Tip #8: TOEFL Speaking Task 3: The Campus Announcement Task: Follow a simple structure to fit it all in, devise simple note taking, have template phrases

Structure this task to cover all parts with a simple note-taking strategy and then begin to get comfortable with a number of useful phrases

Model Example (for you to study)

Reading (announcement – 45 seconds to read)

Library Expansion Announcement
The university library will add a new section dedicated to the War of 1812. This special collection will include rare books, maps, and letters from that period. The university believes this will help history students and attract researchers to campus.
Listening (conversation – 60–90 seconds)
Man: Did you see the library announcement?
Woman: Yes, and I really don't agree with it.
Man: Why not? I think it sounds interesting.
Woman: First, it's a waste of money. The library needs new computers — ours are so old and slow. There are never enough for students.
Man: Hmm, I hadn't thought of that.
Woman: Also, the space is a problem. That room could be used for more study areas or computer labs. Instead, they're filling it with old books most students won't even look at.
Man: I guess that makes sense.
Woman: Exactly. So I really think the money should go somewhere more useful.
Question
The woman expresses her opinion about the library's announcement. State the announcement and explain the woman's opinion and her reasons.


Model Answer (60 seconds – spoken)

Transcript
The university announced that the library will add a new section featuring the War of 1812, including rare books, maps, and letters. The reason for this change is to help history students and attract researchers.
The woman's reaction is negative. She does not support this plan.
She gives two reasons. First, she thinks it's a waste of money. She points out that the library needs new computers because the current ones are old and slow, and there are never enough for students.
Second, she argues about space. She says that the room could be used for better things like more study areas or computer labs instead of old books that most students won't use.
So that's why she believes the university should spend the money somewhere more useful.


Post-Task Assessment & Reflection
After you finish speaking, take 3–4 minutes to complete this.
Part 1: Structure Check
Did you…
Yes
No
State the announcement clearly in the first 10 seconds?
☐
☐

Give the reason for the announcement (from the reading)?
☐
☐

Say whether the man OR woman reacted positively or negatively?
☐
☐

Give 2 reasons for their opinion (from the listening)?
☐
☐

End with a short summary sentence?
☐
☐

Stay within 60 seconds?
☐
☐

Part 2: Content Check
Did you…
Yes
No
Avoid adding your own opinion? (Only report their opinion)
☐
☐

Use the correct person ("the woman thinks" not "I think")?
☐
☐

Include specific details from the listening (e.g., "old computers")?
☐
☐

Part 3: Fluency Check (Listen to your recording)
Did you…
Yes
No
Speak without long pauses (more than 3 seconds)?
☐
☐

Use transition phrases like "First… Second…"?
☐
☐

Avoid repeating the same words too many times?
☐
☐

Part 4: Reflection Questions (write short answers)

1. What was the hardest part of this task?
   (Example: "Remembering both the announcement reasons AND the woman's reasons.")

 

1. Did you accidentally give your own opinion instead of the woman's? If yes, where?

 

1. Listen to your answer. Did you clearly separate the reading information from the listening information?

 

1. If you did this again, what would you change?

 

1. Rate your confidence for Task 3 (1 = very low, 5 = very high):
   ① ② ③ ④ ⑤

Sample Reflection (for this practice)
1. The hardest part was switching from summarizing the announcement to the woman's opinion without pausing too long.
2. No, I remembered to say "the woman thinks" not "I think."
3. Yes — I said "The university announced…" first, then "The woman's reaction is negative…" so it was clear.
4. I would speak a little slower at the beginning so I don't finish 5 seconds early.
5. Confidence: ④ (pretty confident, but need more practice with time control).


Common Mistakes to Avoid in Task 3
Mistake
Better Way
Giving your own opinion
"The woman believes…" not "I believe…"

Forgetting the announcement reason
Write "Reason:" in your notes

Only giving 1 reason
Always give 2 reasons from the listening

Running out of time
Practice with a timer. Skip the final summary if needed

Mixing up man vs. woman
Write "M" or "W" in your notes


Quick Checklist for Your 30‑Second Prep
text
□ What is the announcement? (C/A/P)
□ What is the reason for it?
□ Man or woman speaks? (M / W)
□ Positive or negative? (+ / -)
□ Reason 1 (from listening)
□ Reason 2 (from listening)