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 Global Entertainment - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Local vs Global Entertainment - 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 Global Entertainment' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

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

The TOEFL Independent Speaking section challenges you to share your views on familiar topics with clarity and confidence. Success requires not only good English skills but also the ability to structure your response effectively within the time limit. These practice materials will help you develop both the language and organizational skills needed for a high score.

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 entertainment, some people prefer to enjoy local cultural events, such as traditional music or theatre performances, while others prefer global entertainment options like international films or concerts. Which do you prefer and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about local vs global entertainment, 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 Global Entertainment

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 cultural events because they is more, uh, interesting. Local events, like traditional music, is very, um, unique. I went to a local theatre last year, and it was, uh, very fun. Local events, like traditional music, is very, um, unique. They show the culture of the place. Global entertainment, like international films, is also good, but local events is better. They make you feel, uh, connected to the community. I think local events is more, um, personal. They is more, uh, meaningful. I like local events because they is more, um, interesting. Local events, like traditional music, is very, um, unique.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "Local events, like traditional music, is very, um, unique." and "They is more, uh, interesting." These errors hinder comprehension. The delivery is marred by excessive filler words like "um" and "uh," and unnatural pauses, e.g., "I prefer, um, local cultural events." This affects speech clarity and pacing, making it choppy. Content development is weak, with repeated phrases like "Local events, like traditional music, is very, um, unique," and lacks supporting details or transitions. The response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammar, reduce filler words, and develop ideas with clear examples and transitions.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer local cultural events because they offer a unique insight into the traditions and values of a community. For instance, attending a local theatre performance in my town allowed me to appreciate the nuances of our dialect and folklore, which are often overlooked in global entertainment. Moreover, local events foster a sense of community and belonging, as they bring together people who share similar cultural backgrounds. This was evident when I attended a traditional music festival last summer, where I connected with fellow attendees over shared experiences and stories. While global entertainment is undoubtedly exciting and diverse, I believe that local events provide a more intimate and enriching experience that celebrates the uniqueness of a culture.

Rater’s Comment:

The response effectively addresses the task, demonstrating a strong command of language and content development. The use of advanced grammar structures, such as "attending a local theatre performance in my town allowed me to appreciate," showcases the speaker's ability to construct complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "nuances," "folklore," and "enriching experience" further enhance the response. 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 theatre to a music festival. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples that illustrate the speaker's preference for local cultural events. The progression of ideas is clear and coherent, culminating in a compelling argument. This response earns a score of 4 due to its mastery of language use and topic development, with notable strengths in vocabulary and sentence construction to maintain.

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