What you face
- 4 tasks total; about 17 minutes overall.
- Task 1 (Independent): 15 sec prep, 45 sec speak.
- Task 2 (Integrated campus: short reading + conversation): 45 sec read, ~60–90 sec audio, 30 sec prep, 60 sec speak.
- Task 3 (Integrated academic: short reading + lecture): 45 sec read, ~60–90 sec audio, 30 sec prep, 60 sec speak.
- Task 4 (Integrated academic: lecture only): ~90–120 sec audio, 20 sec prep, 60 sec speak.
Core timing strategy for all
- Speak slightly under time: finish 2–3 seconds early.
- Target word counts: 45 sec ≈ 85–100 words; 60 sec ≈ 110–130 words.
- Pace: 120–140 words per minute, with clear pauses.
- 4-part structure: 1) topic sentence, 2) point 1, 3) point 2, 4) mini wrap.
Note-taking shorthand
- Arrows for cause/effect: →. Plus/minus for agree/disagree: +/–. Abbreviate: prof, univ, $, env, sched. Write nouns/verbs only: “library close @12 → save $; student –: need late study; shift noise to dorms.”
Language that scores well
- Clear signposts: First, Next, For example, As a result, Therefore.
- Precise, simple vocabulary beats fancy but wrong words.
- Specific examples beat general statements.
Task 1: Independent Speaking Goal: State your preference or opinion and support it with two short, specific reasons.
Template (45 seconds)
- Opening: I prefer/agree that X because of two reasons.
- Reason 1 + specific example (mini story).
- Reason 2 + specific example.
- Wrap: That’s why I choose X.
Time plan
- 5–7s opening, 15–18s reason 1, 15–18s reason 2, 2–3s wrap.
Example high-scoring response Prompt: Do you prefer studying alone or in a group? Answer (≈95 words): I prefer studying alone for two reasons. First, I can control the pace. For instance, in calculus I often replay example problems and pause to check each step. In groups, I feel rushed and end up memorizing instead of understanding. Second, it saves time. When I’m alone, I start immediately, but group sessions usually begin with small talk and scheduling. Last month, I studied solo for midterms and finished an hour early each day. Because it’s more efficient and better for focus, I choose to study alone.
Task 2: Integrated Campus (Announcement + Conversation) Goal: Summarize the announcement and accurately report the student’s opinion with two reasons from the conversation.
Template (60 seconds)
- Opening: The university plans/proposes X. The student supports/opposes it because…
- Reason 1 from conversation + how it relates to the change.
- Reason 2 from conversation + how it relates.
- Wrap: Therefore, the student believes…
Time plan
- 8–10s announcement + stance, 22–24s reason 1, 22–24s reason 2, 3–4s wrap.
What not to do: Don’t argue your opinion. Don’t add details not in the conversation.
Example high-scoring response Reading: University will close the library at midnight to cut costs. Conversation: Woman disagrees. Answer (≈125 words): The university plans to close the library at midnight to save money, but the woman disagrees. First, she says many students, including herself, rely on the quiet space after midnight, especially during exam weeks. If the library closes early, they’ll have to study in dorms, which are noisy and distracting, so the policy would actually reduce productivity. Second, she argues the cost savings are exaggerated. She mentions that the library already uses motion-sensor lights and has one staff member on duty overnight. In her view, the university could save the same amount by limiting new print journals, which most students access online anyway. For these reasons, she believes the university should keep the library open 24 hours.
Task 3: Integrated Academic (Reading + Lecture) Goal: Use the reading’s definition or concept and explain the professor’s examples that illustrate it.
Template (60 seconds)
- Opening: The reading defines X as…, and the professor illustrates it with [two] examples.
- Example 1 from lecture + connect to definition.
- Example 2 from lecture + connect to definition.
- Wrap: These examples show X.
Time plan
- 10s