TOEFL Speaking Task 3 Practice Test #8

Instructions

You will read a short academic passage (usually about a concept from psychology, biology, business, etc.), and then listen to part of a lecture in which a professor explains the same concept using one or more examples. After that, you will be asked a question that connects the reading and the lecture. You will have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.

The question for TOEFL Speaking Task 3 typically asks you to explain how the example (or examples) from the lecture illustrate the concept described in the reading. In your response, briefly summarize the concept from the reading and explain how the professor’s example helps to clarify or demonstrate it. This format is consistent across tests.

Reading Passage

Visual Advertisement

When companies promote their products, they often rely on both images and words to boost sales. An image can be anything from a symbol, character, or design—any visual element that connects the brand to its product in the minds of consumers. These images are usually positive and appealing, designed to entertain and engage consumers in a way that encourages future purchases. Although these images often have little logical connection to the product, they are memorable and leave a lasting impression on the consumer.

Listening

Transcript

Narrator: Now listen to part of a lecture in a Marketing class.

Professor: You know, there are lots of different companies out there that make and sell cookies or biscuits. But there’s one company, Big Bear Cookies, that has used this technique to sell more cookies than all its competitors. How? Well, the company has this animal character called Big Bear that it uses in all the advertising. The picture of the bear is on its cookie boxes, and the character of the bear also appears in its TV commercials. Oh, and of course, the cookies themselves are shaped like big bears. Now most people who eat Big Bear Cookies are children, and well, they enjoy the bear and think that he’s really entertaining and fun. In the TV commercials, for example, he’s always saying funny things and dancing around in a lively, comical way. So Big Bear makes children feel good about the company’s cookies, makes children want to get them. And you know, the really interesting thing is that the figure of Big Bear stays in people’s minds and makes them think of cookies, even though bears don’t usually have anything to do with cookies. I mean, bears certainly don’t make or eat cookies, right? Yet, Big Bear is a character that people, particularly children, don’t seem to forget, because year after year, Big Bear Cookies sells more cookies than any other company.

TOEFL Speaking Task 3 Sample Questions [Reading Passages & Audio]

OUR TOEFL SHOP

TOEFL Preparation

Vocabulary

Meet Your Tutor Before You Decide

Watch a few of my videos to see how I approach teaching and what you can expect.

Ready to Start Your English IELTS TOEFL SAT Journey?

CHALLENGE YOURSELF.
TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

Leave a CommentCancel reply