TOEFL Speaking and Writing Sections Skills Mastery

University of California, Irvine via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/toefl-speaking-writing-sections-skills-mastery

Introduction

### Course Review: TOEFL Speaking and Writing Sections Skills Mastery #### Overview The "TOEFL Speaking and Writing Sections Skills Mastery" course on Coursera is a thoughtfully designed program aimed at equipping non-native English speakers with the essential skills and strategies necessary to excel in the speaking and writing sections of the TOEFL iBT exam. The course meticulously dissects the nuances of both independent and integrated tasks, providing participants with robust techniques for formulating well-organized answers. Given the significance of these sections in the overall TOEFL score, the course is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their performance. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **The iBT Independent Speaking Task (Week 1)** The first week provides an introduction to the independent speaking task, one of the most straightforward question types in the speaking section. Participants will engage with sample questions and utilize suggested response templates. This hands-on approach helps demystify the task and encourages learners to develop a structured method for planning their responses. The course does an excellent job of setting expectations and building confidence in test-takers. 2. **The iBT Integrated Speaking Tasks (Week 2)** In the second week, the focus shifts to integrated speaking tasks. These questions require a higher level of comprehension and synthesis of information. Learners will practice responding to sample prompts, enabling them to understand how to effectively combine listening and reading skills when preparing their answers. This module is crucial as it reflects the integration of multiple skills that the TOEFL evaluates. 3. **The iBT Independent Writing Task (Week 3)** The writing section of the TOEFL can often be daunting. The third week concentrates on the independent writing task, where participants will learn how to construct their essays around sample questions, employing effective planning strategies. The emphasis on templates is particularly beneficial for learners who may struggle with structuring their thoughts coherently on paper. 4. **The iBT Integrated Writing Task (Week 4)** The final week wraps up with a focus on the integrated writing task. Similar to its speaking counterpart, this task requires synthesizing information from multiple sources. Participants will practice sample questions and refine their essay-writing skills, learning how to articulate their responses clearly and logically. The capstone nature of this module reinforces the course’s comprehensive approach to both speaking and writing. #### Review This course excels in its clarity and structured approach. Each week builds on the previous one, ensuring a logical progression of skills. The use of templates and practice questions allows participants to grasp the format of the TOEFL exam, making it less intimidating. Additionally, the course encourages active engagement through practical exercises, which is vital for language acquisition. The instructors are knowledgeable and provide insightful feedback, making for a supportive learning environment. The inclusion of interactive elements keeps the course engaging, and the community aspect allows learners to connect and share insights, enhancing the overall experience. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the "TOEFL Speaking and Writing Sections Skills Mastery" course to anyone preparing for the TOEFL iBT exam, particularly those who may feel underprepared for the speaking and writing sections. It is ideal for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills. The course not only equips learners with the techniques needed to tackle the exam confidently but also fosters essential language competencies that extend beyond standardized testing. Overall, this course is an investment in your English language skills and a strategic step toward achieving a high TOEFL score. Embrace the opportunity to learn in a structured, supportive, and methodical manner, and you will surely see the results in your test performance.

Syllabus

The iBT Independent Speaking Task

In this first week, you will become familiar with a question type that you will encounter on the real iBT speaking portion of the TOEFL test, specifically the independent speaking task." You will also practice answering some speaking sample questions with suggested templates. This will help you know what to expect when you answer speaking questions and be prepared to plan your responses.

The iBT Integrated Speaking Tasks

In this second week, you will become familiar with a question type that you will encounter on the real iBT speaking portion of the test, specifically the integrated speaking tasks. You will also practice answering some speaking sample questions with suggested templates. This will help you know what to expect when you answer to speaking questions and be prepared to plan your responses.

The iBT Integrated Writing Task

In this third week, you will become familiar with a question type that you will encounter in the real iBT writing portion of the test, specifically the Independent writing task. You will also practice answering some sample questions with suggested templates. This will help you know what to expect when you complete the writing section of the test and be prepared to plan your answers.

The iBT Independent Writing Task

In this fourth week, you will become familiar with a question type that you will encounter on the real iBT writing portion of the test, specifically the Integrated writing task. You will also practice answering some sample questions with suggested templates. This will help you know what to expect when you complete the writing section of the test and be prepared to plan your answers.

Overview

This course prepares non-native speakers of English to take the speaking and writing sections of the TOEFL iBT exam. This course explains the difference between the integrated tasks and independent tasks in the speaking and writing sections of the iBT and provides effective strategies for tackling each task. For each type of prompt, you will learn how to best plan your responses, which is a key step to providing well-formed and organized answers. This course also teaches how to best practice a

Skills

Reviews

I found this course really easy to understand. Thanks to the instructor who prepared this great course for the TOEFL takers.

The course was pretty goog, I learned a lot about TOEFL test ans its strucutre as well as some strategis to face this important international test.

This course has guide me to the different resourses (free and not free) availables to practice for the IBT TOEFL test.

I want to take this opportunity to thank these wonderful instructors; Shiva Sutherland and Helen Nam for making this course a wonderful one.\n\nLove you all.\n\nkojoalfred90@gmail.com