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.

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

On Campus or Off Campus - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test with Answers

On Campus or Off Campus- TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Questions with Answer Key

Prity Mallick

4 min read

Updated On July 31, 2024

"Prepare for the TOEFL Speaking Independent Section with our practice test on 'On Campus or Off Campus' along with sample responses & excel on the exam day."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - On Campus Or Off Campus

Acing the TOEFL Speaking section demands focused preparation and realistic practice. To help you, we've created personalized TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Tests with Sample Answers. These tests simulate actual exam conditions, highlighting your strengths and weaknesses, and familiarizing you with the assessors' criteria. Start practicing now to enhance your speaking skills and achieve your target TOEFL score. Let's begin!

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 a statement and must express your preference, providing reasons for your choice.

Now, play this Audio to hear the Question.

Question:

Some universities require first-year students to live in dormitories on campus. Others allow students to live off campus. Which policy do you think is better for first-year students and why? Include details and examples in your explanation.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing this question, start by providing an overall outlook on first-year students when they join universities. You have to give your perspective on the policy needed for students and explain the benefits or drawbacks of living in dormitories as well, depending on the choice. Your response should focus on the details of the opinion and its importance for a first-year student. The description could be either about creating communities, convenience, and safety or it could be related to independence and academic performance. It is crucial to clearly state the points by giving personal experience while summarizing the reasons concisely. Your answer will be assessed based on the clarity and depth of your description and the support provided for your sentiments. Highlight specific moments and emotions associated with the event to illustrate its importance and why you have such a belief.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - On Campus Or Off Campus

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 think, um, that it is important for first-year students to stay in the dormitory itself because…. it will help them to communicate with their fellow classmates… Not only it is going to make them interact socially but, um, it also create a safer place for them. I would also, umm, prefer to opt for a university dormitory because for me, umm, this would enhance my academic performance…. So, it would give me a smoother transition from high school to university. But, um, living off campus can also given independence which I would love to have… Like, I can experience real-world responsibilities, like, um, cooking, and finances. At the end, it could be a person’s choice. They can decide, um, which environment they would prefer to live in. (128 words)

Rater’s Comment:

This response touches upon several key points about the advantages and disadvantages of living in dormitories. However, there are several pauses and fillers ("um"), which affect the fluency and coherence of the answer. Additionally, the sentence and language are quite simple, and have not used much varied sentence structures. There are minor grammatical errors and awkward phrases, thus making it a mid-level response.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

Many first-year students generally prefer to reside on campus in dormitories. Initially, it is recommended for students to live in dorms to experience a sense of community among students. Living together gives an opportunity to learn about diverse cultures and immerse ourselves into a cross cultural environment. I remember when I shifted to a dormitory, it helped me to have a smooth transition to college life. Secondly, I feel that staying on-campus is cost-effective and safe where it is easier to access many facilities, such as counsellors, tutors, and even libraries to accomplish academic goals. On the other hand, some individuals prefer independence and thus opt for off-campus residence. However, this cannot neglect the potential harm and mental pressure one might face while living alone. (125 words)

Rater’s Comment:

This response provides a detailed and well-organised argument where the speaker provides clear reasons while supporting the same with personal experience as well as clear observations. The language is coherent and there is a proper usage of vocabulary. The clarity in the viewpoint with the supporting statements makes this response a high level response due to the relevant details.

Did you nail the practice test? Fantastic! Let's keep that momentum rolling. We offer a wealth of personalized practice tests specifically designed to address your weaknesses and boost your TOEFL Speaking skills.

The more you practice, the more confident you'll become! Share your experience in the comments below – how did the practice test go?