TOEFL Speaking Question Three in 2024

About TOEFL Speaking Question Three

Here’s how TOEFL speaking question 3 works:

• First, you have 45 seconds to read a short (about 100 words) article on an academic topic. The reading is usually about a specific term or concept which is also the title of the reading.  It defines the term and give some basic details. You can only see it one time.
• Next, you hear a short lecture (1-2 minutes) about the same topic.  The lecture will explain the topic using one or two examples. 
• Finally, you must summarize the reading and lecture. You are given 30 seconds to prepare, and 60 seconds to speak.

Common Topics

When I surveyed 500 students who took the test, they said they got a question about :

• Biology/Animals – 60%
• Business/Marketing – 20%
• Psychology/Learning – 10%
• Art/History/Literature – 10%

 

Sample Question – The Reading

 

Convergent Evolution

Evolution is the process in which, over time, animals develop the characteristics required to survive in their natural environment. One form of this is convergent evolution, which is when animals living in completely separate geographic areas end up with many identical features.  This occurs when the habitats of two creatures resemble each other  in some way.  Because they live in similar habitats, the animals end up needing similar specialties in order to survive and reproduce.  In certain cases the animals are so alike that they may end up being mistaken for each other, while in other cases they only share a few features. 

Sample Question – The Listening

The lecture will sound something like this:

 

Sample Question – The Prompt

Describe what convergent evolution is, using the examples given in the lecture. 

 

Sample Answer

Your answer will sound something like this:

 

The reading is about convergent evolution.  This is when animals living far apart from each other evolve the same features or characteristics.

The professor elaborates on this.

First, he explains why antelope and pronghorns look similar. He says that their habitats are distant from each other, but both are flat grasslands with few trees. They need to be able to notice predators quickly and escape from them. As a result, both species have evolved legs and lungs that help then run quickly, and huge eyes that improve their vision.

Next, he notes that bats and dolphins share a unique feature. He mentions that bats live in dark caves and hunt at night and that dolphins live in the ocean, which is also very dark. To survive without being able to see well, both species have evolved to use echolocation to spot objects in their surrounding environment.

Taking Notes

 

• Set up your page into two columns, with the reading on the right and the lecture on the left.
• Note the title of the reading, and get two or three main points as you read.
• Focus on the specific examples when you take notes from the lecture.
• Use short forms like “x” (no, not, none) and abbreviated words as you take notes from the lecture.
• Once the lecture is finished, immediately add missing details from your memory,
• Clearly label the examples as #1 and #2 so you don’t mix them up.

 

 

Answer Template

 

State the term or idea from the reading (15 seconds)

• The reading is about CONCEPT.
• This is…

Transition (5 seconds)

• “The professor elaborates on this.

State the first example (20 seconds)

• “First, he explains…

State the second example (20 seconds)

• “Second, he notes that…

If there is just one example, omit the “second example” part of the template.

Tips and Tricks

• Try to use transitional phrases like “as a result,” “consequently,” “moreover,” and “therefore.”
• Spend about 10-13 seconds summarizing the reading… at most. Remember that most of your score is based on the listening summary.
• Use a mix of simple, compound and complex sentences if possible.
• Paraphrase, but don’t be obsessed.
• Don’t waste time on a conclusion.