Part-time vs Full-time Study - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

In the TOEFL Independent Speaking Section of the TOEFL iBT® exam, there is a lot of brainstorming involved for delivering a clear, organised, and well-supported response under time constraints. With consistent practice, you will be able to provide a confident, coherent, and persuasive response to question where you will receive only 15 seconds to prepare. In this section, preparation is crucial in terms of getting your ideas in order as quickly as possible while identifying the major concepts and focusing on the best ones to elaborate. 

The TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test on 'Part-time vs Full-time Study' will also give you an opportunity to develop strong brainstorming skills. Hence, you can ensure that your responses are focused, organised, and contain relevant examples to support your opinion. In this way, you will be able to note down your opinion and find reasons for the justification of the same. Also, the sample answers along with the rater's comments would provide an insight into the factors to be considered to provide a constructive response.

Why wait any longer? Let's get started!

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 considering your educational path, would you prefer to study part-time while working, or focus entirely on full-time study without a job? Explain your reasons for choosing one option over the other.

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about part-time vs full-time study, consider these key points to craft a well-rounded response. Understand the question carefully before jotting down your points. Outline your answer in three parts: the introductory section has your opinion, the body has two or three reasons or examples in support of your view, and last is the conclusion, which states your point of view briefly restated. As this is time based, organise your thoughts after you have chosen your opinion. Include relevant reasons and examples to support the stance.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Part-time vs Full-time Study

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 earns a Score 1 due to its limited content and coherence. Language errors include subject-verb agreement issues, such as "Studying full-time is better because it allows me to focus more on my studies," and tense inconsistency in "When I study full-time, I can, uh, concentrate on my subjects." Article usage is incorrect in "It is important to have time for, you know, extracurricular activities." Delivery is hindered by filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," causing unnatural pauses and choppy speech. Content development is weak, with repeated phrases like "Studying full-time is better because it allows me to focus more on my studies," and missing points on financial implications. The response lacks depth and relies on repetition. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and providing more detailed supporting points.

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 "when I worked part-time during my undergraduate studies," and sophisticated vocabulary like "invaluable" and "enhancing my understanding." Complex sentence constructions are evident in phrases like "Although it requires excellent time management skills, the balance between work and study fosters discipline and responsibility." The word usage is precise, contributing to the clarity of the argument. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless progression from discussing practical experience to financial support. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples and coherent arguments, such as the link between work experience and future career opportunities. These elements demonstrate mastery and should be maintained.

Fantastic job working through this practice test! Looking to push your skills further? We have plenty more practice materials ready to help you tackle any speaking challenges you face.

Your dedication to practice will pay off!

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