Want More TOEFL Speaking Points? Then Do This

 Want to boost your TOEFL Speaking score and communicate with confidence? In this episode, we dive into groundbreaking strategies to transform your preparation. Discover why traditional methods might not be enough, and how production-based learning can help you think on your feet and respond naturally. Learn how tools like MySpeakingScore provide instant feedback on pronunciation, fluency, and communication skills—just like having a personal coach in your pocket. Plus, we explore the exciting future of language education, from virtual classrooms to AI-powered learning companions. Tune in to uncover actionable tips to master the speaking section and unlock your full potential. The world is listening—are you ready to speak up?

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• My Speaking Score

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• SpeechRater Blog
• SpeechRater Knowledge Base

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My Speaking Score serves 000s of users across the globe by helping them data-power their TOEFL Speaking prep.

Transcript

Hey everyone and welcome back for another deep dive. Glad to be back.

(0:29 - 0:40)
Today we're tackling this research paper about English education and especially how it relates to big tests like the TOEFL. Right, yeah. We're going beyond just textbook knowledge though.

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Yeah, absolutely. It's more than just memorizing vocab. Yeah.

(0:44 - 0:51)
It's about really being able to use English effectively. Exactly. Like, you know how some Japanese students study English for years and years.

(0:51 - 0:55)
Right. But they still struggle to communicate. Yeah, it's that disconnect.

(0:56 - 1:06)
This paper digs into that disconnect. Yeah. It looks at why those textbook skills don't always translate into real-world fluency, especially on something like the TOEFL.

(1:06 - 1:12)
It's so true. Plus, it even speculates on what classrooms might look like way in the future. In the 22nd century.

(1:13 - 1:18)
But first, let's break down this whole TOEFL score situation. Okay, so the TOEFL. It's a big deal, right? Huge.

(1:18 - 1:24)
It's like the golden ticket to universities all over the world. A lot of people are aiming for those high scores. Definitely.

(1:24 - 1:34)
But here's the thing. Japan consistently ranks at the bottom when it comes to average TOEFL scores. Really at the bottom? Yeah, among all the OECD countries.

(1:34 - 1:46)
That's surprising. Their education system is known for being pretty intense. You would think, right? So what's the paper say about that? Well, it suggests that how English is taught might actually be part of the problem.

(1:46 - 1:51)
Oh, interesting. Like, Japan's curriculum really stresses grammar and vocabulary. Yeah.

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But that doesn't automatically mean people can communicate effectively. Especially in a spontaneous situation like the TOEFL speaking test. Right.

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You need to think on your feet. So it's not just about knowing the words. Yeah.

(2:03 - 2:06)
You have to be able to use them. You got it. In real time.

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Exactly. That's interesting because the paper mentions this story about John Mangiro. Oh, yeah.

(2:11 - 2:17)
A Japanese fisherman from way back in the 1800s. Okay. He ended up shipwrecked and rescued by an American captain.

(2:18 - 2:24)
Wow. But he didn't know any English. So how did he communicate? That's exactly what's so cool about this story.

(2:24 - 2:29)
I see. It's like this perfect example of those communication skills in action. Okay.

(2:29 - 2:34)
He couldn't speak the language, but he found ways to make his needs known. And build that connection. Exactly.

(2:34 - 2:43)
It's like he got around not knowing perfect grammar by using other things. Like what? Body language. And this willingness to just engage.

(2:44 - 2:53)
He probably used a lot of gestures. Probably. And the paper argues that these social skills are just as important as the actual English skills.

(2:53 - 2:59)
Especially on a test like the TOEFL. Where you need to understand those prompts quickly and respond naturally. You can't just freeze up.

(2:59 - 3:11)
Exactly. So how does the paper suggest we bridge this gap then? Between learning and actually using English well, it proposes a pretty fundamental shift in how we approach teaching English. Interesting.

(3:12 - 3:17)
Moving away from what it calls a learning-based production model. Learning-based production. Right.

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Towards more of a production-based learning model. Okay. So what exactly is learning-based production? Think of it as those classic classroom methods.

(3:24 - 3:31)
You know, textbooks, grammar drills, vocabulary lists. Okay. You learn all the rules first and then you're supposed to use them.

(3:31 - 3:41)
Kind of like you build a house brick by brick, starting with a strong foundation. A very structured approach. But you're not actually moving into that house and living there yet.

(3:41 - 3:48)
Exactly. That's where this production-based learning comes in. So instead of memorizing verb conjugations, you're actually using them.

(3:49 - 3:52)
In real life situations. Right. Like being thrown into a conversation or a debate.

(3:52 - 3:55)
From day one. Sounds a lot more practical. Definitely.

(3:55 - 4:05)
And especially for the TOEFL, where you're judged on how well you communicate. Exactly. You're forced to think on your feet, adapt to those different prompts, and use those social skills we talked about.

(4:05 - 4:16)
So it's like learning to swim by jumping into the pool. Instead of just reading a book about swimming. That makes sense, but wouldn't that be kind of overwhelming for some students? Yeah, yeah.

(4:16 - 4:23)
Especially beginners. Like they're being thrown into the deep end without that solid foundation. The paper acknowledges that that's a valid concern.

(4:24 - 4:37)
It's not about abandoning grammar and vocabulary entirely. It's about integrating them into more interactive activities. Okay, so you're still building that house, but you're making sure you can live in it along the way.

(4:37 - 4:41)
Exactly. That's a great analysis. And that's where teacher training becomes really important.

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Teachers need those tools and techniques to create that kind of active learning environment. An environment where students are actually communicating. Exactly.

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And what about specifically prepping for the TOEFL? Yeah. How does production-based learning fit into that? Well, think about the speaking section of the TOEFL. It's all about showing you can communicate in real time.

(5:04 - 5:11)
Not just reciting memorized answers. Exactly. Those traditional methods, like just memorizing answers or focusing only on pronunciation.

(5:11 - 5:24)
Might not be enough. Right? You need to practice thinking critically, responding to prompts naturally, and expressing yourself confidently. And that's where tools like MySpeakingScore can be so helpful.

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Absolutely. Over 100,000 students are already using it to prep for the TOEFL. Especially the speaking section.

(5:30 - 5:43)
It's powered by SpeechRater AI, right? That's right. So you get feedback on your pronunciation, your fluency, your vocabulary, even your overall communication skills. It's like having a virtual TOEFL speaking examiner right there with you.

(5:44 - 5:59)
You can practice anytime and get that instant feedback, which is huge for identifying areas to work on. And for building confidence. It's a really cool example of how AI is transforming how we learn and how we prep for these tests.

(6:00 - 6:07)
It's making those advanced resources accessible to everyone, no matter where they are. So it's not just about getting that high TOEFL score. No.

(6:07 - 6:20)
It's about developing those skills to really thrive in real-world situations. Whether you're studying abroad, pursuing a career, or just connecting with people from all over the world. And the shift towards production-based learning can help people do just that.

(6:20 - 6:24)
Especially with tools like MySpeakingScore to help bridge that gap. Now this is already super fascinating. Yeah.

(6:25 - 6:33)
But the paper takes it a step further and actually speculates on what classrooms might be like in the 22nd century. Oh, wow. Ready for a trip to the future.

(6:34 - 6:43)
Let's go! Imagine classrooms that aren't even in a real building anymore. Whoa. Learning would happen in these amazing virtual environments.

(6:43 - 6:48)
Like the metaverse? Kind of, yeah. And students from all over could work on projects together. That'd be so cool.

(6:48 - 7:01)
And they could practice their English in situations that feel real. So instead of just reading about a historical event, you could be transported back in time to experience it firsthand. And actually talk to people from that era.

(7:02 - 7:04)
That is incredible. But it wouldn't stop there. Oh.

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This kind of immersive learning could happen outside of the classroom, too. I see. Think about having an AI language companion.

(7:11 - 7:19)
Like a personal English tutor that's always with you. Exactly. It would be integrated into your everyday life, giving you feedback and adapting to what you need.

(7:19 - 7:27)
Analyzing your conversations, recommending articles, even suggesting practice scenarios. All based on your interests and goals. Wow.

(7:28 - 7:31)
That would be amazing. Especially for TOEFL prep. Oh, definitely.

(7:31 - 7:43)
Imagine an AI that could simulate those real test scenarios. Giving you instant feedback on your pronunciation and fluency. And even suggesting ways to improve your vocabulary and grammar.

(7:44 - 7:56)
It would be like a game changer for language learning. But would it feel a bit strange having an AI track everything you say? That's a really good point. Like, is that too much personalization? Well, the paper talks about those ethical concerns.

(7:56 - 8:05)
It's definitely important to make sure these tools are being used responsibly. And that learners still have control over their own data. Privacy is essential.

(8:05 - 8:20)
Absolutely. So, it's about finding that balance between the benefits and the potential risks. Now, even with all this futuristic tech, the paper still emphasizes that teachers will always be crucial in language education.

(8:21 - 8:27)
Oh, for sure. AI can give feedback and create really cool experiences. But it can't replace that human connection.

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Exactly. Language is about so much more than just the technical stuff. It's about connecting with other people.

(8:33 - 8:36)
Sharing ideas. Building relationships. Understanding different perspectives.

(8:37 - 8:54)
That's what makes language come alive. Absolutely. It makes you wonder, though, with all these incredible possibilities in the future, what can we do right now? To improve English education and get those TOEFL scores up? It feels like we're stuck in the present with those old textbooks.

(8:54 - 8:58)
You're right. We can't just wait for the 22nd century to happen. Exactly.

(8:58 - 9:11)
The good news is we don't have to. We can start implementing those production-based learning ideas today. So how do we do that? It all starts with a change in how we think about learning English, both for teachers and students.

(9:11 - 9:22)
So instead of seeing it as a chore, we need to see it as this opportunity for real communication. Exactly. And tools like MySpeakingScore can help bridge that gap right now.

(9:22 - 9:29)
It gives learners a way to practice those speaking skills in a real setting. They get personalized feedback. And they can track their progress.

(9:30 - 9:35)
It's a great way to supplement what they're learning in the classroom. And prep for exams like the TOEFL. Exactly.

(9:35 - 9:44)
It's like having a virtual language partner. And a personal coach all in one. But what about those people who say technology is replacing the human touch? Hmm.

(9:45 - 9:52)
Good question. What would you say to them? I would say technology should be seen as a way to help teachers. Not replace them.

(9:52 - 9:54)
Exactly. It can free up their time. Right.

(9:54 - 10:00)
So they can focus on things that AI just can't do. Like inspiring students. Fostering creativity.

(10:00 - 10:04)
Encouraging critical thinking. And building empathy. So it's about finding the right balance.

(10:05 - 10:10)
Between high-tech and high-touch. Exactly. AI can handle those repetitive tasks.

(10:10 - 10:17)
Like grammar drills. And pronunciation feedback. While teachers focus on creating those really engaging learning experiences.

(10:18 - 10:22)
That makes students passionate about language. So it's like a symphony. Ooh.

(10:22 - 10:26)
I like that. The conductor can focus on the artistry and emotion of the music. Yes.

(10:26 - 10:34)
Because the musicians have these amazing instruments to support them. That's a beautiful analogy. And that's what I see for the future of English education.

(10:35 - 10:42)
Me too. A perfect blend of human interaction and powerful AI tools. All working together to create a truly enriching experience.

(10:42 - 10:48)
This has been such a fascinating look at the future. It really has. But let's bring it back down to earth for a minute.

(10:48 - 10:59)
Okay. What can our listeners do today to improve their communication skills? Especially when it comes to the TOEFL. What are some actionable steps they can take? I'm glad you asked.

(10:59 - 11:06)
That's a great question. So much of what we've been talking about comes down to getting out of the textbook and into real English. Exactly.

(11:07 - 11:18)
So how can our listeners actually do that? Especially if they're studying for the TOEFL? Well first, remember that the TOEFL, especially that speaking section, is all about communication. Right. It's not just testing your grammar.

(11:19 - 11:24)
It's testing how well you can actually use the language. So practice speaking as much as possible. Exactly.

(11:25 - 11:30)
That sounds easy enough. But what if you don't have anyone to practice with? That's where technology comes in. Okay.

(11:30 - 11:49)
Tools like MySpeakingScore are amazing for practicing anytime, anywhere. You get those real-life scenarios, the AI feedback helps you polish your pronunciation, your fluency, and you just build that confidence. It's like having a 24/7 conversation partner who's also a TOEFL expert.

(11:49 - 11:54)
Right there in your pocket. Always ready to give you feedback. But what about those social skills we talked about? Oh yeah.

(11:54 - 12:04)
Those are key too. How can people develop those alongside their English skills? Real conversations are the best way. So find a language partner or join an online group.

(12:04 - 12:11)
Exactly. Or even just practice by yourself in the mirror. It's all about getting comfortable using English in different contexts.

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And don't be afraid to make mistakes. Right. It's part of the process.

(12:14 - 12:25)
And pay attention to those social cues too. Like body language, tone of voice, cultural differences. It all matters, especially in a test like the TOEFL where you're interacting with a computer program.

(12:25 - 12:33)
It's almost like you're building this bridge. Between your knowledge of English and your ability to actually connect with others. Even if it's through a screen.

(12:34 - 12:46)
And as you practice and improve those skills, English becomes less about memorizing rules. And more about actually communicating. That's what's so exciting about this shift in how we teach and learn English.

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It's empowering. It's not just about the TOEFL score. It's about giving people the skills to connect and collaborate.

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To make their voices heard on a global stage. It's about unlocking the power of communication. Exactly.

(13:00 - 13:04)
Well, this has been an incredible deep dive. It really has. We've explored so much.

(13:04 - 13:16)
From the challenges of English learning to the potential of AI and even the future of classrooms. What a journey. Any final thoughts for our listeners as we wrap up? Remember, learning English is a journey, not a destination.

(13:16 - 13:25)
So true. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and never stop exploring. And don't forget about those amazing tools and resources out there to support you.

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Like MySpeakingScore. It can really help you level up those TOEFL speaking skills. So go out there, practice, engage, connect, and let your voice be heard.

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The world is listening. That's a wrap on today's deep dive. Thanks for having me.

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We'll catch you next time for another fascinating exploration. Until then, keep diving deep and keep those questions coming.