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.

Direct vs Indirect Communication - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Direct vs Indirect Communication - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On January 06, 2025

"Prepare for the TOEFL Independent Speaking Section with the practice test on 'Direct vs Indirect Communication' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Direct vs Indirect Communication

The main goal of the TOEFL Independent Speaking Section in the TOEFL iBT® exam is to provide arguments in a logical format for a specific topic. To achieve this, it is important to understand the format of the exam and practice on a regular basis. You will only have 15 seconds of preparation time to answer; therefore, you must practice to brainstorm quickly and coherently while organising your ideas. As time management plays a crucial role, it is advisable to use a stopwatch while preparing for the section in order to track progress.

With the Independent Speaking Practice Test on "Direct vs Indirect Communication", you will be able to learn how to develop ideas quickly, provide clear arguments with strong supporting examples and a proper logical flow in your speech. With practice, you will have better chances of confidently answering questions and structuring your responses for the best score in the TOEFL exam.

Let's get started!

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 direct communication is the best way to convey a message, while others think that indirect communication is more effective. 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 direct vs indirect communication, 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. Adding a positive note to your response will make it sound as if you are more confident and also give it a more engaging flavor.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Direct vs Indirect Communication

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 direct communication because it, um, it is more clear. When people talk directly, they, uh, they say what they mean. For example, in my job, I had a project where direct communication was important. We had to finish fast, and being direct helped us. It saved time and, you know, avoided problems. Direct communication is, like, better because it is clear. Indirect communication can be confusing. Uh, I think direct is better. It is, um, more effective. Direct communication is, uh, more clear and saves time. I think it is better for, um, work. Direct communication is, uh, more effective.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a score of 1 due to its limited content and coherence. Language errors include incorrect comparative forms, such as "more clear" instead of "clearer," and tense inconsistency, as seen in "helped" instead of "helps." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," causing unnatural pauses and choppy speech. The speaker's pacing is uneven, affecting clarity. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "direct communication is clear" and "saves time," lacking depth and examples. Transitions are absent, and the response relies on basic expressions without elaboration. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, using varied vocabulary, and providing more detailed examples and structured arguments to enhance coherence and depth.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer direct communication because it ensures clarity and reduces misunderstandings. For instance, in my previous job, I worked on a team project where direct communication was crucial. We had tight deadlines, and being straightforward helped us address issues promptly and efficiently. This approach saved us time and prevented potential conflicts. Moreover, direct communication fosters transparency and trust, as everyone knows exactly what is expected. While indirect communication can be useful in certain cultural contexts to maintain harmony, I find that it often leads to ambiguity and confusion. Therefore, I believe that direct communication is more effective, especially in professional settings where time and clarity are of the essence.

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 straightforward helped us address issues promptly and efficiently," and sophisticated vocabulary like "transparency" and "ambiguity." The use of complex sentence constructions, such as "While indirect communication can be useful in certain cultural contexts to maintain harmony," demonstrates precise word usage. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from discussing professional settings to cultural contexts. The content is strongly organised, with effective supporting examples, such as the team project experience, and a clear progression of ideas. The response's coherence and the logical development of arguments highlight the speaker's mastery, making it a high-level performance.

Well done on finishing this practice test! You can access more practice tests which is designed to help you master different aspects of TOEFL Speaking.

Keep practicing, and watch your confidence grow!

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