This Tactic Will Increase Your TOEFL Speaking Score By 50%
Studies show that using idioms can help you score higher for TOEFL Speaking.
Why?
Idioms are an integral part of the English language and if you can demonstrate that you use idioms naturally and appropriately when speaking, it is a sign that you have strong communication skills in English.
So we encourage students to learn a few idioms that they think they can use in the TOEFL Speaking section.
Before we get started, for anyone who is not familiar with the TOEFL exam, here is a basic introduction (If you already know what about the structure of the TOEFL exam you can skip this part)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL test is a widely respected English language test known throughout the world. This test is recognized by many universities and colleges in more than 130 countries which include the USA, the UK, Canada and Australia.
You can register online, or by phone or by mail to do this test. You can practice online anywhere as long as you have internet connection. There are four parts to this test with each test measuring different language skills.
TOEFL Reading Test
The Reading section involves reading 3 to 5 passages with each one being approximately 700 words in length with topics found at an English-speaking university. The questions relate to cause and effect situations, comparing and contrasting situation and arguments.
Students who take this exam must answer questions about the main points of the passage, essential information contained within these passages, vocabulary and main ideas.
TOEFL Listening Test
The Listening section involves the student answering questions on 6 different passages, with each passage being 3 – 5 minutes of duration. Each passage is heard only once and notes may be taken by the person doing the test.
These passages are either conversation or lecture based with 5 questions being asked on the conversation passages and six questions being asked on the lecture passages. Answers must show the student’s ability to understand the main details, ideas and information of the passages.
TOEFL Speaking Test
The Speaking section involves six tasks. In the 2 independent tasks, the examinees will answer giving their opinions on family day to day tasks. In the integrated tasks, these include reading a passage and answering questions thereon.
Examinees need to be able to show ability in speaking English giving the correct answers and conveying the information required.
TOEFL Writing Test
The Writing section gives the examinee the chance to write in a ‘university or school’ like setting and involves two tests. One of these tests is an integrated task whereby the examinee reads a passage on a certain academic topic followed by the speaker discussing what was in the passage.
Then the examinee has to write a “precis” stating the important facts and details of the passage. In the independent task, the examinee has to write a story (or essay) giving their opinion or choice with explanations as to their opinion together with reasons and/or choices.
All these TOEFL tests are internet based but paper-based testing is still used in certain areas. These tests can be taken within one to four weeks of applying in the majority of countries.
How can I use Idioms to raise TOEFL Speaking scores?
So back to our main point – how can we use idioms to improve TOEFL Speaking scores.
TOEFL speaking sections tests how fluent you are in speaking the language.
When you enroll in an university program (PhD or Masters) you need to be able to communicate with native English speakers.
If you are in Business school, you may have to do an internship at a company, where your English speaking skills will be critical for your performance.
Even if you are a researcher or a scientist, you will need to present your findings at conferences.
Showing your knowledge of idioms is a great way to show your Spoken English proficiency at the TOEFL exam.
Of course, if you over do this tactic and use too many idioms, it will back fire. For example, if you start using idioms in every sentence that will definitely lower your TOEFL speaking score.
So please don’t over do it! Forcing an idiom in a place it does not fit in is not a sign of a fluent English speaker.
Remember, the best way to get a high TOEFL Speaking score is to improve English Speaking overall. You can’t just learn English speaking specific to the TOEFL Speaking section. You have to go beyond memorizing grammar and vocabulary and start practicing with Native English Speakers. That’s the only way to guarantee a great TOEFL score.
Worried about TOEFL Speaking? We can help.
How about using idioms in the TOEFL Writing section?
Our advise is not to use idioms in the writing section for TOEFL. Idioms are very conversational in nature and hence native English speakers don’t typically use idioms in written English.
To make things even more easier for you we created the top 10 idioms we think you can use in the TOEFL Speaking exam.
Of course, this list will vary depending on how you structure your ideas and what the topic of discussion is. Our goal is to give you a starting point 🙂
Get off the ground
To get a good start
Example: The hardest thing about starting a business is getting it off the ground
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Take for granted
Accept something as you deserve it, without valuing it
Example: We take clean water for granted in the first world, but there are so many people around the world with no access to any clean water.
Jazz up
To brighten up
Example: The party was very dull until Adam jazzed it up with his dance moves.
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Slowdown
Period of lesser activity
Example: The government expects the current slowdown in the economy to end by the end of the year.
Get ones ducks in a row
To get everything in order
Example: Mrs Jones got all his ducks in a row for the party
Matter of life and death
A situation of great importance
Example: The experiment was a matter of life and death for the scientist. He know it was his last hope to getting funded.
Give it your best shot
Try your best
Example: I know getting admission to a top university is hard but I wanted to give it my best shot.
Comes with the territory
Is expected
Example: Mary felt a lot of pressure after getting promoted to the head of her department, but she knew it came with the territory.
Stepped up to the plate
To take responsibility
Example: Kim’s parents felt it was time for Kim to step up to the plate and improve her grades.
Stand the gaff
To stand rough treatment
Example: You can’t run for senate if you can’t stand the gaff.
What other English exams can we help with?
TOEFL Speaking is not the only exam we can help with.
We have specialized teachers who are experts of IELTS and various Cambridge exams.
More about those exams here
