TOEFL Speaking Task 3: Integrated (Academic)
Task 3 requires you to synthesize an academic reading passage and a lecture. You will read a short text about an academic concept (like biology or psychology), listen to a professor lecture about it, and explain the relationship between the two.
Preparation Time: 20 seconds
Speaking Time: 60 seconds
Task Structure
- The Reading: A short paragraph defining an academic term, theory, or biological process. Note the definition and the key characteristics.
- The Listening: A professor lecture provides one or two specific examples that illustrate the concept from the reading. Note the examples and *how* they demonstrate the concept.
Strategic Template
The reading passage defines [Term] as [Definition from reading]. It also notes that [Key characteristic or sub-point].
In the lecture, the professor elaborates on this concept by providing an example of [Example 1/Case study].
The professor explains that in this case, [How the example illustrates the concept].
Furthermore, the lecture mentions [Example 2 if applicable], which further demonstrates how [Additional explanation].
Pro-Tips for Task 3
- Focus on the Lecture: Just like Task 2, your response should be heavily weighted toward the listening portion. Keep the reading summary to 1–2 sentences.
- Use the "Bridge": Make sure to explicitly connect the professor’s examples back to the definition in the reading. Use phrases like "This illustrates the concept because..."
- Stay Objective: Avoid using "I" or "my opinion." This is a purely academic, objective summary task.
- Note-Taking: Focus on recording specific examples (names of animals, businesses, or historical figures) used by the professor, as these are critical for a top score.
