How to Organize Responses for TOEFL Speaking Task 3

Hi! This is M.Ara again and we already know what to expect from Task 3 of the TOEFL iBT Speaking section. Just a recap:

- you will be given 45 seconds to read a passage about a campus issue
(take note of the topic and the main purpose of the reading passage)
- you will be asked to listen to a conversation related to the passage that you have just read
(take note of the speakers opinions and their reasons)
- you will be given 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to speak.

With the limited time, it is very important to know how to structure our responses. First, we have to understand the question.

Example:

The man expresses his opinion about the new meal plan. Report his opinion and his reasons for having that opinion.

So, it is clearly important that we MENTION THE MAN'S OPINION AND HIS REASONS. But many test-takers forget that the READING PASSAGE IS ALSO IMPORTANT that is why their scores are low.

When you answer, you need to PROVIDE BACKGROUND INFORMATION about what the students are discussing. So, you should mention the reading passage before going to the conversation.

Your response should look like this:

- According to the announcement (TOPIC OF THE READING PASSAGE). It states that (DETAILS ABOUT THE TOPIC).
- In the conversation, the (MAN/WOMAN) thinks that (OPINION) because first (FIRST REASON). In addition, (SECOND REASON). Finally, (LAST REASON).
- These are the reasons why the (MAN/WOMAN) is (OPINION) of the (TOPIC OF THE READING PASSAGE).

Sample Answer:

According to the announcement, students in the residence hall can now have two options in their meal plan. It states that one is the seven-day meal plan and the other is the five-day meal plan. If the student chooses the 5-day meal plan, they can still purchase food at the cafeteria or at the food court during the weekends.

In the conversation, the man thinks that having more meal plan options is good because first, he says that he doesn't like to eat all the time at the cafeteria and he often goes out in the weekends. In addition, he thinks that paying for meals that he doesn't eat is pointless. Finally, he mentions that if he stays on campus during the weekend, he can just purchase food or go out with his friends.

These are the reasons why the man is in favor of having more meal plan options.

Now try it on your own!

Read the Passage for 45 seconds:

University Tutoring System

The new university tutoring system begins on August 22. Students will no longer have face-to-face tutoring sessions. Instead, an online tutoring system will be implemented. The computer-based tutoring system will allow students to receive tutoring help twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, instead of only during regular school hours. Students will benefit from expanded access to tutors. Also, the computer-based system will relieve students of stress from the crowded tutoring centers. Students will no longer need to be present on campus for tutoring. They will be able to access the computer-based system from any computer with an Internet connection.

Now listen a conversation related to the topic that you have just read.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SCRIPT

(right click, save link as)

QUESTION:

The woman expresses her opinion of the new computer-based tutoring system. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.

REMINDERS! REMINDERS! REMINDERS!

Include only the main points of the reading passage (approximately 15-20 seconds only!) before talking about the listening passage.

You have 60 seconds to give your response.

Listen to a sample response: