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Many people might feel apprehensive about the TOEFL speaking section because they simply don’t know what is expected of them for each question type.  While the speaking section on the TOEFL requires you to speak, there are slight variations between each question.  Below is a breakdown of all six TOEFL speaking questions in an attempt to ease apprehension for test day!

• QUESTIONS 1 & 2: Both the first and second questions on the TOEFL speaking section are independent topics; meaning, you are required to speak on a topic that is familiar to you, as it’s purely opinion-based.  Some independent questions will ask you your preference on a topic, such as:

-       Do you think it’s better to study alone or in groups when preparing for an exam?  Use reasons and details in your explanation.

While some are more open-ended, such as:

-       What is your idea of the perfect house?  Use reasons and details in your explanation.

For independent questions on the TOEFL, you will have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to give your response.

• QUESTION 3: Question #3 on the TOEFL speaking section begins the integrated speaking portion of the exam and involves reading a short passage (45 seconds) and then listening to a conversation on the same topic.  The conversation will always be between a man and a woman and usually university-related.  The reading portion on this question will usually have to do with a university-related topic that is the basis for the conversation between the man and the woman.

Typically in Question #3, one speaker will have a strong opinion about the given topic and you are expected to give the reasons the main speaker has and any supporting details that go along with it.  For Question #3, you have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.

Remember – your personal opinion is not needed or wanted for this type of question.

• QUESTION 4: Question #4 on the TOEFL speaking section is very similar to Question #3; however, this question type, in particular, will give you a short reading passage (45 seconds) on an academic topic and then play a lecture on the same topic, as well.

This question always seems a bit more difficult than Question #3, because the material is much more dense, particular if the topic is science-related, and often times it’s difficult to give a full response with all relevant information under 60 seconds.  (The prep time and speaking time for Question #4 is the same as Question #3.)  Basically, you are required to give a summary of the lecture, with a focus on a particular process or emphasis given to you in the question.

• QUESTION 5: Question #5 takes you back to conversations, as you hear a lengthier conversation than in Question #3, and are required to give a short summary of all the important information.  This question type gives you 20 seconds (not 30 seconds in Question #3) to prepare your response and 60 to speak.  Ultimately, it will be a bit more difficult in terms of content and vocabulary than Question #3, but it also requires you to give your opinion at the end of your response.  Question #5 has no reading portion, only listening and speaking.

• QUESTION 6: Question #6 is often the most difficult question on the TOEFL speaking section, as it’s typically a rather dense lecture you are expected to listen to and give a summary of.  With 20 seconds to prepare and 60 to respond, many students have trouble with the complex academic vocabulary in the lecture, as well as sorting through so many facts to get to the main idea.  The key to an effective response for Question #6 is not to get boggled down with the intimidating vocabulary and focusing on just the main ideas.

All in all, a key to a great score on the speaking section of the TOEFL exam is to familiarize yourself with each question type and practice, practice, practice!

Related posts:

• Why Me? Coping with the Waitlist
• TOEFL Independent Speaking and Writing: The Counter-Argument
• Test Tips on TOEFL Integrated Writing
• Put Your Ear to the Test
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) vs. TOEFL

Recently, our CEO Tracy Yun had an interview with Clear Admit. Ms. Yun is a graduate of Columbia Business School with over 10 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, and is the only female CEO of a major GMAT test prep company. Here’s what she had to say about why Manhattan Review is a great way to prepare for business school:

• It employs teachers that are better rounded than those at other prep courses. That is, a high GMAT score doesn’t cut it when we hire. Experience, maturity and enthusiasm distinguish Manhattan Review instructors.
• It is meant for people with very little time on their hands, which encompasses most of the population. Fast problem-solving approaches are taught, and the courses are suited to people of all skill levels, whether you’re a math whiz or a math diz.
• We have been selected by prominent institutions such as top business schools and non-profit organizations to pre-MBA training in subjects such as corporate finance and communications skills. Also, because the GMAT is not the only element of the MBA admissions process, we also offer GRE and TOEFL preparation.
• The class sizes are small, fostering a personal learning environment.
• Powerpoint presentations are a thumbs-down here. We believe that it is more dynamic and effective to have a verbal, non-scripted analysis of GMAT problems.
• We host an annual business school event – the MBA Gate, which has been well attended since its launch in 2000. There’s nothing better than offering potential MBA students face-to-face interaction with recruiters and admissions officials.

While she respects her competitors, she believes that Manhattan Review courses offer many things that larger test prep companies do not. With a passion for education and business, coupled with a 99th score on the GMAT and a Columbia MBA degree, Ms. Yun clearly knows what she’s talking about when it comes to GMAT, MBA admissions, and has the creativity to come up with unique strategies. To read more, visit Clear Admit.

Related posts:

• TOEFL Speaking Section Breakdown: Question by Question
• Negotiation and Decision Making (Part 1)
• Manhattan Review Announces Raffle Winners
• Interview Preparation
• From Seeking an MBA to Seeking Success (Part II)

Recently Manhattan Review has had a number of raffle drawings and scholarship giveaways with partnering organizations. We are pleased to announce two of our recent raffle winners: Tim Brackrock and Ricardo Moraes!

Tim Brackrock entered our raffle at the QS World MBA tour in Frankfurt and won a free in-person GMAT course. Included in his prize are the following benefits included in our course tuition:

• Better Score Guarantee – Unlimited Classes, Online Library & Advice
• Turbocharge Your GMAT Math/Verbal Study and Solutions Guides
• Extensive Quant and Vocabulary Glossaries
• Three on-line challenging Computer Adaptive Tests
• After-class Home Study Guideline provided
• Discount for Private Tutoring & MBA Admissions Services
• Discounted Access to Online Recording Library for tailored study
• US$200 Student Referral; US$1000 Corporate Account Referral (applicable only for paying students)
• Double Your In-Person Class Hours with an Online Course at No Additional Cost (up to 56 Hours of Total Real-time Instruction Hours)

Ricardo Moraes in Brazil entered a photo contest sponsored by the MBA tour . He won a free online GMAT course (a $1,025 value), a set of Manhattan Review Turbocharge Your GMAT course books, and an Elite School Dedicated Package for 5 schools (a $5,500 value), worth a total value of $6,525. The Elite School Dedicated Packs are part of our MBA Application Review and Advisory Services and give you the end-to-end, comprehensive guidance for your entire admissions process.

Thanks to everyone who entered our drawings!

Related posts:

• Younger MBA Applicants (I)
• Wait Listed?!
• From Seeking an MBA to Seeking Success (Part II)
• 5 Tips for Getting into Business School
• Younger MBA Applicants (II)

Manhattan Review is very excited to present a chapter from our new book, Negotiation and Decision Making, which is coming out in conjunction with a MBA training seminar in california. The book also serves as the base for our Negotiation and Decision making class which is taught by expert practioners who have had substantial experience with million-dollar deal negotiations . Our Turbocharge Your Career series has seven more books planned for publication. All of the eight books will be available on Amazon.com and in Barnes and Noble stores across the US. We will also host this class online or in-person at selected locations around the world. Email us at career@manhattanreview.com for more details.

5.1 Important Steps to a Good Deal

5.1.1 Understanding/Problem Solving

Prior to engaging in a negotiation, it is important to get to know the scenario and “the playing field”.

The scenario is composed of various elements

Time – The pressure created by time can cause negotiators to make mistakes. Therefore, if you know how to use your time wisely and plan well, you can achieve a better outcome from you negotiation.

Information – Having more information or access to more information can create the leverage you need for a successful negotiation. Information allows you to create more opportunities and alternatives.

Power – Power is in many ways purely the perception of the other side. You must appear to have power even if you really don’t

Passion – Passion will be the final factor that puts you ahead of your opponent. The more passion you have, the greater your ability will be to get the deal

There are certain facts that you must know about the other side to engage in a mutually successful negotiation.

- Their goals and objectives broadly
- What they want out of this particular negotiation
- Pressures on them
- Who makes the final decision
- Their possible bargaining zone

Please check with our Pre-Negotiation Assessment Chart to be sure that you cover all the elements.

The above will necessitate research on your part. You must have ample information available before you try and successful negotiate. There are many tools available.

- Internet
- Publications
- Vendors
- Employees
- Customers
- Public information (financial reports etc.)

Not only know what you are negotiating about, but know who you are negotiating with. Without proper research before hand you will not be successful in your negotiations. By having information, you will be able to test them on their level of honesty. You can ask questions about their situation and if you know the answer and are being lied to, you will be able to assess their negotiation style rather quickly.

5.1.2 Planning

Some authors recommend outlining some possible outcomes

- Best Possible Outcome
o This is the best possible, but not necessarily realistic outcome
- Worst Possible Outcome
o The worst and least acceptable outcome
- Expected Outcome
o A likely and somewhat acceptable outcome
- Resistance Point (Walk-away Point)
- BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement)

5.1.3 Building Communication

- Share information: Hiding all of the details creates a negative environment
- Active Listening: Show that you want to know about their position and what are their needs and wants of the negotiation
- Acknowledge their Needs: Show them that your business can help them and give them what they want. If you don’t they will turn to someone else.
- Ask questions so you can discover their needs and decide whether or not you can meet them.

5.1.4 Controlling the Negotiation

The more control you have over certain aspects of the negotiation, the more likely you will be to gain an advantage. Here are some ways to gain control

1. Speak First – In many instances, if you speak first you will control the tone and tempo of the rest of the negotiation
2. Ask Questions – By asking questions you will control the content of the negotiation. By asking questions, you are also finding ways to come to an agreement
3. Don’t Argue – The key to negotiations is sharing information and not being combative.
4. Prepare to meet the other person’s needs – fully understand the other side’s position, motivations and needs and be ready to meet them
5. Listen – The more you understand of the questions you ask, the more control you will have on the outcome of the negotiation

Related posts:

• Negotiation and Decision Making (Part 2)
• TOEFL Speaking Section Breakdown: Question by Question
• The Path to a Happy First-Year in Business School (Part III)
• The Dos and Don’ts of Getting Promoted
• Manhattan Review Announces Raffle Winners