About Speaking Question Four

Here’s how TOEFL speaking question 4 works:

  • First, you will listen to a lecture that is 1.5 to 2 minutes long. It usually describes two “things”.  The “things” might be two characteristics of something, two features of something, two changes caused by something, two definitions of something… you get the point.
  • Next, you will be asked to summarize the lecture.
  • You will be given 20 seconds to prepare, and 60 seconds to speak.

Common Topics

A survey of 600 students suggests the most common topics in TOEFL speaking question 4 are:

  • Biology/Animals – 60%
  • Business/Marketing – 17%
  • Psychology/Learning – 17%
  • Art/History/Literature – 6%

 

Sample Question – The Lecture

 

Here’s a sample lecture:

 

Sample Question – The Prompt

Using the examples given in the lecture, explain two ways that animals survive in dark habitats.

The question looks something like this:

  • Using the examples of hawks and eagles, explain two ways birds hunt for food.
  • Using points and examples from the lecture, explain two ways businesses cope with unexpected customer complaints.
  • Using the examples of sharks and jellyfish, explain two ways animals cooperate with each other.
  • Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain two ways that trees benefit from forest fires.

Sample Answer

Your answer will sound something like this:

 

The lecturer explains two ways animals survive in environments without much light.

First, she describes how the spookfish uses tube-shaped eyes to hunt its prey. To be specific, she notes that it lives in almost total darkness. However, its eyes always point upwards, so it can spot the faint outlines of fish swimming above it. When this happens, it quickly swims upwards to catch and eat the fish. Its eyes are quite large, so it is able to notice even very small prey.

Secondly, she mentions how the lanternfish is able to produce its own light to both catch prey and escape from predators. The professor says that it has tiny organs throughout its body that produce light through a chemical reaction called bioluminescence. As a result, it can attract the attention of other fish, which it eats. In addition, it uses the light for protection. By matching the intensity of light sources above it, it can disguise itself from potential predators.

Taking Notes

  • Before the lecture begins, divide your paper into two columns – one for each “thing”
  • Start by making a note of what is being described 
  • Use short forms to take notes faster.
  • Use “x” to indicate negatives (don’t, can’t, won’t, never)

 

 

Answer Template

 

State the Lecture Subject (10 seconds)

  • “The lecturer explains two _______”

First Thing (25 seconds)

  • “First, she describes how…”
  • “To be specific…”

Second Thing (25 seconds)

  • “Secondly, she mentions how…”
  • “The professor says…”

Tips and Tricks

  • Try to use transitional phrases like “as a result,” “consequently,” “moreover,” “for example” and “therefore.”
  • Focus mostly on the examples. Those are most important!
  • Use a mix of simple and compound sentences.
  • You don’t need a conclusion.

 

 

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