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.

Beach vs Mountain Vacations - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Beach vs Mountain Vacations - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On December 20, 2024

"Prepare for the TOEFL Independent Speaking Section with the practice test on 'Beach vs Mountain Vacations' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Beach vs Mountain Vacations

The TOEFL Independent Speaking section tests your ability to think quickly and express your ideas clearly in English. With just 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to respond, you need to organize your thoughts efficiently and present them effectively. Our practice tests will help you master these time-critical skills while developing your speaking abilities.

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:

When planning a holiday, some people prefer a beach vacation, enjoying the sun and sea, while others opt for a mountain retreat, appreciating the fresh air and scenic views. Which type of vacation do you prefer and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about beach vs mountain vacations, consider these key points to craft a well-rounded response. You must clearly state your position and provide specific reasons to justify your opinion. Include relevant examples and maintain a clear, logical organization. Your response should be concise yet detailed enough to demonstrate your speaking abilities within the time limit.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Beach vs Mountain Vacations

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, um, a beach vacation because it is relaxing and, uh, you can enjoy the sun. The sun and sea are very nice. I like to swim in the sea and, um, build sandcastles. Last year, I go to a beach and it was fun. The sea is blue and the sand is soft. I think beach vacations are good because they are relaxing. Mountains are, uh, also nice but I prefer beach. The sun and sea are very nice. I like to swim in the sea and, um, build sandcastles. I think beach vacations are good because they are relaxing. Mountains are, uh, also nice but I prefer beach.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "Last year, I go to a beach" should be "I went to a beach." Tense inconsistency is evident with "The sea is blue and the sand is soft" when discussing a past event. Filler words like "um" and "uh" appear frequently, disrupting fluency, e.g., "I prefer, um, a beach vacation." Unnatural pauses occur after "I prefer" and "Mountains are, uh, also nice," affecting speech clarity. Content is repetitive, with phrases like "The sun and sea are very nice" and "I like to swim in the sea and, um, build sandcastles" repeated without additional support or development. Transitions are weak, and the response lacks depth, relying on basic ideas. This response earned a score of 1 due to limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, ensuring grammatical accuracy, and expanding on ideas with more detailed support.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer a mountain vacation because it offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. For instance, last summer, I visited the Lake District in England, where I enjoyed hiking and exploring the stunning landscapes. The fresh mountain air and the tranquillity of the surroundings provided a refreshing break from my usual routine. Additionally, mountain vacations often involve physical activities like hiking or cycling, which I find invigorating and beneficial for my health. In contrast, beach vacations, while relaxing, can sometimes feel repetitive and crowded. Overall, the sense of adventure and the peaceful environment of the mountains make it my preferred choice for a holiday.

Rater’s Comment:

This response earns a score of 4 due to its effective language use, clear delivery, and well-developed content. The speaker employs advanced grammar structures, such as "it offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature," and sophisticated vocabulary, including "tranquillity" and "invigorating." Complex sentence constructions are evident in phrases like "The fresh mountain air and the tranquillity of the surroundings provided a refreshing break from my usual routine." The precise word usage enhances clarity and impact. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from discussing personal experiences to contrasting beach vacations. Content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the visit to the Lake District, and coherent arguments that clearly progress from personal preference to broader comparisons. The response demonstrates mastery in maintaining a high level of intelligibility and coherence, with notable strengths in language use and topic development.

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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