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.

Domestic vs International Education - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Domestic vs International Education - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On December 21, 2024

"Prepare for the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Domestic vs International Education' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Domestic vs International Education

Scoring in the TOEFL Speaking section needs you to focus on preparation and attempt realistic practice tests. To help you with the skills, we've created personalized TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Tests with Sample Answers. These tests simulate actual exam conditions, highlighting your strengths and weaknesses, and familiarizing you with the assessors' criteria.

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 students choose to pursue their education in their home country, while others opt to study abroad. Which option do you prefer and why? Consider factors such as cultural exposure, cost, and educational quality in your response.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about domestic vs international education, 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 - Domestic vs International Education

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 study in my home country because it is, um, more affordable. Studying abroad can be very expensive, and, uh, not everyone can afford it. In my home country, I can save money on, you know, living expenses. Also, the education quality is good. The education quality is good. I can learn a lot from my teachers here. Cultural exposure is important, but, aahh, I can learn about other cultures through books and internet. Studying abroad is, um, not always necessary for cultural exposure. I think staying home is better for me because it is cheaper and, uh, I can still get a good education. I think staying home is better for me.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a score of 1 due to its limited content and coherence. Language errors include incorrect verb form in "I prefer study" instead of "I prefer to study," and repetition in "The education quality is good. The education quality is good." Delivery is hindered by filler words such as "um," "uh," and "you know," which disrupt fluency, and unnatural pauses that affect speech clarity. Content development is weak, with repeated phrases like "I think staying home is better for me," and missing support points, such as a comparison of educational quality between home and abroad. The response lacks depth and relies on basic ideas without substantial development. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and providing more detailed and varied content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer studying abroad because it offers a unique cultural exposure that domestic education often lacks. For instance, when I studied in France, I not only improved my language skills but also gained a deeper understanding of European history and culture. This experience broadened my perspective and enhanced my adaptability, which are crucial skills in today's globalised world. Additionally, studying abroad can provide access to diverse educational methodologies and resources that might not be available domestically. Although it can be more expensive, the long-term benefits, such as increased employability and personal growth, outweigh the costs. Overall, the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture and educational system is invaluable, making international education 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 "Although it can be more expensive, the long-term benefits...outweigh the costs," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "cultural exposure," "globalised world," and "educational methodologies" 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 personal experience to general benefits. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the personal anecdote of studying in France, which effectively illustrates the argument. The response is coherent, with clear progression of ideas, making it highly intelligible. The speaker should maintain these strengths, particularly the use of precise vocabulary and coherent argumentation.

Great effort on this practice test! Want to keep improving? Our extensive collection of practice materials is here to help you master every aspect of the TOEFL Speaking section.

Practice makes progress - keep going!

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