2017-02-10 TOEFL: speaking 6, ind writing

Greg Malivuk
[email protected]
http://www.pastebin.com/u/gmalivuk - notes from all classes
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Puzzle: Where does ‘Z’ go, and why?
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Homework: Handout p. 91-94 - Read the passage and answer the questions
	Optional: finish the T/F section of the handout
1 b
2 a
3 a
4 b
5 c
6 a
7 d
8 a
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Speaking Task 6
In general, a response to task 6 will have these parts:
1 Explain the topic and main idea of the lecture (possibly with some description, as in the mass migration example): “The professor talks about mass migrations of people in the nineteenth century.”
2 Lead-in: “The professor explains three reasons for the migrations.” / “The professor describes two studies that support this theory.” / “The professor gives a couple examples of types of …”
3 First point: “The first reason is…”
4 Detail
5 Second point
6 Detail
(If there’s a third main point, your details will be simpler and shorter.)
(7 Conclusion - if there’s time and if it fits with the format)
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p. 461 question 6 - Listen and take notes. Then take 5 minutes with your partner to prepare a “perfect” response.
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Cambridge p. 34 - do the same, but take 2 minutes to prepare. (CD1.13)
There’s an introduction about atmospheric phenomena in general (he mentions rainbows) and a general description of the fact that water or ice can reflect or refract sunlight in the atmosphere.
Then the professor explains the three phenomena the question is about (“there are three” is a key phrase that should tell you the following description is what you’ll be asked about).
- halos: ice crystals are randomly oriented, it’s a circle around the sun
- sun dogs: ice crystals are horizontal, it’s bright spots on each side of the sun
- sun pillars: it’s a column of light above the sun, light reflects instead of refracting
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Record your responses to Cambridge p. 366-368 5-7 (CD6.10-12)
5 Using points and examples from the lecture, explain how goats are related to the spread of desertification.
6 Using specific information from the lecture, explain the professor’s concern about changing the justice system and what needs to be done before reforms are made.
7 Using points and examples from the lecture, explain how the use of intermediate technology is important for rural societies.
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Listen to your responses and choose the one you’re most confident in.
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BREAK
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Record your responses to ETS tests 2, 5, and 6
Listen and choose the one you’re most confident in.
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Writing: last part of the test (after speaking), it has two parts\
1 integrated reading/listening/writing: 3 minutes to read a text, time to listen to a lecture about the same topic, 20 minutes to write about how the points in the lecture relate to the points in the reading
2 independent writing: 30 minutes to write your opinion about a topic
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Independent writing can ask you whether you agree or disagree with a statement, or about which of two positions you agree with.
ETS past tests (vol 2, test 3) - Example of a some people / other people prompt. Take 5 minutes to think of ideas for each position and write an outline of the response you could give.
Example:
	The Internet has changed the world more than almost any other technology of the past century. You can find information and opinions about almost every topic you can imagine. Many people beleive this information is helpful and useful. Other people believe there are some problems caused by the variety of information available. In my opinion, ______. I have three reasons for this opinion.
[supporting paragraph for each reason, with specific details and examples about that reason]
	In conclusion, there are some downsides to having so much information available. So much information can be distracting, it can be misleading, and it can be used by criminals to access your personal information. [recommendation about using the Internet responsibly]
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Homework: write a response to this prompt -
Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks or
chances. Others believe that success results from careful planning. In your
opinion, what does success come from? Use specific reasons and examples
to support your answer.
email me your responses at [email protected]