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.

Fiction vs Non-fiction Books - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Fiction vs Non-fiction Books - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On December 21, 2024

"Prepare for the TOEFL Speaking Independent Section with the practice test on 'Fiction vs Non-fiction Books' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Fiction vs Non-fiction Books

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:

When choosing a book to read for leisure, do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Explain your reasons, considering aspects such as entertainment value, educational benefits, and personal interests. Provide specific examples from your own reading experiences.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about fiction vs non-fiction books, 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 - Fiction vs Non-fiction Books

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, reading fiction books for leisure because they is more entertaining. Fiction, uh, like 'Harry Potter', it takes me to a magical world. Fiction books, they are more fun. I also, um, enjoy the stories in fiction. Non-fiction, it is informative, but fiction is more fun. I like, uh, the characters in fiction. Fiction books, they are more interesting. I think, um, fiction is better for relaxing. Non-fiction, it is not as fun. Fiction, it is more engaging. I, uh, prefer fiction because it is more enjoyable. Fiction books, they are more fun to read.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a Score 1 due to its limited content and coherence, with frequent language errors and delivery issues. Language errors include subject-verb agreement mistakes, such as "they is more entertaining," and awkward pronoun usage, like "Fiction, uh, like 'Harry Potter', it takes me." Delivery is hindered by numerous filler words, such as "um" and "uh," and unnatural pauses, making the speech choppy and fragmented. Content development is weak, with repeated phrases like "Fiction books, they are more fun" and a lack of specific examples beyond mentioning 'Harry Potter.' The response lacks depth and fails to provide substantial support for the preference stated. To score higher, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, improving grammatical accuracy, and providing more detailed and varied content with clear 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 reading fiction books for leisure because they offer an escape from reality and stimulate my imagination. For instance, when I read 'Harry Potter', I was transported to a magical world, which was both entertaining and relaxing. Fiction allows me to explore different cultures and perspectives through storytelling, which I find enriching. Additionally, fiction often delves into complex characters and plots, providing a deeper understanding of human emotions and relationships. While non-fiction is informative, I find fiction more engaging and enjoyable, as it combines creativity with narrative. This balance of entertainment and insight makes fiction my preferred choice for leisure reading.

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 "Fiction allows me to explore different cultures and perspectives through storytelling," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "stimulate my imagination" and "delves into complex characters" enhance the response's precision. The delivery is fluid, with a natural flow and effective pacing, as seen in the smooth transition from discussing entertainment to educational benefits. The articulation is clear, ensuring intelligibility throughout. Content development is strong, with a logical organisation and progression of ideas, supported by specific examples like reading 'Harry Potter' for entertainment and relaxation. The response's coherence and depth, alongside its minor lapses, showcase mastery in language use and topic development, justifying the high score.

How did you do on this practice test? Whether you're satisfied or see room for improvement, we've got you covered! Our extensive collection of practice materials is designed to help you strengthen your speaking abilities and excel in the TOEFL exam.

Remember, consistent practice is the key to success!

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