Academic Format & Video Guide
Learning Objectives
Academic Concept Mastery
Understand and explain complex academic theories
Example Integration
Connect lecture examples to reading definitions
Academic Language
Click to hear phrases:
Task 3 Academic Format
Academic Subject Areas
Psychology
- Cognitive processes
- Behavioral theories
- Learning mechanisms
Biology
- Ecological concepts
- Evolutionary processes
- Adaptation strategies
Business
- Marketing strategies
- Economic principles
- Management theories
Academic Success Strategy
Task 3 requires you to act as a bridge between theoretical definitions and real-world applications. You're not just repeating information—you're demonstrating understanding by connecting abstract concepts to concrete examples.
Concept Explanation Strategy
The Theory-Example Connection
Reading
What: Academic definition
Focus: Key terms, characteristics
Lecture
What: Real-world examples
Focus: How concept applies
Note-Taking Strategy for Task 3
Reading Notes
Lecture Notes
Response Structure Formula
"The reading defines [concept] as [definition]. According to the passage, this concept involves [key characteristics]."
"The professor illustrates this with an example of [example 1]. In this case, [explain how example demonstrates the concept]."
"He also mentions [example 2]. This shows [how this example relates to the concept] by [specific connection]."
"Both examples demonstrate how [restate concept] works in real situations."
Common Academic Concept Types
Behavioral Concepts
Examples: Social facilitation, cognitive dissonance, groupthink
Focus on why people act certain waysNatural Processes
Examples: Natural selection, symbiosis, photosynthesis
Focus on how nature worksEconomic Principles
Examples: Supply and demand, market segmentation
Focus on business applicationsTask 3 Success Tips
- Start with the concept name - make it clear what you're explaining
- Use the professor's exact examples - don't create your own
- Explain the "why" and "how" - show understanding, not just memorization
- Make connections explicit - use phrases like "this demonstrates" or "this shows"
- Balance time evenly - don't spend too much time on definition
SpeechAce for Academic Concepts
SpeechAce for Academic Integration
Task 3 requires sophisticated academic language and clear concept explanation. SpeechAce can evaluate your ability to use academic vocabulary accurately and connect theoretical concepts to practical examples effectively.
Task 3 SpeechAce Configuration
Choose "Academic Explanation" Mode
This mode evaluates concept clarity and academic language use, perfect for Task 3 assessment.
Input Academic Context
Specify the academic field (psychology, biology, business) and the main concept you're explaining.
Enable Academic Vocabulary Assessment
This feature specifically evaluates your use of academic terms and concept-linking language.
Record Your Concept Explanation
Deliver your 60-second response using the definition-example-connection structure we practiced.
Academic Performance Metrics
Concept Clarity
Example Integration
Academic Vocabulary
Logical Organization
Understanding Task 3 Feedback
SpeechAce Task 3 Analysis
Clear concept definition, well-integrated examples, appropriate academic language
Basic concept explained, some example connection, limited academic vocabulary
Unclear concept explanation, weak example integration, informal language
Take the SpeechAce Test Now
Ready to test your TOEFL Speaking Task 3 academic explanation skills? Click below to access the SpeechAce assessment platform.
Start SpeechAce TestAcademic Language Enhancement
Key Academic Phrases:
- "This concept is characterized by..."
- "The professor illustrates this through..."
- "This example demonstrates how..."
- "In this case, we can observe..."
Connection Words:
- "This clearly shows..."
- "Similarly..."
- "As a result..."
- "This exemplifies..."
Academic Examples & Practice
Complete Task 3 Example: Psychology
Reading Passage (45 seconds)
Social Facilitation
Social facilitation is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when people perform tasks differently in the presence of others compared to when they are alone. Specifically, the presence of others tends to enhance performance on simple or well-practiced tasks but can impair performance on complex or new tasks. This effect happens because the presence of others increases physiological arousal, which can either help or hinder performance depending on the difficulty of the task being performed.
Lecture Summary (90 seconds)
Professor's Examples:
Example 1: Bicycle Racing
The professor mentions a study where experienced cyclists were timed riding alone and then in the presence of other people. When others were watching, the cyclists rode significantly faster than when they were alone. This demonstrates social facilitation working positively because cycling was a well-practiced skill for these athletes.
Example 2: Learning New Skills
In contrast, the professor describes students learning to solve complex math problems. When working alone, students performed better and made fewer mistakes. However, when other students were present in the room, their performance declined and they made more errors. This shows how social facilitation can impair performance on difficult or unfamiliar tasks.
High-Scoring Sample Response
- Precise definition: Uses exact academic terminology
- Clear structure: Definition → Example 1 → Example 2 → Connection
- Specific details: "Experienced cyclists," "complex math problems"
- Academic language: "Demonstrates," "illustrates," "in contrast"
- Explicit connections: Shows how examples prove the concept
Additional Academic Concepts
Cognitive Dissonance (Psychology)
Definition: Mental discomfort from holding contradictory beliefs
Examples: Smokers who know smoking is harmful, buyer's remorse after expensive purchases
Mutualistic Symbiosis (Biology)
Definition: Relationship where both species benefit
Examples: Clownfish and sea anemones, bees and flowers
Market Segmentation (Business)
Definition: Dividing customers into distinct groups for targeted marketing
Examples: Age-based toy marketing, luxury vs. budget car brands
Practice Questions
Psychology Practice
Concept: Operant Conditioning
Your task: Explain how behavior is shaped by consequences, using the professor's examples of employee motivation and pet training.
Biology Practice
Concept: Adaptive Radiation
Your task: Describe how species diversify to fill different ecological niches, using examples from Darwin's finches.
Your Academic Practice
Academic Reading - Business (45 seconds)
Target Marketing
Target marketing is a business strategy where companies focus their marketing efforts on specific groups of consumers rather than trying to appeal to everyone. This approach involves identifying distinct customer segments based on demographics, interests, or behaviors, then creating customized marketing messages and products for each segment. Target marketing is generally more cost-effective than mass marketing because companies can allocate their resources more efficiently and create more relevant, persuasive marketing campaigns that resonate with specific audiences.
Professor's Examples
Example 1: Athletic Shoe Companies
The professor explains how athletic shoe companies like Nike don't market the same way to professional athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts. For professional athletes, they emphasize performance features, technology, and endorsements from elite competitors. For casual users, they focus on comfort, style, and affordability. This targeted approach allows them to sell more shoes because each message speaks directly to what different customers care about most.
Example 2: Luxury Car Marketing
She also describes how luxury car manufacturers target wealthy customers differently than economy car companies target budget-conscious buyers. Luxury brands advertise in upscale magazines, sponsor exclusive events, and emphasize prestige and quality. Economy brands use mass media, focus on fuel efficiency and value, and highlight practical benefits. Each strategy works because it matches the priorities and media consumption habits of their target audience.
Your Academic Notes (30 seconds to prepare)
Concept Definition:
Professor's Examples:
Record Your Academic Explanation
Using the reading and lecture information, explain the concept of target marketing and how the professor's examples illustrate it.