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.
This podcast is made possible through a blend of innovative AI solutions, including NotebookLM, ElevenLabs, ChatGPT, Suno, and Buzzsprout.
Visit My Speaking Score: https://www.myspeakingscore.com/
TOEFL Speaking (for the AI Era)
How Gender Shapes TOEFL Speaking Success
Dive into this fascinating episode of the TOEFL Speaking Prep Podcast, where we explore the groundbreaking research on how gender influences TOEFL preparation and success. Drawing insights from Iranian EFL students, we uncover the impact of metacognitive reading strategies (MRS) and how societal and cultural dynamics shape learning approaches.
Discover why female students excel in interactive engagement, how different reading strategies can enhance comprehension, and the role of technology in leveling the educational playing field. We’ll also introduce personalized AI tools like MySpeakingScore to supercharge your TOEFL preparation.
Tune in for actionable tips, key takeaways, and empowering strategies tailored for your unique learning journey. Whether you’re tackling challenging texts or aiming for speaking success, this episode will leave you inspired and prepared.
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Okay, so are you ready to like really dive deep into something super fascinating? I'm ready.
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We're talking reading strategies. Right. Okay.
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But not just any reading strategies. Oh. The kind that help you become like a power reader.
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Okay. I like it. Especially when you're facing something as challenging as the TOEFL.
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Yeah, that's right. You know, you've given us some fascinating research to dig into for this deep dive. It is a fascinating paper, this paper, called The Intersection of Gender, Culture, and Metacognitive Reading Strategies in Iranian EFL Education.
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Wow, what a mouthful. It is a long one. Yeah.
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By Mahdi Gadamgahi and Narges Ghaffornia. Okay. It really digs deep into how these strategies can be impacted by things you might not even realize are affecting the way you read.
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That's really interesting, because I know our listeners are really interested in prepping for the TOEFL. Yeah. And this research, focusing on Iranian students learning English, has some really surprising insights that can help people up their game.
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Absolutely. And it's all about metacognitive reading strategies, or MRS. MRS. Think of it like having a cool box filled with different tools that help you understand and remember what you read. Oh, I like that.
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Yeah. So, instead of just reading passively, you're actively engaging with the material. Engaging it.
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Using these tools to, like, unlock the meaning. Exactly. Okay, cool.
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These tools can be anything from previewing a text to get the gist, to summarizing what you've read to make sure you understand it. Okay, that makes a lot of sense. Yeah.
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So, now, this research found something pretty interesting. It did. A difference between male and female students when it comes to using these MRS. Yes.
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They found that female students scored higher overall in using these strategies. Wow. For example, when researchers asked students to read a challenging passage, they noticed that female students were more likely to jot down notes or refer back to earlier sections for clarification.
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So, they were really using those tools in their toolkit to break down the text to make sure they understood it. Precisely. And this wasn't just some random observation.
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The researchers used a mix of hard data, like test scores and in-depth interviews, to really understand what was going on. That's so interesting. It makes you wonder why there's a difference like that.
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Well, through the interviews, a fascinating theme emerged. Something the researchers called gender-based reading engagement. Gender-based reading engagement.
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Yeah. Okay. They observed that as students became more proficient in English, the differences in how males and females approached reading became more pronounced.
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Oh, so it's like their styles became more defined as they got better at reading. Exactly. Interesting.
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And this difference in engagement was really highlighted by one of the high-proficiency male students who participated in the study. Oh, wow. Okay.
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He observed that female students in his classes were much more interactive during discussions, asking more why and how questions. That pushed everyone to analyze the text more deeply. So they weren't just accepting the information at face value, they were really digging into the why behind it.
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That's right. That's really cool. And the researchers believe that this difference in engagement might not be just a personal preference but could be influenced by broader societal factors.
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Okay. Now, this is where it gets really interesting. Yes.
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Are we talking about cultural influences here? You got it. Okay. They looked specifically at the context of these students in Iran, a society with a patriarchal structure.
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Right. And they proposed that this structure with its traditional gender roles and expectations could be playing a role in how female students approach learning. So in a way, these female students might be engaging more actively as a means of empowerment.
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That's one way to look at it. Yeah. You know, like pushing back against limitations and showing they're just as capable as their male peers.
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Yeah. And it really highlights how deeply intertwined education and social context are. Yeah, for sure.
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You know, the researchers also pointed out that this connection between gender and reading strategies could have significant implications for how we approach teaching and learning. Right. Particularly when it comes to something as challenging as the TOEFL.
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That makes sense, especially considering the global challenge of improving those TOEFL scores. Right. You know, everyone wants that edge, that extra boost to help them succeed.
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Exactly. And this research suggests that understanding these subtle differences in learning approaches, especially those influenced by gender and culture, can be key to unlocking better learning outcomes. So it's not just about teaching everyone the same strategies.
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Right. It's about recognizing that different learners might benefit from different approaches. Precisely.
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I see. And this is where technology can play an incredible role. Think about it.
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Yeah. Personalized learning. Uh-huh.
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Tailored to individual needs. Right. Accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world.
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That sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. I know, right? But seriously, that kind of accessibility could be a game changer for so many people. It really could.
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Yeah. And it's already happening. Really? Oh, yeah.
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There are some amazing AI-powered tools out there that are making a real difference. That's awesome. Like, have you heard of my speaking score? TOEFL Speaking Prep Tool, powered by Speech Raider AI technology.
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Okay. I'm listening. It's been used by over 100,000 students to really hone their speaking skills.
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Wow. That's impressive. So how does it work? Right.
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Does it just, like, listen to you speak and give you a grade? It's much more sophisticated than that. Oh. Yeah.
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My speaking score provides personalized feedback on your pronunciation, fluency vocabulary, and grammar. Wow. Pinpointing areas where you can improve.
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That's incredible. It's like having a personal TOEFL coach available 24-7. That's the beauty of AI.
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Yeah. It makes these incredibly powerful learning tools accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This research has really opened my eyes to the complexities of reading and learning.
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It is complex. Especially in the context of the TOEFL. Yeah.
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It's not just about memorizing words or grammar rules. Right. It's about understanding how our individual backgrounds and approaches influence how we engage with the material.
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Exactly. Cool. And by recognizing these individual differences and by leveraging the power of technology, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential even on a challenging test like the TOEFL.
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That's a powerful message. It is. And it's inspiring to see how this research is shedding light on these crucial aspects of education and learning.
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Absolutely. It's all about empowering learners, giving them the tools and insights they need to succeed no matter where they come from or what their learning style is. This has been such an insightful deep dive.
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It has. I'm still processing all the information about gender culture and those all-important metacognitive reading strategies. It's a lot to take in.
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But I think it's crucial to have these conversations to really understand the complex interplay of factors that influence learning. Absolutely. Now, before we wrap things up, I want to make sure we connect all of this back to our listener and their TOEFL journey.
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What are some key takeaways they can apply to their own reading practice, especially when tackling those challenging texts? Well, first and foremost, remember that reading is an active process. Don't just passively absorb words. Engage with the text.
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Ask questions. Make connections. And use those metacognitive tools we talked about to unlock meaning.
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It's like having a conversation with the author rather than just listening to a lecture. I love that analogy. I know.
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It makes reading feel so much more dynamic and engaging. Any other tips for our listener? Absolutely. Think about your own learning style and preferences.
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Do you learn best by taking notes? By summarizing information? By discussing ideas with others? Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you. So it's about finding your own unique toolkit. The combination of strategies that helps you truly understand and remember what you read.
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Exactly. And don't forget the power of technology. Explore those AI-powered tools like MySpeakingScore that can provide personalized feedback and help you pinpoint areas for improvement.
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They're incredible resources that can make a real difference in your TOEFL prep. It's amazing how technology is opening up so many possibilities for personalized learning. Especially for those tackling a challenge like the TOEFL.
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Absolutely. And that accessibility is key. Making those resources available to anyone, anywhere.
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This has been such a thought-provoking deep dive. We've learned so much about metacognitive reading strategies. The impact of gender and culture.
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And the incredible potential of AI in education. Yeah. It's really fascinating.
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It is. How all of these elements connect and how understanding them can empower you on your TOEFL journey. So as we wrap up, let's distill this knowledge into something practical for our listener.
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What's the one key takeaway they should carry with them as they prepare for the TOEFL? I would say remember you're not just memorizing facts and figures. You're building a skill set. A way of thinking.
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Embrace that process. Be curious and find the tools and strategies that work best for you. I like it.
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And don't be afraid to experiment. You might surprise yourself with what you discover along the way. That's a great point.
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It's about becoming an active learner. Not just a passive recipient of information. Exactly.
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And as you continue your TOEFL prep, remember that resources like my speaking score are out there. Right. Ready to provide that personalized support and feedback you need to really excel.
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I love how accessible these AI-powered tools are. Me too. Making expert guidance available to anyone with an internet connection.
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It really is a testament to how technology is leveling the playing field in education. For sure. Opening up opportunities that were once unimaginable.
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This deep dive has been so insightful. It has been a good one. Shedding light on not just the what of reading strategies, but the why behind them.
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The why is so important. And ultimately that understanding is what empowers you to become a more confident and effective reader. Not just for the TOEFL, but for life.
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So well said. But as we wrap up, I want to leave our listener with a final thought. Okay.
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This research has shown us how deeply personal learning can be. It really has. So as you continue your TOEFL journey, I encourage you to reflect on your own unique approach.
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Yeah. What strategies resonate with you? Right. What tools make you feel empowered? Good question.
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Embrace those strengths. And don't be afraid to seek out new ones along the way. Keep learning.
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Until next time, happy reading and best of luck on your TOEFL adventure.
