TOEFL iBT

PREPARATION
COURSE
EXAM OVERVIEW
 SPEAKING SECTION

This will test your ability to communicate effectively in a

variety of situations. The IBT test Speaking section has 6
tasks. There are only 3 kinds of question formats though. It
will take about 20 minutes in total to complete the Speaking
section. Each of the questions is given a mark of 0-4. Your
total score is then scaled to a value out of 30. For a decent
score you must get at least 3 out of 4 for all 6 speaking
tasks.
What score you get from 0-4 for your speaking responses is based on 3 factors:

1. Delivery means how well you are speaking. Do you speak clearly and with few pauses? Does it
sound natural? Your pace also can't be too fast or too slow.

2. Language use means how well you can use grammar and vocabulary. Do you use the same
words over and over or have variety? Did you use the right word? And don't use any slang or
swearing. Do you use more than one kind of sentence structure? Or are your sentences all basic
like, "The banana in the basket is green."

3. Topic development refers to how well you answered the question. Is your answer coherent? It
should go from one idea to the next logically. It should be easy to understand, not confuse the
grader to death. Your answer should provide reasons – more than one – with details or examples
to support the reasons you give. Below is a guideline of what grade to expect for a response.
 Q’s TYPES 1 & 2
In questions 1 and 2, in an actual test, your response will be scored on your ability to speak
clearly and coherently about familiar topics.

INDEPENDENT SPEAKING SAMPLE 1 - QUESTION TYPE 1 Q= Describe something

that you do to reduce stress. Explain why it is helpful. Include details and examples
to support your answer.

Introduction Reading books helps me to relieve stress like nothing else can.

Body This is true for several reasons.

First, when I read a book I mentally enter the world of ideas. I can forget my day-to-day
worries.

Second, from an emotional angle, reading is a solitary act. It enables me to spend time
alone, away from others. This helps me feel more peaceful.

Third, from a physical perspective, reading allows me to stop working and relax my body. At
home, I like to read while lying in bed or on the sofa.

Conclusion The act of reading transports me to another world. That’s why books are good
friends and why reading is such an effective way of reducing my level of stress.
 TOEFL SPEAKING SAMPLE 1 -ANALYSIS
The response above would get a high score for several reasons:

What
It answered the question fully.

How
It was grammatically correct.
It used simple, clear vocabulary.

Why
It spoke about the actual topic, and not some other topic.
It proceeded logically, from introduction to body to conclusion.
It used transition words, such as first, second and third.
It gave three reasons: mental, emotional and physical
It gave three details /examples: to forget worries, to feel more peaceful, to lie on bed /
sofa
The conclusion reinforced the fact that the speaker had understood the task clearly.
QUESTION TYPE 2
EXERCISES
 MORE QUESTIONS
Here is a list of new topics that you might find useful if you are preparing for Part 1 of the iBT TOEFL
Speaking section. These are all Independent topics of the "open choice" / personal experience or
opinion type.

1.Who is your best friend? Describe this person and say why he/she is your best friend.
2.What is your favorite place to visit on weekends? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite place
to go.
3.What is your happiest childhood memory? Describe it and give reasons to explain why it is your
happiest memory.
4.What is your most important possession? Describe it and say why it is so important.
5.Talk about a person in your life who has inspired you. Describe the person and explain why you
found him/her inspirational.
6.Where do most like to go to eat out? Describe this place and say why you like it most.
7.Talk about an important national holiday in your home country. Describe it and explain why it is
important.
8.What is your favorite book or movie? Describe it and say why it is your favorite.
9.Who do you feel close to in your family (or extended family)? Describe this person and say why you
feel close to him/her.
10.Where is a good place to have fun in your city or town? Describe this place and explain why it is
fun.
Q’s TYPES 3 & 4
 SAMPLE Q TYPE 3
Read an article from a campus newspaper. Take notes on the main points of the reading passage.

Reading time: 45 seconds.

Why isn't recycling mandatory on campus?

How does an Ivy League educational institute, such as U of C get away with being so nonchalant about
recycling? After a recent search across campus, volunteers from the U of C Environmental Watch group
counted only 10 recycling bins. In comparison, the students counted 30 vending machines, the majority
of which carry plastics, cans, and glass bottles. Only one paper recycling bin was found. This means that
almost all of the paper that is discarded on campus, including U of C residences, is being disposed of in
the regular garbage. When asked why no recycling bins for paper have been placed on campus, U of C
president, James Wicker, explained that the company the university employs to pick up recycling does
not currently recycle paper. When asked why another company is not used, Wicker cited university
finances as an obstacle.

Now listen to a conversation related to the topic.

 Listening Transcript
Transcript for listening conversation question 3:
M: Hey Lisa, you and your roommate have a recycling bin in your dormitory room, don't
you? I'm sure I've thrown a water bottle in a bin at your place before.
W: Sure. Why do you ask Mark? Are you wondering where to go to pick one up. I think
they have them available in the housing office.
M: No, it's not that. My roommate and I have one too, and we put it out with our garbage
each week. It's just that I read this article in the campus paper today that suggests that
none of the dormitories on campus are recycling.
W: Oh, I read that article too. I agree that the writer obviously didn't check her facts. But,
she had a point about the lack of bins for recycling paper. I mean, what type of institution
goes through more paper than a university?
M: True. And, like anything, the budget is always to blame.
W: What I don't get is how they can charge us student dues for things like live
entertainment, which many people don't even use, but they can't charge us for something
like a recycling program.
M: Maybe you should write a letter to the editor about that. I for one wouldn't have a
problem throwing in a few dollars each year to do my part for the environment and save a
few trees.

W: Maybe, but I'm not sure how many other students would share your enthusiasm .
 QUESTION & RESPONSE
Question:
• Why does the woman approve of the article? State her opinion
and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.

Response
• The woman also read the article that the man refers to. Though she
agrees that there is an error in the article regarding the lack of
recycling in the residences, she believes that more should be done
to improve the recycling program on campus. In particular, she is
concerned that there is no effort being made to recycle paper on
campus. She thinks that the university could pay for a better
recycling program by including some of the cost in the student fees.
 SAMPLE Q TYPE 4
Read a passage about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Take notes on the main points of the
reading passage. You have 45 seconds to read the passage. Begin reading now.

Reading time: 45 seconds

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD is an anxiety disorder that causes a person to experience obsessive thoughts and to
react to these with compulsive behavior or rituals. The obsessions are typically described by
OCD sufferers as persistent thoughts or impulses that cause a great amount of stress. These
differ from those stressors that the average person suffers from in daily life, such as work or
financial problems, in that they are a product of the imagination. While most OCD sufferers
admit to knowing that their concerns are not real, they cannot control the thoughts from
recurring, and they compensate by performing certain repetitive actions. In addition to these
symptoms and responses, a true OCD sufferer spends a large part of the day battling this
disease. The debate continues over whether the disease should be classified as a
psychological or biological disorder.

Now listen to a talk on the same academic subject.

 Transcript
Professor: The terms "obsessed" and "addicted" are used so loosely these
days, that one of the most serious mental diseases in America is often not
taken seriously even by medical professionals. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
is in fact one of the most debilitating psychological diseases, though it only
affects about 4% of the population. Now, when I say debilitating, I mean, in
terms of quality of life. While very few people die from the symptoms and
responses to OCD, if they don't seek any help, which most don't, they become
severely depressed and isolated. Holding down a job or maintaining social
relationships are virtually impossible for many OCD sufferers. The term
obsession has to be defined properly when making a proper diagnosis. A true
obsession for OCD sufferers is something that is considered abnormal even by
the patient himself. So, we're not talking about a passion for golf, or a love of
game shows here. To an OCD sufferer, an obsession is generally a persisting
thought with no merit, such as the feeling that one is going to throw oneself into
traffic. The rituals and behavior that OCD sufferers engage in, such as
repetitive hand washing or excessive checking are usually unrelated to the
obsessive thoughts. In other words, someone who can't get the image of a tree
falling on their house out of their mind might engage in an unrelated ritual such
as flipping constantly through pages of a certain book.
Explain how the professor's description of OCD expands upon the
reading.
Preparation time: 30 seconds
Response time: 60 seconds

Sample response.

The reading defines obsessive compulsive disorder by touching briefly on the

difference between obsessions and compulsions. While it mentions that the average
stressors in daily life do not cause the obsessions of OCD sufferers, the lecture
expands on this fact, giving clear examples of obsessions and compulsions. The
professor claims that the disorder is not taken seriously enough because people tend
to misuse the term "obsessed". As in the reading, the professor points out that the
obsessions for OCD sufferers are not realistic. They are more like persistent thoughts
that don't make sense. In addition, the compulsions are generally unrelated to the
obsessive thoughts.
EXERCISES Q TYPES 3
 Q TYPE 4
Listen to track 1 (iBT Q4_01) and follow the instructions.
Text: Erik Erikson
In 1956, German psychologist Erikson used the term “identity crisis,” as being an important
conflict human beings face in life. Erikson describes the
identity crisis as first happening during ages 13 to 19. Overcoming the crisis in those teen
years will help overcome identity crises later in their life. Today, the complexities of modern
life create many stressful situations. People may experience identity crises more often now
than in the time of Erikson.

Listen to track 2 (iBT Q4_02) and follow the instructions.

Text: The Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow developed the theory of the human being’s “Hierarchy of Needs.” He
created a pyramid of basic human needs. At the lowest level are basic survival needs such
as food and shelter. If a person satisfies that level, then the individual can climb to the next
level of safety, love/belonging, esteem and the highest level of self-actualization. An
individual will feel anxious if they do not meet the needs of a lower level, and cannot climb to
the next level.
According to Maslow, we strive to reach the top of the pyramid, self-actualization, in living our
lives. Maslow states that no one has really reached self-actualization. When the body has
reached its maximum potential, there is no reason to continue living.
3. Listen to track 3 (iBT Q4_03) and follow the instructions.
Text: A Meeting at Bretton Woods
The Bretton Woods Conference was held in New Hampshire in July 1944, and was attended by forty-
four nations. The conference was held to make plans for post–World War II international economic
cooperation. The purpose of this meeting of nations was to make financial arrangements for the
postwar era, and to provide post war economic assistance to governments in need. The delegates
reached agreement on an international monetary fund to promote exchange stability and expansion of
international trade and the formation of what is today, the World Bank. The original agreement became
law in the United States in 1945 and lasted unchanged until 1971.

4. Listen to track 4 (iBT Q4_04) and follow the instructions.

Text: The Corn Law
The Corn Law was first introduced in Britain in 1804, when the landowners, who dominated
Parliament, sought to protect their profits by imposing a duty on imported corn. During the Napoleonic
Wars, it was not possible to import corn from Europe. This led to an expansion of British wheat farming
and to high bread prices. Farmers feared that when the war ended in 1815, the importation of foreign
corn would lower prices. British landowners applied pressure on members of Parliament to take action
to protect the profits of the farmers. Parliament responded by passing a law permitting the import of
foreign wheat duty free only when the domestic price reached 80 shillings per 8 bushels of corn. The
price of these goods remained high.
5. Listen to track 5 (iBT Q4_05) and follow the instructions.

Text: Wolves in Yellowstone Park

Thanks to a controversial but very successful reintroduction program,

wolves are now in Yellowstone again after an absence of almost 70
years. These wolves had been hunted to near extinction on the North
American continent. Several dozen wolves were captured in Canada
and turned loose in Yellowstone in March 1995. Those animals have
done remarkably well, reproducing at a rapid rate. Packs are now
located in various parts of the park. Wolves prey on a variety of
species, notably elk in the Yellowstone area, but will also pursue
moose, deer, sheep and other animals. However, cattle ranchers in the
nearby area complained that the wolves were killing their livestock.
Q TYPES 5 & 6
SAMPLE Q TYPE 5
SAMPLE Q TYPE 6
SAMPLE RESPONSE
EXERCISE Q TYPE 5 & 6
WRITING SECTION TOEFL
iBT
Directions: These sample tasks in the Writing section measure your ability to write in English in an
academic environment. There will be 2 writing tasks.

TASK 1
For the first task in this sampler, you will read a passage and part of a lecture about an academic
topic. Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the relationship between the
lecture and the reading passage. Try to answer the question as completely as possible using
information from the reading passage and the lecture.
The question does not ask you to express your personal opinion. Your response will be judged on the
quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the points in the lecture and their
relationship to the reading passage.

TASK 2
For the second task, you will demonstrate your ability to write an essay in response to a question that
asks you to express and support your opinion about a topic or issue. Your essay will be scored on the
quality of your writing. This includes the development of your ideas, the organization of your essay,
and the quality and accuracy of the language you use to express your ideas.
In an actual test, you will be able to take notes while you listen and use your notes to help you answer
the questions.
Read the following passage and the lecture which follows. In an actual test, you will have 3 minutes to
read the passage. Then, answer the question. In the test, you will have 20 minutes to plan and write
your response. Typically, an effective response will be 150 to 225 words. Candidates with disabilities
may request additional time to read the passage and write the response.
 READING PASSAGE
Critics say that current voting systems used in the United
States are inefficient and often lead to the inaccurate
counting of votes. Miscounts can be especially damaging if
an election is closely contested. Those critics would like the
traditional systems to be replaced with far more efficient
and trustworthy computerized voting systems.
In traditional voting, one major source of inaccuracy is that
people accidentally vote for the wrong candidate. Voters
usually have to find the name of their candidate on a large
sheet of paper containing many names—the ballot—and
make a small mark next to that name. People
with poor eyesight can easily mark the wrong name. The computerized voting
machines have an easy-to-use touch-screen technology: to cast a vote, a voter
needs only to touch the candidate’s name on the screen to record a vote for
that candidate; voters can even have the computer magnify the name for easier
viewing.
Another major problem with old voting systems is that they rely heavily on
people to count the votes. Officials must often count up the votes one by one,
going through every ballot and recording the vote. Since they have to deal with
thousands of ballots, it is almost inevitable that they will make mistakes. If an
error is detected, a long and expensive recount has to take place. In contrast,
computerized systems remove the possibility of human error, since all the vote
counting is done quickly and automatically by the computers.
Finally some people say it is too risky to implement complicated voting
technology nationwide. But without giving it a thought, governments and
individuals alike trust other complex computer technology every day to be
perfectly accurate in banking transactions as well as in the communication of
highly sensitive information.
 LECTURE TRANSCRIPT
(Narrator) Now listen to part of a lecture on the topic you just read about.
(Female professor) While traditional voting systems have some problems, it’s doubtful
that computerized voting will make the situation any better. Computerized voting may
seem easy for people who are used to computers. But what about people who aren’t?
People who can’t afford computers, people who don’t use them on a regular basis—these
people will have trouble using computerized voting machines. These voters can easily
cast the wrong vote or be discouraged from voting altogether because of fear of
technology. Furthermore, it’s true that humans make mistakes when they count up ballots
by hand. But are we sure that computers will do a better job? After all, computers are 25
programmed by humans, so “human error” can show up in mistakes in their programs.
And the errors caused by these defective programs may be far more serious. The worst a
human official can do is miss a few ballots. But an error in a computer program can result
in thousands of votes being miscounted or even permanently removed from the record.
And in many voting systems, there is no physical record of the votes, so a computer
recount in the case of a suspected error is impossible! As for our trust of computer
technology for banking and communications, remember one thing: these systems are
used daily and they are used heavily. They didn’t work flawlessly when they were first
introduced. They had to be improved on and improved on until they got as reliable as
they are today. But voting happens only once every two years nationally in the United
States and not much more than twice a year in many local areas. This is hardly sufficient
for us to develop confidence that computerized voting can be fully trusted.
• Question: Summarize the points made
in the lecture, being sure to explain
how they oppose specific points made
in the reading passage.
 SAMPLE RESPONSE
QUESTION 1, RESPONSE A, SCORE OF 5
The lecture explained why the computerized voting system cannot replace the traditional
voting system. There are the following three reasons.
First of all, not everyone one can use computers correctly. Some people do not have access to
computers, some people are not used of computers, and some people are even scared of this new
technology. If the voters do not know how to use a computer, how do you expect them to finish the voting
process through computers? This directly refutes the reading passage which states that computerized
voting is easier by just touching the screen.
Secondly, computers may make mistakes as the people do. As computers are programmed by the human
beings, thus errors are inevitable in the computer system. Problems caused by computer voting systems
may be more serious than those caused by people. A larger number of votes might be miss counted or
even removed from the system. Furthermore, it would take more energy to recount the votes. Again this
contradicts what is stated in the reading which stated that only people will make mistakes in counting.
Thirdly, computerized voting system is not reliable because it has not reached a stable status. People
trust computers to conduct banking transactions because the computerized banking system is being used
daily and frequently and has been stable. However, the voting does not happen as often as banking thus
the computerized voting system has not been proved to be totally reliable.
All in all, not everyone can use a computer properly, computer causes mistakes and computerized voting
system is not reliable are the main reasons why computerized voting system cannot replace the traditional
voting system.
 INDEPENDENT WRITING
• Writing Based on Knowledge and
Experience
This section of the test asks you questions
about common experiences. You will be asked
to give your opinion and provide reasons and
examples. You will not be required to have any
previous knowledge on a topic. You will have 30
minutes to prepare an essay in response to the
question provided.
 SAMPLE Q TYPES
• Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Students
should take out student loans to avoid working while studying. Use
specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
• Some people think its better to live with a roommate. Other people
prefer to live alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and
examples to support your answer.
• It is better to grow up with siblings than without. Do you agree or
disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your
essay.
• It has recently been announced that the public library in your area
will be closed for the summer months for a major renovation and
expansion. Do you support or oppose this plan. Why? Use specific
reasons and details to support your answer.
 EXAMPLE
Read the example of a student's
brainstorming session and essay.
When you are finished reading the
example look at the checklist and find
out why this student deserves a
perfect score of 5
Some people prefer to settle down
and start a family in a rural area.
Other people prefer the convenience
of the big city. Which do you prefer?
Use specific reasons and examples to
support your opinion.
 SAMPLE ESSAY
Does this scenario sound familiar to you? A young couple meets and
falls in love in the city. Later they get married and decide to move to a
rural area. They plan to start a family. This may have been the case
years ago, but today more couples are choosing to settle down in the
city. In my opinion a city has more to offer a new family than a rural
area. These things include jobs, institutions, and support systems.

There are more work opportunities for young couples in a city than in a
rural area. Unemployment is much lower in urban centers. One reason
for this is that many jobs in rural areas are seasonal. It is more common
for large companies to be based in the city. Even though the cost of
living is higher in the city than it is in a rural area, people who work in
the city tend to have much higher salaries. Furthermore, financial stress
is a leading cause of divorce and leads to the break up of families.

The city offers important institutions such as the best hospitals and
schools that rural areas don't always have. For instance, people who
get sick or have babies in rural areas often have to travel
to the city for medical attention. This can lead to bills and transportation
problems. While their parents have to commute to work, kids sometimes have
to travel a long way on a bus to school. All of the travel takes away from family
time. In addition, kids who grow up in rural areas are less likely to go to post
secondary schools. Most have to go to the city to get a good education.

It is more likely that a young couple will have the support of friends and family
in the city than in a rural area. When a young couple moves away from this
support system, they often feel isolated. On the other hand, small communities
are usually close and friendly. It doesn't take long to meet new friends in a
small town. People look out for each other and the crime rate is much lower.
Even still, you can never replace your best friends and relatives. Consequently,
birthdays and holidays feel lonely without grandparents and childhood friends
to join in the celebration.

Living in the city is a new trend for young families. This is partly because
people are starting families later. I have already established my career and
home in the city. My friends and family and all of the things I need are here.
When I meet my future spouse I hope he agrees to settle down in the city.
 WRITING TOPICS
1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People are
never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more
or something different. Use specific reasons to support your answer.
2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should
read only those books that are about real events, real people, and
established facts. Use specific reasons and details to support your
opinion.
3. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more
important for students to study history and literature than it is for them
to study science and mathematics. Use specific reasons and
examples to support your opinion.
4. Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of
every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the
whole school day on academic studies. Which opinion do you agree
with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
5. A university plans to develop a new research center in your
country. Some people want a center for business research. Other
people want a center for research in agriculture (farming). Which of
these two kinds of research centers do you recommend for your
country? Use specific reasons in your recommendation.
6. Some high schools require all students to wear school uniforms.
Other high schools permit students to decide what to wear to
school. Which of these two school policies do you think is better?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
7. In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for
example, honesty, intelligence, a sense of humor) that a person
can have to be successful in life? Use specific reasons and
examples from your experience to explain your answer. When you
write your answer, you are not limited to the examples listed in the
question.
8. If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to
an international exhibition, what would you choose? Why? Use
specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
9. Your city has decided to build a statue or monument to
honor a famous person in your country. Who would you
choose? Use reasons and specific examples to support
your choice.
10. If you could invent something new, what product would
you develop? Use specific details to explain why this
invention is needed.
11. Imagine that you have received some land to use as
you wish. How would you use this land? Use specific
details to explain your answer.
12. You have the opportunity to visit a foreign country for
two weeks. Which country would you like to visit? Use
specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
13. It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in
books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience
with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source
is more important? Why?
14. When people move to another country, some of them decide to
follow the customs of the new country. Others prefer to keep their
own customs. Compare these two choices. Which one do you
prefer? Support your answer with specific details.
15. Some people trust their first impressions about a person’s
character because they believe these judgments are generally
correct. Other people do not judge a person’s character quickly
because they believe first impressions are often wrong. Compare
these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support
your choice with specific examples.
This presentation was brought to
you by
Luis Pastor
pastor_la@up.edu.pe