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.

International vs Local Cuisine - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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International vs Local Cuisine - 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 'International vs Local Cuisine' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - International vs Local Cuisine

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:

When dining out, do you prefer to try international cuisine, experiencing flavours from around the world, or do you prefer to stick to local cuisine, enjoying traditional dishes from your own culture? Explain your reasons.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about international vs local cuisine, 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 - International vs Local Cuisine

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, to try international cuisine when I go out to eat. It is, uh, interesting because you can taste different flavours. Like, I once tried Italian food, and it was, um, very tasty. The pasta was delicious, and the sauce was, uh, very good. I think trying international food is, um, exciting because you can learn about other cultures. But, uh, local food is also nice because it is familiar. I like both, but international food is more, um, exciting. I think, uh, trying new things is good, but sometimes I prefer local food. It is, um, comforting and, uh, familiar.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a score of 1 due to its limited content and coherence. Language errors include excessive filler words such as "um" and "uh," which disrupt fluency, e.g., "I prefer, um, to try international cuisine." There are no major grammatical errors, but the response lacks complexity and variety in sentence structure. Delivery is hindered by frequent pauses and hesitations, making the speech choppy and fragmented, as seen in "It is, uh, interesting because you can taste different flavours." Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "international food is more, um, exciting" and "local food is also nice because it is familiar," showing a lack of depth and support. To improve, the speaker should reduce filler words, enhance vocabulary, and provide 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 to try international cuisine when dining out because it offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse cultures through their food. For instance, I recently visited an authentic Thai restaurant and was amazed by the complex flavours and spices that were entirely new to me. This experience not only broadened my culinary horizons but also deepened my appreciation for Thai culture. Additionally, trying international dishes can be an exciting adventure, as it often involves discovering new ingredients and cooking techniques. While local cuisine is comforting and familiar, international cuisine provides a sense of novelty and excitement that I find particularly appealing. Overall, the chance to experience the world through its diverse culinary offerings is why I choose international cuisine.

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 experience not only broadened my culinary horizons but also deepened my appreciation for Thai culture," demonstrating control over complex sentence constructions. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "authentic," "complex flavours," and "culinary horizons" enhance the response's precision. The delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with smooth transitions between ideas, such as moving from personal experience to general benefits of international cuisine. The content is well-organised, with a clear progression from personal preference to supporting examples, culminating in a coherent argument. The response's notable strengths include its articulate expression and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly, which should be maintained in future responses.

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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