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.

Close vs Long-distance Relationships - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Close vs Long-distance Relationships - 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 'Close vs Long-distance Relationships' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Close vs Long-distance Relationships

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:

Some people believe that close relationships, where partners live in the same city, are more fulfilling. Others think that long-distance relationships can be just as rewarding. Which type of relationship 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 academic vs athletic achievement, 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 - Close vs Long-distance Relationships

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, close relationships where partners live in same city. It is more, uh, fulfilling because you can see each other often. For example, you can meet for coffee or, you know, go to park. This is important because it make relationship strong. I had a friend who live in same city, and we meet often. It was very good. Long-distance relationships are, aahh, difficult because you cannot see each other. When you live close, it is easy to communicate. I think close relationships are better because they are more fulfilling. You can do things together, like go to movies or, um, have dinner.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues in "it make relationship strong" and "I had a friend who live in same city." There is inconsistent tense usage, as seen in "I had a friend who live." Article usage is incorrect in "where partners live in same city." Delivery is hindered by numerous filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," and unnatural pauses, making the speech choppy and fragmented. Speech clarity is affected by these hesitations, and the pacing is uneven. Content development is limited, with repeated ideas like "close relationships are more fulfilling" and missing support points beyond basic examples. The response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and provide more detailed examples and transitions.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer close relationships where partners live in the same city. This preference stems from the ability to share spontaneous moments and experiences, which I find crucial for building a strong bond. For instance, being able to meet for a quick coffee or a walk in the park without extensive planning enhances the connection. Additionally, physical presence allows for better communication, as non-verbal cues are more easily understood. I once had a close relationship where we could meet frequently, and it significantly strengthened our understanding and trust. While long-distance relationships can work, the immediacy and intimacy of being physically close are irreplaceable for me. This proximity fosters a deeper emotional connection, making the relationship more fulfilling and resilient.

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 "being able to meet for a quick coffee or a walk in the park without extensive planning," demonstrating control over complex sentence constructions. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "spontaneous moments" and "non-verbal cues" enhance the response's 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 spontaneity to communication benefits. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the personal anecdote about frequent meetings strengthening understanding and trust. This coherent argumentation and clear idea progression highlight the speaker's mastery. The notable strengths to maintain include the use of precise vocabulary and coherent discourse.

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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