Often TOEFL aspirants and even TOEFL pass outs are uncertain about the short talk session of their TOEFL exam.
To define, ‘short talk’ of TOEFL exam refers to one of the session in the listening test, where a lecture based audio clip is played for the test taker to listen. Later, a set of questions associated to the audio clip are answered by students in pen and paper/computer mode. It is similar to a reading comprehension where the passage is provided in the form of an audio clip.
The audio clip of TOEFL short talk section is usually a conversation between multiple speakers usually in an academic surrounding like school or education institution.
Depending on the structure of TOEFL test, the number of audios played vary in the TOEFL short talk section. While a minimum of 4 are played, it can extend up to 6 audio clips for each TOEFL examinee.
In TOEFL paper based exam ‘short talk’ happens at the first stage of Listening test, while in TOEFL internet based exam short talk happens in the second half.
Here are 6 simple tips that will make it easy to comprehend and solve the short talk session of TOEFL listening test:
Note taking tip
Once the audio clip is played, makes sure your entire focus is only on what is being played or what you hear. Start taking notes from the very start, so that after the audio ends you can recall the entire clip when it won’t be played. Here taking notes implies marking terminologies, names and jargons that you think stands out of the box or outstands in the passage. Keywords help you to frame answers as well as easily recall answers from the audio clip you heard.
Voice, tone, accent and language
The audio clip of short talk section can be from any part of the world. Its therefore recommended that during the preparatory stage, you get used to foreign dialects and accents. On the TOEFL test day, you should understand the mood, tone and accent of the language used in the audio clip of short talk section. If you are slow to keep a pace with the speed of the audio clip, then completing this section of TOEFL test becomes a difficult by the end.
Relate question and answers
You do not answer while audio clip of short talk section is being played. Answer at the end of listening session. Each of your answer should be backed by academic knowledge and the information you hear in the audio clip. Here you may once again apply the key word strategy but make sure you do not fall out of the context.
Think twice before you do (only for Internet based TOEFL exam)
In the TOEFL internet based exam, there is no option of going back in listening section. So once you finish an answer and before you press the ‘Ok’ button, just cross check in fraction of a second and then you can move forward. In case of any doubt, you can take a call to your action, rework on your answer and then hit ‘Ok’. After hitting ‘Ok’, you have no scope to alter your choice of answer.
Develop a rational and logical connect
Solving the short talk section of TOEFL test is not a mechanical or automated process. You do not answer or select an option just because its relevant or related to the audio clip you heard. Make sure you judge your choice of answer rationally before putting it on paper.
Answer all related questions
The best part about TOEFL listening short talk section is, it does not involve any negative marking. So even if you are absolutely clueless about a specific answer, you can make a guess. A right guess can yield mark while wrong one won’t create any loss in score. It’s better to try than to leave questions unanswered. As there is no negative marking, answer all the questions even if you are not confident about your answer.
The short talk session of TOEFL listening section is not very long, as per the clock. Yet for this small span, do put in your best effort and you will surely bag a good score.
