TOEFL Integrated Speaking and Writing Practice Materials 1

1. The speaking and writing tasks in the TOEFL iBT are separated into independent and integrated tasks. The structures we need to use when doing these tasks are different.

Last semester we looked at independent writing and we looked at the structure of an independent writing essay. We even looked at this structure in diagram form.

What do you think a diagram of the structure of an integrated writing essay and an integrated speaking response would look like? Discuss in groups.

2. Now let’s have a look at some diagrams and decide which structure is which. Click here to see the diagrams.

3. There are some differences between the independent speaking and integrated speaking structures.

What are they? Discuss with a partner.

4. There are some differences between the independent writing and integrated writing structures.

What are they? Discuss with a partner.

5. Now let’s look at a sample integrated speaking task. First lets look at the reading passage.

In the real test you would only have a minute or so to read this passage. I have been kind and given you three minutes.

Click here to see the passage.

6. Did you make notes? If you didn’t you were very foolish. You MUST make notes on both the reading and listening passages.

If you did make notes, compare them with a partner.

Whose notes are better, your ones or your partner’s. Why?

7. Now you’ve read the reading passage, can you guess what the listening passage will be about. Discuss in groups. Make a list of possible listening passage subjects. Remember that the listening passage has to connect with the reading passage in some way.

How many possible subjects did you come up with?

Can this cause any problems for someone taking notes?

8. Now listen to the listening passage. Click here to hear.

9. Did you correctly guess the subject of the listening passage? Now, compare your notes with a partner.

Whose notes are better, your ones or your partner’s. Why?

Now listen to the passage again and check your notes.

10. Now imagine you are going to do a speaking task. You are going to answer this question -

In what way does the information contained in the listening passage relate to the information in the reading passage?

11. Firstly make a plan. What are you going to say? DO NOT write a speech, just make a brief plan and show it to your partner.

Are your plans similar or different? Why?

In the real test I do not think you have time to make a plan, you only have time to consult your notes and indicate which you are going to use. Today, however, I want you to make a plan.

12. Now bring up Soft Recorder and record yourself doing this task. You have only ONE minute to speak. After you finish, save the sound file and send it to me.

13. Was it easy? Did you say too much or too little? Let’s have a look now at how I would have answered this question. First, let’s look at the reading passage again.

The native peoples of Greenland and Canada’s northern regions traditionally often lived in a type of snowhouse known as an igloo. There were three types of igloo, all of different sizes and all used for different purposes. The smallest of all igloos was constructed as a temporary shelter. Hunters while out on the land or sea ice camped in one of these igloos for one or two nights. Next in size was the semi-permanent, intermediate sized family dwelling. This usually was a single room dwelling that housed one or two families. Often there were several of these in a small area, which formed a kind of village. The largest of the igloos was a temporary building constructed for special occasions. This was constructed either by enlarging a smaller igloo or building from scratch. These could have up to five rooms and housed up to 20 people. A large igloo may have been constructed from several smaller igloos attached by their tunnels giving a common access to the outside. These were used to hold community feasts and traditional dances.

(177)

14. Click here to see my sample notes.

15. Now let’s listen again.

Click here to hear.

Click here to see the notes I made.

Click here to see the transcript.

Click here to hear my sample speech.

Click here to see the transcript of my sample speech.

12. Now bring up Soft Recorder and record yourself doing this task again. You have only ONE minute to speak. After you finish, save the sound file and send it to me.