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.

Family vs Solo Travel - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Family vs Solo Travel - 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 'Family vs Solo Travel' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Family vs Solo Travel

The TOEFL Independent Speaking section challenges you to share your views on familiar topics with clarity and confidence. Success requires not only good English skills but also the ability to structure your response effectively within the time limit. These practice materials will help you develop both the language and organizational skills needed for a high score.

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:

When planning a holiday, some people prefer to travel with their family, while others enjoy travelling alone. Which do you prefer and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about family vs solo travel, 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 - Family vs Solo Travel

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 to travel with family because it is more fun and, um, enjoyable. When I travel with family, we can share experiences together. For example, last year, we go to the beach and, uh, it was very fun. Travelling with family also makes me feel safe. When I am alone, I feel, like, lonely. Family trips are, you know, more fun because we can do things together. Also, um, travelling with family is more fun because we can share experiences. I think travelling alone is not as fun as with family. Uh, I prefer family travel because it is more fun and enjoyable. I think, um, family travel is better.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "last year, we go to the beach" instead of "went". Tense inconsistency is evident with "When I am alone, I feel, like, lonely" mixing present and past contexts. Filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know" disrupt fluency, and there are unnatural pauses after phrases like "more fun and, um, enjoyable." Repeated content, such as "because it is more fun and enjoyable," indicates limited content development. The response lacks depth, with no specific examples beyond a vague beach trip. Weak transitions and reliance on repetition hinder coherence. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, choppy delivery, and severe language limitations. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, ensuring grammatical accuracy, and providing more detailed examples.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer travelling with my family because it creates lasting memories and strengthens our bond. For instance, last summer, we visited the Lake District, and the shared experiences, like hiking and exploring quaint villages, brought us closer together. Travelling with family also provides a sense of security and shared responsibility, making the journey more enjoyable and less stressful. Additionally, family trips allow for diverse perspectives and interests, enriching the travel experience. While solo travel offers independence, the joy of sharing moments with loved ones outweighs the benefits of solitude. Overall, family travel fosters connection and creates cherished memories that last a lifetime.

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 "Travelling with family also provides a sense of security and shared responsibility," and sophisticated vocabulary, including "quaint villages" and "enriching the travel experience." The complex sentence constructions, like "While solo travel offers independence, the joy of sharing moments with loved ones outweighs the benefits of solitude," demonstrate precise word usage. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions between ideas. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the family trip to the Lake District, illustrating the benefits of travelling with family. The response is coherent, with clear progression of ideas, showcasing mastery in topic development. Notable strengths include the ability to maintain a fluid expression and articulate complex ideas clearly.

Fantastic job working through this practice test! Looking to push your skills further? We have plenty more practice materials ready to help you tackle any speaking challenges you face.

Your dedication to practice will pay off!

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