Chapter 2: Lesson Set 2j 111

In choice (D), if the student had an inconsistency the speaker would indicate this with different wording. Choices (B) and (C) are both distracters that look attractive as answers to a standard interrogative. However, this is a rhetorical question, and the speaker's tone is skeptical. Choice (A) is the correct answer because the tone of the speaker's rhetorical question communicates skeptidsm about or disapproval of the student's answer.

When you're ready, move on to the next lesson, Speaking: Paraphrasing and Expressing an Opinion

LESSON 2-SPEAKING: PARAPHRASING AND EXPRESSING AN OPINION

In this second lesson, we will cover more speaking skills and strategies that will help lead to success on test day. You will have the opportunity to review the strategies you learned in Lesson 1 as well as to learn about other tasks on the Speaking section of the TOEFL If you want to proceed with more speaking strategies when you finish this lesson, turn to Lesson 3-Speaking: lnfonnal vs. Fonnal in Chapter3.

Remember that in Lesson 1 we covered two speaking tasks:

• Describing Something from Your Own Experience

• Summarizing a Lecture

lhis lesson covers two more speaking tasks:

• Expressing and Supporting an Opinion Based on Personal Experience

• Summarizing a Conversation and Expressing an Opinion

Before we review these tasks, let's review an important skill you should already be familiar with: paraphrasing.

Paraphrasing

In the TOEFL, you will listen to presentations. You will then be asked to summarize the information in the presentation (that is, give a short version that includes the main ideas and some supporting ideas, but no specific details, examples, etc.) Earlier in this chapter, in Lesson 2- Writing: Responding to a Reading Passage and Lecture you learned that summarizing often requires the skill of paraphrasing­that is, expressing someone else's ideas using your own words. In order to paraphrase, it is helpful to know synonyms. Synonyms are words that are similar in meaning.

112 I TOEFL iBT

•:dlf,l~t 1Ut~_,A .... loM

Paraphrasing Practice

Think of synonyms for the phrases that follow. If you can't think of any, look up key words in a monolingual dictionary. Write your synonyms here. The first one has been done for you as an example.

1. we strongly recommend

our !?trong suggestion is, we firmly suggest

2. go ahead with something

3. isn't worth anything

4. make it beautiful

5. there is no doubt

6. surrounding towns

7. attract wealthy people

8. local golfers

9: enjoy the amenities

10. healthy pastime

Answers

Answers will vary. Here are some sample responses.

1. we strongly recommend

our strong suggestion is, we firmly suggest

2. go ahead with something

begin, move forward, start

3. isn't worth anything

valueless, insignificant, of no value

4. make it beautiful

decorate, beautify, touch up

5. there is no doubt

without question, for sure, surely

6. surrounding towns

nearby towns, neighboring towns, adjacent towns

7. attract wealthy people

appeal to the rich, draw the affluent

8. local golfers

sportsmen, club members

9. enjoy the amenities

take advantage of the services

10. healthy pastime

vigorous hobby, beneficial diversion, fit leisure activity

Chapter 2: Lesson Set 21 113

Understanding the speaking tasks is critical for knowing how and where you can apply your strategies. Keep reading to learn more.

114 I TOEFL iBT

Task 2-Expressing and Supporting an Opinion Based on Personal Experience

There are 6 tasks in the Speaking section of the TOEFL. The second type requires a 45-second speech sample in which you give and support an opinion based on your personal experience.

You will both listen to and hear a speaking prompt. You will then have 15 seconds to prepare a spoken response of 45 seconds to this prompt. Remember that you will not see the narrato~s introduction to the question on the test.

Here is a list of phrases that can be used to state an opinion.

Stating an Opinion

I believe ...

I agree with the ideo of ... ing

I don't think ...

I think ...

I agree that it is important to .. .

I disagree with the ideo of. ..

I feel ...

I support the idea of ... ing

If you ask me ...

Some people might soy ...... , but I think .. .

When you respond to the sample question that follows, be sure to stat~ and support your opinion.

Practice the following sample TOEFL questions. Remember that you will not see the narrator's introduction to the question on the test. If you have a study partner, or someone that can listen to your re;;ponse, ask to work with him or her. You will find a transcript of this audio passage (18.25, Task 2) at the end of the chapter.

Notes

@ 18.25, Task 2

Some people think that wildlife does not belong outside of its natural habitat. They do not think that zoos should exist. Others believe that zoos serve an educational purpose that is more important than the rights of the wild animals. Which side of this argument do you support and why? Include details and examples in your explanation.

15 seconds to prepare 45 seconds to speak

Chapter 2: Lesson Set 2J 115

• :J,j Jl,j ~ t To•t Pt• p aM A4mb"lons

116 I TOEFl iBT

•:t,lltM• Te•t f'r., Mil Alllml .. kH\1

Evaluate yourself using the following criteria:

Criteria Comments Action to Improve

Clarity and pronunciation

Organization

Details and examples

Grammar and vocabulary

Now listen to the sample response. How is it different from yours? How is it similar? You will find a transcript of this audio passage (19. Lesson 2-Speaking, Task 2 Sample Response) at the end of the chapter.

@ 19.2S, Task 2 Sample Res~onse

Tas~ 5-Summarizing a Conversation and Expressing an Opinion

There are 6 tasks in the Speaking section of the TOEFL. The fifth requires that you summarize a conversation in which two people are discussing a problem then give your opinion on a solution.

In the fifth task in the Speaking section, you will listen to a conversation between two people. ·The two people generally discuss a topic related to life at a university. The topic is framed as a problem, and at least two solutions or attitudes to the problem are presented during the conversation.

As you listen to the conversation, remember that you will have to do the following in your response to the fifth Speaking section task:

• Identify the topic the speakers are discussing

• Summarize the two (or more) solutions or opinions that the speakers express, making sure to paraphrase what the speakers say

• Present your own opinion on the topic

• Justify your opinion or say why you have that opinion

Chapter 2: lesson Set 21 117

Now practice the following TOEFL question. Remember that you will not see the narrator's introduction to the question on the test If you have a study partner, or someone that can listen to your response, ask to work with him or her. You will find a transcript of this audio passage (20.25, Task 5) at the end of the chapter.

@ 20.2S, Task 5

Notes

•:fpjQ!:I~t T•tt PJ•p 1nd Mmf11•luns

118 I TOEFL iBT

a:f,lijf,llt T•!ot Ptep and Admlt9!ons

@ 21.25, Task 5 Prompt

Using points and examples from the conversation, describe two possible solutions for dealing with unwanted cats on the university campus. State which solution you prefer and why.

20 seconds to prepare 60 seconds to speak

Evaluate yourself using the following criteria:

Criteria Comments Action to Improve

Clarity and pronunciation

Organization

Details and examples

Grammar and vocabulary

Now listen to the sample response. How is it different from yours? How is it similar? You will find a transcript of this audio passage (22.25, Task 5 Sample Response) at the end of the chapter.

@ 22.25, Task 5 Sample Response

Great job! You have finished your second reading, writing, listening, and speaking lessons. When you are ready, turn to Chapter 3 to learn more skills and strategies for mastering the TOEFL.