tefliz.com TOEFL Speaking Practice Sample Questions With Answers
TOEFL TASK 3 SAMPLE QUESTION
READING PASSAGE (50 SECONDS)
The Mozart Effect is a term that refers to a set of research results indicating that listening to Mozart’s music may induce a short-term improvement on the performance of certain kinds of mental tasks known as “spatial-temporal reasoning.” The term was first coined by Alfred A. Tomatis who used Mozart’s music as the listening stimulus in his work attempting to cure a variety of disorders. The most well-known study that supported the Mozart Effect was conducted in 1993 by Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky. They found that college students who listened to Mozart’s music for 10 minutes showed better spatial reasoning skills compared to those who listened to relaxation instructions or silence.
LECTURE TRANSCRIPT:
Professor:
Now, while the idea of the Mozart Effect is intriguing, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the initial study that popularized the term only observed a temporary boost in spatial reasoning, lasting about 10-15 minutes. This is far from the long-term intelligence increase that the public often associates with the Mozart Effect. Furthermore, when researchers attempted to replicate these findings, the results were inconsistent.
For instance, some studies found similar effects with different types of music, suggesting that it might not be Mozart specifically that enhances cognitive function. In addition, there are researchers who argue that the improvement in performance might be due to the individual’s preference and enjoyment of the music, which enhances mood and arousal levels, thereby temporarily boosting cognitive abilities. So, while listening to Mozart might have some benefits, it is important to critically evaluate the evidence and not overstate the impact of music on intelligence.
QUESTION:
Explain how the lecture casts doubt on the Mozart Effect
Sample Response:
The reading passage talks about the Mozart Effect, which is the idea that listening to Mozart’s music can make you better at certain mental tasks. It mentions a 1993 study where students who listened to Mozart did better on spatial reasoning tasks than those who listened to relaxation instructions or silence.
However, the lecture challenges these claims. The professor says that the improvement in spatial reasoning only lasts about 10-15 minutes, which is much shorter than what people usually think. He also points out that other studies trying to repeat the 1993 study have had mixed results. Some studies even found that other types of music can have the same effect, which suggests it might not be Mozart’s music specifically.
Additionally, the professor thinks that the improvement might come from people feeling more awake and happy from listening to music they like, not just Mozart. So, while the reading says that listening to Mozart has a big and special benefit, the lecture stresses that we should look at the evidence carefully and recognize that the results are not always clear or consistent.
SAMPLE QUESTION
Topic: The Benefits of Urban Green Spaces
Urban green spaces, such as parks and gardens, play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in cities. These areas provide a natural environment where residents can relax and engage in recreational activities. Moreover, green spaces contribute to environmental health by reducing pollution and offering habitats for wildlife. Studies have shown that access to green spaces can improve mental health, reduce stress levels, and foster community engagement by serving as social gathering points.
Lecture Transcript
Professor’s Lecture on Urban Green Spaces
“Today, I want to talk about the multiple benefits of urban green spaces, which extend beyond just aesthetic appeal. Firstly, green spaces play a significant role in improving mental health. They offer a serene environment for relaxation, which helps reduce stress levels. Secondly, these spaces are essential for environmental health; they absorb pollutants and provide habitats for various wildlife, thus enhancing biodiversity in urban areas. Lastly, green spaces act as social hubs where community members can gather, interact, and engage in recreational activities, fostering a stronger sense of community.”
Task
Summarize the main points made in the lecture, explaining how they support points made in the reading passage.
You have 30 seconds to prepare your response. Then, you will have 60 seconds to speak.
Sample Response
The reading passage emphasizes that urban green spaces improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance community engagement. The professor’s lecture supports these points by explaining that green spaces provide a serene environment for relaxation, which helps reduce stress levels, thus improving mental health. Additionally, the professor notes that green spaces absorb pollutants and provide habitats for wildlife, supporting environmental health. Lastly, the lecture reinforces that green spaces act as social hubs, promoting community interaction and engagement, which strengthens community ties.
SAMPLE QUESTION
Topic: The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is an essential part of maintaining good health and overall well-being. It allows the body to repair and rejuvenate, supports brain function, and plays a crucial role in emotional stability. Lack of adequate sleep can lead to various health issues, including impaired cognitive function, weakened immune system, and increased stress levels. Moreover, chronic sleep deprivation is linked to serious conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders.
Lecture Transcript
Professor’s Lecture on Sleep
“Today, I’d like to emphasize the critical role that sleep plays in our health. Adequate sleep is essential for the body to repair itself and for the brain to function properly. During sleep, our bodies produce proteins that help fight infection and inflammation, reinforcing our immune system. Furthermore, sleep is crucial for cognitive processes such as learning, memory consolidation, and problem-solving skills. People who don’t get enough sleep are more prone to making mistakes and have trouble concentrating. Chronic lack of sleep can also lead to long-term health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.”
Task
Summarize the main points made in the lecture, explaining how they support points made in the reading passage.
You have 30 seconds to prepare your response. Then, you will have 60 seconds to speak.
Sample Response
The reading passage emphasizes the importance of sleep for health, mentioning that it helps with body repair, brain function, and emotional stability. The professor’s lecture supports these points by explaining that sleep aids in producing proteins to fight infection and inflammation, thus boosting the immune system. The lecture also highlights sleep’s role in cognitive processes such as learning and memory consolidation, which reinforces the passage’s point on brain function. Additionally, the professor mentions that chronic lack of sleep can lead to obesity, heart disease, and mental health issues, supporting the passage’s link between sleep deprivation and serious health conditions.
Reading Passage:
Title: Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is a method of farming that focuses on producing food in a way that preserves the environment, supports local communities, and is economically viable. It involves practices like crop rotation, organic farming, and the use of renewable resources. By rotating crops, farmers can reduce soil erosion and improve soil fertility. Organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which helps maintain healthy soil and water. Using renewable resources, such as solar or wind energy, minimizes the carbon footprint of farming activities. Overall, sustainable agriculture aims to create a balance between the need for food production and the need to protect the environment.
Lecture Transcript:
Professor: While sustainable agriculture sounds ideal in theory, it faces several practical challenges. First, sustainable farming methods often require more labor and time compared to conventional farming. For example, crop rotation and organic farming need careful planning and monitoring, which can be labor-intensive. Second, the initial cost of transitioning to sustainable practices can be high. Farmers might need to invest in new equipment or technology, like solar panels or wind turbines, which can be expensive. Additionally, organic farming typically yields less produce than conventional farming because it avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can lead to lower productivity. These factors can make sustainable agriculture less attractive to farmers who need to maximize their output and profits. Therefore, while the goal of sustainable agriculture is admirable, there are significant obstacles that need to be addressed to make it more widely adopted.
Question:
Explain how the lecture casts doubt on the information presented in the reading passage about sustainable agriculture.
