Tackling the TOEFL iBT - · PDF fileFor the speaking section, test takers wear...

TACKLING THE TOEFL IBT

Presented by Christen Brady, Lecturer IKIP Mataram

Gain a general understanding of the TOEFL

iBT test (i.e. what it is, test format, question

formats, types of questions, etc.)

Become familiar with strategies used to

address questions in each section of the iBT

TOEFL test

Understand how to prepare independently

for the TOEFL iBT

Workshop Objectives

What is the TOEFL iBT?

The TOEFL iBT is an Internet-Based test

(iBT) administered in secure testing centers

around the world. This test replaced the

TOEFL computer-based test (CBT). The

paper-and-pencil (PBT) is still offered in

some locations where iBT testing is not

available.

How is the iBT different from the CBT?

Speaking has been added

Focus on the ability to communicate

Measures not only how much the student knows about English, but how well he or she can use it

Uses integrated tasks that reflect how language is actually used

How is your TOEFL iBT score used in the

Admission Process?

If you decide to apply to a university abroad, your

TOEFL iBT score will be looked at, along with other

information you will be required to supply

(transcript, etc).

The institution will use this information to determine

if you have the appropriate academic and

language background to be admitted to a regular

program of study.

Therefore…

“The language used in the test reflects real-life

English-language usage in university lectures,

classes, and laboratories. It is the same language

professors use when they discuss coursework or

concepts with students. It is the language students

use in study groups and everyday university

situations, such as buying books at the bookstore.

The reading passages are from real textbooks and

course materials.”

- ETS, The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test

Test Format

Number of

Questions Time

Reading 3-5 passages

12-14 Qs per passage 60 – 100 min

Listening 4-6 Lectures (6 Qs each)

2-3 Conversations (5 Qs

each) 60 – 90 min

Speaking 6 tasks 20 – 30 min

Writing 2 tasks 50 min

Things to Know about the Format

Test takers may take notes throughout the

entire test

For the speaking section, test takers wear

noise-cancelling headphones and speak into a

microphone. Reponses are recorded.

For the writing section, test takers type their

responses.

Both writing and speaking responses are sent

to ETS and scored by human raters.

Let’s look at the

specifics of each

section!

READING SECTION

There are 3-5 passages

There are 12-14 questions PER passage

You will have between 60-100 minutes to complete

the entire section

NOTE: You should not be concerned if you are

familiar with the topic. The passage contains all the

information you will need to answer the questions.

Reading Section (Con’t)

Organization of the Passages

As you read a passage, think about how the

passage is organized.

Is it classifying things?

Is it comparing and contrasting things?

Is it addressing the cause and effect of something?

Is it presenting a problem and a solution?


Question Formats

Traditional multiple choice

Insert a sentence where it fits best in

a passage

Category or summary chart with

more many answer choices and more

than one correct answer


Types of Questions

1. Factual Information questions

2. Negative Factual Information questions

3. Inference questions

4. Rhetorical Purpose questions

5. Vocabulary questions

6. Reference questions

7. Sentence Simplification questions

8. Insert text questions

9. Prose Summary

10. Fill in the Table


Negative Factual Information Questions

DECRIPTION:

Three answer choices will be true based on information that is explicitly stated in the text

One answer choice will be untrue. This is the correct answer!

TIPS:

Refer back to the text and locate the three answer choices that are true/stated in the passage (as you find them, ‘slash and trash’)

The correct answer will be the choice that directly contradicts something in the passage or something that is not mentioned in the passage



Here is an example:

According to the passage, all of the

following are true EXCEPT

some bison live on government land

bison can survive heavy snowstorms

bison are primarily vegetarian

the woodland bison has become extinct

In North America there are two forms of bison, the plains bison and

the woodland bison. The plains bison once ranged from Pennsylvania

and Georgia to the Rockies, north to the edge of the Canadian

forest, and south onto the central plateau of Mexico. The bison has a

great tolerance to cold. When blizzards rage across the North

American prairie, bison lower their heads and face directly into the

storm. In winter the vegetation on which these animals feed may be

hidden beneath a deep blanket of snow; however, this does not

present a problem, for the bison use their hooves and massive heads

to clear away the snow and then feed on the grasses below. Bison

are strong survivors and have few predators except for humans, who

reduced their population to the point at which, around 1900, there

were fewer than a thousand plains bison left. However, with

protection and careful breeding they have been brought back to the

point where their numbers can be multiplied at will. Large herds

presently range on both government and private lands where they

are protected. Other endangered species need the same planning

and protection.



Here is an example:

According to the passage, all of the

following are true EXCEPT

some bison live on government land

bison can survive heavy snowstorms

bison are primarily vegetarian

the woodland bison has become extinct

In North America there are two forms of bison, the plains bison and

the woodland bison. The plains bison once ranged from Pennsylvania

and Georgia to the Rockies, north to the edge of the Canadian

forest, and south onto the central plateau of Mexico. The bison has a

great tolerance to cold. When blizzards rage across the North

American prairie, bison lower their heads and face directly into the

storm. In winter the vegetation on which these animals feed may

be hidden beneath a deep blanket of snow; however, this does not

present a problem, for the bison use their hooves and massive heads

to clear away the snow and then feed on the grasses below. Bison

are strong survivors and have few predators except for humans, who

reduced their population to the point at which, around 1900, there

were fewer than a thousand plains bison left. However, with

protection and careful breeding they have been brought back to the

point where their numbers can be multiplied at will. Large herds

presently range on both government and private lands where they

are protected. Other endangered species need the same planning

and protection.


General Skill-Building Tips

Read regularly (especially academic materials)!!!

Underline pronouns and identify the noun to which they

refer

Practice paraphrasing and making inferences

Skim passages, read them again carefully and write

down the main idea and supporting details

- create an outline or use a graphic organizer

Increase vocabulary

- context clues, look words up, create flashcards, etc

LISTENING SECTION

There are 4-6 lectures and 6 questions per lecture

There are 2-3 conversations and 5 questions per conversation

You will have between 60-90 minutes to answer all of the listening questions

NOTE: Listening materials are based on actual speech that is used in North American universities. Certain features of oral language such as misspeaks with self-correction or repetition are included.

Listening Section (Con’t)

Conversation vs. Lectures

Conversations

1. Office hours = in professor’s office

2. Service encounters = on campus

Lectures

1. Introductory-level academic topics on one of

four topics: Arts, Life Science, Physical Science,

Social Science


General Strategies

Take notes while you listen. Write down major points, not every detail.

Pay attention to new words or concepts.

After you make a choice, the computer will ask you to confirm by clicking OK. Once you click OK, you will automatically go to the next question.

Listening questions must be answered in order and you cannot go back to previous questions.


Types of Questions

Basic Comprehension Questions

1. Gist-Content

2. Gist-Purpose

3. Details

Pragmatic Understanding Questions 4. Understanding the function of what is said

5. Understanding the speaker’s attitude

Connecting Information Questions 6. Understanding Organization

7. Connecting Content

8. Making Inferences


Types of Questions: Gist-Purpose Qs

DECRIPTION:

Understanding the gist means understanding the general topic or main idea.

Gist-Purpose questions focus on the purpose of the conversation/lecture rather than the content.

TIPS:

Listen for the unifying theme of the conversation, not the specific content. Why is the professor talking about this topic?

In service encounter conversations, attempt to understand the student’s problem

Is this a “lecture” or a “conversation”?

Now Listen


Types of Questions: Gist-Purpose Qs

EXAMPLE:

What is the main purpose of the

lecture? To illustrate the importance of extrinsic values

To explain Aristotle's views about the importance of

teaching

To explain why people change what they value

To discuss Aristotle’s views about human happiness

ANSWER

The Author explains the difference

between extrinsic and intrinsic

value, but what is her purpose for

doing this?


Types of Questions: Detail Qs

DECRIPTION:

Explicit details or facts from the lecture or

conversation

TIPS:

Refer to your notes

Don’t be tricked. Don’t choose an answer just because

it contains some words used in the lecture

When in doubt, choose the answer that is most

consistent with the main idea of the

conversation/lecture.

Now Listen


Types of Questions: Details Qs

EXAMPLE:

Why is happiness central to Aristotle’s

theory? Because it is so difficult for people to attain

Because it valued by it’s own sake by all people

Because it is a means to a productive life

Because most people agree about what happiness is

ANSWER

“Everyone will agree, he

[Aristotle] argues, that

happiness is the ultimate

end… to be valued for

itself and really only itself.”


Types of Questions: Details Qs

EXAMPLE:

According to the professor, why does

Aristotle think that fame cannot

provide true happiness? Fame cannot be obtained without help from other

people.

Fame cannot be obtained by all people

Fame does not last forever

People cannot share their fame with other people

ANSWER

The professor compares happiness and fame. She

says, “according to Aristotle, this won’t work either, because fame depends altogether too much on other people. I can’t

get it on my own…”


Types of Questions: Understanding the Function of What

Is Said

DECRIPTION:

Pragmatic understanding question

Do you understand the function of what is said? Why

does the speaker say it? What message is he/she

trying to get across by saying it?

TIPS:

The function of what is said may NOT match what the

speaker directly states.

What does the professor mean when she says

this?

Now Listen


Types of Questions: Understanding the Function of

What Is Said

EXAMPLE:

What does the professor mean when she says this? Teaching is not a highly valued profession in society

She may change professions in order to earn more money

The reason she is a teacher has little to do with her salary

More people would become teachers if the salary were higher

ANSWER

The professor discusses

teaching to stress its intrinsic

value for her. Salary would

be an extrinsic value.


General Skill-Building Tips

Listen frequently to as many different types of materials

in various subject areas (read along if possible)

Increase vocabulary- use flashcards

Create your own graphic organizer or outline with the

following titles: main idea, major points, important

details

Practice paying attention to stress and intonation and the

meaning that is being conveyed

Try to make predictions when listening. Adjust your

predictions as you receive new information

SPEAKING SECTION

Two Independent Speaking Tasks

- draw on your own ideas, opinions and experiences

Four Integrated Speaking Tasks

- listen then speak OR

- listen, read then speak

NOTE: For every question in this section, you are given

between 45-60 seconds to respond. You are also given

a short amount of time to prepare your response.

Speaking Section (Con’t)

General Strategies

Take notes during the integrated tasks

Make sure you understand what you are being asked to do

Use your planning time to think about what you want to say

Speak clearly into the microphone (don’t whisper or put your mouth directly on the microphone)

When practicing, make sure to time your responses


Scoring Rubric

Speaking_Rubrics.pdf

Speaking_Rubrics.pdf


Independent Tasks 1

DECRIPTION:

You will be asked to speak about a person, place or

object that is familiar to you

You will be asked to DESCRIBE IT and GIVE REASONS

TIPS:

Avoid listing things in your response- focus on elaborating

Use prep time to jot notes - do not try to write

everything!

Record yourself and have someone else listen to it for

pronunciation and fluency


Independent Tasks 1

Chose a teacher you admire and

explain why you admire him or her.

Please include specific examples and

details in your explanation.

Preparation: 15 Seconds

Response: 45 Seconds

How to answer this question…

Jots some notes

Briefly describe the teacher (subject he taught, how

old you were when you had him, etc)

Note the reason(s) why you find this person

admirable (one particular situation or multiple

qualities– be specific)


Independent Tasks 2

DECRIPTION:

You will be presented with 2 possible actions, situations or

opinions

You must say which you think it preferable and state the

reasons why

TIPS:

Be clear about your opinion. State it right away

There is not a ‘correct’ answer. You are scored on how well you

support your opinion

Be sure to respond to ALL parts of the question


Independent Tasks 2

Some students study for classes

individually. Other study in groups.

Which method of studying do you

think is better for students and why?




Jots some notes

State your opinion (In my opinion, I believe, etc.)

Provide reasons why you believe this is the better

choice (advantages) or why the other choice is not

preferable (disadvantages)

Provide personal experiences that may emphasize

the points being made (optional)


Integrated Tasks 3-6

Integrated Tasks 3 & 4: read, listen then speak

Task 3 = campus-related interests

Task 4 = academic content

Integrated Tasks 5 & 6: Listen then speak

Task 5 = campus-related conversation

Task 6 = academic content


Integrated Task 3

The University has decided to increase tuition and fees for all students by approximately 8% next semester. For the past 5 years, the tuition and fees have remained the same, but it is necessary to increase them now for several reasons. The university has many more students than we had 5 years ago, and we must hire additional professors to teach these students. We have also made a new commitment to research and technology and will be renovating and upgrading our laboratory facilities to better meet our students’ needs.


Integrated Task 3

After the listening potions, a question will appear on the computer screen.

The woman expresses her opinion of the announcement by the university president. State her opinion and explain the reasons

she gives for holding that opinion.




Jots some notes

State the woman’s opinion

Explain her reasons


Integrated Task 4

For thousands of years, humans have been able to domesticate, or tame, many large mammals that in the wild live together in herds. Once tamed, these mammals are used to agricultural work and transportation. Yet some herd mammals are not easily domesticated.

A good indicator of an animal’s suitability for domestication is how protective the animal is of its territory. Non-territorial animals are more easily domesticated than territorial animals because they can live close together with animals from other herds. A second indicator is that animals with a hierarchical social structure, in which herd members follow a leader, are easy to domesticate, since a human can function as the “leader.”


Integrated Task 4

After the listening potions, a question will appear on the computer screen.

The professor describes the behavior of horses and antelope in herds. Explain how their behavior is related to their suitability

for domestication.




Jots some notes What makes an animal more easily able to

domesticate?

Who has those characteristics (horse or antelope)?

Describe the characteristics of the horse


Integrated Tasks 5

You must:

1. Describe the problem the speakers are discussing

2. State which of the 2 solutions you prefer

3. Explain why you prefer that solution

NOTE: The reasons you give for your preference can include information provided by the speakers as well as your own experiences


Integrated Task 5

Let’s Try One!

The students discuss two possible

solutions to the woman’s problem.

Describe the problem. Then state which

of the two solutions you prefer and

explain why.


Integrated Task 5

1. Briefly describe the woman’s problem

2. State which solution you prefer and explain why

3. You will have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond

Let’s think about the reasons why we might be pick one solution over the

other

WRITING SECTION

One Integrated Writing Task (reading, listening,

then writing)

THE RUBRIC: Integrated_Writing_Rubrics_2008.pdf

One Independent Writing Task

THE RUBRICS:Independent_Writing_Rubrics_2008.pdf

Integrated_Writing_Rubrics_2008.pdf

Independent_Writing_Rubrics_2008.pdf

Writing Section (Con’t)

Integrated Writing Task

DECRIPTION:

After reading a short passage (3 minutes) and listening to a lecture (2 minutes), you will be asked to write a 150-225 word essay summarizing the relationship between the important points made in the lecture with the points made in the text (20 min)

TIPS:

Take notes

Determine the main idea of the reading passage

During the listening, identify information, examples, or explanations that make points in the reading passage seem wrong or less convincing


Integrated Writing Task

WHEN WRITING:

Refer to the reading, the notes you took on the reading and the listening

Remember your opinion doesn’t count. You are being asked to explain how the points in the listening relate to the points in the reading

You might begin with one or two sentences summarizing what the listening/lecture is about. Then you must write about the specific points (usually 3)


Independent Writing Task

DECRIPTION:

You are presented with a question that asks you to

give your opinion on an issue. You have 30 minutes

to write a response (about 300 words)

TIPS:

Think before you write

Make a brief outline

Keep track of your time. Allow the last 4-5 minutes

to check your work


Independent Writing Task

SAMPLE QUESTION:

Do you agree or disagree with the following

statement:

Always telling the truth is the most

important consideration in any

relationship.

Use specific reasons and examples to support your

answer.

Resources

Additional practice:

www.ets.org/toeflpractice

Strengthen your listening skills

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/

Organize your writing:

http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/bestpractices/vocabulary/

pdf/sr_allgo.pdf

Create flashcards

http://www.proprofs.com/flashcards/

Online dictionary

http://www.learnersdictionary.com/

http://www.ets.org/toeflpractice

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/

http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/bestpractices/vocabulary/pdf/sr_allgo.pdf

http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/bestpractices/vocabulary/pdf/sr_allgo.pdf

http://www.proprofs.com/flashcards/

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