TOEFL Speaking (for the AI Era)
Get the inside track on all things TOEFL® Speaking—from expert breakdowns of the test’s scoring rubrics to cutting-edge research on how AI like SpeechRater™ evaluates your performance.
Whether it's leveraging movie-based learning techniques or diving into the psychology behind language assessment, each episode gives you a front-row seat to the latest strategies, tips, and tools to help you master the Speaking section.
We don’t just stop at exam prep. We explore the bigger picture of how the TOEFL shapes language learning, how automated scoring impacts your results, and what really goes on behind the scenes at ETS. If you want to understand the nuances of TOEFL Speaking and learn how to make your test performance stand out, this podcast is for you.
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TOEFL Speaking (for the AI Era)
Learning ‘English,’ When Your Accent Is a ‘War Crime’
In this episode, we dive into Sanaz Toosie’s powerful play English and its thought-provoking exploration of language, identity, and belonging. Set in an Iranian TOEFL prep class, the play captures the struggles and aspirations of students navigating the complexities of English as a second language.
We discuss themes of anxiety, accents, and the pressure to conform, alongside groundbreaking AI tools like SpeechRater that celebrate diversity in communication. Learn how technology is reshaping language learning, empowering students to embrace their unique voices while excelling in tests like the TOEFL.
Join us as we uncover how English and innovations in education are working toward a world where language is a bridge, not a barrier, and individuality is celebrated, not erased.
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Ever feel like you're trying to squeeze into a suit that's like three sizes too small? Oh yeah. That's what Jesse Green—he writes for The New York Times—compares that feeling to: the experience of speaking a new language as an adult.
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Okay. Compares that feeling to the experience of speaking a new language as an adult. Wow.
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And it's that feeling—that awkward, fumbling search for the right words—that Sanaz Tusi captures so well in her play, English.
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Yeah, English, great play. We've got your research stack right here. And it's clear you're interested in more than just the play itself.
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Today, we'll dive into the themes of English, exploring its connection to the world of language learning and the global challenges surrounding the TOEFL.
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What's fascinating about this deep dive is that it takes us beyond the surface of the play. English isn't just a story.
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It's a reflection of real-world anxieties and aspirations, particularly for those facing standardized tests like the TOEFL.
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Okay, so let's set the scene. It's 2008 in Iran.
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All right. A small classroom buzzing with nervous energy.
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Four students and their teacher, all grappling with English, each with their own reasons for being there.
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Yeah. We've got Goli. She's the bright-eyed 18-year-old who sees English as this magical key to unlock a world of possibilities. To her, it's like rice—you take some rice, and you make the rice whatever you want.
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That's a good way to put it. Then there's Roya, a woman pushed by her son to learn English so she can connect with her granddaughter in Canada. Talk about a generational tug-of-war between holding onto your roots and embracing new worlds.
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And it's that tension that really resonates, isn't it? How language can be both a bridge and a barrier.
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A symbol of opportunity and a source of pressure. We see this play out in Roya's attempts to communicate.
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Right. Leaving those endearingly hilarious voicemails to her son.
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Stumbling through numbers and basic phrases. It's like watching someone try to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded.
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You can't help but laugh. But there's also this underlying sense of empathy.
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It reminds me of something you mentioned earlier about the play using humor to mask deeper anxieties.
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It's like Tusi is saying, "Hey, let's acknowledge the awkwardness, the stumbles, even find the humor in it." But underneath those laughs, there's a real vulnerability.
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These characters are grappling with big questions of identity and belonging, and what it means to succeed in a world where English fluency is often the ticket to opportunity.
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We can't forget Elham.
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She's battling this crippling test anxiety, desperate to get into an Australian medical school.
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Her accent, she says, is a war crime.
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That line hit me hard because it speaks to the immense pressure many feel when facing standardized tests like the TOEFL.
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How do we measure language proficiency fairly when accents, which are such an integral part of personal and cultural identity, can become a stumbling block?
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This is where technology, particularly AI, is starting to make a difference. Think about MySpeakingScore, a TOEFL prep tool powered by SpeechRater.
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It’s being used by over 100,000 students, and it’s changing the game.
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Instead of penalizing students for having an accent, SpeechRater’s AI can actually differentiate between accent and pronunciation errors. It provides feedback tailored to the individual’s needs, helping them improve their clarity and fluency without erasing their unique voice.
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And that’s crucial, isn’t it? We’re not trying to create cookie-cutter speakers. We’re trying to empower individuals to communicate effectively while respecting their linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
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This connects back to English and its focus on the individual journeys of language acquisition. It’s like Tusi, through her characters, is prompting us to look beyond standardized test scores and see the human stories behind them.
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These aren’t just numbers. They’re individuals with dreams, anxieties, and a whole lot of courage as they navigate this complex world of language.
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And that brings us to another character, the enigmatic Omid. His English is surprisingly good—almost too good—which makes you wonder about his background and the path that led him to this classroom.
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There's this air of mystery around him, almost like he represents the unpredictable nature of language learning itself. He knows the word windbreaker, which in the context of the play feels strangely out of place and sparks curiosity.
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And that’s Tusi’s brilliance. She’s using language—even a single word like windbreaker—to hint at hidden stories, complexities, and layers that go beyond the classroom setting. It’s like she’s inviting us to consider the vast tapestry of experiences that influence how we learn and use language.
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Each character in English represents a different facet of the global challenge of improving TOEFL scores. We see the pressure to conform, the anxiety surrounding accents, and the desire for connection—all playing out against the backdrop of this high-stakes test.
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And that backdrop itself is fascinating. Tusi could have chosen any setting to explore these themes.
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But she deliberately places them within a TOEFL prep class. It’s almost like she’s shining a spotlight on the very real, very human consequences of standardized testing on a global scale.
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Remember Elham’s line about her accent being a war crime? That’s not just a clever turn of phrase—it’s a reflection of the very real fear many test takers have.
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That their accents, a core part of their identity, will be held against them. Which makes you wonder, doesn’t it, how much potential is being overlooked? How many voices are being silenced because of the limitations of traditional language assessment?
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This is where I find the rise of AI in education so compelling. Tools like MySpeakingScore, with its AI-powered engine, SpeechRater, offer a glimpse into a future where accents are no longer barriers, but rather unique threads in the rich tapestry of global communication.
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What’s truly remarkable is how SpeechRater works. It doesn’t simply grade pronunciation.
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It analyzes speech patterns, intonation, and even pauses to provide personalized feedback.
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It’s like having a virtual coach who understands your individual strengths and weaknesses, guiding you toward clearer, more confident communication.
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And that’s a game-changer, especially for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds. It’s about leveling the playing field, giving them the tools to succeed without erasing their unique voice.
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It’s about recognizing that there’s no one right way to speak English. That’s where we see the beautiful intersection of technology and art, wouldn’t you say?
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Absolutely. Sanaz Tusi, through English, explores the human struggle for connection and expression through language.
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Meanwhile, innovations like SpeechRater are using AI to break down the very barriers that Tusi’s characters grapple with. It’s like they’re working in tandem, each pushing us towards a world where language is less about conformity and more about celebrating the richness of individual expression.
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And let’s not forget the role of the teacher, Marjan, in English.
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She learned English in Manchester but finds her fluency fading back in Iran. Her story reflects another dimension of this global challenge:
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The constant evolution of language itself. It’s not just about acquiring fluency; it’s about maintaining it, adapting to changing contexts, and embracing the lifelong journey of language learning.
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And that’s where AI can play a crucial role. Imagine personalized language learning platforms that evolve with the individual.
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Offering just-in-time support, cultural insights, and even pronunciation tweaks as language evolves.
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It’s about making lifelong learning accessible and engaging for everyone.
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It’s almost as if technology is catching up to the subtle nuances that Tusi captures in English. The play reminds us that language is fluid, dynamic, and deeply personal.
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And now, tools like SpeechRater are starting to mirror that fluidity, offering personalized feedback that adapts to the individual’s learning journey.
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And this brings us back to the heart of the play and the global challenge it reflects: how do we create a world where language empowers, connects, and celebrates diversity rather than becoming a source of anxiety and exclusion?
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By focusing on the individual struggles and triumphs of her characters, Tusi reminds us that language learning is ultimately about connection, empathy, and the courage to make your voice heard.
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And it’s that emphasis on individual voices that makes the ending of English so powerful, wouldn’t you say?
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It’s a reminder that fluency isn’t a destination—it’s a direction. Think about those final moments of the play. The characters are still grappling, still searching for the right words, still making mistakes.
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But there’s also a glimmer of hope, a sense that they’ve grown, they’ve connected, and they’re ready to face whatever comes next.
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The beauty is in the journey itself—the stumbles and triumphs, the moments of connection, and the courage to keep pushing forward.
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And that message resonates so strongly with the potential of AI and language learning.
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It’s about empowering learners to find their voice, not erasing their individuality. It’s about recognizing that the global challenge of improving TOEFL scores isn’t just about raising numbers—it’s about empowering individuals to communicate effectively and authentically.
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And that’s where I see the true power of technology in education—not to replace human connection, but to amplify it.
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A world where language is a bridge, not a barrier.
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A celebration of diversity, not a tool for exclusion.
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So if you’re listening and feeling that squeeze of trying to fit into a language that doesn’t feel like your own, remember those characters in English.
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Embrace the journey, celebrate the stumbles, and never stop exploring the transformative power of language.
