The TOEFL speaking section tests a candidate’s ability to communicate in English at an academic level. It can be challenging to clear this type of speaking exam, even if it is based on one’s native language. The reason can be hesitation, vocabulary, or lack of confidence. So, to help the process, this blog educates individuals about some essential tips to manage hesitation, solve papers in time and improve confidence.
By considering these TOEFL speaking tips, applicants can ace the speaking section and maximise their scores. To know more, one can keep reading this piece.
5 Important TOEFL Speaking Tips for Candidates to Consider
The speaking section contains 4 tasks that a candidate needs to complete within 17 minutes. Suppose they fail to complete it. The individual then loses an opportunity to study abroad. So, to secure one’s ability to score better in the exam, the below section contains some crucial tips on how to prepare for TOEFL speaking and some habits to undertake for improvement.
Learn About the Structure of the Speaking Test
Before appearing for the speaking test, candidates must always know about the structure of the speaking test to avoid any last-minute surprises.
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Independent Tasks 1 and 2
The test-takers give a candidate 15 seconds to prepare for a 45-second speech in the independent task category. Under this task, candidates must provide an opinion from their personal experience. The performance will determine how well the individual speaks and logically identifies the topic.
Integrated Task 3 and 4
In an integrated task, candidates get a 100 to 150 words passage on a specific topic and a short audio clip relating to the same. The applicant must read and listen to it respectively and prepare for a speech in 30 seconds. This speech should be 1-minute, explaining the relation between the passage and the clip.
Integrated Task 5 and 6
Under task 5, the candidate is asked to listen to a conversation of two to three minutes based on campus related topics. While task 6 involves a topic relating to an academic lecture of the same length. The preparation time is 20 seconds to figure out the content of his or her one-minute speech. However, it must be such that it states all the important points of the passage. So, an individual must not forget to take notes in between.
Search for How to Improve TOEFL Speaking Score
TOEFL speaking exam is held by ETS, where candidates are graded upon the level of their delivery of answers. The score will depend on one’s ability to speak clearly, grip over vocabulary, number of grammatical mistakes, and confidence. So, here is a tip is on how to improve TOEFL speaking score for candidates:
Get a hold over the language: Candidates must always provide comprehensible language. Only when the examiners understand clearly what the essay is about, he or she gives a candidate a high score.
Provide relevant answers: One of the most effective TOEFL speaking tips on how to improve to scores is to provide the most relevant answers. So, if the question asks for reasons and examples, candidates must provide that exactly.
Work on fluency: The test-takers notice how fluently a candidate can respond. A minimum hesitation level can help the individual earn a high score.
Strengthen vocabulary: The primary point of this test is to estimate the vocabulary knowledge of candidates. So, by strengthening their vocabulary, candidates can expect high scores.
Structure coherently: Another factor that helps secure a high score is structuring one’s essay coherently. For this purpose, candidates can join TOEFL speaking prep courses that teach how to organise essays in a structured manner.
Maintain grammatical accuracy: Candidates must practice preparing for the TOEFL speaking test. This also helps polish one’s skills to maintain grammatical accuracy.
Rule out Hesitation with Few Phrases
It takes years of practice to speak fluently and in the right order. However, those who master it can find the right words faster even when they do not know what they will speak next. So, it depends directly on one’s vocabulary and how fluent an individual speaks because hesitation occurs when one can’t find the right word.
So, in a situation like these, candidates must try and use phrases like ‘in others words’, ‘to put it differently’, and ‘what I was trying to say is.’
Do not Panic
Candidates often panic when there are only a few days left for their test and the preparation is not yet completed. However, candidates must work on criteria that evaluate their speaking skills instead of panicking. Below are some TOEFL speaking tips on how to prepare in a short time:
Answer to question: Candidates having only a little time to prepare must start by developing a habit of noticing key things when reading the questions. For example, one must notice what the question is asking, like reasons, examples, details, etc.
Comprehensibility: Next best way to prepare is to have someone listen. In other words, candidates must find someone who has a knowledge of the English language to listen to while they speak. If the person can understand what the speaker means to say, it means he or she is ready to face the test.
Organisation: Candidates can also organise their flow according to a format for comprehensibility. For example, one can approach first by stating the topic and what it mentions. Next, they must state a support sentence. It can be a reason, detail, or example. Then one must provide two reasons along with a supporting example.
Work on Body Movement
It is a fact that moving the hand helps express thought better and in a fluent way. It makes the speaker confident. In fact, many would have even noticed this habit in speakers of TED Talks and other big shows. Also, the candidate’s body posture shows how confident they are. So, one must try and sit straight while speaking.
Conclusion
The above are some important TOEFL speaking tips for candidates to consider to improve their overall score. It will increase their chances of clearing the TOEFL exam and their dream of studying abroad. However, remember some of the tips mentioned above will take time to adapt, so one must not wait until the last minute to start practising them. Instead, individuals must adopt it as soon as possible.
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