スピーキング道場:TOEFL編その1

以下の4つがTOEFLのスピーキングである。

Q1: Independent task: 1問、準備は15秒、回答時間は45秒。

Q2: Integrated task: 3問、準備は30秒、回答時間は60秒。

Q3: アカデミックな内容に関する講義を聞いて説明。

Q4: アカデミックな内容を聞いて説明。


Q1: Independent task: 1問、準備は15秒、回答時間は45秒。

Task 1:
Describe a place you enjoy visiting and explain why you like going there. Include details and examples to support your response. You have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to respond.


Sample Answer:
One of my favorite places to visit is the local botanical garden. I love going there because it’s incredibly peaceful and filled with a wide variety of plants and flowers. The garden offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. I especially enjoy walking through the rose garden, where the vibrant colors and fragrant scents are truly uplifting. Additionally, the garden has several walking paths and benches where I can sit and read a book or simply relax. Overall, the botanical garden is a perfect place for me to unwind and connect with nature.

Q2: Integrated task: 3問、準備は30秒、回答時間は60秒。

Task 2:
Read a short passage and then listen to a conversation about the same topic. You will then respond to a question about what you read and heard. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.


Reading Passage:
The university is considering a proposal to extend library hours to 24/7 during the exam period. The goal is to provide students with more flexible study options and help them manage their time more effectively.


Listening Conversation:
(Student A): I heard the library might be open 24/7 during exams. What do you think about that?
(Student B): I think it’s a great idea. Some students prefer studying late at night, and this would give them the opportunity to do so.
(Student A): True, but I’m worried about the security and whether they’ll have enough staff to cover the extended hours.
(Student B): Good point. They might need to hire additional security and part-time staff. But overall, I think it could really help students.


Question:
Summarize the proposal from the reading passage and explain the two students’ opinions about it.


Sample Answer:
The reading passage mentions a proposal to keep the university library open 24/7 during the exam period to offer students more flexible study options. In the conversation, Student A is generally supportive of the idea, noting that it would benefit students who prefer studying late at night. However, Student B expresses concern about security and staffing, suggesting that the university might need to hire additional security and part-time staff to manage the extended hours. Overall, Student B agrees with the proposal but acknowledges the potential challenges.

Q3: アカデミックな内容に関する講義を聞いて説明。

Task 3:
Listen to a short lecture excerpt and then respond to a question about it. You have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.


Lecture Excerpt:
(Professor): Many marine animals rely on camouflage to protect themselves from predators. For example, the octopus can change its skin color and texture to blend in with its surroundings, making it nearly invisible. This ability helps it avoid predators and also aids in hunting prey.


Question:
Explain how the octopus uses camouflage to survive in its environment, based on the lecture.


Sample Answer:
According to the lecture, the octopus uses camouflage as a survival mechanism. It can change its skin color and texture to blend in with its surroundings, which makes it nearly invisible to both predators and prey. This ability helps the octopus avoid being detected by predators, enhancing its chances of survival. Additionally, it aids in hunting because the octopus can approach its prey without being noticed. This dual benefit of camouflage is crucial for the octopus’s survival in the marine environment.

Q4: アカデミックな内容を聞いて説明。

Task 4:
Listen to another short lecture excerpt and respond to a question about it. You have 20 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.


Lecture Excerpt:
(Professor): Urban planning is critical for the development of sustainable cities. One effective strategy is the creation of green spaces, such as parks and community gardens. These areas not only provide recreational opportunities but also help improve air quality and reduce urban heat. Furthermore, green spaces can foster social interaction and community engagement, which are essential for a vibrant urban life.


Question:
Describe two benefits of green spaces in urban planning, based on the lecture.


Sample Answer:
The lecture highlights two main benefits of green spaces in urban planning. First, green spaces, such as parks and community gardens, help improve air quality and reduce urban heat, contributing to a healthier environment. Second, these areas provide opportunities for recreation and promote social interaction and community engagement, which are essential for creating a vibrant urban life. These benefits make green spaces a crucial component of sustainable urban development.