托福考试口语备考：新托福口语解码（上）

　　新托福口语的形式与内容
　　我个人认为TSE考试在托福改题之后仍会继续考察一段时间,从而逐步淡出历史舞台。而取而代之的新托福可以说是TSE考试的加强版。这个部分共有6道题,持续约20分钟,包括独立回答题,读听后回答题和先听后答题等三种题型,以考察学生的阅读理解,听力理解和口语表达等综合能力。下面我们就结合ETS对新托福口语部分的指导说明来揭开新托福口语的“神秘面纱”:
　　Speaking Section Directions In this section of the test, you will be able to demonstrate your ability to speak about a variety of topics. You will answer six questions by speaking into the microphone. Answer each of the questions as completely as possible.
　　In questions one and two, you will speak about familiar topics. Your response will be scored on your ability to speak clearly and coherently about the topics.
　　第1题和第2题为独立回答题,要求考生就某一话题阐述自己的观点。准备时间为15秒,回答问题时间为45秒。问题会被朗读出来,同时会出现在屏幕上。比如:
　　Narrator Describe a class you have taken in school and explain why the class was important to you. Include details and examples to support your explanation.
　　Please begin speaking after the beep. [2 secs beep]
　　[Appearing on screen]
　　1. Describe a class you have taken in school and explain why the class was important to you. Include details and examples to support your explanation.
　　Preparation time: 15 seconds
　　Response time: 45 seconds
　　In questions three and four, you will first read a short text. The text will go away and you will then listen to a talk on the same topic. You will then be asked a question about what you have read and heard. You will need to combine appropriate information from the test and the talk to provide a complete answer to the question. Your response will be scored on your ability to speak clearly and coherently and on your ability to accurately convey information about what you read and heard.
　　第3题和第4题则以试题中的阅读和听力材料为基础,要求考生回答相关问题。具体步骤是首先让考生在45秒内阅读一篇短文,一般只含一个自然段,随后短文隐去,播放一段与短文相关的对话或课堂演讲,其长度大约为1分半钟。最后,要求考生根据先前阅读的短文和播放的对话或课堂演讲回答相关问题,考生有30秒钟的准备时间,然后进行60秒钟的回答,考生可以在听录音的过程中做笔记来帮助答题。比如:
　　Reading Time: 45 seconds
　　Announcement from the president The university has decided to increase tuition and fees for all students by approximately 8 percent next semester. For the past 5 years, the tuition and fees have remained the same, but it is necessary to increase them now for several reasons. The university has many more students than we had five years ago, and we must hire additional professors to teach these students. We have also made a new commitment to research and technology, and will be renovating and upgrading our laboratory facilities to better meet our students' needs.
　　Narrator
　　Now listen to two students as they discuss the announcement. [2 seconds]
　　Student A Oh great, now we have to come up with more money for next semester.
　　Student B Yeah, I know, but I can see why. When I first started here, classes were so much smaller than they are now. With this many students, it's hard to get the personal attention you need……
　　Student A Yeah, I guess you're right. You know, in some classes I can't even get a seat. And I couldn't take the math course I wanted to because it was already full when I signed up.
　　Student B And the other thing is, well, I am kind of worried about not being able to get a job after I graduate.