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.

Personal vs Public Achievement - Independent TOEFL Speaking Practice Test

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Personal vs Public Achievement - 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 'Personal vs Public Achievement' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Personal vs Public Achievement

The TOEFL Independent Speaking section challenges you to share your views on familiar topics with clarity and confidence. Success requires not only good English skills but also the ability to structure your response effectively within the time limit. These practice materials will help you develop both the language and organizational skills needed for a high score.

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 believe that personal achievements, such as learning a new skill or hobby, are more fulfilling than public achievements, like receiving an award or recognition. Which do you prefer and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about personal vs public achievement, 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 - Personal vs Public Achievement

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 personal achievements because it is more fulfilling. Um, when I learn a new skill, like, it gives me satisfaction. For example, learning to cook, uh, was very rewarding. I put effort and time, and the progress I make was my own. Personal achievements, you know, are more fulfilling. Public achievements, like receiving an award, is nice but not the same. Personal achievements, um, are more fulfilling. They help you grow. Uh, I think personal achievements are better. They are more fulfilling. I, uh, prefer them.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues in "Public achievements, like receiving an award, is nice" and tense inconsistency in "the progress I make was my own." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," which disrupt fluency and create unnatural pauses, as seen in "Um, when I learn a new skill, like, it gives me satisfaction." Speech clarity is compromised by choppy pacing and fragmented delivery. Content development is limited, with repeated phrases like "Personal achievements are more fulfilling" and a lack of supporting details beyond the basic example of learning to cook. The response earned a score of 1 due to its minimal content, coherence, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, ensuring grammatical accuracy, and providing more detailed support for their preference.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer personal achievements because they offer intrinsic satisfaction and personal growth. For instance, when I learned to play the guitar, it was a deeply rewarding experience. I dedicated time and effort, and the progress I made was entirely my own. This personal journey of improvement and the joy of playing music for myself was immensely fulfilling. In contrast, public achievements often depend on external validation, which can be fleeting. While receiving an award is gratifying, it may not provide the same lasting sense of accomplishment as mastering a new skill. Personal achievements foster self-reliance and resilience, qualities that are invaluable in life. Therefore, I find personal achievements more meaningful and enduring.

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 learned to play the guitar, it was a deeply rewarding experience," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "intrinsic satisfaction" and "external validation" enhance the response's precision. The delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from personal to public achievements. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the personal journey of learning the guitar, which effectively illustrates the argument. The progression of ideas is coherent, leading to a compelling conclusion. The notable strengths include the use of precise language and coherent argumentation, which 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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