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.

City Center vs Suburban Living - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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City Center vs Suburban Living - 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 'City Center vs Suburban Living' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - City Center vs Suburban Living

Mastering the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task requires a combination of clear expression and logical organization. This section evaluates how well you can present and support your views on everyday topics. Our carefully designed practice materials will help you develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in this challenging task.

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 prefer living in the city centre, where everything is within walking distance, while others enjoy the peace and space of suburban living. Which do you prefer and why? Provide specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about city center vs suburban living, 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 - City Center vs Suburban Living

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 living in the city centre because, um, it is more convenient. Everything is close, like shops and restaurants. When I was live in city, I can walk everywhere. City centre have more, uh, public transport options. This is good because you don't need a car. In suburbs, you need car for everything. City centre is also more exciting. There are many things to do, like concerts and museums. Suburbs are quiet, but sometimes too quiet. I think city centre is better because it is more convenient and exciting. Uh, I mean, it is more lively.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues in "City centre have more" and tense inconsistency in "When I was live in city." Article usage is incorrect, as seen in "you need car for everything." Delivery is hindered by filler words like "um" and "uh," and unnatural pauses, particularly after "convenient" and "exciting," disrupt speech flow. Speech clarity is affected by choppy pacing, making it difficult to follow. Content development is limited, with repeated ideas like "more convenient" and "more exciting," and lacks detailed support. Transitions are weak, and self-corrections, such as "Uh, I mean, it is more lively," indicate uncertainty. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited coherence and language use. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and provide more detailed content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer living in the city centre because of the convenience it offers. For instance, when I lived in London, everything I needed was just a short walk away, from grocery stores to entertainment venues. This proximity saved me a lot of time and made my daily life more efficient. Additionally, city centres often have better public transport options, which means I didn't need to own a car, reducing my expenses and environmental impact. Moreover, the vibrant atmosphere and cultural diversity in city centres provide endless opportunities for socialising and experiencing new things. In contrast, suburban areas, while peaceful, often require long commutes and can feel isolated. Therefore, the convenience, accessibility, and dynamic environment of city centre living make it my preferred choice.

Rater’s Comment:

This response earns a score of 4 due to its effective language use, delivery, and topic development. The speaker employs advanced grammar structures, such as "when I lived in London, everything I needed was just a short walk away," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "proximity," "vibrant atmosphere," and "cultural diversity" enhance the response's clarity and precision. The delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from discussing convenience to environmental impact. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the benefits of public transport and the dynamic environment of city centres. The coherent progression of ideas and well-developed arguments highlight the speaker's preference for city centre living. These elements collectively demonstrate mastery, with notable strengths in language use and topic development to maintain.

Great job completing this practice test! Ready to take your speaking skills to the next level? We provide numerous practice opportunities tailored to help you improve specific aspects of your TOEFL Speaking performance.

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