3.Speaking Section

Directions

The speaking section tests your ability to communicate in English in an academic setting. During the test, you will be presented with 6 speaking questions. The questions ask for a response to a single question, a conversation , a talk, or a lecture. You may take notes as you listen, but notes are not graded. You may use your notes to answer the questions. Some of the questions ask for a response to a reading passage and a talk or lecture. The reading passage and the questions are written, but most of the directions will be spoken.

Your speaking will be evaluated on both the fluency of the language and the accuracy of the content. You will have 15-20 seconds to prepareand 45-60 seconds to respond to each question. Typically, a good response will require all of the response time but the answer will be complete by the end of the response time. The time for the speaking section is about 20 minutes. A clock on toprepare your answer and how much time you have to record it.

1. Independent Speaking Question

Describe an ideal Marriage Partner. What qualities do you think are most important for a husband or wife ? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choices.

2. Integrated Speaking Question : “ Meal Plan”

 

Change in Meal Plans

Residence hall students are no longer required to purchase seven-day meal plans. Now two meal plan options will be offered. The tradition seven-day plan will still be available, including three meals every day at a cost of $168 per month. In addition, a five-day plan willl be offered, including three meal Monday-Friday at a cost of $120 per month. Students who elect to use the five-day plan may purchase meals on the weekend at three dollars per meal. The food court in the College Union provides several fast-food alternatives. In addition to burgers and pizza, chinese food, Mexican food, and a salad bar are also available.

Now listen to two students who aretalking about the plan.

Man                       : I don’t like to cook, butI don’t like to eat in the cafetaria every day either

Woman                : True. The food does get kind of same old same old

Man                       : My point exactly. And besides, I go home about every other weekend, so paying formy meals when I’m not there doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Woman                 : Right. So you’ll probably sign up for the five-day plan next semester

Man                       : I already did. If I want to eat in the cafetaria some weekend, I can just buy a meal, but  I’d probably go out somewhere with my friends if I’m here over the weekend.

Woman                 : Well, I don’t  go home on the weekends  as much as you do, but I still eat out a lot on  the weekends.

Man                       : So the five-day plan might work out better for you, too. I’m really gladto have the  option.

Question

Narrator  1          : The man expresses his opinion of the new meal plan. Report his opinion, and explain the reasons that he gives for having that opinion.

Narrator  2          : Please prepare your answer after the “beep.”

B e ep

(preparation time : 30seconds)

Narrator 2           : Please begin speaking after the “beep”

B e e p

(Recording time                : 60 seconds)