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.

Casual vs Formal Attire - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Casual vs Formal Attire - 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 'Casual vs Formal Attire' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Casual vs Formal Attire

The TOEFL Independent Speaking Task evaluates your ability to express and support personal opinions effectively in English. In this section, you'll need to speak about familiar topics, presenting your views clearly and providing relevant examples to support your perspective. To help you master these skills, we've prepared this comprehensive practice test with sample responses and detailed feedback.

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 wearing casual attire to work can enhance creativity and comfort, while others argue that formal attire is essential for maintaining professionalism and respect. Which do you prefer for a work environment, and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about casual vs formal attire, 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 - Casual vs Formal Attire

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, wearing casual attire to work because it make me feel more comfortable. When I worked at a company, the casual dress code was, uh, very nice. It was nice because it was comfortable. Casual clothes are, you know, more comfortable. Formal attire is, um, not comfortable. Casual attire is better for creativity. It helps me think better. I think, aahh, casual clothes are good for work. Formal clothes are not good for work. Casual clothes are good for work. I think, um, casual clothes are better. They are better for work. Casual clothes are better for work.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues in "it make me feel more comfortable" and tense inconsistency with "When I worked at a company, the casual dress code was, uh, very nice." Filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know" are pervasive, disrupting fluency and causing unnatural pauses. Speech clarity is compromised by these hesitations, leading to a choppy delivery. Content development is weak, with excessive repetition, as seen in "Casual clothes are good for work. I think, um, casual clothes are better. They are better for work. Casual clothes are better for work." The response lacks depth, failing to provide supporting points or transitions. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content and coherence, with frequent language and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and developing more structured, varied content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer wearing casual attire to work because it enhances my creativity and comfort. For instance, when I worked at a tech startup, the relaxed dress code allowed me to focus more on my tasks rather than worrying about my appearance. This environment fostered a sense of freedom and innovation, which was crucial for brainstorming sessions and collaborative projects. Additionally, casual attire often means more comfort, which can lead to increased productivity. While formal attire might project professionalism, I believe that the quality of work and the results delivered are more important. In my experience, a casual dress code can create a more approachable and open atmosphere, encouraging better communication and teamwork among colleagues.

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 "when I worked at a tech startup, the relaxed dress code allowed me to focus more on my tasks," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "fostered a sense of freedom and innovation" and "approachable and open atmosphere" enhance the response's clarity and precision. The delivery is fluid, with a natural flow and effective pacing, ensuring clear articulation throughout. The response is well-organised, with a logical progression of ideas, supported by relevant examples, such as the tech startup experience. The argument is coherent, emphasising creativity and comfort over formality. The speaker should maintain these strengths, particularly the use of precise vocabulary and coherent argumentation, to continue achieving high scores.

How did you do on this practice test? Whether you're satisfied or see room for improvement, we've got you covered! Our extensive collection of practice materials is designed to help you strengthen your speaking abilities and excel in the TOEFL exam.

Remember, consistent practice is the key to success!

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