What is the fee of registering for the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

Applicants who choose to take the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition must pay an amount of INR 16,900 for registering, which is the same for TOEFL iBT.

How many times is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition conducted in a month?

The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is offered once or twice every month.

As the TOEFL iBT exam is conducted in two sessions, do I have to book two dates or one?

You need to schedule two appointments when you register: one at your neighbourhood testing facility and the other at your house.

In some places, why is the duration of the first session of TOEFL iBT Paper Edition written as three and half hours? What is the actual duration?

The test duration at a centre is three hours. An additional thirty minutes is allocated for test administration tasks, such as admitting examinees, allowing them to input identifying information, and managing test materials.

Are there any special requirements for the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

As the Speaking section is conducted from home, please ensure that you have the required setup for both the equipment and environment before registering. You will get the details from the official website.

Active vs Passive Learning - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Active vs Passive Learning - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On January 03, 2025

"Dive into the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Active vs Passive Learning' and note down the areas of improvement to score higher in the TOEFL exam."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Active vs Passive Learning

If you're preparing for the TOEFL iBT® exam, one of the main sections is the Speaking Independent Section which tests your ability to express your opinion clearly and coherently while substantiating it by providing relevant reasons and examples. In order to succeed in this section, one has to develop a good command of the English language and the ability to structure as well as deliver a response effectively within a limited time. Therefore, time management skills play a huge role in acing the section

The Speaking Independent Practice Test on 'Active vs Passive Learning' would help you become awayre of how the actual exam might feel as it closely reflects the structure of the TOEFL test. Successful strategies would include learning to think quickly, organize your ideas and speak confidently while under a time constraint. You can practice by using stopwatch to brainstorm, organise, and speak while attempting this practice test and record yourself to note down the areas of improvement.

Let's dive into the practice test and prepare you for the Speaking Independent Section!

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 to hear the Question.

Question:

Some people believe that active learning, which involves engaging directly with the material through discussions and hands-on activities, is more effective. Others think that passive learning, such as listening to lectures or reading, is sufficient. Which method do you prefer and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about active vs passive learning, remember that your response must be well-crafted which should be coherent. Responses that are well organised while you are being confident leaves a better impression on the listener compared to uncertain and hesitant ones. You must time yourself while ensuring that all points are covered before commencing your viewpoint. Therefore, it is necessary to state your opinion along with specific reasons to justify it where relevant examples would also help maintain clarity and logical flow of the response. Finally, good intonation in your response is important as it also adds to the overall clarity and effectiveness of your response.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Active vs Passive Learning

Here, we've included two sample answers, one at a mid-level and one at a high-level proficiency. By comparing the differences in language use, you will gain valuable insights into the key elements that contribute to achieving a higher TOEFL score.

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

Mid-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer active learning because it help me to understand better. Um, when I was in school, we do projects and, uh, it was more engaging. Active learning is, like, more effective because it involves discussions and hands-on activities. Uh, passive learning, like listening to lectures, is not enough. I remember, um, when I read books, it was hard to remember. Active learning, it is more engaging and, uh, helps in understanding. I think active learning is better because it is more engaging. Uh, it is more effective for understanding. Active learning is, um, more engaging and effective.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a score of 1 due to significant language errors and limited content development. Language errors include subject-verb agreement issues, such as "it help me" instead of "it helps me," and tense inconsistency, as seen in "when I was in school, we do projects." The response is riddled with filler words like "um," "uh," and "like," which disrupt the flow and clarity of speech. Unnatural pauses occur frequently, particularly after "Active learning is, like, more effective," leading to choppy delivery. Content development is weak, with repeated phrases like "Active learning is more engaging" and a lack of supporting details. The response lacks coherence and depth, preventing it from scoring higher. To improve, the speaker should focus on grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and provide more detailed support for their preference.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer active learning because it allows me to engage directly with the material, making it easier to understand and remember. For instance, during my university studies, I participated in a project-based course where we had to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. This hands-on experience not only deepened my understanding but also improved my problem-solving skills. In contrast, when I relied solely on passive learning, such as attending lectures, I found it challenging to retain information. Active learning encourages critical thinking and collaboration, which are essential skills in today's world. Therefore, I believe that active learning is more effective in fostering a deeper comprehension and long-term retention of knowledge.

Rater’s Comment:

The response effectively demonstrates advanced language use, with complex sentence constructions such as "This hands-on experience not only deepened my understanding but also improved my problem-solving skills." The vocabulary is sophisticated, with precise word choices like "fostering a deeper comprehension and long-term retention of knowledge." Delivery is excellent, characterised by a natural flow and clear articulation, as seen in the smooth transition between personal experience and general argumentation. The pacing is effective, maintaining listener engagement throughout. Content development is strong, with a well-organised structure that clearly progresses from personal preference to supporting examples, such as the project-based course experience. The response earned a score of 4 due to its coherent discourse, effective language use, and well-developed topic progression. The mastery of complex structures and clear articulation are notable strengths to maintain.

Well done on finishing this practice test! Whether you're just starting or fine-tuning your skills, we have more practice materials waiting for you. Each test is designed to help you master different aspects of TOEFL Speaking.

Keep practicing, and watch your confidence grow!

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