Online vs Offline Banking - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

The TOEFL Independent Speaking section tests your ability to think quickly and express your ideas clearly in English. With just 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to respond, you need to organize your thoughts efficiently and present them effectively. Our practice tests will help you master these time-critical skills while developing your speaking abilities.

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 managing your finances, do you prefer using online banking services or visiting a physical bank branch? Consider aspects such as convenience, security, and personal interaction. Which option do you prefer and why?

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about online vs offline banking, 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 - Online vs Offline Banking

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:

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant limitations in language use, delivery, and content development, justifying a score of 1. Language errors include subject-verb agreement issues, such as "check balance without going to the bank," and article usage errors, like "visit the bank for personal interaction." The response is riddled with filler words, e.g., "um," "uh," which disrupt fluency and create unnatural pauses. Speech clarity is compromised by choppy delivery and inconsistent pacing. Content is repetitive, as seen in "Online banking is, um, convenient and secure," repeated multiple times, and lacks depth, failing to explore security or personal interaction adequately. The response is minimally connected to the task, with weak transitions and no substantial supporting points. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and developing more coherent and detailed content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

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 "I can transfer funds, pay bills, and check my balance anytime, anywhere," demonstrating complex sentence construction and precise word usage. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "unparalleled convenience" and "enhanced security features" further enhance the response. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in "While I understand that some people value personal interaction, I find that the efficiency and time-saving aspects of online banking outweigh the benefits of face-to-face service." The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples and coherent arguments, such as the mention of "24/7 customer support." These elements collectively showcase mastery in language use and topic development, making it a high-level response.

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