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 International Travel - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

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

Key Highlights

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

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 planning a holiday, some people prefer to travel within their own country, while others choose to explore international destinations. 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 local vs international travel, 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 International Travel

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 travel within my country because it is, um, more convenient and cheaper. When I travel, I like to visit places that is, uh, easy to reach. For example, last year I went to the beach, and it was very relaxing. Also, travelling locally helps me to, you know, understand my own culture better. I can visit historical sites and learn about the history. Um, I think local travel is more, uh, comfortable because I don't need to worry about language barriers. International travel can be exciting, but it is, aahh, sometimes too expensive. So, I prefer local travel because it is more, um, affordable and convenient.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues in "places that is, uh, easy to reach" and incorrect article usage in "learn about the history." Modal verb usage is also problematic, as seen in "it is, aahh, sometimes too expensive." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," which disrupt fluency. Unnatural pauses and choppy transitions, such as between "I went to the beach, and it was very relaxing. Also, travelling locally helps me," further impede clarity. Content development is limited, with repeated ideas like "more convenient and cheaper" and "affordable and convenient." The response lacks depth, failing to provide substantial supporting points. 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, enhancing 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 travelling internationally because it offers a unique opportunity to experience diverse cultures and traditions. For instance, when I visited Japan, I was fascinated by the blend of ancient customs and modern technology. The chance to taste authentic sushi and participate in a traditional tea ceremony was unforgettable. Additionally, international travel broadens my perspective, allowing me to understand global issues better. While local travel is convenient and often less expensive, the thrill of discovering new languages and landscapes abroad is unparalleled. Overall, international travel enriches my life in ways that local travel cannot, making it my preferred choice.

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 "when I visited Japan, I was fascinated by the blend of ancient customs and modern technology," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "unparalleled" and "enriches" enhance the response's precision. The delivery is fluid, with a natural flow and effective pacing, as seen in the smooth transition from discussing cultural experiences to broader perspectives. Articulation is clear, with minor lapses that do not impede understanding. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the experience of tasting authentic sushi and participating in a tea ceremony, which effectively illustrate the speaker's preference. The response's coherence and logical progression of ideas highlight the speaker's mastery, making it a high-level performance.

Well done on finishing this practice test! Whether you're just starting or fine-tuning your skills, we have more practice materials waiting for you. Each test is designed to help you master different aspects of TOEFL Speaking.

Keep practicing, and watch your confidence grow!

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