スピーキング道場:TOEFL編その13

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。

Prompt: If you could learn any new skill, what would it be and why?


Sample Response:
If I could learn any new skill, I would choose to learn a musical instrument, specifically the piano. The piano is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a wide variety of music genres, from classical to jazz to pop. Learning to play the piano would allow me to express myself creatively and relax after a stressful day. Additionally, playing an instrument is known to improve cognitive functions, such as memory and coordination, which would be beneficial in many areas of life. Being able to play the piano would also allow me to entertain friends and family, creating joyful moments.

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

Prompt: Read the following announcement from a university’s online portal:


“Due to recent budget cuts, the university library will be reducing its hours of operation. Starting next month, the library will close at 8:00 PM instead of 10:00 PM on weekdays. Weekend hours will remain unchanged.”


Now, listen to a conversation between two students discussing the announcement.


Student A: I’m really disappointed about the library closing earlier. I usually study there late at night after my evening classes.
Student B: Same here. I rely on the library for a quiet study space. I guess we’ll have to find other places to study or adjust our schedules.


Question: The woman expresses her opinion about the reduced library hours. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.


Sample Response:
The woman in the conversation is disappointed about the library’s reduced hours because she typically studies there late at night after her evening classes. She relies on the library as a quiet space to study and now feels that she will either have to find an alternative study space or adjust her study schedule. This change is inconvenient for her, as the library’s previous hours better suited her needs as a student with evening classes.

Q3: アカデミックな内容に関する講義を聞いて説明。

Prompt: Read a short passage about a concept in marketing:


“Brand loyalty is the tendency of consumers to continue buying the same brand’s products or services over time, even when there are other options available. Companies often encourage brand loyalty through marketing strategies such as loyalty programs, discounts, and superior customer service.”


Now, listen to a lecture where the professor provides an example of brand loyalty.


Professor: Let’s consider the example of a popular coffee chain. Many customers consistently choose this brand even though there are numerous other coffee shops in the area. Why? One reason is their loyalty program, which rewards frequent customers with free drinks and discounts. Another reason is the consistently high quality of their coffee and the friendly service. This brand has successfully built a strong base of loyal customers who prefer it over competitors, even if it means paying a bit more.


Question: Using the example from the lecture, explain the concept of brand loyalty.


Sample Response:
Brand loyalty refers to the tendency of consumers to keep buying the same brand’s products or services over time. The professor provided the example of a popular coffee chain, where customers consistently choose this brand over others because of its loyalty program and high-quality coffee. The loyalty program rewards frequent customers with free drinks and discounts, and the consistent quality of coffee and friendly service further strengthens customer loyalty. This example illustrates how effective marketing strategies and product quality can lead to strong brand loyalty, even in a competitive market.

Q4: アカデミックな内容を聞いて説明。

Prompt: Listen to a portion of a lecture from a history class about the Industrial Revolution.


Professor: The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, was a period of significant technological, economic, and social change. One of the most important developments was the invention of the steam engine, which revolutionized transportation and manufacturing. Steam engines were used to power factories, making production faster and more efficient. They also powered trains and ships, which greatly improved the speed and reliability of transportation. This increased mobility allowed goods to be transported more quickly and at lower costs, which in turn stimulated trade and economic growth. The Industrial Revolution also had profound social effects, leading to urbanization as people moved to cities in search of work and creating a new class of industrial workers.


Question: Explain the impact of the steam engine on both transportation and manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution, as described by the professor.


Sample Response:
The steam engine had a major impact on both transportation and manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. In manufacturing, steam engines powered factories, which made production faster and more efficient. This increased productivity led to economic growth. In terms of transportation, steam engines powered trains and ships, which made the transportation of goods faster and more reliable. This not only reduced costs but also stimulated trade. Additionally, the steam engine contributed to the urbanization of society, as people moved to cities to work in the new factories, creating a new class of industrial workers. The steam engine was a key driver of the technological and economic changes of the Industrial Revolution.