スピーキング道場:TOEIC編その1

以下の6つがTOEICのスピーキングである。

Q1: Read a text aloud:提示された文章を読み上げるセクション。発音、イントネーション、流暢さを評価。

Q2: Describe a picture:写真を見て、その写真について詳しく説明するセクション。語彙力や文の構造を評価。

Q3: Respond to questions:質問に対して適切に答えるセクション。ビジネスシチュエーションに関連する質問が出されることが多い。

Q4: Respond to Questions Using Information Provided:提示された情報を基に質問に答えるセクション。例えば、スケジュールやグラフに基づいて答えるなど。

Q5: Express an opinion:特定のトピックについて自分の意見を述べるセクション。意見を述べる能力と、その意見をサポートする論理的な理由が求められる。

Q6: Propose a solution:問題やシチュエーションに対して解決策を提案するセクション。ビジネスでの問題解決能力が評価される。


Q1: Read a text aloud

“At our company, we prioritize customer satisfaction. We offer a wide range of products, each carefully designed to meet the needs of our clients. Our customer service team is always available to assist with any inquiries. We believe that the key to success is building long-term relationships based on trust and reliability.”

Q2: Describe a picture

Picture:
Imagine a busy office where people are working at desks, one person is giving a presentation, and someone is making coffee in the background.


Example Answer:
“This picture shows a professional office setting. In the foreground, there are several employees sitting at their desks, working on computers. On the right side, one person is standing and giving a presentation to a small group of people. They seem to be discussing something important, as everyone is paying attention. In the background, near the corner of the room, someone is making coffee, likely taking a short break. The office looks busy and productive, with everyone focused on their tasks.”

Q3: Respond to questions

You will have 15 seconds for each of the first two questions and 30 seconds for the third.

What is your favorite type of food, and why do you like it?
Do you prefer to work in a team or independently? Explain your preference.
Describe a time when you had to solve a difficult problem at work or school. How did you handle it?


What is your favorite type of food, and why do you like it?

Example Answer:
“My favorite type of food is Italian cuisine, especially pasta. I love how versatile pasta dishes can be, and the rich, flavorful sauces like marinara or Alfredo always satisfy my appetite. Plus, it’s a great comfort food that I enjoy both cooking and eating.”


Do you prefer to work in a team or independently? Explain your preference.

Example Answer:
“I prefer working in a team because I enjoy collaborating with others and learning from different perspectives. When we work together, we can combine our strengths to achieve the best results. However, I also value having some independence in my tasks to focus and contribute individually.”


Describe a time when you had to solve a difficult problem at work or school. How did you handle it?

Example Answer:
“One time at work, we were facing a tight deadline, and the project’s data files were missing. I immediately contacted the IT department and worked with them to recover the lost files. Meanwhile, I informed my team and delegated tasks so we could continue working on other aspects of the project. In the end, we managed to meet the deadline by staying calm and organized.”

Q4: Respond to Questions Using Information Provided

You will be provided with a schedule of a conference and asked questions about it. You will have 30 seconds to answer each question.

Information Provided (Sample Conference Schedule):

9:00 am: Registration
10:00 am: Keynote Speech
11:30 am: Workshop A (Room 101)
1:00 pm: Lunch Break
2:00 pm: Workshop B (Room 202)
3:30 pm: Closing Remarks


What time does the keynote speech start, and where should attendees go for Workshop A?

Example Answer:
“The keynote speech starts at 10:00 am. Attendees who want to join Workshop A should go to Room 101 at 11:30 am.”


If someone wants to attend both workshops, what time do they need to be in Room 202?

Example Answer:
“If someone wants to attend both workshops, they should go to Room 202 at 2:00 pm for Workshop B.”


How long is the lunch break?

Example Answer:
“The lunch break lasts for one hour, starting at 1:00 pm and ending at 2:00 pm.”

Q5: Express an opinion

You will have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.

Problem:
Your company has received several complaints from customers saying that delivery times have been too long recently.


Example Answer:
“To address the complaints about long delivery times, I propose a few solutions. First, we should review our current delivery process and identify where delays are occurring. This could involve streamlining communication with suppliers or optimizing our shipping routes. Additionally, we could offer expedited shipping for customers who need their orders sooner, possibly at a small extra charge. Finally, I suggest that we improve transparency by providing customers with real-time updates on their delivery status, so they know exactly when to expect their orders. These steps should help reduce delays and improve customer satisfaction.”

Q6: Propose a solution

You will have 15 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.

Question:
Some people say that it is important to always stay at the same company for a long period, while others believe that switching jobs frequently can help build a better career. Which do you agree with, and why?


Example Answer:
“I believe that switching jobs can help build a better career, especially in today’s fast-changing work environment. By working at different companies, you can gain a wider range of experiences, develop new skills, and expand your professional network. Changing jobs can also provide more opportunities for career growth, as you might find a company that offers a better position or higher salary. However, it’s also important to stay long enough at each company to demonstrate loyalty and commitment. A balance between job stability and new opportunities can lead to long-term success.”