Toelf ibt speaking activities

 Toelf ibt speaking activities 

Task 1.

Choose the best book you enjoyed reading and say why you enjoyed it. Include examples and details in your response.  It's hard to choose just one book that I enjoyed. However, if I had to pick one, it would be a book that helped me learn English effectively. The main reason is that this book helped me gain confidence. For example, before I got this book I thought I would fail an English exam that I had to take. But reading the book helped me understand English better and I became confident, so I passed the exam with a high score. So that is why this book is one that I enjoyed reading.  Opinion Reason Examples Model It's hard to choose However, if I had to pick one, it would be  The main reason is that For example So that’s why   Practice  Listen and identify the elements Choose one book you enjoyed reading and say why you enjoy it. Include examples and details in your response.

Examples Describe an important event from your childhood. Explain why this event is important to you.  Talk about a place you have visited that you did not like very much. Explain why you dislike this place Which of the following do you use most often: a digital camera, a cell phone, or a computer? Why? Your friend has asked for advice about how to become healthier. What advice would you give your friend?

Task 2

Some people prefer spending free time alone. Others prefer to spend it with friends. What is your preference? Example. There are some advantages to spending time with others. However, overall I feel that enjoying leisure time alone is better. The main reason is that I can save money. For example, when I am enjoying leisure time alone is better. The main reason is that I can save money. For example, when I am on my own I can do activities like walking in the park or reading library books. Doing things is important for me these days because I don't have much money. In contrast, if I hang out with friends, usually we go out and I have to buy things like food, coffee, or movie tickets. So that's why I prefer spending my time by myself.  Model There are some advantages to However, overall I feel that The main reason is that So that’s why Example 2 Some people believe children should learn how to use a computer at school, other people think young children should focus on learning academic subjects. Which do you think is better for children? Why? There are some advantages to children concentrating on academic subjects. However, overall I feel like children should learn computer skills at school. The main reason is that computer skills may help them get a good job in the future. For example my sister had computer lessons at school and because her computer skills are good, she easily got a great job after graduating from university. In contrast, my cousin didn't learn about computers at school and he lacks good communication skills. For this reason, he can't find a good job now even though he's very smart. So that's why I think schools should teach children about computers.

Practice Some college students work part time while they are studying. Others choose not to work so they can concentrate on their studies. Which do you think is better for students? Explain why? Some people prefer doing outdoor activities in their free time. Others prefer spending their free time indoors. Which do you prefer? Include details and examples in your explanation.  At some colleges, students study just one subject in order to get a deep knowledge of that subject. At other colleges, students study various subjects in order to get broad knowledge of many subjects. Which is better for students? Why? Do you agree or disagree that it is healthier to live in a small town than  in a big city? why?

Task 3

New registration procedure needed for student clubs I like chess so when I found there was no student chess club at the college. I wanted to start one. However, the procedure for registering student clubs makes that impossible. According to college policy, new clubs can only be founded by full time students, and clubs will not be approved unless at least 50 students are interested in joining. I can see no reason why part time students like me cannot start a club, and why must a club find potential members before it can be registered? I hope other students will join me in asking the college to reconsider its policy.

The man expresses his opinion of the arguments in the letter about college policy for registering a student club. State his opinion and the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.  Example Track 296 The two people discuss a letter by a student about changing the policy for starting student clubs. The man supports the student’s viewpoint. First, he states that the college has a rule that full time and part time students should be treated equally. He then adds that the college’s policy about registering student clubs is against this rule. Next, the man says that he doesnt think clubs need fifty potential members before they can be registered. He goes on to say that student clubs don't cost the college any money, so the number of members doesn't matter.  Track 293 Structure The two people discuss.. The man or the woman supports or opposes First, he or she points out that He or she adds that Next, the man or woman say that He she finishes by saying that

Examples Improvements to compass exercise facilities The college is pleased to announce that the new fitness center in Hall is now complete and will be open 24 hours a day, even days a week for use by academic staff, administrative staff, and students who have an athletic scholarship. Students without an athletic scholarship can either gain access to the new facilities by applying for a Gym Access card for just 50 per semester, or use existing exercise facilities at no charge.  Track 295

New bulletin boards in student center Last monday students in the Student Center on campus were surprised to see that several new bulletin boards had been erected. At first the boards were empty, but within hours the first notices had been posted. When asked for comment, a college spokesperson said that the college hoped the bulletin board would provide a central place for students to put up notices and advertisements. The spokesperson also said the bulletin boards would help make the campus look cleaner because notices posted elsewhere on campus would be taken down.  Track 295

Practice Track 297 Announcement from the University President State University has decided to upgrade the library facilities available on campus. Over the next year, a new library will be constructed that will have double the number of books available for borrowing compared with the current library, as well as state of the art computer facilities. It will also have over 500 individual study rooms that will be available for student use. Because the cost of constructing the new library will be high, all full time students will be charged a one time Library improvement Fee of 100.  State his or her opinion and explain the reasons she or he gives for holding that opinion.  2. Track 301 New food options needed in campus I’ve studied at City College for two years and basically it's a great place to study. However, there's one area that could really be improved, and that is the quality of food served at the restaurants and cafeterias available on campus. Currently, students only have access to dining halls serving fast food. They are cheap, but the food is unhealthy, low quality and almost every dish has meat. I think that a modern college should offer students healthier options like salad bars, vegetarian cafes, and juice bars. I'd also like to see the dining halls serving dishes from other countries.  State his or her opinion and explain the reasons she or he gives for holding that opinion.  3. Track 305 Change to hours of operation at the health service center In response to rising costs and falling demand, the university has decided to slightly reduce the hours when the Health Services Center will operate. Instead of offering evening services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, evening services will now be offered on Fridays only. In addition, the Health Service Center will no longer be open on the weekend. These changes are effective immediately. Students who need medical assistance when the Health Services Center is closed have the choice of attending several clinics located in town, details of which are available at the Health Service Center.  State his or her opinion and explain the reasons she or he gives for holding that opinion.

TASK 4

Examples  1 Confirmation bias When people are presented with a theory, arguments, or opinion that is in line with their own views, they are more likely to read or listen to it, accept it as true, and remember it. Conversely , people typically ignore, reject, or forget theories, arguments, or opinions that they personally oppose. These tendencies, known as confirmation bias, are stronger for emotional issues and for beliefs that people hold deeply. Confirmation bias can cause people to make decisions if they ignore, reject, or forget that their opinion is not the best one.  Listen to a lecture Example  The reading introduces the concert of confirmation bias. In summary, this is when people prefer information that matches their opinions, and make bad decisions because of these preferences. The professor gives a personal example of this concept. First, he says that his wife wanted a vacation in New York, but he did not want to go there because of a negative experience in New York when he was a child. Next, he mentions that he rejected information about New York that did not match his negative opinion of that city. Finally, he states that he and his wife vacation in Miami instead of New York, but this was a bad decision. This example shows how confirmation bias affected the professor’s decision.  Model  The reading introduces the concept of In summary, this is The professor gives a personal example of this concept.  First, he says that Next, he mentions that Finally, he states that This examples shows how 2 The NIMBY principle In principle, people tend to support development projects, such as the construction of a railway line, which they feel would benefit their community. However, if the development will affect them directly because it will occur close to where they live, they often oppose it. This is known as the NIMBY principle, with Nimby standing for not in my backyard. Construction projects likely to be opposed as a result of the NIMBY principle are factories or other industrial buildings, power stations, prisons, airports, and even projects that seem positive like schools or hospitals.  3 Social Psychology Broadly speaking, the focus of social psychology is the study of how and under what conditions human thoughts, drives, beliefs, and behaviors are affected by other people. Social psychologists also focus on related ideas such as the ways in which human perception and interactions are influenced by other people and by society. Social psychology theories are based on empirical experimental data and cover a broad range of topics including individual and group behavior, and both positive and negative aspects of social behavior including leadership, conformity, and prejudice.

Exercices  1 Track 314 Sunk cost Bias Past investments of time or money that cannot be recovered are known as sunk costs. People tend to think about sunk costs when making decisions, but this can lead to poor decisions because of so-called sunk cost bias. A person who has already invested time or money in a project, for example, may decide to continue investing so as to not waste the initial, unrecoverable investment. This is fine when continued investment is likely to be beneficial, but in cases where continued investment is a bad risk, the rational decision would be to stop investing.  2 Track 319 Defense mechanism Sigmund Freud, often known as the father of psychoanalysis, developed the theory of defense mechanisms. These are psychological strategies that allow people to function normally by protecting them from situations and events that could cause emotional distress and anxiety. Defense mechanisms may also protect people against inappropriate impulses. Typically, defensive strategies are unconscious – the brain adopts them automatically rather than as a result of conscious thought– but in some cases people will consciously choose to use one or more strategies.  3 Track 322 The Halo Effect If one characteristic of an individual, such as his physical appearance or behavior, is viewed positively, people are very likely to assume -without any evidence- that the same individual has other positive characteristics, such as kindness or intelligence. The reverse holds true as well: individuals with one less desirable trait are often seen as having other negative characteristics, again despite there being no evidence for that. This cognitive bias is called the halo effect, and it applies not just to individuals, but to organizations, countries, and products, too.

TASK 5

Problem  Track 330  The speakers discuss two possible solutions to the man’s problem. Describe his problem. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and why.  Model Track 334 The man has a problem because he volunteered at an orientation so he cannot work at a conference. The speakers discuss a couple of possible solutions to this problem. In my view, the man should speak to the organizer of the student orientation and try to get paid for his time. The main reason is that even though the event budget is small, he might get some money. In contrast, I don't think he should drop out as a volunteer. This is because other people have dropped out and the man does not want to do the same thing.  Structure The man has a problem because The speakers discuss a couple of possible solutions to this problem In my view, the man should The main reason is that In contrast, I don't think he should This is because The women has a problem because The speakers discuss a couple of possible solutions to this problem In my view, the woman should The main reason is that In contrast I don't think she should This is because

Exercises 1 Track 335 The speakers discuss two possible solutions to a problem. Describe the problem. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and why  2 Track 339 The speakers discuss two possible solutions to a problem. Describe the problem. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and why  3 Track 343 The speakers discuss two possible solutions to a problem. Describe the problem. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and why

TASK 6

Track 349 Using points and examples from the lecture, explain what stagflation is and say how it can affect the economy.  Track 350 Model The professor discusses He defines this as First, he talks about He goes on to explain that Next, he discusses He then points out that

1 Track 351 Using points and examples from the lecture, describe the two types of free software that the professor discusses.  2 Track 355 Using points and examples from the lecture, explain what fish farming is and say why cobia is a suitable species for farming.  3 Track 359 Using points and examples from the lecture,describe the legal responsibilities of a corporation.

Exam1

Task1 Talk about a place that was important to you when you were a child. Describe the place and say why it was important to you. Give reasons and details to support your answer.  15 seconds   45 seconds

Task 2 Some college students prefer studying for assignments with other people. Other students prefer working on their own when they have an assignment. Which way do you prefer? Why? 15 seconds   45 seconds

Task 3 Office hours Problem I’ve noticed a trend recently with regard to office hours. Not only do instructors seem to be reducing how much time they are available to see students, but often they come to their office late when they have office hours scheduled. I think the university should institute a policy to force all teaching staff to for a minimum number of office hours per week and find a way to enforce the policy. I'm sure I'm not the only student who feels frustrated by this situation.  Lecture Track 259 State his or her opinion and explain the reasons he or she gives for holding that opinion.  30 seconds  60 seconds

Task 4 The Conduction of Heat In simple terms, heat conduction is the movement of heat (in the form of thermal energy) from one area to another. Heat naturally flows from a region of higher temperature to one of lower temperature until both areas reach roughly the same temperature, a condition known as thermal equilibrium. Conduction takes place in solids, liquids, and gases. It occurs when atoms and molecules interact with other atoms and molecules, transferring some of their energy in the form of heat. Conduction is the most significant means of heat transfer between solid objects. It is less significant between solids and liquids, and even weaker between solids and gases.  Track 263 Explain the conduction of the heat between solids, liquids, and gases.  30 seconds  60 seconds

Task 5 Listen to a conversation between a man and a woman.  Track 267 The speaker discusses two possible solutions to a problem. Describe the problem. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and why.  20 seconds   60 seconds

Task 6  Listen to a talk in a biology class Track 271 Using points and examples form the talk, summarize the two definitions of comorbidity that the professor discusses.  20 seconds   60 seconds

Exam 2

Task 1 What is one food that you do not enjoy eating? Why? Support your answer with specific details and examples.

Task 2 Some people like going out to the theater to watch a movie. Other people prefer watching movies at home. Which way of watching movies do you prefer? Why?

Task 3 Read the notice about this cancellation.  Campus events canceled Two students were taken to hospital last week because of trouble at an event on campus. In response to this situation, the university has decided to cancel all events on campus until further notice. The university council feels that this action, which is effective immediately, is necessary to ensure the safety of all students. The university council will meet with the student association and representatives from student clubs and organizations in November to discuss the situation and find a permanent solution.  Now listen as two students discuss the notice Track 368 State his her opinion and explain the reasons he or she for holding that opinion.

Task 4 Now read the passage about geoarchaeology.  Geoarchaeology Geoarchaeology is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to the study of archaeology. It involves the use of analytical techniques and theoretical and practical concepts from multiple disciplines such as geography, geology, and even sciences like chemistry or physics to answer questions and solve problems in archaeology. These questions and problems include such issues as the human and environmental factors that are involved in site formation, the reconstruction of ancient climates and environments, the use of chronometric tools to date artifacts, and the sourcing of materials and artifacts.  Listen to part of a lecture Track 372 Explain how trace element analysis helped answer an archaeological question.

Task 5 Now listen to a conversation between a man and a woman Track 376 The speakers discuss two possible solutions to a problem. Describe the problem. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and why.

Task 6 New listen to a talk in a public health class Track 380 Using points and examples from the talk, say what vaccination is. Then say how attitudes toward vaccination have changed over time.

Exam 3

Task 1 Describe the best advice that you have ever received. Explain why you think it was good advice. Include specific details and examples to support your explanation.

Task 2 Some people prefer to communicate with friends in writing using email or text messages. Others prefer to communicate with their friends using a telephone. Which method of staying in touch with friends do you prefer? Explain and support your choice.

Task 3 Read the notice Food and Beverages policy for all campus events This notice serves to remind all students of the university’s food and beverage policy. In order to ensure that students receive high quality and great value food and drink. Astoria University has an exclusive contract with Nothon Food Services to provide food and beverage services for all events and meetings. This means that students may not bring their own food and drinks to any on campus event. Exemptions to this policy will be made only in exceptional cases. Anybody wishing to apply for an exemption must contact Yolanda Lopez, the Director of University Dining Services, for written approval.  Track 453 State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.

Task 4 Metallic elements There are over 80 known metallic elements. A few of these have been known for thousands of years, but most have been discovered since about 1700. The metals actually have very little in common. People think of them as being dense and heavy, and that's true of some metals, such as iron and lead, but others, like sodium, are very lightweight. People think of metals as being strong, and some are, but many pure metals are soft or brittle. Some metals, such as gold and platinum, are known as the precious metals because their rarity makes them valuable and expensive. Other metals ,such as aluminum and iron, are very common.  Track 457 Explain how titanium relates to metallic elements in general and why it is a useful element.

Task 5 Track 460 Describe the problem. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and explain why.

Task 6 Track 463 Using examples and points from the lecture, explain the concept of opportunity cost.

Exam 4

Task 1 What is the most enjoyable vacation that you have ever taken? Explain why you liked this vacation. Include specific details and examples to support your explanation.

Task 2 When they want to relax, some people enjoy reading books. Other people prefer watching television. Which of these two options do you prefer? Explain your choice. Support your opinion with specific details and examples.

Task 3 A university official wrote a letter to compass four guides. Read the letter. Letter to campus tour Guides I’d like to begin by thanking all the students who have interrupted their summer activities to serve as guides for incoming first year students and their families. Since it was instituted five years ago, the Summer Campus Tours have become a valuable and popular program. However, I'm sorry to inform you that the university can no longer provide guides with payment for their services. This is partially due to budget cuts, but also because the new president is trying to encourage a spirit of community service and volunteerism among students. We’ll continue to provide guides from out of town with dormitory rooms and with meals at the cafeteria.  Track 516 State his opinion and explain the reasons he gives for having that opinion.

Task 4  The law of unintended consequences The law of Unintended Consequences is an idea dating at least as far back as the eighteenth century economist Adam Smith. However, American sociologist Rober Merton invented the term and popularized the concept in the 1930s. The law indicates that when a simple solution is applied to a complex problem, it often causes unexpected results. Merton lists three types of unintended consequences. One is the unexpected positive result of an action. The second is a negative result that occurs in addition to the positive result. The third is called a perverse effect. Which occurs when the result of some action is the opposite of what was intended.  Track 520 Using details from the talk, explain how the importation of rabbits into Australia relates to the Law of Unintended Consequences.

Task 5  Track 523 The speakers discuss two possible solutions to a problem. Describe the problem. Then state which of the two solutions you prefer and why.

Task 6 Track 526 Using points and examples from the talk, say what an income statement is and what information it includes.