Welcome to the Speaking Practice Lab! The iTEP Speaking section tests your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and spontaneously in an academic context. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it. In this lesson, we'll break down the two speaking tasks you'll face. The goal is to become comfortable with the format and learn how to use your preparation time effectively to deliver a coherent and well-structured response. Think of it as a workout for your speaking skills – we'll start slow and build your confidence.
Speaking Task 1: Personal Experience
The first speaking task asks you to talk about a familiar topic, usually based on a personal experience or preference. You will see a prompt on the screen and hear it read aloud. You will have 30 seconds to prepare your thoughts and then 45 seconds to speak. The key here is fluency and clarity.
Strategy: Prepare and Speak
Thirty seconds isn't a lot of time, so you must be efficient. Don't try to write full sentences. Instead, quickly jot down 2-3 keywords that will guide your response. A simple structure can be:
- Main Idea: Directly answer the question.
- Detail 1: Add a supporting reason or detail.
- Detail 2/Example: Give a specific example or another detail to elaborate.
Let's try it with a sample prompt.
Sample Prompt: Part 1
Prompt
Describe your favorite holiday. What is it, and why do you enjoy it so much?
(Preparation time: 30 seconds / Speaking time: 45 seconds)
Brainstorming (30 seconds)
My notes might look like this:
- New Year's Day
- Fresh start, resolutions
- Family gathering, special meal
Now, let's turn these notes into a full response. Notice how the speaker uses transitions to make their points flow smoothly.
Listen to the model response for Task 1.
Student: My favorite holiday is definitely New Year's Day. For me, it symbolizes a fresh start and an opportunity to set new goals. Firstly, I enjoy the tradition of making resolutions. It's a chance to reflect on the past year and think about how I can improve myself, which I find very motivating. Secondly, it's a significant family occasion. We always have a large family gathering with a special meal. This recollection of shared time is precious to me. It's this combination of personal reflection and family connection that makes it such a cherished holiday.
Speaking Task 2: Stating an Opinion
The second task is more complex. You'll be presented with a short statement about a campus-life or general societal issue. It often presents two opposing viewpoints. You will have 45 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. You need to state your opinion and support it with clear reasons and examples. Your ability to articulate a persuasive argument is being evaluated.
Strategy: Outline Your Argument
With 45 seconds to prepare, your goal is to choose a side and outline two strong reasons to support it. A good strategy is to quickly brainstorm points for both sides. This helps you understand the issue fully and can even help you acknowledge the counter-argument in your response, which demonstrates a high level of critical thinking.
Sample Prompt: Part 2
Prompt
Some people believe that universities should require all first-year students to live in campus dormitories. Others argue that students should have the autonomy to choose where they live. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Explain your reasoning.
(Preparation time: 45 seconds / Speaking time: 60 seconds)
Brainstorming (45 seconds)
| For Mandatory Dorms | For Freedom of Choice |
|---|---|
| Fosters community | Financial burden |
| Easier transition to uni life | Promotes independence |
| Access to resources (library, etc.) | Some prefer quieter environments |
Structuring Your Opinion
A clear, simple structure will make your argument much more powerful. Try this template:
- State your opinion: "In my opinion, I believe..." or "I agree with the idea that..."
- First reason: "The primary reason for my view is..." or "Firstly,..."
- Second reason: "Another important reason is..." or "Secondly,..."
- Conclusion (optional): Briefly summarize your position. "Therefore, I feel that..."
Listen to the model response for Task 2.
Student: In my opinion, I firmly believe that students should have the autonomy to choose where they live during their first year of university. While mandatory dorms can foster a sense of community, I think freedom is more important. Firstly, there is the issue of the financial burden. University dormitories are often significantly more expensive than off-campus apartments, and forcing students to live there could cause undue stress. Secondly, living off-campus encourages independence and maturity. Students learn essential life skills like managing a budget, cooking for themselves, and dealing with landlords. These are valuable experiences that are part of the overall learning process of becoming an adult. Therefore, I maintain that providing students with a choice is the more sensible and beneficial policy.
Practice Lab: Partner Work
Now it's your turn to practice. Pair up with a classmate. Take turns being the "Examiner" and the "Test-Taker."
- The Examiner reads one of the prompts below.
- The Test-Taker takes the specified preparation time (use a timer!).
- The Test-Taker speaks for the specified time.
- After speaking, the Examiner gives feedback using the checklist below.
- Switch roles and repeat with a different prompt.
Speaking Prompts
Part 1 Style (30s Prep / 45s Speak)
- What is a skill you would like to learn? Why?
- Talk about a book you have read or a film you have seen recently.
- Describe a person who has had a significant influence on your life.
Part 2 Style (45s Prep / 60s Speak)
- Some people prefer to study in a group, while others prefer to study alone. Which do you prefer and why?
- Do you think it is better for students to have a long summer vacation or several shorter breaks throughout the year? Explain your position.
- Should physical education classes be mandatory for all university students? Support your opinion with reasons.
Feedback Checklist
| Criteria | Notes/Feedback |
|---|---|
| Clarity | Was the pronunciation clear? Was the language easy to understand? |
| Timing | Did the speaker use most of the allotted time? Did they finish too early or get cut off? |
| Organization | Was there a clear beginning, middle, and end? Were transition words used? |
| Content | Did the speaker directly answer the prompt and provide supporting details or reasons? |