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.

Local vs Chain Restaurants - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Local vs Chain Restaurants - 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 'Local vs Chain Restaurants' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

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

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:

When dining out, some people prefer to eat at local restaurants, while others choose chain restaurants. Which do you prefer and why? Consider factors such as food quality, atmosphere, and service in your response.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about local vs chain restaurants, 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 - Local vs Chain Restaurants

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, local restaurants because they have, uh, better food quality. Local restaurants, they offer food that is more fresh and, um, tasty. The atmosphere in local restaurants are, uh, more cosy. I remember when I was, uh, eating at a local place, the service was very good. They, uh, treat you like family. Chain restaurants, they are, um, more standardised. The food is not as, uh, fresh. Local restaurants, they have, um, unique dishes. I think, uh, local restaurants are better because they, uh, have better food and service. Uh, I prefer local restaurants.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues in "The atmosphere in local restaurants are, uh, more cosy" and tense inconsistency in "I remember when I was, uh, eating at a local place, the service was very good." Filler words like "um" and "uh" are pervasive, disrupting fluency and clarity, as seen in "I prefer, um, local restaurants." The delivery is choppy with unnatural pauses, making the speech fragmented and difficult to follow. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "Local restaurants, they have, um, unique dishes" and "I prefer local restaurants," lacking depth and support. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and developing more structured and supported arguments.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer dining at local restaurants because they often offer unique and authentic dishes that reflect the local culture and cuisine. For instance, when I visited a small town in Italy, I dined at a family-owned trattoria where the pasta was handmade and the recipes had been passed down through generations. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a personal touch that chain restaurants often lack. Additionally, the service was attentive and personalised, as the staff were genuinely passionate about their food and eager to share their culinary heritage. In contrast, chain restaurants tend to have a more standardised menu and atmosphere, which can feel impersonal. Overall, the distinctive experience and quality of food at local restaurants make them my preferred choice.

Rater’s Comment:

This response earns a score of 4 due to its effective language use, delivery, and topic development. The speaker employs advanced grammar structures, such as "when I visited a small town in Italy, I dined at a family-owned trattoria," demonstrating complex sentence construction. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "authentic," "personalised," and "culinary heritage" 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 food quality to atmosphere and service. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the handmade pasta and generational recipes, which illustrate the speaker's preference for local restaurants. The coherent progression of ideas and clear arguments further solidify the response's high level, showcasing mastery in language use and topic development.

How did you do on this practice test? Whether you're satisfied or see room for improvement, we've got you covered! Our extensive collection of practice materials is designed to help you strengthen your speaking abilities and excel in the TOEFL exam.

Remember, consistent practice is the key to success!

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