Attribution Bias - TOEFL iBT® Speaking Integrated Practice Test with Answers

Preparing for the TOEFL iBT^®  Speaking Integrated task is essential to succeed in the Speaking Section. Engaging in simulated tests for the integrated task will help you get accustomed to the exam's format and structure. 

So we present our Speaking Integrated practice test on the topic- ‘Attribution Bias’ designed to help you sharpen essential skills necessary to tackle this section of the exam with ease. It will enable you to develop effective comprehension strategies, recognize key information, and efficiently manage your time during the exam. 

Instructions

• The narrator will introduce you to the question format, consisting of reading a short academic passage followed by a related lecture on a similar topic.
• Subsequently, you will be asked to respond to a question, integrating information from both the passage and the lecture.
• After hearing the question, you will have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to deliver it.
• Following the initial instructions, the narrator will prompt you to read the passage on Attribution Bias within 45 seconds.
• The reading passage will be displayed on the screen for your convenience.

Attribution Bias

Individuals interpret their actions differently than they do the actions of others. When observing others, there's a tendency to link their behavior to their character or personality rather than external circumstances. Conversely, when explaining our own actions, we often attribute them to situational factors beyond our control instead of our character. This variance can be explained by our awareness of the situational influences on ourselves but not necessarily on others. As a result, when assessing someone else's behavior, our focus is on the individual rather than the circumstances.

Directions: A clock displayed at the top of your computer screen will indicate the remaining time for reading. Once the reading time ends, an image of a professor teaching a class will appear on the screen. Then, you will hear the following instructions.

Now, listen to this Audio and answer the question that follows.

Directions: Once the lecture concludes, the picture of the professor will be replaced by a screen instructing you to prepare for answering the question. Subsequently, the following question will appear on the screen and will be read aloud by a narrator.

Question:

Explain how the two examples discussed by the professor illustrate differences in the ways people explain behavior.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Speaking Test - Attribution Bias

Listen to the Audio to hear a high-level answer to the provided question.

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

To start my statement, I must mention that there are two distinct types of evaluation: one involves assessing others, while the other pertains to self-assessment. When evaluating others, the focus is primarily on their personality or any aspects related to their character. Conversely, when assessing oneself, there is a tendency to consider the surrounding circumstances more than one's actual actions, often overlooking personal shortcomings or the implications of one's actions.

An example illustrating this contrast can be found in the professor's observations regarding how people interpret behavior. Initially, when someone cut in line ahead of him, the professor perceived this as line jumping and felt greatly irritated, viewing the individual as rude or selfish. However, a few days later, when the professor himself engaged in a similar act due to time constraints and an important meeting, he justified his behavior, believing there was nothing wrong because of the urgent circumstances.

Rater’s Comment: 

The speaker effectively demonstrates how the professor's examples highlight the concept that we interpret others' behavior differently from our own. She efficiently addresses the key points within the given time frame. Her response is continuous and coherent, and her pronunciation is clear, with occasional minor challenges. While there are a few minor grammatical mistakes, they do not impede comprehension, and she generally exhibits a strong command of grammatical structures.

Listen to the Audio to hear a mid-level answer to the provided question.

Mid-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

The professor discussed two examples that highlight the different ways people interpret behavior. In the first example, the professor didn't understand why someone took his place in the store. Initially, he thought the person was selfish, but later realized he didn't understand the reason behind the action. In the second example, the professor mentioned being early and taking someone else's place, which is explained by the tendency for people to attribute behavior based on the individual's character rather than considering the situation of others involved.

Rater’s Comment: 

The speaker manages to address both examples provided by the professor in a rudimentary manner. However, there is a lack of clear connection between the second example and the concept discussed in the reading, which emphasizes that individuals often attribute their actions to situational circumstances rather than inherent traits. Although the speaker's pronunciation is clear, the response remains challenging to follow intermittently due to frequent pauses and hesitations.

Great performance in the Speaking Integrated Task! Now, you can utilize our additional TOEFL practice test papers and improve your Reading and Writing skills to achieve your desired TOEFL Score!

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