Repetitions: Minimizing unnecessary repetition

Repetitions in TOEFL Speaking occur when you repeat words or phrases multiple times during your response.

• Analogy: Imagine you are playing a game of catch with a friend. If you keep throwing the ball to the same spot repeatedly, it becomes monotonous and less exciting. Similarly, in speaking, repetitions happen when you use the same words or phrases too often, making your speech sound repetitive and less engaging.
• High Repetitions: Frequent use of the same words or phrases can make your speech seem dull and repetitive, much like repeatedly throwing the ball to the same spot in a game of catch.
• Low Repetitions: Using a variety of words and expressions keeps your speech interesting and engaging, akin to throwing the ball to different spots, making the game more dynamic and fun.

In the TOEFL Speaking test, aim to minimize repetitions. Use a diverse vocabulary and express your ideas in different ways to keep your speech engaging and to communicate your thoughts effectively.

Technical Explanation

• Dimension: Repetitions
• Model: Delivery
• Construct: Fluency (Repair)
• Impact on Overall Score: Moderate
• Definition: Measures how often you repeat a word or phrase, including self-corrections.

Responses with a higher Repetitions score (i.e., fewer repetitions) correlate moderately with higher TOEFL Speaking scores.

Overall Score Ranges

• Good: 26-30
• Fair: 18-25
• Limited: 10-17
• Weak: 0-9

What the Numbers Tell Us

• The chart shows that a Repetitions score of 26 places this response in the "Weak" range (0-9) for overall TOEFL Speaking scores, indicating that high repetition negatively impacts fluency.
• Approximately 60% of responses scored higher, suggesting that avoiding excessive repetition is associated with better scores.
• Responses with a Repetitions score of 26 fall across the "Weak," "Limited," and "Fair" ranges, highlighting that while reducing repetitions is beneficial, it is not the sole determinant of the final score.
• The impact of this dimension is rated as moderate, indicating that while avoiding repetitions can help improve your TOEFL Speaking score, other factors also play a significant role.

Conclusion: To enhance your TOEFL Speaking score, minimize the repetition of words and phrases. By using a varied vocabulary and expressing ideas in diverse ways, you can make your speech more engaging and effectively communicate your thoughts. This approach will contribute to a more dynamic and compelling performance on the test.

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