さて、今回はTOEFL Speaking Independent Taskの具体的戦略を説明したい。Independent taskの難しいところは、15秒の準備時間で、問題を理解し、「結論/主張、理由、具体例」を考えなければならないこと。
TOEFLスピーキングTask1の対策にはコツがある。それは、複数の問題に使いまわせるようなネタをいくつか作っておくこと。問題に合わせて少しだけ内容をアレンジすれば適用できるので、15秒の準備時間の中でゼロから考えなくて済む。
では、どんなネタをどうやって使い回せば良いのだろうか?今日の記事でいくつかのネタを提供し、使い方を説明する。これらのネタを元に自分のエピソードを作り、本番でうまく使えば20点程度は比較的簡単に達成できるはずだ。
目次
TOEFLスピーキング(Task 2)対策の基本:STAR 戦略
Independent Taskに回答するためにおすすめする回答方法は、面接等でも推奨されているSTAR戦略を取ることである。STAR戦略の利点として、具体的な自分の経験を議論の中心に置くことができ、抽象的な議論をするよりもアイディアを出すのが楽になる。
- Situation 状況説明
- Task 解決しなければいけない課題
- Action 課題を克服するためしたアクション
- Result 結果
基本エピソード① Learn English
演習問題①と解答例
早速だが、以下の問題に15秒で準備し、45秒で答えてほしい。
Describe a piece of news you have received that made you happy. Why did it make you happy?
この問題を、このブログを読んでいる全ての人に通じる、英語のエピソードで答えてみたい。
1. 質問へ解答
It is my TOEFL score.
2. Situation
When I was a university student, I studied English very hard to study abroad.
3. Task (ここまで10秒)
But, at first, my TOEFL score was low. It was only 60.
4. Action (30秒)
So, I took English classes to improve my English ability.
In the class, I talked about my favorite food, books, and movies in English and professor Ken gave me feedback on my pronunciation, intonation, and expressions.
Also, I listened to CDs in the textbook and practiced shadowing and dictation every day.
The professor recommended me to read English books like Harry Potter to learn new words and improve my reading speed.
I spent a lot of time studying English.
5. Result (5秒-10秒)
As a result, my TOEFL score improved dramatically from 60 to 100. That news made me happy.
演習問題 ②〜⑩
演習問題②
Describe a recent impressive experience.
質問に回答
It is my TOEFL score.
Situation
I am a Japanese businessman and now I am studying English for TOEFL.
Task
But, at first, my TOEFL score was low. It was only 60.
Action
So I joined an English school near Shibuya Station.
その他Actionは回答例①と同じ。
Result
As a result, my TOEFL score improved dramatically from 60 to 100. That experience impressed me a lot.
演習問題③
Which occupation do you think is most rewarding?
- University professor
- Newspaper journalist
- Volunteer worker
質問に回答
It is university professors.
Situation
When I was a university student,
Task
my English proficiency was very low at first.
Action
So, I took English classes to improve my English.
その他Actionは回答例①と同じ。
Result
Thanks to Ken, my English improved dramatically and got a job at an international company.
So, I think the university professor is most rewarding.
演習問題④
Describe your best accomplishment which you thought you could not complete. What made it possible for you to complete it.
質問に回答
It is my TOEFL score.
Situation
When I was a university student, I studied English for TOEFL to study abroad.
Task
However, my TOEFL score was only 60 at first. It seemed impossible to improve my score at first.
Action
So, I took English classes to improve my English.
その他Actionは回答例①と同じ。
Result
Thanks to Ken, my TOEFL score improved dramatically from 60 to 100.
It is my best accomplishment in my life.
演習問題⑤
Which do you prefer? To do several tasks at the same time or to do one task at one time, and do it step by step.
質問に回答
I prefer to do one task at one time.
Situation
I am a Japanese businessman and now I am studying English for TOEFL.
Task
But, at first, my TOEFL score was low. It was only 60.
Action
So I joined an English school near Shibuya Station.
その他Actionは回答例①と同じ。
Result
Thanks to my focus on studying English, my TOEFL score improved dramatically from 60 to 100.
演習問題⑥
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
It’s a waste of time for students to take classes which are not related to their major.
演習問題⑦
Which do you prefer?
To make a plan and prepare for something in advance or just to concentrate on the issue now you are facing.
演習問題⑧
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Friends are the most influential people in your life.
演習問題⑨
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Cell phones have improved our lives.
演習問題⑩
Your friend is planning to take one year off to work before going to university. Do you recommend this? What is an advantage or disadvantage of taking a year off to work before entering university?
基本エピソード② English for Children
演習問題①と解答例
早速だが、以下の問題に15秒で準備し、45秒で答えてほしい。
What is an activity you enjoyed during your childhood?
1. 質問へ解答
I enjoyed learning English.
2. Situation
When I was an elementary student, I joined an English school near my house.
3. Task (ここまで10秒)
But, at first, I did not like English.
4. Action (30秒)
In the class, we watched Disney movies such as Snow White and Lion King and sang Disney songs like Mickey Mouse March to improve our pronunciation.
Also, we sang the ABC song to learn English Alphabets.
We played card games like Uno to learn colors and numbers in English.
We watched English TV shows for kids like sesame street to learn simple words.
5. Result (5秒-10秒)
As a result, it was a lot of fun.
演習問題 ②〜⑩
演習問題②
Talk about a time when a friend or family member helped you in the past.
Describe how the person helped you. Then explain why this was important to you.
質問に回答
My parents helped me learn English.
Situation
When I was an elementary student,
Task
I was not good at English.
Action
I learned English from my mother.
we watched Disney movies such as Snow While and Lion King and sang Disney songs like Mickey Mouse March to improve our pronunciation.
その他Actionは回答例①と同じ
Result
As a result, it was a lot of fun and my English improved dramatically.
演習問題③
If you could have any job or career you wanted, which would you choose and why?
質問に回答
I want to be an English teacher.
Situation
When I was a university student, I joined English clubs
Task
and we sometimes taught English to children.
Action
Actionは回答例①と同じ
Result
As a result, it was a lot of fun. So I want to be an English teacher.
演習問題④
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Students should not be allowed to bring cell phones (mobile phones) into a classroom.
質問に回答
I disagree with this idea.
Situation
When I was an elementary student,
Task
I studied English very hard at school.
Action
Actionは回答例①と同じ
Result
As a result, I was busy studying English and did not have time to use my cell phone.
演習問題⑤
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Children should be required to learn practical skills, such as cooking or personal finance, in addition to academic subjects.
質問に回答
I agree with this idea.
Situation
When I was an elementary student, I studied English hard in addition to academic subjects.
Task
At first, my English was quite poor.
Action
I joined a private English school near my house.
その他のActionは回答例①と同じ
Result
As a result, I got confidence in my English and now working at an international company.
演習問題⑥
Some people prefer living in a big city. Other people prefer living in the countryside, away from urban areas. Which do you think is better?
演習問題⑦
Discuss an important role model for you. Why is this role model important to you?
演習問題⑧
Talk about a special job you have had in the past or would like to have in the future.
演習問題⑨
If you could have any job or career you wanted, which would you choose and why?
演習問題⑩
If your university requires that all students do volunteer work, what kinds of volunteer work do you want to do? Why?
基本エピソード③ Tokyo Disney Land
演習問題①と解答例
早速だが、以下の問題に15秒で準備し、45秒で答えてほしい。
What is an enjoyable activity you did with your family when you were a child?
1. 質問へ解答
It is a field trip to Tokyo Disney Land.
2. Situation
When I was an elementary student
3. Task (ここまで10秒)
My parents sometimes brought me to Tokyo Disney land.
4. Action (30秒)
We enjoyed riding on roller coasters such as Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Space Mountain.
Also, we took pictures with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and took pictures with Donald Duck.
After that, we watched an electrical parade and beautiful fireworks over the magical castle.
At last, we went to gift shops and bought stuffed characters and snacks.
5. Result (5秒-10秒)
As a result, it was a lot of fun.
演習問題 ②〜⑩
演習問題②
Talk about a place you enjoyed going to or visiting when you were a child. Describe the place.
質問に回答
It is Tokyo Disney Land.
Situation
When I was an elementary student,
Task
I went to Tokyo Disney Land with some of my friends.
Action
Actionは回答例①と同じ
Result
As a result, it was a lot of fun.
演習問題③
Talk about a photograph or painting you have seen that was memorable.
質問に回答
It is a picture I took with Mickey Mouse at Tokyo Disney Land.
Situation
I am a Japanese businessman
Task
Last year, I went to Tokyo Disney Land with my girlfriend.
Action
Actionは回答例①と同じ
Result
My favorite picture is the one we took with Mickey Mouse. It is memorable for us.
演習問題④
If friends from another country were going to spend time in your country, what city or place would you suggest they visit?
質問に回答
It is definitely Tokyo Disney Land.
Situation
I am a university student in Tokyo.
Task
Last month, I went to Tokyo Disney Land with my boyfriend.
Action
Actionは回答例①と同じ
Result
It was a lot of fun. I recommend everyone visit that place.
演習問題⑤
Some people enjoy spending their free time alone in activities such as reading, thinking, or writing.
Others enjoy spending their free time in shared activities with other people. Which do you prefer and why?
演習問題⑥
Talk about a popular gathering place in your town where people like to go.
Describe the place and explain why people enjoy going there.
演習問題⑦
Some people prefer living in a big city. Other people prefer living in the countryside, away from urban areas. Which do you think is better?
演習問題⑧
Would you prefer to go to a university in a big city or in a small town? Why?
演習問題⑨
Talk about an important experience that you recently had. Describe what happened and explain why it was important to you.
演習問題⑩
What is an important day for you? Why is it important? What happened?
基本エピソード④ Sushi & Karaoke
演習問題①と解答例
早速だが、以下の問題に15秒で準備し、45秒で答えてほしい。
Which do you prefer? Having a lot of friends or having a few friends?
1. 質問へ解答
I prefer to have a few friends.
2. Situation
I am a businessman in Tokyo and have a stressful job.
3. Task (ここまで10秒)
Last week I went to a sushi restaurant after work with a few close friends, Taro and Hanako.
4. Action (30秒)
We ate sushi like tuna, salmon, and shrimp, and drank beer and Japanese sake, talking a lot of things such as our job and family.
After that, we went to a Karaoke bar and drank more and sang American songs such as the Beatles’ Help and Yesterday.
Also, we sang Michael Jackson’s songs like Black and White.
We danced to music and imitated the moonwalk.
5. Result (5秒-10秒)
As a result, it was a lot of fun, and I relaxed well.
演習問題 ②〜⑩
演習問題②
Choose a place you go to often that is important to you and explain why it is important.
質問に回答
It is a sushi restaurant.
Situation
I am a Japanese businessman and I have a busy and stressful life.
Task
Last weekend, I went to a sushi restaurant near my house with my wife.
Action
We ate many sushi like tuna, salmon, and shrimp, and drank beer and Japanese sake. Also, we ate tempura and soba.
We enjoyed talking a lot of things such as our favorite books and movies.
A staff told us how they chose fresh fish at a fish market every morning. The story was interesting.
Result
As a result, it was a lot of fun and I relaxed.
演習問題③
What do you miss most about your home when you are away? Use specific details in your explanation.
質問に回答
It is a sushi restaurant.
Situation
I am a Japanese businessman and now live in Shanghai.
Task
Last year, I went to a sushi restaurant in downtown Tokyo with my colleagues.
Action
Actionは回答例②と同じ
Result
I miss the sushi restaurant the most now.
演習問題④
If a person plans to travel to your country, that is one thing they should know before they arrive? Why is it important for them to know this?
演習問題⑤
Some people enjoy spending their free time alone in activities such as reading, thinking, or writing. Others enjoy spending their free time in shared activities with other people. Which do you prefer and why?
演習問題⑥
Describe a memorable celebration. Why was it memorable for you? Include specific details in your answer.
演習問題⑦
What activities should university students do to relax? Include specific details in your explanation.
演習問題⑧
Which country or culture do you want to learn about in the future?
演習問題⑨
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is important to learn about other cultures.
演習問題⑩
Some people prefer to spend their free time with family members or friends. Other people prefer to spend their free time alone.
Which do you prefer? Why? Include specific reasons and details in your explanation
基本エピソード⑤ ニューヨークへの妄想旅
演習問題①と解答例
早速だが、以下の問題に15秒で準備し、45秒で答えてほしい。
What place would you like to visit? Explain what you would like to accomplish at this place.
1. 質問へ解答
I would like to visit New York with my girlfriend.
2. Situation
I am a businessman in Tokyo and have a stressful job.
3. Task (ここまで10秒)
We love traveling and have a plan to go to America next summer vacation.
4. Action (30秒)
We want to stay at a luxurious hotel, like Hilton, and enjoy swimming in a pool, having a good breakfast.
We want to visit museums like the Metropolitan Museum and the MoMA and enjoy modern arts such as Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
Also, we would like to go to Broadway musical and watch Cats, Lion King, and Wikid!
Of course, we will visit the Statue of Liberty and buy an I LOVE YORK T-shirt.
5. Result (5秒-10秒)
I am going to have a fun trip and relax.
演習問題 ②〜④
演習問題②
Some people like to gather information about their destination before taking a trip. Other people don’t gather information before a trip. Which do you prefer? Why?
演習問題③
Which do you prefer: spending time with a number of acquaintances or with a few close friends?
演習問題④
Some people work to earn money, other people work for personal satisfaction. Which do you prefer?
基本エピソード⑥ やっててよかった音楽
演習問題①と解答例
早速だが、以下の問題に15秒で準備し、45秒で答えてほしい。
Some people believe it’s essential for a person’s education to learn to play a musical instrument.
Others don’t believe music education is important. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.
1. 質問へ解答
I think it is important for people to learn a musical instrument.
2. Situation
When I was a child, I started learning the piano.
3. Task (ここまで10秒)
When I was a child, I started learning the piano.
4. Action (30秒)
I joined a piano school near my house and learned how to move my fingers effectively.
Also, I practiced the same songs, the same phrases again and again like more than 100 times.
I played piano for 2 hours on weekdays and 4 hours on weekends.
I listened to classical music like Chopin, Liszt, and Beethoven every day.
5. Result (5秒-10秒)
As a result, I became a good pianist. Playing the piano was a lot of fun.
演習問題②〜⑤
演習問題②
Describe a special job that you have had or would like to do.
演習問題③
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Artists and musicians are important to a society
演習問題④
People make friends in many different ways.
What do you think is a good way to make new friends?
演習問題⑤
What activities should university students do to relax?
基本エピソード⑦ やっててよかったスポーツ
演習問題①と解答例
早速だが、以下の問題に15秒で準備し、45秒で答えてほしい。
Talk about a game, sport or other group activity that is played in your country. Explain why you think the activity is enjoyable.
1. 質問へ解答
It is soccer.
2. Situation
When I was an elementary school student, I liked to play soccer and joined a soccer team.
3. Task (ここまで10秒)
At first, I was not a good soccer player.
4. Action (30秒)
Ken, One of my best friends, and I often went to a park with a soccer ball and enjoyed kicking the ball.
After school, we had a team practice. We run around at the playground and practiced passing, drilling, and shooting.
Our coach gave us a lot of feedback and taught us tactics and strategies.
Also, we learned how to coach other students.
On the weekend, we played soccer games against other elementary students.
5. Result (5秒-10秒)
As a result, I became a good soccer player. It was a lot of fun.
演習問題②〜⑤
演習問題②
What is an activity you enjoyed during your childhood?
演習問題③
In your opinion, what should parents do to make sure their children grow up healthy? Why do you think that is effective?
演習問題④
Describe a park or public place in your hometown.
演習問題⑤
What is an important activity to improve your community? How does this activity improve the community you live in?
基本エピソード⑧ ニューイヤーの思い出
演習問題①と解答例
早速だが、以下の問題に15秒で準備し、45秒で答えてほしい。
Describe a memorable celebration. Why was it memorable for you?
1. 質問へ解答
It was a New Years Day.
2. Situation
I am a university student in Tokyo
3. Task (ここまで10秒)
Last New Years Day, I went back to my hometown to celebrate the new year.
4. Action (30秒)
A lot of my relatives gathered at my parents’ house.
We enjoyed eating Japanese food such as sushi, tempura, and soba. Also enjoyed drinking Japanese Sake and beer.
My wife wore Kimono, traditional Japanese clothing, with cherry blossom patterns on it. It was so cute!
Also, we played games like Uno together.
We enjoyed talking about a lot of things such as our current situation and future dreams.
5. Result (5秒-10秒)
It was a lot of fun.
演習問題②〜⑤
演習問題②
Describe a recent party or day celebrated with other people. What was the other person’s reaction?
演習問題③
What is an important day for you? Why is it important? What happened?
演習問題④
What is your happiest childhood memory?
演習問題⑤
Which country or culture do you want to learn about in the future?
その他のアドバイス・コツ
話すアイディアが浮かばない時
イントネーションの重要性
発音の重要性
» 【図解】英語の母音10個の発音のコツを徹底解説!【動画で学ぶ】
»【図解】英語の子音24個の発音のコツを全部解説!【動画で学ぶ】
追加演習問題
TOEFLスピーキングで23点以上を目指す勉強法
下記の記事では、海外経験がないながらTOEFLスピーキング23点以上を獲得した学習者の勉強法を共有している。Task1のIndependent Taskの他、Task2のIntergrated Taskのテンプレートや対策法も解説がある。
ここで紹介した基本戦略が使えるようになり、さらなる高得点を目指す必要がある人は是非参考にしてみよう!
» 非帰国子女が一発で24点を取ったTOEFLスピーキング完全対策
» TOEFL110点、スピーキング28点の私(純ジャパ)が教える対策と勉強法
» 純ジャパがTOEFLスピーキング24点!テンプレートより、英語力をあげる自己訓練
45秒でこの量か…きついな…
焦ってたくさんの話を詰め込むより、ゆっくり、はっきりしゃべったほうが点数はあがりやすいんだよ。
急いで話すと、採点官もこっちがなにを言っているかわからなくなってしまうんだ。
練習を重ねて慣れてくれば、45秒に押さえることができるようになるはず!頑張ろう。
いつも参考になる記事を更新下さり有難う御座います。
105点を目指す場合のSpeakingトレーニング方法として「independent taskの練習を毎日5-10問は行う」とありますが、
その具体的な取り組み方に関して質問させて頂きたく、今回の「基本エピソード① Learn English」で言えば、
演習問題①の回答を覚えた上で、演習問題②-⑩の中から毎日最低5問を何も見ずに回答する練習を繰り返す、との理解で宜しいでしょうか。
まず、ここの表現を覚えるというよりも、自分の経験談から使いやすいエピーソードを持ってきた方が良い。自分の経験談の方が覚えやすいし、応用もしやすい。いつも暗記したものが使える訳ではないので。
また、ここで紹介しているのは入門編(18~23点程度)で、簡単な英語表現を使っているため、高得点を目指す場合は流暢さも意識してみるなどを工夫をした方が良い。下記の記事も一読してみよう。
参考
https://www.path-to-success.net/toefl-speaking-template
https://www.path-to-success.net/toefl-ibt-99-to-109#i-2
また、この10問は英語のエピソードが使えそうな10問を集めてきたので、この10問を完璧にできるようにしてもあまり意味がない。問題も古いし難易度も低め。重要なのはいくつかのエピソード用意して、それをどんな質問にも応用できるようにすることなので、鉄板エピソードができた後は他の練習問題を使おう。
練習問題
https://www.path-to-success.net/toefl-speaking-independent-task
https://www.path-to-success.net/toefl-speaking-2013-2016
また、スピーキングの学習を本格的に行う前に、リスニングとリーディングで26~28点ぐらい取れるようにしておくと100点越えがスムーズになる。
テスト問題が新形式になりquestion1が無くなったと思うのですが、2のみを解くに当たってこの鉄板エピソードは必要だと思われますか?
鉄板エピソードは従来Question1,2の両方に対応するためのものなので、新形式のTOEFLスピーキングでも問題なく使えるよ。
もし、本試験でアイディアがでてこなくて話せないということがあるのであれば、使いやすい鉄板エピソードを用意しておくのはおすすめ!
やっぱり暗記が大切なんですね。
アメリカ人でもトークするときには鉄板ネタとか口論するための方式とかを暗記してるみたいで
その場で考えて全部対応ってのは難しいですね
もちろん丸暗記ではないんですが、やっぱり暗記は必要ですね
頑張るかあ
コメントありがとう!
特に英語に話慣れていない状態だと、「アイディアが浮かばない」「英語が出てこない」の状態になってしまうことが多いので、
ある程度鉄板ネタを用意して応用できるようにするのはおすすめだよ!頑張ろう〜!
にゃんこ先生、いつもお世話になってます。
テンプレ内の情報を駆使して問題に反応するという段階から、
好きなように考えをしゃべるようになるまでにはどんな努力が必要なんですかね?