Learn how to improve your English speaking skills with these TOEFL Speaking tips to help you prepare for the TOEFL iBT test.
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Tip 1 – Understand the Structure of the Speaking Test
Take a look at the test’s structure first so you know what you’ll be doing on the day of the exam. But, more importantly, by considering the format of the speaking exam, you may begin to consider the best strategy to prepare for it.
Tip 2 – Find a Frind who wants to Speak English with you
Having a friend to share the trip with is often all we need to keep motivated. Try to find a native English speaker or a friend who wants to practice speaking English and make a promise to speak only English to each other for a set amount of time.
You can find so many friends on social media groups. Try to join TOEFL groups and develop friendships with people who are preparing for TOEFL like you and are able to speak English with you.
If you’re in a hurry, though, a teacher who can address your weaknesses, support your study habits, and provide you with feedback at every step of the process is one of the best sources of inspiration.
Tip 3 – Record your voice speaking in English.
This is probably the most crucial TOEFL Speaking advice. Consider recording your voice as a dress rehearsal for a performance. You don’t want to make all your mistakes in front of everyone on stage, do you? As a result, practicing clear and precise pronunciation before taking the test is essential.
- Practice summarizing a passage from an academic textbook aloud.
- After you’ve practiced a few times, make a summary of all you’ve learned.
- A week later, re-listen to your summary. Transcribe your words and go over them again to make sure you didn’t make any mistakes.
- Record your voice reading a simple paragraph. Request feedback on your recording from an instructor.
- Listen to a native English speaker say something. Compare your voice to that of a native English speaker by recording yourself repeating the same facts.
Tip 4 – Practice speaking for a short period of time on a variety of topics with little or no preparation.
Fluent communication, or speech that flows naturally, is something that takes time to master. Even when they aren’t sure what to say, fluent speakers can find their words quickly.
Practicing speaking for a limited time on different topics without a lot of preparation will help you to improve your speaking skills and will help you to become a fluent English speaker.
- Make a list of questions regarding a variety of topics. Then choose a question and respond aloud to it. Make an effort to speak for one minute.
- family.
- hobbies.
- friends.
- school.
- cities.
- countries.
- places you are familiar with.
- Request subjects from a friend and record yourself debating them. Request that someone listen with you and make suggestions about how you can improve.
- Consider a narrative you’re familiar with. Tell the story to numerous different people, and each time strive to tell it faster.
- Allow yourself about 20 seconds to reflect on what you accomplished the day before. Begin to recount what you did after 20 seconds. Make an effort to speak for one minute.
- Keep an eye on how you use the past tense.
- Use linking words and phrases like first, then, and while I was.
- Allow yourself 20 seconds to consider what you will most likely do tomorrow. Start talking about what you’re going to do after 20 seconds. Make an effort to speak for one minute.
- Experiment with different future tense forms.
Tip 5 – Listen to audiobooks and podcasts.
Audiobooks and Podcasts that are specifically aimed at language learning are very helpful for improving your English, but simply listening to something that you enjoy and find engaging can be hugely beneficial.
Audiobooks and podcasts are great ways to pass the time and will help you to improve your English speaking skills.
- Study intonation, stress, and pronunciation.
- Subscribe to an audiobook service or search for free audiobook samples online.
Tip 6 – Practice speaking about topics that are relevant to students’ lives on a regular basis.
Practicing speaking about everyday issues relevant to students’ lives, will help you to boost your vocabulary about students’ lives, and that for sure will improve your way of speaking and help you on the test day.
- Examine articles from college publications.
- With a speaking partner or a friend, discuss the articles.
- Practice summarizing and expressing your thoughts on the articles.
Tip 7 – Focus on speaking clearly, with good pronunciation and intonation.
It’s critical not to be concerned about your native language’s accent; pronunciation differs from the accent. You can enhance your pronunciation by focusing on sounds that do not exist in your native tongue, as these are frequently mispronounced.
- Speak with assurance and a wider opening of the mouth than usual.
- If you speak a word for word, it is tough to understand you. Make an effort to communicate in “think groups.”
- Mark the thought groups first in a reading text. Then read it aloud, paying special attention to the words and ideas in each groupings.
- Get a transcript of a news report, podcast, interview, or drama as an audiobook or a transcript.
- Listen to the performance and take notes on the pauses, stress, and intonation.
- Then, while reading the transcript, try to mimic the pauses, stress, and intonation patterns.
Tip 8 – Watch TV and movies or listen to the radio.
Many teachers nowadays use TV and movies as learning media or teaching materials for their students. Movies are excellent for improving language skills in students, particularly speaking skills, because they contain audiovisuals that allow students to hear and see firsthand how the correct words and sentences are pronounced, allowing them to learn how to pronounce them and practice doing so when conversing with others.
- Pay attention to idiomatic language usage as well as varied accents or speech patterns.
- Make a list of new words and phrases you hear. In your everyday English discussions, use the terms.
- Pick a character from a movie or television show. As the character talks, repeat the character’s words, paying attention to the intonation patterns. Include the character’s motions and other body language in your impersonation.
- Listen to a local college radio station.
- Make a list of the kind of subjects that are being discussed.
- Use the list to come up with conversation starters with a friend or speaking partner.
Tip 9 – Learn a few more phrases to help you in specific test situations.
Any speaking exam gives you a set amount of time to speak. Fluency can be improved by learning a few words that can be used regularly.
Although memorizing scripted responses is a poor idea, you can learn and practice phrases to discuss a number of popular themes that you might be asked about on your Speaking exam.
So learning some more phrases will help you with Specific Test Situations, and will make you get a good score.
Tip #10 – Practice common TOEFL topics
Practicing common TOEFL topics with friends, family, or colleagues to improve and to learn vocabulary associated with each topic, is really helpful.
That will save you time studying things that you will not face on the TOEFL speaking test, especially if you don’t have enough time to prepare for the test.