Independent Speaking 3: the Past

In the independent speaking section of the TOEFL test, there are four broad areas that might be targetted in the free rersponse speaking task. These are speaking about the past, speaking about the future, speaking about the present and speaking about hypothetical situations.

Let's start with the past.
Reflection: Which verb tenses do we use most when talking about the past? Make a list. Can you give an example using each of these tenses?

A Tell your partner 5 things you did or that happened yesterday. Use a different verb in each sentence and only start the sentence with 'I' or 'My' a maximum of three times. Your partner will write down the verbs you used.
B Now your partner will do the same using 5 more different verbs (your partner cannot use the ame verbs you used).
C Find a new partner and tell them 10 things you did or that happened last year. Use a different verb in each sentence and only start the sentence with 'I' or 'My' a maximum of three times. Do not use any of the verbs you used last time. Your partner will write down the verbs you used.
D Now your partner will do the same using 10 more different verbs (your partner cannot use the same verbs you used).
E Find a new partner and tell them 15 things you did or that happened last year. Use a different verb in each sentence and only start the sentence with 'I' or 'My' a maximum of three times. Do not use any of the verbs you used last time. Your partner will write down the verbs you used.
F Now your partner will do the same using 15 more different verbs (your partner cannot use the same verbs you used).

If you had trouble doing this, you have a problem with vocabulary, especially verbs. Do some vocabulary study!! On the Intensive homepage in the resources section you can find a list of irregular verbs and their past forms.

G Now make a long plan and a short plan for the topic "What is your best memory from your time at high school?"
H Now change plans with a partner. Read your partners plan. Are they following the format? If not tell them so.
I  In groups of 4 give your speeches to the group
J Now bring up soft recorder and record yourself making the speech.
K Playback the recording and listen to yourself . Are there any changes you would make? If you want to change your plan.
L Now record yourself again. Save the file (call it sp4)
M Now change seats with a partner and listen to their speech. If you have any advice about speech structure or grammar mistakes or vocabulary mistakes, give it to them.

N Now make a long plan and a short plan for the topic "What is the most difficult or challenging thing you have ever done?"
O Now change plans with a partner. Read your partners plan. Are they following the format? If not tell them so.
P In groups of 4 give your speeches to the group
Q Now bring up soft recorder and record yourself making the speech.
R Playback the recording and listen to yourself . Are there any changes you would make? If you want to change your plan.
S Now record yourself again. Save the file (call it sp5)
T Now change seats with a partner and listen to their speech. If you have any advice about speech structure or grammar mistakes or vocabulary mistakes, give it to them.

Independent Speaking 4: the Future

Let's talk about the future.
Reflection: Which verb tenses do we use most when talking about the future? Make a list. Can you give an example using each of these tenses?

A Tell your partner 5 things you will do,  or that you think will happen tomorrow. Use a different verb in each sentence and only start the sentence with 'I' or 'My' a maximum of three times. Your partner will write down the verbs you used.
B Now your partner will do the same using 5 more different verbs (your partner cannot use the ame verbs you used).
C Find a new partner and tell them 10 things you will do  or that you think will happen next month. Use a different verb in each sentence and only start the sentence with 'I' or 'My' a maximum of three times. Do not use any of the verbs you used last time. Your partner will write down the verbs you used.
D Now your partner will do the same using 10 more different verbs (your partner cannot use the same verbs you used).
E Find a new partner and tell them 15 things you will do,  or that you think will happen next year. Use a different verb in each sentence and only start the sentence with 'I' or 'My' a maximum of three times. Do not use any of the verbs you used last time. Your partner will write down the verbs you used.
F Now your partner will do the same using 15 more different verbs (your partner cannot use the same verbs you used).

If you had trouble doing this, you have a problem with vocabulary, especially verbs. Do some vocabulary study!! On the Intensive homepage in the resources section you can find a list of irregular verbs and their past forms.

G Now make a long plan and a short plan for the topic "How will you spend the remainder of the summer vacation?"
H Now change plans with a partner. Read your partners plan. Are they following the format? If not tell them so.
I  In groups of 4 give your speeches to the group
J Now bring up soft recorder and record yourself making the speech.
K Playback the recording and listen to yourself . Are there any changes you would make? If you want to change your plan.
L Now record yourself again. Save the file (call it sp6)
M Now change seats with a partner and listen to their speech. If you have any advice about speech structure or grammar mistakes or vocabulary mistakes, give it to them.

NNow make a long plan and a short plan for the topic "In what way do you think your life will change over the next five years?"
O Now change plans with a partner. Read your partners plan. Are they following the format? If not tell them so.
P In groups of 4 give your speeches to the group
Q Now bring up soft recorder and record yourself making the speech.
R Playback the recording and listen to yourself . Are there any changes you would make? If you want to change your plan.
S Now record yourself again. Save the file (call it sp7)
T Now change seats with a partner and listen to their speech. If you have any advice about speech structure or grammar mistakes or vocabulary mistakes, give it to them.