City University Announcement - TOEFL iBT® Speaking Integrated Practice Questions with Answer Key

We know that the TOEFL iBT^®  Speaking section evaluates a test taker's ability to communicate effectively in English. However, within the Speaking section, there is a subsection known as the Speaking Integrated Task, which assesses the test taker's ability to integrate information from both written and spoken sources and express their opinions and ideas coherently.

This section evaluates various aspects of spoken English proficiency, including pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary usage, and coherence. Therefore, we offer you our Speaking Integrated practice test tailored to assist you in refining your skills. This test aims to help you develop effective comprehension strategies, recognize critical information, and optimize time management during the exam.

Therefore, let’s take up this TOEFL speaking integrated practice test on the topic - City University Announcement - for a better understanding of the areas we need to improve!

Instructions

• The narrator will introduce you to the question format, consisting of reading a short academic passage followed by a related lecture on a similar topic.
• Subsequently, you will be asked to respond to a question, integrating information from both the passage and the lecture.
• After hearing the question, you will have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to deliver it.
• Following the initial instructions, the narrator will prompt you to read the passage on the City University Announcement within 45 seconds.
• The reading passage will be displayed on the screen for your convenience.

The university has opted to implement an approximately 8% tuition and fee hike for all students in the upcoming semester. While tuition and fees have remained unchanged for the past five years, the decision to increase them is now deemed necessary due to several factors. Firstly, the university has experienced a significant increase in student enrollment over the past five years, necessitating the hiring of additional professors to accommodate the growing student population. Additionally, the institution has made a fresh commitment to research and technology, prompting plans to renovate and enhance laboratory facilities to better cater to the needs of students.

Directions: Once 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, replaced by an image depicting two students actively engaged in conversation.

Now, listen to this Audio 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.

Before delving into the answers to the Practice Test question, be sure to explore the top tips for TOEFL preparation for an excellent score.

Question

The woman shares her viewpoint on the university president's announcement. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Speaking Test - City University Announcement

We've presented two types of responses - one at a high level and another at a mid-level - to aid in evaluating your skills and understanding the requirements for achieving a top score.

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

Mid-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

The woman agrees with the university president's decision to increase tuition and fees, citing reasons such as the need for more professors and updated facilities due to the rising student population. Additionally, she expresses concerns about limited resources affecting job prospects after graduation. The woman thinks it's a good idea for the university to raise tuition and fees. She says they need more professors and better facilities because there are more students now. She's also worried that not having enough resources might make it harder to get a job later. (90 words)

Rater’s Comment:

The mid-level response briefly touches upon some key points but lacks depth and detail in the explanation. It lacks organization, with ideas presented in a less coherent manner or with weaker transitions between points in comparison to the high-level response. It lacks sophistication in vocabulary and sentence structures, and repetition in the ideas.

Now, listen to the audio recording to hear a high-level answer to the provided question.

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

The woman expresses support for the university president's announcement regarding the increase in tuition and fees. She acknowledges the challenges posed by the growing student population, emphasizing the need for additional professors and upgraded facilities to maintain educational quality. Moreover, she articulates apprehensions regarding future job prospects, elucidating how inadequate resources and antiquated equipment might hinder competitiveness in the job market after graduation. In addition, she highlights the potential benefits of the increased tuition fees, suggesting that investments in educational infrastructure and faculty enhancements could lead to improved learning outcomes and better career opportunities for students in the long run. Overall, her perspective underscores the complex considerations involved in balancing educational quality, affordability, and future prospects. (116 words)

Rater’s Comment:

This response provides a thorough analysis of the woman's viewpoint, addressing various aspects of the university's decision and offering compelling reasons to support her opinion. The explanation is detailed, well-organized, and demonstrates critical thinking skills, earning it a high score. 

Now that you’ve successfully completed your practice test, let's further level up your TOEFL skills!

Sharpen your test-taking edge with our additional practice tests. Feeling confident, right? Share your progress in the comments – together we can reach your TOEFL goals!

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