TOEFL  - Speaking
Question 3
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Directions: In this question, you will read a short announcement and then listen to a dialogue on the same topic. You will then answer a question about them. After you hear the question, you will have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to speak.  

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Narrator: The Student Recreation Center has posted a notice about a new Tai Chi class. Read the announcement about the new class. You will have 45 seconds to read the announcement. Begin reading now.

 

 

New Tai Chi Classes! Free!!!

The Student Rec Center has decided to offer free Beginner Tai Chi lessons to all students and staff for the upcoming finals period. For the two weeks before finals starting April 16th and the week of finals, free Tai Chi classes will be available for students at the Rec Center. If you are feeling stressed out for finals, stop by and learn some exercises to help calm you down and relieve stress. Classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00AM and 5:00PM, and Thursdays at 3:00PM.

 

 

 

Narrator: Listen to two students as they discuss the announcement.

 

Student 1(male): Why would anybody bother going to those silly classes?

 

Student 2(female): Silly? Tai Chi isn’t silly. It’s been around for centuries and promotes good health.

 

Student 1: Well, if someone was that worried about finals, wouldn’t their time be spent a little better by studying?

 

Student 2: Tai Chi will help you rest and could actually help you study better. You know, if you study for long periods of time, you probably won’t remember as much as if you study some, then rest, then study some more.

 

Student 1: I think it’s just a waste of time. If I am cramming for a test, the last thing I need is to take a Tai Chi break.

 

Student 2: Do you think you study better under a lot of stress, or when you are more relaxed? I don’t know about you, but I think I’m going to take advantage of these free classes.

 

Student 1: Hmm, well, I really do feel tired and stressed out after a late night of cramming for a test. Maybe I’ll stop by after my first exam to help me prepare for my next night of studying.

 

Narrator: Now get ready to answer the question.


Narrator: The woman tries to convince the man to do something. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion and for trying to persuade the man.

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The woman thinks that it is great that the university is offering free Tai Chi classes for the few weeks before finals. She thinks that Tai Chi is great for relaxing and your health, and that Tai Chi has a long, long history. The woman also thinks that these classes could help students study better. She says that if you study for long periods of time, maybe your brain gets tired So, Tai Chi is like a rest for your brain that will allow you to relax so you can go and study again. Tai Chi will let you study better in that you do more quality studying and won’t forget as much stuff later. The woman thinks that taking the Tai Chi classes is also a good idea because it relaxes you, and when you are stressed out, you can’t study as good. If you take a Tai Chi class first, then go study, you will be more relaxed and will therefore be able to study better and remember more of what you studied.