Computer Lab Updates - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test with Answers (Integrated)
"Prepare for the TOEFL Integrated Speaking section with our Practice Test on 'Computer Lab Updates' and improve score in the TOEFL exam. "
Key Highlights
The TOEFL Speaking Section's Integrated Task represents a sophisticated assessment of language abilities. It tests your capacity to understand complex information from multiple sources and present it in a clear, organized manner.
This challenging task requires excellence in various linguistic aspects: precise pronunciation, natural fluency, appropriate vocabulary, and coherent expression. We've created this targeted practice test on "Computer Lab Updates" to help you develop these essential capabilities.
Prepare to strengthen your integrated speaking skills! Let's begin this practice session and develop your expertise in handling this complex 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.
Reading Time: 45 Seconds
The university has announced updates to the computer lab facilities, aiming to improve student access and resources.
Computer Lab Updates
The university is pleased to announce upcoming updates to the computer lab facilities. These changes include the installation of new computers with faster processors and increased memory, ensuring students have access to the latest technology. Additionally, the lab will extend its operating hours to accommodate students who need to work late into the evening. These improvements are part of the university's commitment to providing high-quality resources and support for student success. The updates are scheduled to be completed by the end of the semester, minimizing disruption to current lab users.
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.
Audio Transcript
Speaker A: Did you hear about the updates to the computer lab?
Speaker B: Yes, I did. I think it's fantastic that they're installing new computers. The old ones were so slow.
Speaker A: I agree, but I'm not sure about the extended hours. I think it might be unnecessary.
Speaker B: Really? I think it's a great idea. Some students, like me, prefer working late at night.
Speaker A: I suppose, but won't it increase the university's costs?
Speaker B: Perhaps, but the benefits outweigh the costs. More students will have access to the lab when they need it.
Speaker A: I see your point, but I still think they should focus on other areas, like more study spaces.
Speaker B: That's true, but having updated technology is crucial for many courses.
Speaker A: I guess so. I just hope they manage the budget well.
Speaker B: I'm sure they will. The university usually plans these things carefully.
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
State the speakers' opinions about the computer lab updates and explain their reasons for agreeing or disagreeing.
Preparation Time: 30 seconds
Response Time: 60 Seconds
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 - Computer Lab Updates
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.
Mid-Level Answer Audio Transcript:
Um, Speaker A and Speaker B talks about the computer lab updates. Speaker A, uh, thinks new computers is good because old ones were slow. But, um, they not sure about extended hours, thinking it might be unnecessary. They also mention, uh, university should focus on more study spaces. Speaker B, uh, likes both new computers and extended hours. They say extended hours is good for students who work late, like them. They think benefits outweigh costs. Speaker B also says updated technology is important for courses. Uh, they believe university will manage budget well. But, um, Speaker A is worried about costs.
Rater’s Comment:
The response earns a score of 1 due to significant language and delivery issues. Language errors include subject-verb agreement problems, such as "Speaker A and Speaker B talks" and "new computers is good." There are also tense inconsistencies and incorrect article usage, as seen in "they not sure about extended hours." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um" and "uh," which appear in almost every sentence, causing unnatural pauses and choppy speech. The response lacks clarity and is fragmented, making it difficult to follow. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "Speaker B, uh, likes both new computers and extended hours" and missing support points, such as the specific benefits of extended hours. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, ensuring grammatical accuracy, and providing more detailed content.
Listen to the [audio recording] to hear a high-level answer to the provided question.
High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:
In the conversation, Speaker A and Speaker B discuss the university's announcement about updates to the computer lab. Speaker A is pleased with the installation of new computers, acknowledging that the old ones were slow. However, they express scepticism about the extended hours, questioning the necessity and potential cost implications. They suggest that the university should focus on other areas, like increasing study spaces. On the other hand, Speaker B is enthusiastic about both the new computers and the extended hours. They argue that the extended hours are beneficial for students who prefer working late, like themselves, and believe that the benefits of increased access outweigh the costs. Speaker B also highlights the importance of updated technology for many courses, showing confidence in the university's planning and budget management.
Rater’s Comment:
This response earns a score of 4 due to its comprehensive coverage of the task, demonstrating a high level of language proficiency and effective topic development. The speaker uses advanced grammar structures, such as "Speaker A is pleased with the installation of new computers, acknowledging that the old ones were slow," showcasing complex sentence construction and precise word usage. Vocabulary choices like "scepticism," "necessity," and "potential cost implications" reflect sophistication. Delivery is fluid, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in "On the other hand, Speaker B is enthusiastic about both the new computers and the extended hours." The response is well-organised, with a clear progression of ideas and coherent arguments, effectively summarising both speakers' opinions. The notable strengths include the use of sophisticated language and the ability to maintain a natural flow, which should be preserved.
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