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.

In-person vs Virtual Celebrations - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

In-person vs Virtual Celebrations - 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 'In-person vs Virtual Celebrations' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Academic vs Athletic Achievement

Mastering the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task requires a combination of clear expression and logical organization. This section evaluates how well you can present and support your views on everyday topics. Our carefully designed practice materials will help you develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in this challenging task.

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 it comes to celebrating special occasions, some people prefer in-person gatherings, while others opt for virtual celebrations. 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 in-person vs virtual celebrations, 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 - Academic vs Athletic Achievement

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, in-person celebrations because they is more fun. Like, when I went to my friend's birthday party, it was really exciting. We danced, and, uh, we ate cake together. In-person celebrations, they are more fun. Virtual celebrations, they are not the same. You can't, um, feel the energy. In-person, you can see people, and, uh, talk to them directly. Virtual is not the same. I think, um, in-person is better because you can, uh, feel the atmosphere. In-person celebrations, they are more fun. Virtual celebrations, they are not the same. In-person, you can see people, and, uh, talk to them directly. Virtual is not the same.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a score of 1 due to significant language and delivery issues. Language errors include subject-verb agreement, as in "they is more fun," and repetitive phrases like "In-person celebrations, they are more fun." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words such as "um" and "uh," and unnatural pauses, particularly after "I prefer, um, in-person celebrations." Speech clarity is compromised by choppy pacing and fragmented sentences. Content development is weak, with repeated statements like "Virtual celebrations, they are not the same," and a lack of detailed support beyond basic ideas. The response lacks coherence and fails to develop the topic fully. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and providing more detailed examples and transitions to support their preference.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer in-person celebrations because they offer a more authentic and engaging experience. For instance, last year, I attended my cousin's wedding in person, and the atmosphere was electric. The joy of dancing with family and friends, sharing a meal together, and the spontaneous laughter created unforgettable memories. In contrast, virtual celebrations often lack the same level of interaction and emotional connection. Although technology allows us to see and hear each other, it cannot replicate the warmth of a hug or the excitement of being physically present. Additionally, in-person events provide opportunities for serendipitous encounters and deeper conversations, which are often limited in virtual settings. Therefore, I believe that the tangible experiences and personal connections of in-person celebrations make them more meaningful and enjoyable.

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 "Although technology allows us to see and hear each other, it cannot replicate the warmth of a hug," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "authentic," "serendipitous," and "tangible experiences" enhance the response's precision. The delivery is fluid, with a natural flow and effective pacing, as seen in the smooth transition from discussing personal experiences to contrasting virtual celebrations. The articulation is clear, ensuring intelligibility throughout. Content development is strong, with a logical progression of ideas supported by vivid examples, such as the "electric" atmosphere at a cousin's wedding. The response's coherence and depth, alongside its linguistic mastery, highlight its notable strengths, justifying the high score.

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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