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.

Owning vs Borrowing Items - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Owning vs Borrowing Items - 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 'Owning vs Borrowing Items' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Owning vs Borrowing Items

Effective communication in the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task involves more than just good English. You need to express your opinions clearly, support them with specific examples, and deliver your response confidently. Our practice tests will help you develop these crucial skills while familiarizing you with the exam format.

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:

Some people prefer to own items such as books, tools, or gadgets, while others prefer to borrow them when needed. Which do you prefer and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about owning vs borrowing items, 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 - Owning vs Borrowing Items

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 own items, um, like books and tools. Owning books is good because I can read it anytime. Uh, I can read it anytime and, you know, not worry about returning. Tools, they is useful too. If I need a tool, I have it. Borrowing is, um, sometimes hard because things are not always available. Owning is better because, uh, it is more convenient. I can use them whenever I want. Owning is better because it is more convenient. I can use them whenever I want. I think owning is better because it is more convenient. I can use them whenever I want. Owning is better because it is more convenient. I can use them whenever I want.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "Tools, they is useful too." and "Owning books is good because I can read it anytime." Additionally, article usage is incorrect: "Borrowing is, um, sometimes hard because things are not always available." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um" and "uh," and unnatural pauses, making the speech choppy and fragmented. The speaker's pacing is inconsistent, affecting clarity. Content development is weak, with excessive repetition: "Owning is better because it is more convenient. I can use them whenever I want." This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and providing varied, well-supported content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer to own items, particularly books, because it allows me to access them whenever I want without any restrictions. For instance, owning a book means I can read it at my own pace, annotate it, and revisit it whenever necessary. This personal connection enhances my learning experience. Additionally, owning items like tools or gadgets ensures that I have them readily available in emergencies, which is crucial for efficiency and convenience. While borrowing can be cost-effective, it often comes with limitations such as time constraints and availability issues. Therefore, owning items provides a sense of security and freedom that borrowing cannot match. This approach aligns with my lifestyle, where I value independence and the ability to manage my resources effectively.

Rater’s Comment:

The response effectively addresses the task, demonstrating a strong command of language and coherent discourse. Advanced grammar structures are evident in phrases like "owning a book means I can read it at my own pace, annotate it, and revisit it whenever necessary," showcasing complex sentence construction and precise word usage. Sophisticated vocabulary choices such as "personal connection," "efficiency," and "availability issues" enhance the response's clarity. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from discussing books to tools and gadgets. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples and clear progression of ideas, such as the comparison between owning and borrowing. This response earns a score of 4 due to its mastery of language use and topic development, with notable strengths in vocabulary and coherence to maintain.

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