TOEFL Speaking Task 2 Sample: The man expresses his opinion about the proposal described in the letter. Briefly summarize the proposal. Then state his opinion about the proposal and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
Historical user samples and AI evaluation results from an older TOEFL format.
9 archived user samples
Older TOEFL Format
This task is from a previous version of the TOEFL exam. The current TOEFL has a different structure. These archived samples remain available as a reference for practice.
Task Overview
Reading Passage
Require Business Internships I would like to recommend that the business department require all business majors to complete a summer internship. There are many summer internships available to business students, but few students currently take advantage of them.During my own internship at an advertising agency last summer, I worked closely with a mentor and learned a lot of important skills. Every business student would benefit from such a useful experience.l realize, though, that many internships are unpaid and students often work over the summer to earn money, so perhaps the university could provide financial assistance for students with unpaid internships. Sincerely, Jane Chambers
Question
The man expresses his opinion about the proposal described in the letter. Briefly summarize the proposal. Then state his opinion about the proposal and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
User Samples & Evaluation Results
Opens the speaking question list in the LingoLeap app, not this exact question. Practising needs a free account. AI scoring uses credits, except 3 free scores a day on Practice Test 1 (PQ26-1) questions.
1User Sample #1
Score23
User Sample #1
Evaluation Result
1.子项得分 Delivery: 3 Topic Development: 3 Language Use: 3
2.预估分数
23. 3.表达
从表达方面来看,这位同学的回答基本上是清晰流畅的,语速适中,偶尔有些停顿。为了提高表达能力,建议同学在练习时注意掌握自然的语调和节奏,尽量减少不必要的停顿。同时,注意发音的准确性,以避免拼写错误。
4.话题发展 从话题发展方面来看,这位同学的回答内容基本上是连贯和有条理的,观点之间有明确的联系,并提供了一定的支持或例子。但在阐述观点时可以更加深入和详细。为了提高话题发展能力,建议同学在练习时注意扩展论述内容,给出更多具体的例子和论据来支持自己的观点。
5.语言使用原文:The student in the letter suggests that the university should require all business majors to complete a summer internship. In the letter, the student suggests that all business majors should be required to complete a summer internship.(将句子的主语和动词更改为更自然的表达方式)(将句子的主语和动词更改为更自然的表达方式)
But the man in the listening part doesn't like this idea because, firstly, he says that everyone gets different experiences. However, the man in the conversation disagrees with this idea because he believes that everyone's experiences vary.(使用“however”代替“but”,并使用更高级的词汇“vary”代替“different”)(使用“however”代替“but”,并使用更高级的词汇“vary”代替“different”)
For example, his brother did a similar internship previously, and during that time, he always did copy and replied emails every day. For instance, his brother had a similar internship before, and all he did was make copies and respond to emails daily.(使用更自然的表达方式描述兄弟的经历,并使用“daily”代替“every day”)(使用更自然的表达方式描述兄弟的经历,并使用“daily”代替“every day”)
So, he didn't get much useful experiences and important skills. As a result, he didn't gain many valuable experiences or essential skills.(使用“as a result”代替“so”,并使用更高级的词汇“valuable”和“essential”)(使用“as a result”代替“so”,并使用更高级的词汇“valuable”和“essential”)
Secondly, he thinks that it's difficult for the university to pay students for their internship since the university doesn't have extra money for it. Secondly, he believes that it would be challenging for the university to provide financial support for internships as they lack additional funds.(使用更高级的词汇和表达方式描述观点)(使用更高级的词汇和表达方式描述观点)
修订版(140字):
In the letter, the student suggests that all business majors should be required to complete a summer internship. However, the man in the conversation disagrees with this idea because he believes that everyone's experiences vary. For instance, his brother had a similar internship before, and all he did was make copies and respond to emails daily. As a result, he didn't gain many valuable experiences or essential skills. Secondly, he believes that it would be challenging for the university to provide financial support for internships as they lack additional funds.
6.思维导图
- Introduction
- Letter: Require internships
- Man's opinion
- Disagrees with the proposal
- Reason 1: Varying experiences
- Example: Brother's internship
- Reason 2: Financial challenges
- University lacks additional funds
7.关键词
| Word | Phonetic Symbols | Parts of Speech | English definitions | Simplified Chinese translations | Sample sentences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vary | /ˈveəri/ | verb | to be different from something else | 不同,变化 | People's internship experiences can vary, making it difficult to guarantee valuable learning. |
| challenging | /ˈʧælɪndʒɪŋ/ | adjective | difficult in a way that tests your ability | 具有挑战性的 | It would be challenging for the university to provide financial support for unpaid internships. |
| valuable | /ˈvæljuəbl/ | adjective | useful or important | 有价值的 | Gaining valuable experiences during an internship can help students develop essential skills. |
| essential | /ɪˈsenʃəl/ | adjective | extremely important and necessary | 必要的,重要的 | Essential skills, such as teamwork and communication, can be acquired through internships. |
| additional | /əˈdɪʃənl/ | adjective | added to what already exists | 额外的,附加的 | The university lacks additional funds to support students during their unpaid internships. |
2User Sample #2
Score23
User Sample #2
Evaluation Result
1.子项得分
Delivery: 3 Topic Development: 3 Language Use: 3
2.预估分数
23. 3.表达
从表达方面来看,发言者的语言流利度和语速基本一致,偶尔有停顿。为了提高表达能力,建议发言者注意以下几点:1)在适当的地方停顿,以便更清楚地表达思想;2)注意发音的准确性,避免拼写错误;3)在练习时尝试使用更丰富的词汇和表达方式,以增强语言的多样性。
4.话题发展
从话题发展方面来看,发言者的回答内容基本上是连贯和有组织的,思路清晰。但是,在某些地方可以进一步完善。为了提高话题发展能力,建议发言者注意以下几点:1)在总结提案时,尽量简洁明了地概括关键信息;2)在陈述男子的观点时,可以更详细地解释他的理由,并给出具体例子;3)在组织回答时,尝试使用过渡词或短语来连接不同的想法,使回答更加流畅。
5.语言使用Original Answer: So in the proposal, the author believes that it's a very good idea that the botanical students provide guides for the tourists to fundraise for the generous donor. But in the listening, the man students doesn't think it is a very good idea. Firstly, the information that the students will provide will be very basic. And also the audience cannot really understand the knowledge. And maybe they're keeping saying the same thing to every group and it's very meaningless. And secondly, for the audience, they just want to walk around and see the beautiful flower and enjoy a piece of quiet. And also there are already basic introduction nearby the plants, such as the origin of the plants. So they don't really need this kind of guided service.
Corrected Answer: So in the proposal, the author Natalie Greine believes that it's a very good idea beneficial approach for the botanical students botany students to provide guides for the tourists visitors to fundraise for the generous donor a generous donation. However, in the listening, the man students doesn't think it is a very good idea the male student disagrees with this idea. Firstly, he argues that the information provided by students would be too basic and not truly beneficial for visitors' understanding. Moreover, he believes that guides might end up repeating themselves to different groups, rendering their efforts meaningless. Secondly, he points out that many visitors simply want to stroll around, admire the beautiful flowers, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Furthermore, there are already informative signs near the plants, providing essential details such as their origins. Thus, he concludes that guided tours are not truly necessary.
(将“the author”改为“Natalie Greine”,使回答更具体;将“very good idea”改为“beneficial approach”,提高词汇的多样性;将“the botanical students”改为“botany students”,使表达更准确;将“the tourists”改为“visitors”,使表达更符合语境;将“the generous donor”改为“a generous donation”,使表达更准确;将“the man students doesn't think it is a very good idea”改为“the male student disagrees with this idea”,使语法和表达更准确。)
Revised Answer (140 words): In the proposal, Natalie Greine believes that it's a beneficial approach for botany students to provide guided tours for visitors as a way to fundraise for a generous donation. However, the male student in the listening disagrees with this idea. He argues that the information provided by students would be too basic and not truly beneficial for visitors' understanding. Moreover, he believes that guides might end up repeating themselves to different groups, rendering their efforts meaningless. Secondly, he points out that many visitors simply want to stroll around, admire the beautiful flowers, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Furthermore, there are already informative signs near the plants, providing essential details such as their origins. Thus, he concludes that guided tours are not truly necessary for visitors to have an enjoyable experience at the garden.
6.思维导图
-
Proposal
- Natalie Greine
- Botany students as guides
- Fundraise for donation
-
Male student's opinion
- Disagrees with the idea
- Reasons
- Basic information provided
- Repetition for different groups
- Visitors' preferences (peace and quiet)
- Existing informative signs
7.关键词
| Word | Phonetic Symbols | Parts of Speech | English definitions | Simplified Chinese translations | Sample sentences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| beneficial | /ˌbenəˈfɪʃəl/ | adjective | producing good results or helpful effects | 有益的 | Providing guided tours can be beneficial for both visitors and botany students. |
| repetitive | /rɪˈpetətɪv/ | adjective | involving doing or saying the same thing | 重复的 | The male student thinks that the guides' explanations might become repetitive for different groups. |
| informative | /ɪnˈfɔrmətɪv/ | adjective | providing useful information | 提供信息的 | The existing signs near the plants are already informative, making guided tours less necessary. |
| tranquility | /træŋˈkwɪləti/ | noun | a state of being calm and peaceful | 宁静 | Many visitors prefer to enjoy the garden's tranquility rather than joining a guided tour. |
| essential | /ɪˈsenʃəl/ | adjective | absolutely necessary; extremely important | 必要的,重要的 | The male student believes that the essential information about the plants is already available. |
3User Sample #3
User Sample #3
Evaluation Result
1.Sub Scores Delivery: 3 Topic Development: 3 Language Use: 3
2.Estimated Scores
23. 3.Delivery
The speaker's delivery is generally clear and fluid, but there are occasional pauses that disrupt the flow. To improve, the speaker should practice speaking more consistently and reduce unnecessary pauses. Additionally, pay attention to pronunciation to avoid any spelling errors that may arise from inaccurate pronunciation.
4.Topic Development The response is coherent and well-organized, with clear connections between ideas. However, the speaker could provide more specific examples or details to better support their points. To improve topic development, the speaker should focus on elaborating on their reasons and providing more concrete evidence to strengthen their argument.
5.Language UseThe reading passage proposes that the business department should require all the business major business-major students to complete a summer internship. The man strongly opposes this idea for two main reasons. Firstly, the man believes that not everybody benefits from these internships. For instance, the man's brother did an internship, but he only did 30 works menial tasks("30 works" is unclear; "menial tasks" is more specific and accurate), which demonstrates that there's no guarantee that everybody can gain knowledge from an internship. Secondly, the man believes that it is unrealistic for the university to give money for students to go to internships because the university itself does not have spare money. Overall, the man disagrees with this idea because it is unrealistic and not helpful.
Revised Answer (140 words):
The reading passage suggests that the business department should mandate all business-major students to complete a summer internship. However, the man strongly opposes this proposal due to two primary reasons. First, he argues that not every student will benefit from such internships, as experiences may vary significantly. For example, his brother participated in an internship but only performed menial tasks, indicating that there is no guarantee of gaining valuable knowledge from these experiences. Second, he contends that expecting the university to provide financial assistance for unpaid internships is unrealistic since universities typically do not have extra funds available for such purposes. In conclusion, the man disagrees with the proposal as he believes it is both unrealistic and potentially unhelpful for many students.
6.Mind Map
- Reading Passage
- Proposal: Require business-major students to complete internships
- Man's Opinion
- Opposition
- Reason 1: Varied experiences, not always beneficial
- Example: Brother's internship with menial tasks
- Reason 2: Unrealistic financial expectations from the university
- Revised Answer
- Summary of proposal and man's opinion
- Elaboration on reasons and examples
7.Key Words
| Word | Phonetic Symbols | Parts of Speech | English Definition | Sample Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mandate | /ˈmæn.deɪt/ | verb | to officially require something to be done | The university should mandate internships for all business-major students to ensure practical experience. |
| vary | /ˈveə.ri/ | verb | to be different from each other | Internship experiences can vary greatly, making it difficult to guarantee their value for every student. |
| menial | /ˈmiː.ni.əl/ | adjective | relating to work that does not require much skill | My friend's internship involved only menial tasks, such as making copies and fetching coffee. |
| unrealistic | /ˌʌn.rɪəˈlɪs.tɪk/ | adjective | not likely to happen or not practical | Expecting the university to fund unpaid internships is unrealistic due to budget constraints. |
| financial assistance | /fəˈnænʃəl əˈsɪstəns/ | noun | monetary support provided by an organization or individual | The university could offer financial assistance to students who participate in unpaid internships. |
4User Sample #4
Score23
User Sample #4
Evaluation Result
1.子项得分 Delivery: 3 Topic Development: 3 Language Use: 3
2.预估分数
23. 3.表达
从表达方面来看,发言者的语言流利度较好,但仍有一些不必要的停顿。建议发言者在练习口语时注意保持连贯性和一致的语速,尽量减少不必要的停顿。同时,注意发音的准确性,以避免拼写错误。
4.话题发展 从话题发展方面来看,发言者对提案进行了简要概述,并阐述了男生对提案的看法及理由。但在组织结构上可以更加清晰。建议在练习时注意逻辑性和条理性,确保观点之间有明确的联系,并提供足够的支持或例子。
5.语言使用Original Answer: The writer proposes that the business department should require all the business students to complete a summer internship. Well, in that conversation, the man doesn't agree with her idea, because his brother who once had a summer internship in last summer, but he said all he did is to have had some copies of the paper, so he didn't get anything useful through this experience. And another is that this proposal is not realistic, because considering that the university cannot have extra money to pay for the students, so how can they force doing so without pay?
Corrected Answer: The writer proposes suggests (建议使用suggests,因为它在这种情况下更自然) that the business department should require all the (删除the,因为此处不需要特指) business students to complete a summer internship. Well, (删除Well,因为它在这里不必要) In that conversation, the man doesn't agree with her idea, because his brother who once had had (删除once,因为had已经表示过去的动作) a summer internship in last summer, the previous summer, (用the previous summer替换in last summer,使句子更自然) but he said all he did is to have had was make (用was make替换is to have had,使句子结构更简洁) some copies of the paper, so he didn't get anything useful through from (用from替换through,使句子更自然) this experience. And another is that Furthermore, (用Furthermore替换And another is that,使句子过渡更自然) this proposal is not realistic, because considering that the university cannot have extra money to pay for the students, so how can they force doing so without pay?
Revised Answer (140 words): The writer suggests that the business department should require all business students to complete a summer internship. In the conversation, the man disagrees with her idea, citing his brother's unproductive experience during a summer internship the previous year. He explains that his brother only made copies of documents and did not gain any valuable skills from the experience. Furthermore, the man argues that the proposal is unrealistic, as it assumes that the university can provide financial assistance to students participating in unpaid internships. He questions how the university could enforce such a requirement without offering compensation. Overall, the man believes that mandatory internships may not guarantee beneficial experiences for all students and questions the feasibility of providing financial support for unpaid internships.
6.思维导图
- Proposal
- Require business students to complete summer internships
- Man's opinion
- Disagrees with the proposal
- Reasons
- Brother's unproductive experience
- Unrealistic expectations for university financial assistance
- Revised Answer
- Summary of man's opinion and reasons
7.关键词
| Word | Phonetic Symbols | Parts of Speech | English definitions | Simplified Chinese translations | Sample sentences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mandatory | /ˈmændəˌtɔri/ | adjective | required by law or rules | 强制性的 | It is debatable whether making internships mandatory would benefit all business students. |
| unproductive | /ˌʌnprəˈdʌktɪv/ | adjective | not producing desired results | 无成果的 | My friend's internship was unproductive, as he only performed menial tasks without learning new skills. |
| feasible | /ˈfiːzəbl/ | adjective | possible and practical to achieve | 可行的 | Providing financial assistance for unpaid internships may not be feasible for the university. |
| compensation | /ˌkɒmpənˈseɪʃən/ | noun | something given to make up for loss or injury, or for work done | 补偿 | Students should receive proper compensation if they are required to complete internships. |
| enforce | /ɪnˈfɔrs/ | verb | to make people obey a rule or law | 实施,执行 | The university would face challenges in enforcing a mandatory internship policy without financial support. |
5User Sample #5
Score17
User Sample #5
Evaluation Result
1.子项得分 Delivery: 2 Topic Development: 2 Language Use: 2
2.预估分数
17. 3.表达
在回答中,发音和语速需要改进。尝试练习更清晰、流畅的发音,并保持一致的语速。避免在不适当的地方停顿。同时,注意准确发音以避免拼写错误。
4.话题发展 回答内容需要更加连贯和组织良好。在总结提议时,请确保提到关键信息,如实习经历的好处和建议学校提供财务支持。在陈述男子的观点时,请详细说明他的理由,例如实习经历可能并非总是有益的,并且学校可能无法提供财务支持。尝试使用更多例子和细节来支持你的观点。
5.语言使用原文:In the letter, the student suggests that the university should provide student business internships. In the letter, the student proposes that the business department should require all business majors to complete a summer internship. (原句中的表述不准确,需要明确提到商学院和暑期实习。)
Firstly, the students can learn a lot of important skills. First, students can acquire valuable skills through internships. (修改了句子结构,使其更自然。)
Secondly, students should earn the money, so the university should pay the money for the students. Second, since many internships are unpaid, the university could provide financial assistance for students with unpaid internships. (原句表达不清楚,需要详细说明财务支持的原因。)
The man thinks this is a really terrible idea. The man disagrees with this proposal. (使用更正式的表达方式。)
For example, his brother. His brother worked in a company, but he didn't get anything, and he didn't receive any benefit skills. For instance, his brother had an internship where he only performed menial tasks and did not gain any valuable skills. (重新组织句子,使其更连贯。)
And this is what a lot of students disappoint about, and they think they don't have any useful skills. This is a common disappointment among students who feel they do not gain useful skills from their internships. (修改句子结构,使其更自然。)
Secondly, this policy is not really realistic, because the university don't have extra money, and if they have extra money, they will use the money to another anything. Additionally, the man believes that the policy is unrealistic since the university may not have extra funds to support students financially during their internships. (重新组织句子,使其更清晰。)
Instead of giving the students money, so the man thinks this is a really terrible idea. Therefore, he considers the proposal impractical. (简化句子,使其更自然。)
Revised Answer (140 words):
In the letter, the student proposes that the business department should require all business majors to complete a summer internship. First, students can acquire valuable skills through internships. Second, since many internships are unpaid, the university could provide financial assistance for students with unpaid internships. The man disagrees with this proposal. For instance, his brother had an internship where he only performed menial tasks and did not gain any valuable skills. This is a common disappointment among students who feel they do not gain useful skills from their internships. Additionally, the man believes that the policy is unrealistic since the university may not have extra funds to support students financially during their internships. Therefore, he considers the proposal impractical.
6.思维导图
- Letter
- Proposal
- Require summer internships
- Benefits
- Valuable skills
- Financial assistance for unpaid internships
- Man's opinion
- Disagreement
- Reasons
- Inconsistent internship experiences
- Brother's example: menial tasks, no valuable skills
- Unrealistic policy
- University's financial constraints
7.关键词
| Word | Phonetic Symbols | Parts of Speech | English definitions | Simplified Chinese translations | Sample sentences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| proposal | /prəˈpoʊzəl/ | noun | a plan or suggestion put forward for consideration | 提议 | The proposal to require internships for all business majors has sparked a debate among students. |
| internship | /ˈɪntərnˌʃɪp/ | noun | a temporary position with an emphasis on education | 实习 | My internship at the marketing firm provided me with valuable insights into the industry. |
| menial | /ˈmiːniəl/ | adjective | relating to work that does not require much skill | 卑微的,枯燥的 | Many students feel that their internships consist of menial tasks rather than meaningful learning experiences. |
| unrealistic | /ˌʌnrɪəˈlɪstɪk/ | adjective | not achievable or practical | 不现实的 | Expecting the university to fund all unpaid internships is unrealistic due to budget constraints. |
| financial assistance | /faɪˈnænʃəl əˈsɪstəns/ | noun | monetary support provided to those in need | 财务援助 | The university should consider offering financial assistance to students who cannot afford unpaid internships. |
6User Sample #6
User Sample #6
Evaluation Result
1.Sub Scores Delivery: 3 Topic Development: 4 Language Use: 3
2.Estimated Scores
26. 3.Delivery
The speaker's delivery is generally clear and fluid, but there are occasional pauses that could be improved. To enhance the delivery, the speaker should practice maintaining a consistent pace throughout the response and work on reducing unnecessary pauses. This will result in a smoother and more natural-sounding speech.
4.Topic Development The topic development in the response is excellent. The speaker provides a coherent and well-organized response, with clear connections between ideas and sufficient support or examples. The summary of the proposal, the man's opinion, and the reasons for his opinion are all clearly presented. No significant improvements are needed in this aspect of the response.
5.Language UseOriginal Answer: The reading passage proposes that the literature department should eliminate the requirement for the course Contemporary Literature since it is unnecessary for many students. The reading passage suggests that the literature department should remove the Contemporary Literature course requirement, as it is deemed unnecessary for numerous students. (Rephrased for a more natural-sounding language style)
The man strongly opposes this idea for two main reasons. The man vehemently disagrees with this proposal due to two primary factors. (Used advanced vocabulary and a more natural-sounding language style)
Firstly, he thinks that reading the materials for class is different from reading for leisure. First, he believes that studying class materials significantly differs from leisure reading. (Rephrased for a more natural flow and used advanced vocabulary)
Although many students might have read the books for pleasure, it is different if they read critically in preparation for courses. While numerous students may have read the books for enjoyment, engaging in critical analysis in preparation for classes sets them apart. (Rephrased for a more natural flow and used advanced vocabulary)
In addition, the man thinks that the requirement is manageable and fair since the case where students need to spend more time is rare. Furthermore, the man considers the requirement reasonable and equitable, as instances of students needing additional time are uncommon. (Used advanced vocabulary and a more natural-sounding language style)
Revised Answer (140 words): The reading passage suggests that the literature department should remove the Contemporary Literature course requirement, as it is deemed unnecessary for numerous students. The man vehemently disagrees with this proposal due to two primary factors. First, he believes that studying class materials significantly differs from leisure reading. While numerous students may have read the books for enjoyment, engaging in critical analysis in preparation for classes sets them apart. Furthermore, the man considers the requirement reasonable and equitable, as instances of students needing additional time are uncommon.
6.Mind Map
- Reading Passage
- Remove Contemporary Literature requirement
- Unnecessary for numerous students
- Man's Opinion
- Vehemently disagrees
- Two primary factors
- Studying class materials vs. leisure reading
- Critical analysis in preparation for classes
- Requirement reasonable and equitable
- Instances of students needing additional time uncommon
7.Key Words
| Word | Phonetic Symbols | Parts of Speech | English Definition | Sample Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vehemently | /vɪˈhɛməntli/ | adverb | In a forceful, passionate, or intense manner; with great feeling | The man vehemently disagrees with the proposal to remove the Contemporary Literature requirement, believing it is essential. |
| equitable | /ˈɛkwɪtəbəl/ | adjective | Fair and impartial | The man considers the requirement reasonable and equitable, as it ensures students develop critical thinking skills. |
| critical | /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/ | adjective | Expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments | Engaging in critical analysis of contemporary literature helps students understand the underlying themes and messages. |
| uncommon | /ʌnˈkɒmən/ | adjective | Not found or seen often; rare | Instances of students needing additional time to complete their literature degree are uncommon, making the requirement fair. |
| significantly | /sɪgˈnɪfɪkəntli/ | adverb | In a sufficiently great or important way as to be worthy of attention; to a notably large extent | The man believes that studying class materials significantly differs from leisure reading, as it requires a deeper understanding. |
Opens the speaking question list in the LingoLeap app, not this exact question. Practising needs a free account. AI scoring uses credits, except 3 free scores a day on Practice Test 1 (PQ26-1) questions.
Current TOEFL Format
The TOEFL exam has been updated. Explore the latest format and practice with current question types.
More Legacy Practice Samples
Rooting for Your Goal Score Today!
With LingoLeap, an expert in English exams
Get to Your Dream Score Faster