Tip #11 TOEFL SPEAKing task #5 (The Dialogue): use The 2 Column bAR note-taking Method; mODIFY rEASONS

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Strategy:
Apply a simple 2 column note taking strategy and modify the reason for the solution you choose. Try to make the reason slightly different from the speakers.

Practice: Practice Task 5: Spring Break Problem
Listen to the following dialogue

Dialogue Transcript (1.5–2 minutes – listen/read)

Woman: Hey Charlie, you look stressed. Everything okay? Are you ready for spring break?

Man: You bet I am. I'm just not sure where we'll be going for spring break. My roommates and I have been talking about going to the beach in the Bahaman Islands, but it isn't exactly cheap. Only Pat and I were able to save up enough money to go.
Woman: Oh no. What about your other roommate?
Man: Bo worked extra shifts at the restaurant these last few weeks, but he still couldn't make enough money. We all feel really bad because we wanted to go together. I don't think we could go without him.
Woman: Well, can't you let him borrow some money so you can all go together?
Man: I think we could do that. If Pat and I both pitched in and lent him some money, he might have enough. But I don't know if he'd want to borrow money from us. He doesn't usually do that.
Woman: Hmm, I understand. Well, maybe you just need to find another place to go then. If you all already have some money saved up, you should be able to find a closer, cheaper destination for spring break, right?
Man: I suppose we could, but it really wouldn't be the same. We had our hearts set on the Bahamas.
Woman: You should look around. Maybe you can find a place like the Bahamas, just without the Bahamas price.
Man: Yeah, maybe you're right. I'll talk to Pat and Bo tonight. Thanks for listening.

Model Notetaking
                                           Man (Charlie)                                          Woman
Problem                             Spring break trip – Bo no money
Solution 1                                                                                             Lend Bo money
→ Response                       Possible but Bo not like borrow
Solution 2                                                                                            Find cheaper destination
→ Response                      Not same but possible

Strategy 2: Offer a Modified Reason
At the end, you must choose a solution (or offer an alternative). But don't just repeat the conversation. Add a new or modified reason for your choice.
Instead of saying: "I think they should lend Bo money because the woman suggested it."
Say: "I think lending Bo money is better because if they go somewhere cheaper, they might feel disappointed the whole trip. Borrowing money is uncomfortable for Bo, but the experience together is worth it."
See the difference? You took the original idea and added your own reasoning

Model Answer

Transcript of model answer
In the conversation, Charlie has a problem. He and his two roommates wanted to go to the Bahamas for spring break, but one roommate – Bo – couldn't save enough money. Charlie doesn't want to go without him.

The woman suggests two solutions. First, Charlie and his other roommate Pat could lend Bo the money he needs. Charlie's response is that this could work, but Bo doesn't like borrowing money from friends.

The second solution is to choose a cheaper destination closer to home. Charlie says this is possible, but it wouldn't be the same as the Bahamas.

Personally, I think lending Bo the money is the better choice. Here's my modified reason: if they choose a cheaper place, they might feel disappointed the whole trip and regret not going to the Bahamas. To solve the borrowing problem, Charlie could tell Bo to pay them back slowly – like twenty dollars a week after the trip. That way, everyone goes together and Bo doesn't feel too much pressure.

Post-Task Assessment & Reflection
After you finish speaking, take 3–4 minutes to complete this.

Part 1: Note-Taking Check

Did your two-column notes include…                  Yes      No
The problem (who + what)?                                       ☐       ☐
Solution 1?                                                                      ☐       ☐
The speaker's response to Solution 1?                      ☐       ☐
Solution 2?                                                                     ☐        ☐
The speaker's response to Solution 2?                     ☐        ☐

Part 2: Answer Structure Check

Did you…                                                                        Yes    No
Describe the problem first?                                           ☐     ☐
Describe both solutions?                                                ☐     ☐
Give YOUR opinion clearly?                                            ☐     ☐
Offer a modified or new reason?                                   ☐     ☐
Not just repeat the dialogue?                                        ☐     ☐
Stay within 60 seconds?                                                  ☐     ☐

Part 3: Reflection Questions (write short answers)

1. Look at your notes. Did the two-column method help you separate the man's problem from the woman's suggestions? Why or why not?
2. Did you successfully add a modified reason for your choice? If yes, what was it? If no, what would you add next time?
3. Was it easy or hard to choose a solution? Why?
4. Did you accidentally spend too much time summarizing the conversation and not enough time giving your opinion?
   *(Remember: your opinion should be about 20–25 seconds of the 60-second answer.)*
5. Rate the two-column note-taking method (1 = not helpful, 5 = very helpful):
   ① ② ③ ④ ⑤

Sample Reflection (for this practice)*
1. Yes, the two-column method helped a lot. I could see immediately that the man had the problem and the woman gave solutions. My eyes went straight to the right column for solutions.*
2. Yes – my modified reason was letting Bo pay back slowly. The woman didn't suggest that in the conversation, so it was my own idea.
3. It was a little hard because both solutions have problems. Lending money is awkward, but a cheaper trip is disappointing.
4. I think I did okay – I spent about 35 seconds on the problem and solutions, and 25 seconds on my opinion.
5. Rating: ⑤ – very helpful. I will use this for every Task 5 practice.

Common Mistakes in Task 5
Mistake                                                        Fix
Forgetting the problem                           Start with: "The problem is that…"
Only describing one solution                  You must describe BOTH solutions
Giving your opinion too early                  First summarize, then say "Personally…"
Repeating dialogue word-for-word       Paraphrase – use your own words
No modified reason                                   Add something new: "Another reason is…"
Running out of time                           Practice with a timer. Opinions need 20+ seconds

20-Second Prep Checklist (After Listening)text
□ Look at two-column notes
□ Can I state the problem in one sentence?
□ Solution 1? Solution 2? (check notes)
□ Which solution do I choose?
□ What is my MODIFIED reason? (not just from dialogue)
□ Ready – begin speaking

Quick Template for Task 5 Speaking Time

What to say:

0–10 sec*"In the conversation, the [man/woman] has a problem. [Describe problem in 1 sentence.]"*

10–30 sec"The other student suggests two solutions. First, [solution 1]. However, [speaker's response]. Second, [solution 2]. But [speaker's response]."

30–55 sec"Personally, I think [solution 1 or 2] is better. My reason is… [modified reason]. Also, [add one more sentence]."

55–60 sec"So that's why I would choose that solution."