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.

Indoor vs Outdoor Hobbies - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Indoor vs Outdoor Hobbies -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 'Indoor vs Outdoor Hobbies' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Indoor vs Outdoor Hobbies

In the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task, your ability to express and defend personal opinions is key to success. This section assesses not just your English proficiency, but also your ability to organize and present your thoughts coherently. Our practice tests are designed to help you perfect these essential skills through focused preparation.

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 indoor hobbies such as reading or playing video games, while others enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or cycling. 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 indoor vs outdoor hobbies, 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 - Indoor vs Outdoor Hobbies

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, indoor hobbies like reading. Reading is, uh, very relaxing and it helps me to, you know, learn new things. I also like video games because they are fun and, um, entertaining. Reading books, it is good for the mind and, uh, video games are good for the mind too. Last week, I read a book and it was, um, very interesting. Indoor activities, they are, uh, more comfortable because you can do them at home. Outdoor activities, they are, um, sometimes tiring. I think indoor hobbies is better because they are, uh, more relaxing and, um, enjoyable.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "I think indoor hobbies is better" should be "are better." Article usage is incorrect in "Indoor activities, they are, uh, more comfortable," where the article is unnecessary. Filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know" are pervasive, disrupting fluency and causing unnatural pauses. Speech clarity is compromised by these hesitations, leading to choppy delivery. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas: "Reading books, it is good for the mind" and "video games are good for the mind too." The response lacks depth, failing to provide specific examples or detailed reasoning. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, frequent language errors, and poor delivery. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, ensuring grammatical accuracy, and developing more coherent and detailed arguments.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer outdoor hobbies, particularly hiking, because they offer both physical and mental benefits. For instance, hiking allows me to explore nature, which is incredibly refreshing and helps reduce stress. The physical exertion involved in hiking also keeps me fit and healthy. Last summer, I hiked in the Lake District, and the breathtaking views and fresh air were invigorating. In contrast, indoor activities, while enjoyable, often lack the same level of physical engagement and can sometimes feel isolating. Therefore, outdoor hobbies provide a more holistic experience, combining exercise, relaxation, and social interaction, which I find more fulfilling.

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 "The physical exertion involved in hiking also keeps me fit and healthy," demonstrating control over complex sentence constructions. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "invigorating" and "holistic experience" enhance the response's precision. 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 the benefits of hiking to contrasting indoor activities. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the personal anecdote of hiking in the Lake District, which illustrates the speaker's preference. The response's coherence and logical progression of ideas, alongside its minor lapses, showcase mastery in topic development. The speaker should maintain these strengths to continue achieving high scores.

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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