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.

Minimalist vs Detailed Planning - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Minimalist vs Detailed Planning - 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 'Minimalist vs Detailed Planning' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Minimalist vs Detailed Planning

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 planning a holiday, some people prefer a minimalist approach, leaving room for spontaneity, while others prefer detailed planning, ensuring every moment is accounted for. Which approach do you prefer and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about minimalist vs detailed planning, 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 - Minimalist vs Detailed Planning

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, a minimalist approach when planning holiday. It is, uh, more relaxing and, you know, allows for spontaneity. When I went to Rome, I did not plan much, and it was, like, very enjoyable. I could explore the city without, um, any rush. This approach is, uh, more flexible and, you know, less stressful. I think it is important to have some plan, but not too much. I enjoy the freedom of not having every moment planned. It is, uh, more exciting and, you know, adventurous. I think, um, it is better to have a balance between planning and spontaneity. This way, you can enjoy the holiday more.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as missing articles in "when planning holiday" and subject-verb agreement issues in "This approach is, uh, more flexible." Filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know" are pervasive, disrupting fluency and causing unnatural pauses. Speech clarity is compromised by choppy delivery and inconsistent pacing. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "more relaxing and, you know, allows for spontaneity" and "I enjoy the freedom of not having every moment planned." The response lacks depth, failing to provide substantial supporting points or smooth transitions, as seen in "When I went to Rome... This approach is, uh, more flexible." This response earned a Score 1 due to limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and developing more structured, detailed content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer detailed planning when it comes to holidays. Having a structured itinerary allows me to maximise my time and ensure I don't miss out on key attractions. For instance, during my trip to Paris, I meticulously planned each day, which enabled me to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Versailles without feeling rushed. This approach also helps in budgeting, as I can book tickets in advance, often at discounted rates. While spontaneity has its charm, I find that a well-organised plan reduces stress and enhances my overall experience. Thus, detailed planning provides me with a sense of control and satisfaction, making my holidays more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Rater’s Comment:

The response effectively demonstrates advanced language use, with sophisticated vocabulary such as "meticulously planned" and "spontaneity has its charm," showcasing precise word usage. The speaker employs complex sentence structures, as seen in "Having a structured itinerary allows me to maximise my time and ensure I don't miss out on key attractions." Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, particularly when moving from discussing planning benefits to budgeting advantages. Content development is strong, with a well-organised structure and effective supporting examples, such as the detailed account of visiting Paris attractions. The progression of ideas is clear and coherent, leading to a persuasive argument. This response earns a score of 4 due to its mastery of language, delivery, and topic development, with notable strengths in vocabulary and organisation to maintain.

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