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.

Freelance vs Permanent Jobs - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Freelance vs Permanent Jobs - 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 'Freelance vs Permanent Jobs' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Freelance vs Permanent Jobs

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:

Some people prefer the flexibility and independence of freelance work, while others value the stability and benefits of a permanent job. 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 freelance vs permanent jobs, 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 - Freelance vs Permanent Jobs

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, freelance work because it gives me more freedom. Freelance work, uh, allows me to choose my own projects and, you know, work from anywhere. This flexibility is important because I can, aahh, manage my time better. Freelance work is, um, flexible and gives independence. However, permanent jobs have benefits like health insurance, but I think freelance work is better. Freelance work is, uh, more flexible. Permanent jobs are stable, but freelance work is flexible. I think, um, freelance work is better for me because of the flexibility. Permanent jobs are stable, but I prefer freelance work.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a Score 1 due to its limited content and coherence. Language errors include subject-verb agreement issues, such as "Freelance work is, um, flexible and gives independence," where the verb form does not match the subject. The response is riddled with filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," which disrupt the flow and clarity of speech. Unnatural pauses occur frequently, particularly after "I prefer, um," and "I can, aahh, manage my time," leading to choppy delivery. Content development is weak, with repeated phrases like "freelance work is flexible" and "permanent jobs are stable," lacking substantive support or examples. The response is largely repetitive and fails to develop a coherent argument. To score higher, the speaker should reduce filler words, provide specific examples, and improve grammatical accuracy.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer the stability and benefits of a permanent job. Having a steady income provides financial security, which is crucial for planning my future. For instance, with a permanent position, I can budget for long-term goals like buying a house or saving for retirement. Additionally, permanent jobs often come with benefits such as health insurance and paid leave, which are not typically available to freelancers. These benefits offer peace of mind and reduce stress, allowing me to focus on my work without worrying about unexpected expenses. While freelance work offers flexibility, the uncertainty of income and lack of benefits make it less appealing to me. Overall, the security and structured environment of a permanent job align better with my personal and professional goals.

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 "Having a steady income provides financial security," and uses sophisticated vocabulary like "financial security" and "structured environment." Complex sentence constructions, such as "While freelance work offers flexibility, the uncertainty of income and lack of benefits make it less appealing to me," demonstrate precise word usage. The delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from discussing financial security to benefits like health insurance. The content is strongly organised, with effective supporting examples, such as budgeting for long-term goals, and a coherent progression of ideas. The response's notable strengths include its clarity, coherence, and the ability to maintain a structured argument throughout.

Excellent work on completing this practice! Ready for more challenges? We offer a wide range of practice tests specifically designed to strengthen your speaking skills and boost your TOEFL performance.

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