Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Proficiency Tests & Test-taking
Frustrated with the TOEFL Speaking Test
I've been planning to take the TOEFL test for some time now. I need to score 90 to get into the university I want and I'm pretty sure that that won't be too hard to achieve.
My main problem with this test is the speaking section. I absolutely loathe it. I am pretty confident I can speak English fluently and I've actually been to the United States and Canada a few times and had the chance to talk to many native English speakers. I literally have no problems with spoken English. However, when it comes to the TOEFL Speaking Test, I usually stutter and easily run out of things to say. I've never taken the test before but every time I practice, I freeze up. And that's not because I can't speak English fluently; Like I said, I'm positive I can. It's just that, a lot of times, I don't have a solid opinion on the subject of the questions. For instance, if they ask me to describe the person who has had the greatest influence in my life, I will have no idea what to say, simply because I don't know who has influenced me the most. And they only give you 15 seconds to prepare an answer, which means I have 15 seconds to make something up. They also ask you to support your opinion with examples. That is ridiculous.
I will not even get into the "paired choice task." It's even harder for me. I just came across this question:
"In some universities, students are graded according to a Pass/Fail system. In other words, the only possible grades that you may receive are P (pass) or F (Fail). In most classes, however, students are graded according to a more traditional system in which many letter grades can be give (A+, A, A-, B+, etc.). Explain which of these two systems you prefer and why. Include details and examples in your explanation."
And then they give you 15 seconds to prepare an answer. I had never even heard of the Pass/Fail system before! How can I prepare an answer in 15 seconds and include DETAILS and EXAMPLES in my explanation?
Honestly, I'm absolutely frustrated. I have already read tons of tips to get a good score on the speaking section of the TOEFL and still I don't seem to be making any improvements. I feel like giving up.
My main problem with this test is the speaking section. I absolutely loathe it. I am pretty confident I can speak English fluently and I've actually been to the United States and Canada a few times and had the chance to talk to many native English speakers. I literally have no problems with spoken English. However, when it comes to the TOEFL Speaking Test, I usually stutter and easily run out of things to say. I've never taken the test before but every time I practice, I freeze up. And that's not because I can't speak English fluently; Like I said, I'm positive I can. It's just that, a lot of times, I don't have a solid opinion on the subject of the questions. For instance, if they ask me to describe the person who has had the greatest influence in my life, I will have no idea what to say, simply because I don't know who has influenced me the most. And they only give you 15 seconds to prepare an answer, which means I have 15 seconds to make something up. They also ask you to support your opinion with examples. That is ridiculous.
I will not even get into the "paired choice task." It's even harder for me. I just came across this question:
"In some universities, students are graded according to a Pass/Fail system. In other words, the only possible grades that you may receive are P (pass) or F (Fail). In most classes, however, students are graded according to a more traditional system in which many letter grades can be give (A+, A, A-, B+, etc.). Explain which of these two systems you prefer and why. Include details and examples in your explanation."
And then they give you 15 seconds to prepare an answer. I had never even heard of the Pass/Fail system before! How can I prepare an answer in 15 seconds and include DETAILS and EXAMPLES in my explanation?
Honestly, I'm absolutely frustrated. I have already read tons of tips to get a good score on the speaking section of the TOEFL and still I don't seem to be making any improvements. I feel like giving up.
Top answer
I cannot solve your stage fright, but I can give you these pointers: Anonymous For instance, if they ask me to describe the person who has had the greatest influence in my life, I will have no idea what to say, simply because I don't know who has influenced me the most. Don't waste time looking for the 'right' person . They don't care who you choose (as long as its someone respectable, not a mass murderer), so choose whoever comes to mind first.
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I cannot solve your stage fright, but I can give you these pointers:
AnonymousFor instance, if they ask me to describe the person who has had the greatest influence in my life, I will have no idea what to say, simply because I don't know who has influenced me the most.Don't waste time looking for the 'right' person. They don't care who you choose (as lon
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