Class Assignments - TOEFL iBT® Speaking Independent Practice Questions with Answer Key

We know that mastering the TOEFL iBT^®  Speaking section requires targeted preparation and exposure to realistic test scenarios. Developing strong speaking abilities is therefore a cornerstone of success in the TOEFL exam. So, we present to you our personalized TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test with Answers, designed to simulate the actual exam experience. 

We'll help you gain valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses while familiarizing yourself with the specific task instructions and response expectations from the raters. Let's dive in and begin your journey toward TOEFL speaking success!

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 the Audio below to hear the Question.

Question:

While some students prefer working independently on class assignments, others believe in working with group collaboration. What is your preference? Justify. 

Points to Remember

In this question, you're asked to state your preference for working alone or in groups to complete class assignments and then explain why you prefer that method. It's important not to simply list reasons without elaborating. Instead, focus on developing one or two reasons fully. 

For instance, if you prefer working in groups, you could explain, "I prefer working in groups because different people bring diverse knowledge to the table, leading to a deeper understanding of the assignment. For example, in a group project about crude oil prices, a student from Venezuela provided valuable insights due to her parents' experience in oil production."

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Class Assignments

We have provided two contrasting sample explanations - a low-level and high-level response. By listening to both the responses, you will gain a deeper understanding of how language can be tailored to different proficiency levels.

Listen to the audio recording to hear a low-level answer to the provided question.

Low-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

Rater’s Comment:

Although the speaker’s pronunciation is clear, she faces difficulties in finding suitable words to convey her ideas, often resorting to vague expressions instead of more precise ones. While attempting to discuss the benefits of both group work and solitary efforts, she runs out of words before adequately supporting her preference for independent work, aside from mentioning increased independence. Her response lacks coherence and clarity, failing to showcase proficiency in grammar beyond a basic level.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

Rater’s Comment:

This response is comprehensive, addressing the question thoroughly. She provides two distinct reasons for favoring independent work—her strong opinions and effective time management—and offers clear justifications for why each aligns better with solitary work. Her speech flows smoothly, with appropriate intonation and emphasis on keywords to convey nuances. Furthermore, she effortlessly uses advanced vocabulary and complex grammatical structures, showcasing a high level of proficiency. 

Feeling confident about your Speaking skills now?

We have tons more practice tests personalized for your needs! Take a few more and watch your confidence soar. Let's chat in the comments - did the question feel like a breeze? 

Share your thoughts and experiences to help others feel prepared too!

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