General

1. How can I improve my TOEFL Speaking score using your service?

You can use three resources at TEFLSpeaking.com: First, watch the video clips for the strategies to improve your TOEFL speaking score and tips to optimize your performance while taking the test; Second, practice often with the simulation TOEFL speaking questions at the site with the easy-to-use online recording tool; Third, review your practice and compare it with the model answers we provide for a benchmark.

2. Who developed the TOEFL speaking practice question sets, model answers and notes, as well as the video presentation for the TOEFL speaking strategies?

Dr. Pamela Sharpe, an internationally recognized educator and author in the field of English as a Second Language (ESL). She has been the author of the best-selling TOEFL preparation book, Barron's TOEFL iBT (now in the 13th edition), for many years. Dr. Sharpe also taught ESL at the University of Florida and the University of Texas at Austin, and graduate courses for teachers via the interactive television network in Arizona. For more details about her credentials, please visit her website at www.teflprep.com.

3. How much does it cost to use your service?

It's free to view all of the video presentations for the TOEFL speaking strategies. We also offer one set of the simulation TOEFL speaking tests (six questions), along with the model answers and sample note-taking, for free. In the future, we'll add more TOEFL speaking question sets for a fee.

4. Can you evaluate my practice answers and give me feedback?

We don't offer personal feedback for your practice now, but plan to do so in the future. Please add your name to our email list by sending us an email at notice@teflspeaking.com, and you will be notified when the feedback service is available. In the meantime, we'll make it easier for you to ask for feedback from your peers and teachers regarding your recorded answers at TEFLSpeaking.com.

5. What if I need more TOEFL speaking practice sets to work on?

We'll add more practice sets, along with the model answers and sample note-taking in the near future. Please add your name to our email list by sending us an email at notice@teflspeaking.com, and you will be notified when the new practices are available. You can also buy Dr. Pamela Sharpe's Barron's TOEFL iBT (13th edition) and her other TOEFL preparation books at bookstores or Barron's website www.barronseduc.com.

6. Can I download the audio file of my practice answers to my own computer?

No, for now you can only record and play your practice answers at TEFLSpeaking with an Internet connection. We'll be adding this future to allow the download in the future.

Recording (View the 'How to Record' tutorial)

1. How does the recorder work?

The best way to start is to view our "How to Record" tutorial. We use Web-based digital recording. You do not need to download any software from us. All you need is a Flash, which is usually pre-installed in your computer (If not, download it from Adobe's website here). You may simply hit the Record button when you are ready to start recording, and Stop when you are finished. After you have finished, you may click the Play button to review and potentially re-record if the quality is not to your liking. The recording is automatically saved on our server, and can be accessed from any computer with Internet connection anywhere. You are required to have a microphone attached to your computer (either built-in or external) in order to use the recording features.

2. When clicking the Record button I get an "Adobe Flash Player" notice. What should I do?

When trying to record, you may be presented with the following popup: "Camera and Microphone Access: TEFLspeaking.com is requesting access to your camera and microphone. If you click Allow, you will be recorded." This is to ensure that you are never recorded without your explicit permission. Adobe Flash Player will always ask you to confirm that you are willing to grant the access to your microphone. Simply click Allow and you will be able to use the digital recorder.

3. Where is my recording saved?

All recordings are automatically saved to our servers. All recordings are private and cannot be accessed by anyone except the account holders.

4. Why is there no sound in my recording?

There are several possibilities why you may have difficulty recording. The most common issue is failure to click the "Allow" button when the Adobe Flash Player asks for permission to use your microphone. If you have clicked Allow and still have difficulty, ensure that your microphone is connected to your computer and functioning properly. Finally, ensure that your microphone has not been put on "mute" through your computer's audio control settings.

5. What if I'm not happy with what I recorded the first time?

You can record as many times as you wish until you're satisfied with the result. Simply click the Record button to start over, and re-record your entry. The new recording will automatically overwrite the existing one.

6. How long can I record my answer?

There is no limit on the length of any recording when you practice. However, each TOEFL speaking question has its own time limit.

7. How do I save my recording?

The recording is automatically saved after you have pressed the Stop button. It will be saved and stored unless you chose to overwrite the recording by clicking the Record button again.

More questions? Please send us an email at Question@teflspeaking.com.