iBT Speaking Question 5: Preparation This question is a favorite among TOEFL test takers because the listening tends to be the easiest. Don’t be tricked, though, into thinking that you should relax. The task is still challenging, though this one should be one of your top scores. Remember, you have a lot to say. You must give the problem, the solutions (2), your opinion and your reasons for that opinion. That’s five items that you need to mention in order to score above a three. During preparation time, brainstorm about reasons to support your opinion. My advice is to always pick the second solution as your opinion because you can combine the two in your response in order to save time: "The second solution, which is the best in my opinion, is ..." Also, this eliminates any preparation time spent on picking a solution. Spend the twenty seconds coming up with reasons to support your opinion and you should have plenty to say and hopefully something original to distinguish your response from the others. POSTED BY TOEFL TIGER AT 6:17 AM LINKS TO THIS POST LABELS: IBT SPEAKING QUESTION: 5 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2007