Reading

Strategy
Read every first sentence of the paragraph in the context to get main ideas

Timing
1st Reading
80 min - 79 min : read the first sentences
79 min - 72:40 min : answer questions 1 - 5
72:40 min - 66:20 min : answer questions 6 - 10
66:20 min - 60 min : answer questions 11 - 14
2nd Reading
60 min - 59 min : read the first sentences
59 min - 52:40 min : answer questions 1 - 5
52:40 min - 46:20 min : answer questions 6 - 10
46:20 min - 40 min : answer questions 11 - 14
3rd Reading
40 min - 39 min : read the first sentences
39 min - 32:40 min : answer questions 1 - 5
32:40 min - 26:20 min : answer questions 6 – 10
26:20 min - 20:00 min : answer questions 11 - 14
4th Reading
20 min - 19 min : read the first sentences
19 min - 12:40 min : answer questions 15 - 19
12:40 min - 6:20 min : answer questions 20 - 24
6:20 min - 0 min : answer questions 25 - 28
Vocabulary Strategy back to top
The word “depressions” in the passage is closest in meaning to

If you know the word:

1)    Choose the answer or answers that match the meaning best.
2)    Read the sentence with the highlighted vocabulary to double check the meaning.
If you don’t know the word:
1) Read the sentence with the word and guess what its meaning could be
2) Eliminate wrong answers
2)    Choose an answer that fits this meaning. (If more than one works, guess fast.)
 
You shouldn’t spend a lot of time on this question no matter what. If you don’t know the
word, more than one answer choice might work and you’ll just waste time thinking. Just
guess and move on to spend your time on a different question.

Notes: The answer that is similar to the word in context is definitely wrong.
 If you guess blind, only choose between B or C
Factual Strategy back to top
According to paragraph 6, why are limestone and sandstone aquifers not being refilled?
According to paragraph 1, what is true about the positions of the massive animals depicted
in the paintings?
 
To score high, you must follow strategy to get to the right information that will lead you to
the right answer.

1)    Read the question to understand what information you are being asked to find.
2)    Identify the key words in the and scan in the reading really fast.
3)    Start reading quickly from the beginning of the paragraph in search of the key words or
synonyms of them.
4)    When you find the key word, remind yourself of the question and read carefully to find
the answer for yourself. 60% of the answers will be found in the sentence with your key
words. 30% will require you to read 1 sentence more. 10% will require you to read 2
sentences more to find the answer.
5)    Once you have identified the answer, compare with the sentence in the text and choose
the one that matches your anticipated answer best.
 
 
Negative Factual Strategy back to top
According to paragraph 5, all of the following are true about the men in the cave paintings
EXCEPT:
  
1)    Read the question to understand what information you are being asked to find.
2)    Identify the key words in the question to search for in the reading.
3)    Start reading quickly from the beginning of the paragraph in search of the key words or
synonyms of them.
4)    When you find the key word, read the sentence and check the answer choices to
determine which you can eliminate. Continue to do this for each answer choice until you
can determine that one is wrong or not mentioned and choose that answer.
5) Since this question takes a lot of time, do this at the very last
Inference Strategy back to top
 
Inference questions are difficult. They usually contain the words infer, imply, or suggest in
the question. Here are a few examples to know when you read one.
 
What can be inferred in paragraph 7 about shallow aquifers?
What is implied in the theory mentioned in paragraph 3 about the fact that some paintings
in Lascaux are drawn directly over others?
 
1)    Read the question to understand what information you are being asked to find.
2)    Identify the key words in the question to search for in the reading.
3)    Start reading quickly from the beginning of the paragraph in search of the key words or
synonyms of them.
4)    When you find the key word, remind yourself of the question and read carefully to find
the answer for yourself. Ask yourself, what does this imply that must be true? 60% of the
answers will be found in the sentence with your key words. 30% will require you to read 1
sentence more. 10% will require you to read 2 sentences more to find the answer.
5)    Once you have identified the answer, check the answer choices and choose the one that
matches your anticipated answer best.
6)    If you don’t find the answer right away, keep asking yourself: what must be true from
this sentence that isn’t stated directly.
Reference Strategy back to top
The word “them” in paragraph 4 refers to:

Here’s the strategy.

1)    Determine whether the pronoun is singular or plural.
2)    Identify all of the nouns in the sentence before the pronoun that match in number
(singular or plural)
3)    Choose the one that fits the meaning of the sentence best.
4)    Find that noun among your answer choice and choose it.
Sentence Insertion Strategy back to top
1)    Read the sentence carefully to identify what it’s saying and the key words within it.
2)    Read the paragraph and find the sentence that contains key words from the plug-in.
3)    Use pronouns in your plug-in sentence to determine where your sentence belongs.
4)    If that’s not enough. Identify words such as however, consequently, therefore, etc.
( Transition Words ) to determine whether your sentence continues the idea or begins the
idea.
5) Have a correct understanding of the situation
6)    Finally, read through the paragraph with your answer in place and double check that it
makes sense.
Sentence Simplification back to top
Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted
sentence in the passage? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave
out essential information.
 
1)    Read the main independent clause and nothing else. Understand the subject, verb, and
object.
2) Break the sentence down piece by piece. They usually use complex sentences with many
parts--adjective clauses, adverb clauses, and so on. Don’t read the whole highlighted
sentence and then try to choose the answer.
3) Eliminate unimportant informations ( examples, … )
2)    Read through the answer choices and eliminate any answer that does not state this
information exactly.
3)    Read the next clause in the highlighted sentence carefully.
4)    Read through the answer choices and eliminate any answer that does not state this
information exactly. Wrong answers are missing information, wrong information and
irrelevant information
5)    Continue this process until only one answer is left.
Rhetorical Purpose Strategy back to top
Why does the passage mention in paragraph 5 the fact that the exact extent of groundwater
resources is still unknown?

1)    Read the question to understand what you’re being asked. 

2)    Identify the key words.
3)    Read the appropriate paragraph and find those key words or synonyms of them.
4)    Read the sentence and understand that the purpose of the statement in the question
was to explain the content of the sentence before.
5) Look at the sentence before it.
5)    Look for any adverbs that will help you to identify the relationship between your key
words and the content before it.
6)    Now, choose an answer choice that reflects the information in the sentence before.
Summary Strategy back to top
This is the only kind of summary question that we have ever seen on the TOEFL. The
strategy to answer these questions quickly and accurately is intricate (which means
complex), so pay careful attention and review these steps often. They will only help
improve your score once you master them.
 
1)    First, review the structure of the reading on your own. Explain to yourself how it is
organized to remind you of the important information.
2)    Read the question carefully and see if the sentence in bold gives you a clue as to what
the answer choices might be.
If it states something about 3 theories, it’s easy to know that you must choose 3 answer
choices among the 6 that describe 3 theories mentioned in the reading.
3)    Read your first answer choice to understand what it states and find its key words.
4)    Scan through the reading until you find the key words or synonyms of them and read
the sentences they are found in.
5)    Determine whether that answer choice is a summary, detail, or wrong answer. Use the
following method to do so.
(1)    If an answer choice is a summary, the answer choice restates information found
within the topic sentence of the paragraph, the first sentence. That’s a good choice.
(2)    If the answer choice deals with a sentence that is not the first, it is a detail. It is
therefore not a good choice. You must choose answers that summarize important points in
the passage and not just minor points mentioned in one sentence that is not the topic
sentence.
(3)    If the answer choice describes content that is not found in the reading or is wrong
according to the reading, of course, eliminate it.
6)    After your analysis, you should be left with 3 summary answer choices. They will be
your answer.
7)     If you are left with 4 summary answer choices, read the sentence in bold in the
question and eliminate the answer choice that doesn’t directly deal with the topic sentence.
8)     If you are left with 2 summary answer choices and 2 detail answer choices, read the
sentence in bold in the question and eliminate one of the detail answer choices that deals
with the topic sentence least.
 
Schematic Table

1) Categorize the type of reading: Contrast, Classification, Problem & Solution, Cause &
Effect
2) Take notes about features of what the question is asking you
3) Looking for words in the answer choice and scan really fast . Make sure you
recognize the same idea with different words.
4) Eliminate answers which are irrelevant or do not belong to any categories in the
passage.
TOEFL Listening Sets back to top
 You will go through the listening section in sets of 3. Each set contains the following: 
    1 conversation: 3-5 minutes between a man and a woman
    1 lecture: 4-6 minutes of a professor delivering a speech by him- or herself
     1 discussion lecture: 4-6 minutes of a professor interacting with students
Symbol / Abbreviation Meaning
&, + and
> greater than, better than
< smaller than, worse than
@ at
= is/are, agrees with ~, is the same as ~
” ditto (is the same as ~), agrees with ~
≠ is/are not, disagrees with ~, is different from ~
O good, correct, yes
✓ good, correct, yes
X bad, wrong, no
Ø bad, wrong, no
? question, maybe, unsure, confused
→ become ~, to, toward
← revert (back to) ~, away from, before
↑ increase, rise, high(er), better
↓ decrease, fall, low(er), worse
MI, MP main idea, main point
b/c because
w/ with
w/o without
ex. example
aka, AKA also known as, in other words
Sp. 1, Sp. A Speaker 1, Speaker A
Sp. 2, Sp. B Speaker 2, Speaker B
M male (speaker)
F female (speaker)
S, stu. student
P, prof. professor
 
You will have the following number of questions for each listening:
 1 conversation: 5 questions
1 lecture: 6 questions
 1 discussion lecture: 6 questions
 That’s a total of 17. You will have 10 minutes to complete these 10 questions.
Integrated Writing ( > 350 Words )
What to expect
1st: you will be given 3 minutes to read an article.
2nd: you will hear a lecture that lasts about 2 minutes.
3rd: you will be asked a question about the lecture and the article.
4th: you will be given 20 minutes to write an essay; you can see the article again during this
time.
5th: the computer will save your essay and move to the next question not make grammar
mistakes
Do not copy from the reading passage
Strategy
Reading
- Read the last sentence of 1st Para  THE TOPIC
- 1st sentence of 1st PARA  1st READING TOPIC
- 1st sentence of 2nd PARA  2nd READING TOPIC
- 1st sentence of 3rd PARA  3rd READING TOPIC

Listening : Try to listen more than to take notes

Listening
Theory and evidence: The professor introduces a theory and provides various pieces of
evidence to support it.
Cause and effect: This type of lecture focuses on the cause of something (such as an event,
discovery, or scientific phenomenon) and its different effects.
Steps of a process: In this style, the professor introduces a process and the chronological
steps involved in it (usually using transitions such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.).
Comparison of two things: A lecture that focuses on two different concepts’ similarities and
differences.
Main Idea questions

How the question is worded

Lecture

What is the main topic of the lecture ?

What is the lecture mainly about?

Conversation

Why does the student go to see the professor ?

Why did the professor ask the students ?

Strategy
Listen very carefully to the beginning of the passage.
Recognize key words

Pay attention to words behind these expressions

Lecture:
I’d like to talk about
Today we are focusing on
Today I’d like to continue our discussion on

Conversation
I was wondering if
I was just coming to tell you
The correct answer must not be too general, to specific

Purpose questions

How the question is worded

Why does he/she + Verb

Strategy

Understand the situation for having a lecture or a conversation

Avoid non – specific answer that are too general

Specific Detail Questions

According to the professor, who/when/which/how/…

What does the professoe suggest to …
Which of the following are true about X ?
Strategy:
The test will not ask about minor ideas
Major ideas include
Definitions, Ideas, Concepts
Features, Cause, Effect
New facts, reasons, results, …
The correct answer is often paraphrase. Don’t just choose the answer with the same word
you hear.
Function Questions ( Replay )
What does the author imply when he/she says this
Strategy:
Understand the situation
The following words are likely to appear in answer choices
Ask, inquire, urge, request
Indicate, suggest, imply
Point out, remind, verify
Explain, introduce, emphasize
Attitude Questions
What is the author’s altitude toward X ?
Strategy:
Take notice of the speaker tone
Take careful consideration on adjectives and adverbs ( want, prefer, absolutely, definitely,
ridiculous, … )

Organization Questions
How does the author desbcribe Hugo Lorries ?
Strategy
Pay attention to these words:
List: First, Second, Third, …
Chronology: First, Then, Next, Finally, After, Previously, Prior to,…
Effect: Because of, Due to, As a result of, Thus, …
Comparison: Similarly, Likewise, …
Connecting Content Questions
In the lecture, the professor describes X. Indicate whether or not each of the following is
mentioned ( Click in the box )
Match each of the following with appropiate features.
Put the following events in order.
Strategy:
These questions are likely to come up when the speaker talks about multiple concepts or
categories.Take careful notes of these categories, their characteristic and examples

Inference Questions

What does the professor imply about X ?

What can be inferred about the student ?
Strategy
The answer must have the evidence stated in the passage, not on your own thinking
Collect facts, combine them to reach the conclusion
Pay attention to the end of the listening and the questions that have words not included in
the listening
Writing
How to read

1st: you will be given 3 minutes to read an article.

2nd: you will hear a lecture that lasts about 2 minutes.
3rd: you will be asked a question about the lecture and the article.
4th: you will be given 20 minutes to write an essay; you can see the article again during this
time.
5th: the computer will save your essay and move to the next question.

Taking Notes

passage lecture

<idea in para1> <how lecture refutes the point>

<idea in para2> <how lecture refutes the point>

<idea in para3> <how lecture refutes the point>

- Take notes in your own language: Vietnamese

- Do not spend too much time on the introduction
Paraphrasing Skills
1.Synonym
He declined to discuss the details of his plans
 He refused to talk about the details of his plans
2. Change Word Form
I would like to make a comparison between the charts
 I would like to compare betwwen the charts
3. Change Voice
You should take advantage of your chances
 Your chances should be taken advantage of
4. Word order
Before leaving for work in the morning, he always waters the plant
 He always waters the plant before leaving for work in the morning
5. ‘’ It is ‘’ structure
You make me failed
 It is you that make me failed.
6. Double negative
Legal  not illegal
7.Change phrase into clause
While John was studying at Havard University
 During his years at Havard University

Template
The reading and the listening are both focusing on a common topic pertaining to THE
TOPIC, but the listening casts doubt on the reading at 3 main points. The following essay
attempts to identify these differences in order to establish an objective view of the
situation. 

To begin with, the reading points out that 1st PARA TOPIC. It is mentioned in the reading
that SD1. However, the lecturer refuses to accept the writer’s idea by saying that 1st
LECTURE TOPIC. Specifically, SD1. Clearly a disparity exists between the article and the
evidence exhibited by the professor. As a result, we can safely assume that, SD2.

Next, the writer contends that 2nd PARA TOPIC. The lecturer, on the other hand, opposes
the writer’s argument and says that This statement is a stretch based on the assertion that
2nd LECTURE TOPIC. To illustrate, She puts forth the idea that SD1. Therefore, SD2.

Finally, the reading emphasizes that 3rd PARA TOPIC. In fact, the article clearly notes that
SD1. On the contrary, the lecture shows that stated in this way, the article manipulates facts
and conveys a distorted view of the situation and claims that 3rd LECTURE TOPIC. She
elaborates on this by clarifying that _____________, SD1. As a consequence, SD2.
In a nutshell, although both the reading and the lecture provide fascinating information
with regards to THE TOPIC, we find that both positions are very contradictory. In general,
the professor have successfully pointed out the flaws in the reading and effectively
challenged all the claims made in the article.

Timing
1st Para : 18,5 minutes
2nd Para : 15 minutes
3rd Para : 12 minutes
4th Para : 9 minutes
5th Para : 8 minutes

1st : you will be given a question that asks for your opinion.
2nd : you will have 30 minutes to prepare and write your essay in response to the question.
3rd : the computer will save your essay and you will complete the test.

Task 2 : Independent Writing

Nowadays, there have been endless discussions over ____________. Certainly, some people if
asked would agree with the statement while others would mention that the question
depends on a great deal of factors. It seems, in many cases, very difficult for us to decide
whether to agree or not because both of them have their advantages and disadvantages
( true and false ). Yet, that does not mean they are all the same to me. As far as I’m
concerned, I adopt a firm position that ____ and I strongly approve / disapprove of the
statement.

First and Foremost, what I put in my priority is _________. ….. .As a result, ________.
Furthermore, it would be fair to clarify that _________ is another essiential factor
contributing to this essence. From my personal standpoint, I have to say that ________. As a
consequence, ______________. …..By and large, __________________ definitely plays a huge role in
__________( is definitely a crucial factor in ________ )

Secondly. I would like to point out that skill development ranks an equal place in the
essence. To begin with, what convinces me is ___________. As the matter of fact, _______, they
are bound to be surrounded by all kind of troubles. With this in mind, needless to say,
( people) ____________ have to think deeply, conduct their self – analysis and carefully
consider the situation in order to make the most precise decision. In addition, it is without
doubt that they will come up with the best solution to overcome these troubles and
naturally enhance their problem – solving skill. The second thing that draws much of my
attention is time management skill. Obviously, it is well noted that __________ requires _______
(people ) to engage in a buttload of work at a fast – paced environment. Because of this,
everyone is so much busier and they know they still have a lot to deal with their lives. As a
result, in order to finish their tasks in the fastest and most effiencient way, they have to
schedule and organize their time wisely. Surely, their time – management skills will
dramatically improve overtime. This sets the first foundation for the future career
(academic performance ). Beyond any doubt, ____________ is going to sharpen the basic skills
you need in your daily life.

[The second thing that draws much of my attention is Comunication skill. Obviously, it is
well noted that __________ requires _______ (people ) to co – operate with a lot of people.
However, in a group of people, one is different from the other in many aspects. As a result,
in order to finish their tasks in the fastest and most effiencient way, they have to learn how
to work in harmony. Surely, their communication skills will dramatically improve overtime.
This sets the first foundation for the future career (academic performance ). Beyond any
doubt, ____________ is going to sharpen the basic skills you need in your daily life.]

On the other hand, some people may argue that it it ____________ for many _________ to
_____________ since. Consequently, their future is likely to be ruined. However, this is not
necessary the case. Due to the fact that __________________, the chance for this to happen is
very small. Furthermore, it is apparent that _____________....... In response, this is certain to
lead them to a brighter future. At the final analysis ________________ is by all means a great
idea without flaws.

To sum up, __________ and skills development are convincing reasons for my approval /
disapproval. Although the methodology I used for this essay was rather simple and
inadequate, it is strongly recommended by experts that everyone should take my writing
into detailed consideration to make the most suitable decision on ___________________ (Topic).

Timing
Outline: 28 minutes
1st Para : 26 minutes
2nd Para : 20 minutes
3rd Para : 14 minutes
4th Para : 8 minutes
5th Para : 6 minutes
Double Check : 0 minute

Speaking
Question 1 ( > 115 words ): ( Experience, Choose among 3, Advice )

Outline 
1st: you will hear a question that asks for your opinion.
2nd: you will be given 15 seconds to prepare your answer.
3rd: you will be given 45 seconds to record your answer.
4th: the computer will save your response and go to the next question
 Preparation time: 15 seconds
Response time: 45 seconds
Your 15-second Preparation Time back to top
During your 15 seconds, organize your thoughts by writing down the three words that will
form the base of your speech on your scratch paper:
 
1st: your answer
2nd: support/reason 1 (part 1 of your response)
3rd: support/reason 2 (part 2 of your response)
Example Notes
 
Answer: passion
Reason 1: motivates students
Reason 2: motivates teacher
 

Start when the instructor is talking about the topic of the question  20s
Scratch paper cheat notes : money, education, experience, emotion, environment,
science, medicine, knowledge . . .
Timing
What to explain   General Example  Timing
1st:  In my view . . .
1st: Answer Finish 1st by 37s
I feel this way for two reasons.
2nd: Support 1  
2nd: First, . . .
3rd: Details Finish 3rd by 20s
3rd: For example, . . .
4th: Support 2  
4th: Second, . . .
5th: Details Finish 5th by 3s
5th: For instance, . . .
6th: Conclusion    Finish 6th by 0s
6th: That’s why . . .   
Types of questions:
No description
Best / Most / Favorite

Question 2 ( > 115 words ): ( preference, agree / disagree ( rare ) )

Type three questions consist of a reading (announcement or letter) part and a listening
(conversation) part.  
1st: you will hear a question, which will be made up of about 20-30 words.
2nd: you will be given 15 seconds to prepare your answer.
3rd: you will be given 45 seconds to record your answer.
4th: the computer will save your response and go to the next question
Question types : Choose between 2
Your 15-second Preparation Time 

Timing
What to explain How to explain it  Timing 
1st: Answer 1st:  In my view . . . for two reasons. Finish 1st by 37s
 2nd: 1st Reason 2nd: First, . . .  
3rd: Support 3rd: For example, . . . Finish 3rd by 20s
4th: 2nd Reason 4th: Second, . . .  
5th: Support 5th: For instance, . . . Finish 5th by 3s
6th: Conclusion   6th: That’s why . . .    Finish 6th by 0s

Question 3 : ( > 150 words ) Change on campus

Outline
The Reading
The reading part is about 100 words long, and students are given 45 or 50 seconds to read
it and take notes. It usually takes the form of:
 An article in a campus newspaper
 A letter published in a campus newspaper
 An announcement from the university administration
The Listening (Conversation)
The conversation is always between a male student and a female student. It is about 60 to
80 seconds in length. One of the students  has a strong opinion on the topic of the reading
part. The other is more passive but sometimes responds to the points made by the stronger
student.
The structure of the conversation is usually:
 Introduction of the topic (something like “Hey, did you see this…”)
 First reason for the strong opinion
 Reaction from the other speaker
 Second reason for the strong opinion
 Reaction from the second speaker
Note, however, that the conversation will not just have five lines. Each of the parts may be
revealed in several lines.
 
1st: you will be given 45 or 50 seconds to read a short passage of about 100 words.
2nd: you will hear a conversation between a man and a woman.
3rd: you will be asked a question about the conversation.
4th: you will be given 30 seconds to prepare your response.
5th: you will then have 60 seconds to record your response.
6th: the computer will save your response and go to the next question
Reading time: 30 seconds
Preparation time: 30 seconds
Response time: 60 seconds
Understading the R

Types of lectures
1st way 2nd way
Change Reason 1
Reason 1 Change
 Reason 2 Reason 2

Find reasons in the reading

Pay attention to these words : also, furthermore, in addition, moreover, second,
another reason, and so on.

Listening notes
Man Woman
bad decision  
  you're not affected
already plenty, likes it, learn  
variety of subjects, but with new    
req. = too many true, a lot
   
no time graduate diversity?
   
really want increase diversity,  
accept more int. students not good point
science majors

Write every information you can hear

After you read, you will have some extra seconds to hear the instructor. Use this time to
organize your notes.
Prepare your notes
1st: Circle the words that state the change on campus.
2nd: Circle the words that state the student’s opinion.
3rd: Circle the words that state the first reason for that opinion.
4th: Circle the words that state the second reason for that student’s opinion.

Example notes :
Timing :
What to explain How to explain it Timing
1st:  The reading states that. . . and
1st: The change
provides two reasons for it.
  Finish 1st by 51s
2nd: The man’s/woman’s opinion is
2nd: The opinion  
that. . . and supports/opposes each
  Finish 2nd by 43s
reason.
  Finish 3rd by 23s
3rd: First, he/she explains that . . .
3rd: 1st reason Finish 4th by 3s
4th: Second, he/she states that . . .
4th: 2nd reason Finish 5th by 0s
5th: That’s why the man/women feels
5th: Conclusion
that. . .

Question 4 : > 140 words ( 30s / 60s ) Definition of something

The Reading Part
The reading part is about 100 words. It takes the form of a very short academic article.
Students are given either 45 or 50 seconds to read it. The topic or the article is something
that might appear in a freshman university textbook. The topics are most often related
to:
 Biology
 Psychology
 Business
The structure of the reading is usually:
 A clear and specific title
 An introduction (1-3 sentences that clearly state the topic of the reading)
 Details (3-5 sentences that elaborate on the topic)
The Listening Part (Lecture)
The lecture provides more specific information about the topic of the reading. It lasts about
2-3 minutes, and is usually one of the following:
 Two specific examples of the topic discussed in the reading.
 Two personal examples (from the lecturer’s life) that relate to the topic of the
reading
 One specific example of the topic discussed in the reading (the example will have
two clear features, however)
 One personal example of the topic discussed in the reading (the example will have
two clear features, however).
The structure of the lecture is usually:
 An introduction of the example or examples that will be discussed (1-3 sentences)
 The first example/features + details (5-8 sentences)
 The second example/feature + details (5-8 sentences)

Reading time: 30s

Preparation time: 30 seconds
Response time: 60 seconds

- Outline 
- 1st: you will be given 45 or 50 seconds to read a short passage of about 100 words.
- 2nd: you will hear a lecture that lasts a little over 1-½ minutes.
- 3rd: you will be asked a question about the lecture.
- 4th: you will be given 30 seconds to prepare your response.
- 5th: you will then have 60 seconds to record your response.
- 6th: the computer will save your response and go to the next question
Topic : The title of the passage
Definition: The paragraph
In the passage, only find 1 sentence that define the topic. Look for that sentence by
searching for a sentence with the title in it. This sentence may have a pronoun such as it or
this that refers to the sentence. Copy exact the sentence in the passage.
To make the biggest impact on your score, with any time you have left before the listening
starts, anticipate what the lecture will be about.
The notes you take should focus on the key points that show how the example illustrates
the definition
 Prepare your notes
 
1st: Circle the topic (the title of the reading passage)
2nd: Circle the words that define the topic (from the reading passage)
3rd: Circle the words from the lecture
4th: Cross out unimportant details
5th: Cross out notes you can't understand or explain as you draw your circles

Here’s the most important part: cross out the words from your notes that add detail but do
not provide important points that show how the example in the lecture illustrates the
definition in the passage. Let me show you how.
-

-
Secret for perfect score :
Use transition words intelegently
Repeat the definition after the first example
 Perfect Answer
 
(step 1) The article discusses sustainability,
(step 2) which the passage defines as the use of limited resources to reduce
negative effects on the environment.
(step 3) The lecture provides an example of a printing company to illustrate
this.
(step 4) The professor explains that most printing companies don’t care about
the negative effects their practices have on the environment. She describes a
unique printing company that does care. It manages limited resources to
reduce its negative impact. For example, this company uses recycled paper.
When it can’t, it buys paper from companies that use sustainable practices, such
as planting a tree for each tree used to make paper. Most companies use toxic
inks that add air pollution. In contrast, this company uses non-toxic inks that
don’t. Finally, glue can damage recycling machines, so the printing company
limits its use of harmful glue.
(step 5) And so, this company clearly illustrates sustainability.
 
This response has 143 words and would earn a perfect score: (30/30)

-
Timing
What to explain  How to explain it  Timing
1st:  The article discusses . . .
1st: title  
2nd: which the passage defines as . . . 
2nd: definition  
3rd: The professor provides an
3rd:transition Finish 3rd by 40s
example of . . . to illustrate this.
   
4th: He/She explains that. . . 
4th: lecture Finish 4th by 3s
5th: And so, this example clearly
5th: conclusion Finish 5th by 0s
illustrates. .

Question 5: ( 30s / 60s ) Problem 1 student is having ( > 150 words )

Outline
 
1st: you will hear a 1 to 2 minute conversation between two students
2nd: you will be asked a question about the conversation
3rd: you will be given 20 seconds to prepare your response
4th: you will then have 60 seconds to record your response
5th: the computer will save your response and go to the next question
 Example Notes
 
  Man Woman
Accptd top-choice
Problem   school. Not enough
    financial aid
     
Solution 1 Apply for schlrshps,  
  with your grades  
  easy Fnls coming up, not
Response (+/-)   enough time
  Use extra money,  
  rent, food, books  
     
Solution 2   Accptd to other
  Attnd diff school w/ good schools
Response (+/-) more fin. aid   Best teachers at top
choice
 
Prepare your notes (part 1)
 
1st: Circle all of the words that describe the problem
2nd: Circle all of the words that state the first solution
3rd: Circle all of the words that state the second solution
Prepare your notes (part 2)
 
4th: write AS next to the negative response to solution one
5th: write AS next to the positive response to solution two
6th: write ET next to the positive response to solution one
7th: write ET next to the negative response to solution two

( ET : Even though. AS : as the ________ said )

Example:
Even though positive for solution one, as the student said, negative for solution one.
Even though negative for solution two, as the student said, positive for solution two.
Notes
 What to explain How to explain it   Timing
1st: The woman is having a hard time
because … so she doesn’t really know
what to do
2nd: …. The students go back and forth
1st: the problem  
about 2 solutions.
2nd: the transition  
3rd: First of all , . . .
3rd: first solution  
4th: ( and ) Second, . . .
4th: second  
5th: You know …..In this situation, i
solution Finish 4th by
guess …. If I were in this situation, I
5th: your opinion 25 - 30s
would probably choose the second
   
solution.
6th: first reason  
6th: The first solution is a terrible idea .
   
I would never choose the first because
7th: second reason Finish 7th by 3s.
even though. . . as the woman said. . .
   
7th: The second solution is much much
8th: conclude Finish 8th by 0s.
better because even though. . . as the
woman said. . .    
8th: That's really why I would advise
her with the second solution.
 
If you don’t hear 2 solutions ( Rare )
Giang’s Template
 Question 6 ( 30s / 60s ) ( > 150 words )
Outline
 
1st: you will hear a 1-½ to 2-½ minute lecture
2nd: you will be asked a question about the lecture
3rd: you will be given 20 seconds to prepare your response
4th: you will then have 60 seconds to record your response
5th: the computer will save your response and go to the writing section
Preparation time: 20 seconds
Response time: 60 seconds
1st paragraph: introduces a general topic (that can be divided into two subtopics) and
defines or explains it
2nd paragraph: introduces the first subtopic, defines or explains it, and provides an
example to illustrate it
3rd paragraph: introduces the second subtopic, defines or explains it, and provides an

Example Perfect Notes

 
Topic: mammals internal temp 36-38
thermoregulation maintains
1st subtopic: insulating power of fat
explanation: envir. colder
counteracts heat loss
example: whale
fat=blubber under skin
keeps warm when in cold
2nd subtopic: evaporative cooling,
explanation: envir. hotter
water evaporates => cools
example: rodents want 40
outside 50
spread saliva
evap => cools
example to illustrate it
 
Prepare your notes
 
What to explain
1st: Draw How the
a circle around to explain
words thatit discuss the main topic. Timing
2nd: Draw a circle around
1st: Thetheprofessor
words that describe. the
discusses. first subtopic.
, which
3rd: Draw a topic
1st: general circle around
he/she the wordsasthat
defines . . . describe the first example.
4th: Draw a circle around the words
2nd: He/She that describe
describes the second subtopic.
two kinds.
5th: Draw a circle
2nd: transition around the words
3rd: First, . . . that describe the second example.
6th: Finish 2nd by 44s
3rd: Cross out 30 - 40%
first subtopic 4th:ofThe
theprofessor
least important details.
provides an
Finish 4th by 22s
4th: example example of . . . to illustrate this.
5th: second 5th: Second, . . .
subtopic 6th: The professor provides an
Finish 6th by 3s
6th: example example of. . . to illustrate this.
Finish 7th by 0s
7th: conclusion 7th: And that's how the professor
describes . . .
Example Perfect Notes
Topic: mammals internal temp 36-38
thermoregulation maintains
1st subtopic: insulating power of fat
explanation: envir. colder
counteracts heat loss
example: whale
fat=blubber under skin
keeps warm when in cold
2nd subtopic: evaporative cooling,
explanation: envir. hotter
water evaporates => cools
example: rodents want 40
outside 50
spread saliva
evap => cools

 Cross out 2 or 3 unimportant details ( examples )

Perfect Answer
 
(step 1) The professor discusses thermoregulation, which she defines as the
process that animals use to keep their internal temperature constant.
(step 2) She explains two types.
(step 3) The first is the insulating power of fat. An animal uses this to counteract
heat loss.
(step 4) The professor discussed whales to illustrate this. Whales have
insulating fat called blubber under their skin. When the surrounding water is
much colder, this blubber helps keep the whales warm.
(step 5) The second is evaporative cooling. An uses this to avoid absorbing too
much heat. The professor explains that when water evaporates, it cools the
surface.
(step 6) She discussed rodents to illustrate this. Rodents want an internal
temperature of 40 degrees, and their environment can reach 50 degrees. To keep
cool, rodents spread saliva across their bodies. As the saliva evaporates, it cools
the rodents, which helps keep their internal temperatures’ constant.
(step 7) And that's how the professor describes thermoregulation.
 
This response has 154 words and would earn a good score: (30/30)