Campus Energy Policy - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test with Answers (Integrated)

In the TOEFL iBT® examination, the Integrated Speaking Task stands as a comprehensive test of advanced language skills. It evaluates how effectively you can process and present information from both written and spoken sources.

Mastering this task requires proficiency in multiple areas: clear articulation, smooth delivery, precise vocabulary usage, and logical organisation. This carefully designed practice test centered on 'Campus Energy Policy' will help you develop mastery in each of these crucial areas.

Let's begin this focused practice session and build the skills you need for success in the Integrated Speaking Task!

Instructions:

• You will first read a short passage about a campus-related announcement or proposed change. You will have 45 seconds to read the passage.
• Then you will listen to a conversation between two speakers discussing their opinions about the announcement or change.
• After the conversation ends, you will be asked to respond to a question about what you read and heard.
• You will have 30 seconds to prepare your response.
• You will have 60 seconds to speak about the speaker's opinion and the reasons they give for holding that opinion.

The university has announced a new energy policy to reduce carbon emissions on campus.

Campus Energy Policy

The university is implementing a new energy policy aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 20% over the next five years. This initiative includes upgrading campus facilities with energy-efficient lighting and heating systems. Additionally, the university plans to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power campus buildings. The policy also encourages students and staff to participate in energy-saving practices, such as turning off lights and unplugging devices when not in use. The administration believes these changes will not only benefit the environment but also reduce long-term operational costs.

Directions: After the passage appears, a timer located at the top of your computer screen will commence counting down the time allocated for reading. Once the reading time concludes, the passage will disappear from the screen, replacing an image showing a student.

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

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

Question

The woman expresses her opinion of the new campus energy policy. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.

Hold on to those answer sheets! Before you jump into the sample response, make sure to go through our top 7 Tips for TOEFL preparation. 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Speaking Test - Campus Energy Policy

We've provided two sample responses at different proficiency levels (mid-level and high-level). By comparing the differences, you'll gain valuable insights into the key elements that contribute to achieving a top score on the TOEFL exam.

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

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "She say reducing carbon emissions is important," and article usage errors: "is a step in right direction." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um" and "uh," which appear in phrases such as "The woman, um, she thinks," causing unnatural pauses and affecting speech clarity. The pacing is inconsistent, leading to a choppy delivery. Content development is weak, with repeated content like "She also, uh, mentions" and missing support points, such as the specific benefits of energy-efficient systems. Transitions are weak, and there are self-corrections, indicating a lack of coherence. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content and coherence, frequent language errors, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, practising grammatical accuracy, and developing a more structured response.

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

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a score of 4 due to its comprehensive fulfilment of the task's demands, with only minor lapses. The speaker demonstrates advanced grammar, such as in "She acknowledges the potential high initial costs but argues that the long-term savings on energy bills could offset these expenses," showcasing complex sentence construction and precise word usage. Vocabulary choices like "sustainable choice" and "culture of sustainability" reflect sophistication. Delivery is fluid, with clear articulation and effective pacing, ensuring high intelligibility. The response is well-organised, with a logical progression of ideas, as seen in the transition from discussing costs to addressing disruption concerns. The speaker effectively supports her opinion with examples, such as the university's plan to minimise disruption. This response exemplifies mastery in language use and topic development, maintaining notable strengths in coherence and detail.

Congratulations on completing this practice test! Looking to further enhance your speaking abilities? Our comprehensive practice materials are specifically crafted to help you identify and overcome your challenges in the TOEFL Speaking section.

Success comes with dedication and regular practice!

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