Flowcharts and Note-Taking, Part 2: Speaking Section Conversations

Flowcharts are common kind of visual in the business world. They’re often used to illustrate the processes for making decisions (figure 1 below), and completing tasks (figure 2).

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Flowcharts are also useful In TOEFL Speaking, because Integrated Speaking conversations can also be seen in terms of processes, tasks, and decisions. In Speaking Task 2, one student gives an opinion and supports it. A flow chart can be created to show the process behind the student’s argument—the opinion he or she has arrived at, and the ideas given to justify the opinion.

Below is an example flowchart for a TOEFL Integrated Speaking conversation. Figure 3 is a flowchart for Speaking Task 3 (renamed Task 2 on the current TOEFL!) on page 18 of Quick Prep Volume 3 (transcript on pages 37-38, audio here).

Note the way that flowcharts can simplify TOEFL Speaking Notes, giving them direction and focus. This works for conversations in TOEFL Listening too.

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David Recine

David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles, his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram, or connect with him via LinkedIn!

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