Unexpected Wealth - TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test Paper with Answers

Among the various components of TOEFL, the Speaking Independent task stands out as a crucial assessment of one's ability to communicate effectively in the English language. And mastering the TOEFL Speaking Section requires focused preparation and exposure to realistic test-like situations. 

Therefore, we offer our personalized TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test with Answers, to help you navigate this section with confidence. This test provides you with the task instructions and response expectations of the raters to help you achieve your desired TOEFL score. 

Instructions

• You'll receive a familiar topic to speak about with no accompanying reading or listening passages.
• After hearing the question, you will have 15 seconds to prepare your response and 45 seconds to deliver it.
• Remember, 15 seconds might seem short, but it's ample time for preparation.
• For this Question, you'll encounter two situations or opinions and must express your preference, providing reasons for your choice.

Now, play this Audio below to hear the Question.

Question: 

What do you believe is preferable and why: Individuals who unexpectedly receive a substantial sum of money and use it for practical purposes, or those who spend it solely for enjoyment? 

Points to Remember

In this question, you are required to select the action you believe is superior and justify your choice. To provide a compelling response, it's important to offer a clear rationale for your perspective. You won't be evaluated based on which action you favor but rather on how effectively you articulate and support your viewpoint. You can approach this topic in a broader sense by discussing typical responses individuals might have in this situation, or you can provide a personal viewpoint by discussing how you would manage unexpected funds. Regardless of your choice—whether it's spending the money on practical necessities or indulging in pleasurable experiences—you should furnish specific examples and details.

For instance, if you opt to spend the money on practical items, you might mention what practical goods or services you have in mind (such as purchasing a new household appliance or vehicle to improve your family's daily life, or investing in education like covering college tuition fees to advance your career). On the other hand, if you decide to use the money for enjoyment, be specific about the enjoyable activities or gifts that appeal to you and explain why (like planning a trip to a beloved vacation destination, contributing to a charitable cause, or buying a special gift for your mother). You may also strengthen your preference for one option by highlighting the drawbacks of the alternative choice.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Unexpected Wealth

Provided below are two different sample explanations - one high-level response and another mid-level response. By examining both explanations, you can enhance your comprehension of how language can be adjusted for varying levels of proficiency.

Listen to this Audio below to hear a high-level response to the provided question.

Rater’s Comment:

In this high-level response, the speaker opts to elaborate on the concept of using money for practical necessities and elucidates why she believes this is preferable to spending money on indulgent items. She employs precise and detailed language with minimal errors or awkward phrasing, stating that there has been a lot of cases with people who win the lottery and they spent almost all the money for a lavish lifestyle. However, the response is not flawless. It lacks specificity as she does not specify what she considers "practical items" that people should prioritize spending money on. While the audience understands what the speaker disapproves of, they are left unclear about her recommended expenditure choices. Additionally, her pronunciation is clear and easy to follow, with natural intonation and appropriate pauses that do not detract from the message. Overall, this is a largely well-developed response that is coherent and comprehensible.

Listen to this Audio below to hear a mid-level response to the provided question.

Rater’s Comment:

The speaker expresses an opinion favoring the use of money for pleasure but provides a general rationale without elaboration. The explanation lacks specificity and detailed examples. The speaker mentions that spending money on enjoyable things is preferable because life is stressful, and relaxing activities are important. While this is an interesting notion, it would be more effective to include specific details about what items or experiences could be purchased with the money and how or why they would bring pleasure. Despite having a good grasp of basic vocabulary and grammar, the speaker makes occasional errors, such as using "so" instead of "very" and saying "the life" instead of "life." The speaker's pronunciation is generally clear, but the slow pace and lack of natural intonation result in limited fluency and fluidity in speech. 

Did this test feel effortless to tackle? Dive into some more of our tailored practice tests designed just for you! With each practice session, you'll witness a boost in confidence and proficiency. Take advantage of our extensive resources to further sharpen your speaking abilities. 

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