This document outlines strategies and practice for the TOEFL speaking section. It discusses using a 3-part structure and general to specific outlines when responding. Students are given examples of these frames to practice. The document also introduces mapping techniques to help organize thoughts when listening and speaking. Students do exercises practicing the frames and mapping recent conversations and announcements. Their responses are recorded and reviewed using a rubric. The goal is to help students improve their TOEFL speaking skills through structured outlines and organizational mapping strategies.

1. TOEFL Speaking Strategies and
Practice DAY 1
VEA Live (Visa English Academy)
January, 2014
Created by Briana Songer

2. Today you will learn:
 Speaking frames to
memorize
-3 Part Structure
- General to Specific
 How to organize your
speaking by the use of
maps

3. Speaking Strategy Frame #1
 DIVIDE INTO 3 PART STRUCTURE
Question: Describe something you own which is very important to
you.
1. The most important thing that I own is my Ipad because it makes
my life more efficient AND it’s (it is) helpful for school.
1. Also, I really value my car as it gets me from place to place AND
it makes it easier to carry groceries home.
1. Finally, I love my music collection because of the relaxation and
enjoyment it provides.

4. Your Turn!
Practice the 3-Part Structure
Question: Describe an ideal job. Use specific reasons and
details to support your answer
1. Rephrase the question-object-because-subject/verb-adjective
AND subject/verb-adjective.
2. Also, rephrase the question-question-object-as-subject/
verb-adjective AND subject/verb-adjective.
3. Finally, rephrase the question-question-object-because of-noun/
noun phrase AND noun/noun phrase.

5. Listen/Feedback
Listen to your recording with your teacher, and do the
following as you listen:
 Write down things you did well, and things that need
improvement. (+/-)
 Give yourself a grade based on the TOEFL speaking rubric (0-
4)
 Compare your comments with your teachers and write down
her feedback as well.

6. Speaking Strategy Frame #2
 GENERAL TO SPECIFIC
Question: What kind of food do you like?
1. I really like to eat all kinds of pasta, but I’m especially a fan
of lasagna.
1. In particular, I enjoy the rich and flavorful layers of pasta
and sauce.
1. Even though it’s a little heavy, the combination of tomato,
cheese, basil, and oregano is absolutely delicious!

7. Your Turn!
Practice the General to Specific Structure
Question: Some people believe that it is better to marry young. Other
people advise young people to wait until later in life to marry. Which
idea do you think is better?
1. I really think (rephrase question as your topic sentence-choose ONE
side)
2. In particular, I + verb (specific reason #1)
3. Even though/For instance/ For example….(describe another reason)
4. Concluding Sentence: Finally, (rephrase your opening sentence)

8. Listen/Feedback
Listen to your recording with your teacher, and do the
following as you listen:
 Write down things you did well, and things that need
improvement. (+/-)
 Give yourself a grade based on the TOEFL speaking rubric (0-
4)
 Compare your comments with your teachers and write down
her feedback as well.

9. Speaking Strategy 3:
Mapping Technique
 Drawing maps as you read or listen to lectures will help
you organize your thoughts.
 It will also save you time because you will not have to
rewrite notes during preparation time before speaking.
 Look at the three types of maps on the next slides and
practice applying them. Your teacher will play several
audios and have you map each one. Show your teacher
afterward.

10. Bubble Map

11. Tree Map

12. Brace Map/T-Chart

13. Mapping Application Exercise
 Listen to the five audios and draw a map and notes on paper
as you listen (teacher play: CD2, Track 5)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Which map was the most difficult/easiest for you? Was this
effective? Let’s try an integrated speaking task to see.

14. Mapping Application:
Integrated Tasks
1. You will read a short passage about a university announcement.
You have 45 seconds to read the announcement. Take notes
(mapping). Begin now.
Green University’s bookstore will no longer buy back used
textbooks at the end of the semester and re-sell them to future
students. Instead, all students who do not want to keep their books
will be encouraged to recycle them. For your convenience, blue
recycle bins will be placed in every dormitory, and they will be
emptied daily. We ask that you please remove the covers of the
books before recycling and place the covers in the yellow bins. This
will greatly help our recycling company as it processes such a large
volume of paper.

15. Mapping Application:
Integrated Tasks
2. Listen to two students discussing the
announcement and take notes. Begin now.
3. Describe how the man feels about the
announcement and why he feels that way.
4. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to
speak.

16. Listen/Feedback
Listen to your recording with your teacher, and do the
following as you listen:
 Write down things you did well, and things that need
improvement. (+/-)
 Give yourself a grade based on the TOEFL speaking rubric (0-
4)
 Compare your comments with your teachers and write down
her feedback as well.
 Did the mapping help??

17. Mapping Application 2:
Integrated Tasks
1. In this question, you will listen to a conversation. You
will then be asked to summarize what you heard.
Listen to the student talking to a professor. Take notes
(mapping) while you listen.
2. The speakers talk about a problem and some ways to
solve it. Describe the problems and the possible
solutions. Then explain which solution you prefer. You
have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.

18. Listen/Feedback
Listen to your recording with your teacher, and do the
following as you listen:
 Write down things you did well, and things that need
improvement. (+/-)
 Give yourself a grade based on the TOEFL speaking rubric
(0-4)
 Compare your comments with your teachers and write
down her feedback as well.
 Did the mapping help??

19. Excellent job today!
For the next class, we will:
 Learn more speaking strategies
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION TODAY!