actual speaking practice is more important than "passive learning". So, instead of spending all day holding an Ipad and watching instructional videos, it's better to start practicing speaking yourself.

2. Record your speaking audio

Students with a good foundation in English can frequently record their spoken English practice. By playing back, they can analyze their pronunciation, intonation, and fluency, and make timely adjustments and improvements.

However, if your English foundation is not solid enough, you don't need to do this. It is recommended to start with shadowing, practicing, and adjusting your pronunciation and intonation.

3. Analyse your answers based on Scoring Criteria

Similarly, students with a solid foundation in English can familiarize themselves with the official scoring criteria and assess themselves according to these standards.

This helps to understand the perspective of the examiners and adjust the way of oral expression.

4. Use fixed openings for each speaking task

In the speaking test, we can use some so-called 'universal sentence patterns', preparing different openings for different types of speaking tasks.

This approach helps to quickly get into the right mindset, reduces nervousness during the exam, and avoids the situation where you can't say anything because you're not familiar with the question.

5. Use a Timer

As is well known, the TOEFL speaking test is time-limited.

If we speak too slowly or take too long to elaborate on a topic, it's easy to end up with only half the content spoken when time runs out.

Therefore, during practice, you can use a timer to simulate the time constraints of the exam. This trains you to complete your responses within the specified time and also to control your speaking pace.

These detailed skills will help you prepare for the TOEFL speaking test more effectively.

They seem quite simple, right? But in practice, they are not that easy.

To effectively implement the above points often requires surplus learning capacity, meaning you need to have a good level of English proficiency.

What if your English is not good enough and can't achieve effective self-feedback, but still want to self-study?

Lingoleap can help you meet all the above needs.

Lingoleap's AI evaluation can not only accurately identify your pronunciation and intonation flaws, and pinpoint problems in your logic, but it can also provide various suggestions for improvement and shadowing examples, acting like your personal tutor on standby.

The mock test feature's immersive test experience eliminates the hassle of constantly recording and timing, ensuring you are well-prepared before the actual exam.

Remember, continuous practice, timely feedback and scientific learning methods are the keys to improving your TOEFL speaking score.