TOEFL Speaking & Writing: Plug & Play Formats
Mark D. Davis
Abstract
As English teachers in Korea, we are often faced with the unique challenge to prepare both language skills and test-taking ability. A standardized test such as the TOEFL requires targeted instruction in how the test works, along with strategies for accomplishing specific tasks. The objective of this presentation is to help teachers create student confidence with predictable, easy to remember answer formats, so that more response time is focused on language skills. Developed over a year-plus of teaching upper-beginner to intermediate level middle school TOEFL students, this set of answer formulas has resulted in successful improvement of student test scores. The Plug and Play formulas focus on the logical reduction of questions to basic structures and skills required, providing simple, related frameworks for ensuring well-developed responses to Integrated and Independent question types. Not only has this approach been successful with students, it has proven effective for training those who are new to teaching the TOEFL. It can be implemented quickly within existing curriculum and is easily modified to fit different levels of ability. The system is also effective in fostering a team-teaching environment in schools with several TOEFL teachers, as the skills taught can be systematically applied throughout course level progression (Beginner to Advanced). This presentation is targeted at teachers working on the TOEFL Speaking and Writing sections for any age level.
Bio-sketch
Mark Davis holds a Master of Arts in Teaching (English) from Union College in New York, USA. He is currently an Assistant Professor of English Composition at Sejong University in Seoul. He worked as a TOEFL Writing and Speaking Teacher at an English academy in Changwon from 2011 to 2013. He encourages feedback.
