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.

Individual vs Group Projects - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Individual vs Group Projects - 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 'Individual vs Group Projects' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Individual vs Group Projects

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 working on a project, some people prefer to work individually, while others prefer to work in a group. 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 individual vs group projects, 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 - Individual vs Group Projects

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 work in a group because it is, um, more effective. When I work in a group, we can share ideas and, uh, solve problems together. For example, last year, I was working on a project with my classmates, and we was able to finish it faster. Also, working in a group helps me to learn from others. I can, you know, improve my skills by seeing how others work. However, sometimes it is difficult to, ah, coordinate with everyone. But, um, overall, I think group work is better because it is more effective and, uh, helps me learn more.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues in "we was able to finish it faster" and tense inconsistency with "I can, you know, improve my skills by seeing how others work." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," which disrupt fluency and create unnatural pauses, as seen in "I prefer to work in a group because it is, um, more effective." Speech clarity is affected by these hesitations, leading to choppy pacing. Content development is limited, with repeated ideas like "group work is better because it is more effective," and lacks detailed support or examples. The response earned a score of 1 due to its minimal content and coherence, frequent language errors, and delivery issues. 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 working individually on projects because it allows me to manage my time more effectively and focus on my personal strengths. For instance, when I worked on a research paper last year, I was able to delve deeply into the topic without having to coordinate with others. This autonomy enabled me to explore creative solutions and complete the project ahead of schedule. Additionally, working alone minimises potential conflicts that can arise in group settings, such as disagreements over task distribution. While group projects offer diverse perspectives, I find that individual work enhances my productivity and satisfaction, as I can tailor the project to my own vision and pace. This approach suits my independent nature and ensures that I am solely accountable for the outcome.

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 autonomy enabled me to explore creative solutions," and sophisticated vocabulary like "delve deeply" and "minimises potential conflicts." The complex sentence constructions, such as "While group projects offer diverse perspectives, I find that individual work enhances my productivity," 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 shift from discussing time management to conflict minimisation. The content is strongly organised, with effective supporting examples, such as the research paper anecdote, and a clear progression of ideas. The coherent arguments and the speaker's ability to tailor the project to their vision highlight their independent nature, showcasing notable strengths to maintain.

Great effort on this practice test! Want to keep improving? Our extensive collection of practice materials is here to help you master every aspect of the TOEFL Speaking section.

Practice makes progress - keep going!

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