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.

Immediate vs Delayed Gratification - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Immediate vs Delayed Gratification - 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 'Immediate vs Delayed Gratification' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Immediate vs Delayed Gratification

The TOEFL Independent Speaking Task evaluates your ability to express and support personal opinions effectively in English. In this section, you'll need to speak about familiar topics, presenting your views clearly and providing relevant examples to support your perspective. To help you master these skills, we've prepared this comprehensive practice test with sample responses and detailed feedback.

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 it is better to enjoy immediate gratification, such as spending money on a holiday now, while others think it is wiser to delay gratification and save for future needs, like buying a house. Which approach do you prefer and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about immediate vs delayed gratification, 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 - Immediate vs Delayed Gratification

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 think, um, it's better to enjoy immediate gratification. Spending money on a holiday now is, uh, more fun. When people spend money on holiday, they is happy. I remember when I went on a holiday, it was very enjoyable. Enjoying now is better because, uh, you never know what future holds. Spending money on holiday is, like, a good way to relax. I think, um, spending money on holiday is better than saving for a house. When you spend money on holiday, you feel happy. Saving for a house is, uh, not as fun. Spending money on holiday is, like, a good way to enjoy life now.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "When people spend money on holiday, they is happy." Tense inconsistency is evident in "I remember when I went on a holiday, it was very enjoyable," mixing past and present. Filler words like "um" and "uh" appear frequently, disrupting fluency. Unnatural pauses occur after "I think, um," and "Spending money on a holiday now is, uh," affecting speech clarity. Content is repetitive, with phrases like "Spending money on holiday is, like, a good way to relax" repeated without elaboration. The response lacks depth, failing to discuss long-term benefits or drawbacks of immediate gratification. This response earned a score of 1 due to limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and providing more substantial content with clear supporting points.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer the approach of delayed gratification, as it aligns with my long-term goals. For instance, saving for a house provides a sense of security and stability, which is invaluable. A personal example is when I chose to save money instead of going on a lavish holiday. This decision allowed me to make a substantial down payment on my first home, which has appreciated in value over time. This experience taught me the importance of patience and planning for the future. While immediate pleasures are tempting, the satisfaction of achieving a significant milestone, like home ownership, is far more rewarding. This approach not only ensures financial security but also instils a sense of accomplishment and responsibility.

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 "This decision allowed me to make a substantial down payment," and sophisticated vocabulary, including "gratification," "invaluable," and "accomplishment." The complex sentence constructions, like "While immediate pleasures are tempting, the satisfaction of achieving a significant milestone, like home ownership, is far more rewarding," demonstrate precise word usage. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless progression from personal example to broader implications. The content is strongly organised, with effective supporting examples and coherent arguments, such as the personal anecdote of saving for a house. The response's notable strengths include its clarity, coherence, and the ability to convey complex ideas succinctly.

Congratulations on completing this practice test! Looking to further enhance your speaking abilities? Our comprehensive practice materials are specifically crafted to help you identify and overcome your challenges in the TOEFL Speaking section.

Success comes with dedication and regular practice!

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